ONTARIO SOCCER ASSOCIATION OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

Transcription

1 ONTARIO SOCCER ASSOCIATION OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES Approval Date: February 2015

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS... 8 Procedure Definitions... 8 Procedure Development Of, And Revision To OSA Policies Procedure Development Of, And Revision To, Operational Procedures SECTION 2 - OSA ADMINISTRATION Procedure Affiliation Procedure Active Members Procedure Associate Members Procedure General Membership Requirements Procedure Membership Application And Renewal Procedure Not In Good Standing Procedure Association General Meetings Procedure 8.0 Elections And Nominations Procedure Board of Directors Section 3 - FINANCE AND OSA COMMITTEES Procedure Finance Procedure 2.0 OSA Committees Section 4 - OSA AWARDS AND HALL OF FAME Procedure OSA Awards Procedure The Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum Section Organizations Procedure District Boundaries Procedure Terms Of Reference (District Associations) Procedure 3.0 District Association Requirements Procedure District Association By-Law Procedure Membership In District Association Procedure Associate Membership (Leagues) in a District Association Procedure Definition Of League Procedure 8.0 Leagues By-Law Procedure Clubs Procedure Club Teams Procedure Club Head Referee Procedure Outstanding Debts Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 2

3 Procedure Club By-Law or Club Constitution Procedure 14.0 Academies Section Registration Procedure Registration of Organizations and Individuals Procedure Player Registration Procedure League Registration Procedure Club Registration Procedure Team Registration Procedure O.S.A. Registrant Book and O.S.A. Identification Card Procedure The O.S.A's Computerized Registration System Procedure Trial Registration Permit Procedure Short Term Registration Permit Procedure De-Registration Procedure Amateur And Professional Player Status Procedure Reinstatement from Professional to Amateur Status Procedure 13.0 Player Transfers Procedure International Transfer Section 7.0 Game Types Procedure V 11 Soccer Procedure Small Sided Soccer Procedure 3.0 Futsal Procedure Grassroots Soccer Procedure Beach Soccer Procedure Accessible Soccer Section 8.0 HIGH PERFORMANCE Procedure 1.0 High Performance Programs Procedure 2.0 Regional Exceleration Program (Rex) Procedure Provincial Teams & Canada Games Procedure 4.0 Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Section 9.0 Competitions Procedure Sanctioning Of Competitions Procedure Tournament Definitions Procedure Tournament Classifications Procedure Approval of Tournaments Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 3

4 Procedure Tournament Requirements of Hosts Procedure Tournament Requirements of Host District Associations Procedure Tournament Requirements for Team Participation Procedure 8.0 Under-13 and Older Team Travel to Tournaments and Exhibition Games Procedure Festival Definitions Procedure Festival Classifications Procedure Approval of Festivals Procedure Festival Rules Procedure Festival Requirements of Hosts Procedure Festival Requirements of District Associations Procedure Festival Requirements for Team Participation Procedure 16.0 Under-9, 10, 11 And 12 Squad Travel to Festivals and Exhibition Games Procedure Exhibition Games Procedure Approval of Exhibition Games Procedure Cup Competitions Procedure Ontario Cup Procedure Playing For a Team to Which A Player Is Not Registered Procedure Temporary Eligibility Permit (TEP) Section Leagues Procedure Objectives Procedure Pyramid for Play Operating Principles Procedure 3.0 Regional Boundaries for Regional Leagues Procedure League Functions Procedure League Categories Procedure 6.0 Procedures Governing Categories Procedure Jurisdiction Procedure Formation of Leagues Procedure Application To Operate A New Or Expand/ Restructure A League Governed By The O.S.A Procedure Terms Of League Operations For League Governed By The O.S.A Procedure Approval Of Terms Of League Operations For Leagues Governed By The O.S.A Procedure Policies on Soccer For Life Leagues' Divisions And Number Of Teams Procedure 13.0 Procedures Applicable To All League Levels (Except Senior Local, Youth Local Leagues) Procedure Additional Policies Applicable To Youth Leagues Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 4

5 Procedure Additional Procedures Applicable To Senior Leagues Procedure Additional Procedures Applicable To Soccer For Life Senior Local Leagues And Youth Local Leagues Procedure 17.0 Semi-Professional Soccer Procedure Professional Soccer Procedure Interlocking League Divisions Procedure Team Types In Leagues Procedure Approval of Teams To Play In An Amateur League Governed By The O.S.A Procedure Team Movement between the Amateur Soccer for Life League Levels of the Pyramid For Play Procedure Club Application To Enter Team In League Outside Its Normal Jurisdiction Procedure Out-Of-Province Team Playing In An Ontario League Procedure Affiliation Agreement - Between Clubs With Professional Teams And Clubs With Amateur Teams Procedure Affiliation Agreement - Between Clubs With Senior Amateur Teams And Youth Amateur Teams Procedure Affiliation Agreement - Between Clubs With Youth Amateur Teams Section 10.0 Match Officials Procedure 1.0 General Regulations Procedure 2.0 Registration Procedure 3.0 Match Officials Classification and Standards Procedure 4.0 Fitness Tests Procedure 5.0 Appointments Procedure 6.0 Match Officials Fees Procedure 7.0 Reports Procedure Assignors Procedure 9.0 Assessors Program Procedure 10.0 Instructors Program Procedure 11.0 Club Head Referee Program Procedure 12.0 District Referee Coordinator Program Section Coaches Procedure Coaching Development Procedure Learning Facilitators for Coaching Clinics Procedure Clinic Fees Procedure Coach Certification Requirements Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 5

6 Section Discipline Procedure Introduction Procedure Standard Terms Procedure Who Can Be Disciplined? Procedure Reporting Misconduct Procedure 5.0 Jurisdiction Procedure Rights and Responsibilities Procedure Discipline by Review (D.B.R.) System Procedure Discipline by Hearing (D.B.H.) System Procedure Standard Penalties for Misconduct Procedure Match Official Assault Procedure Discipline at Tournaments Procedure Serving Suspensions Procedure Suspension Review Procedure Fees, Fines, Bonds and Administrative Sanctions Procedure Fees, Fines, Bonds, and Penalties Section Appeals Procedure 1.0 Purpose Procedure 2.0 Standard Terms Procedure Scope and Application Procedure Jurisdiction of Appeals Procedure Submission and Timing Of Appeal Procedure Screening of Appeal Procedure Affected Parties Procedure Appeal Hearing Panel Procedure Procedure for Documentary Appeal Procedure Procedure for The Appeal Hearing Procedure Attendance at Appeal Hearing Procedure Appeal Decision Procedure Appeals Of Playing-Out Decisions Procedure Appeals Regarding Transfers Procedure Financial Penalties Section Protests Procedure General Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 6

7 Section Dispute Resolution Procedure General Procedure Matters Subject To Dispute Resolution Procedure Initiating the Dispute Process Procedure Mediation Procedure Arbitration Procedure Hearing Procedure Decision Section HARASSMENT Procedure 1.0 General Procedure 2.0 Application Procedure 3.0 Confidentiality Procedure 4.0 Harassment Complaint Procedure Procedure 5.0 Harassment Hearing Procedure 6.0 Decision Procedure 7.0 Sanctions Procedure 8.0 Timelines Procedure 9.0 Appeals Section 17.0 Gender Equity Procedure Gender Equity Section 18.0 Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Procedure 1.0 General Procedure Understanding Disability And The AODA, Procedure Communication Procedure Assistive Devices Procedure Service Animals And Support Persons Procedure Notice Of Temporary Disruption Procedure Training For Staff Procedure Feedback Process Procedure Notice Of Availability of Documents Procedure Questions and Concerns About This Policy Section 19.0 Conflict of Interest Procedure Statement Regarding OSA Conflict of Interest Policy And Declaration Of Activity Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 7

8 SECTION 1 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS Procedure Definitions on 3 Soccer (sometimes called Ultimate 3 on 3) is played on a smaller than regulation soccer pitch, typically 30 yards wide by 40 yards long, and can be played outdoors or indoors. Its primary form of competition is the tournament format. 1.2 Academy shall mean an organization whose primary, long-term objective is to provide players with long-term training through the provision of the necessary training facilities and infrastructure. An Academy may be a Club Academy which is operated by an affiliated Club which is a Member Club of a District Association or, it can be a Non-Club Academy which is operated by an independent legal entity which is not affiliated as a Member Club of a District Association. There are three levels of Academy based on the requirements defined in the Operational Procedures Section 22 - Academies, Procedure 1.1 and these include Professional Academy, Elite Development Academy and Academy. 1.3 Accessible Soccer is an overarching title for seven internationally recognised soccer versions for athletes with a disability. The seven versions are: Blind 5-a-side soccer, Paralympic 7-a-side soccer, Deaf soccer 11-a-side (and futsal), Special Olympics soccer, Learning Disability (Autistic) soccer, Powerchair soccer and Amputee soccer. Each version provides a World Championship. 1.4 Acceptable Proof Of Age shall mean a birth certificate, passport, driver s licence, Ontario Photo health card, baptismal certificate and any other document which is acceptable to The OSA. 1.5 Administrative or Financial Directives of a Governing Organization shall mean the directives placed in the governing organization s bylaws or policies that define the administrative or financial criteria that a member must meet in order to be declared to be "In Good Standing" at a general meeting of the governing organization. 1.6 Administrative or Financial Directives of OSA shall mean that each member organization is required to pay each account for which payment to the OSA is overdue by 30 or more days prior to a general meeting of the OSA. 1.7 Administrator shall mean an individual who is registered with The OSA to be responsible for one or more of the functions required to operate a Governing Organization. 1.8 Affiliation shall mean the annual process that an individual or organization shall complete with their Governing Organization. 1.9 Affiliation Agreement shall mean a document signed by two Clubs under which they agree to play up players from a team of one Club to a team of the other Club in accordance with the provisions of OSA Registration Operational Procedures Appeal shall mean the process followed in accordance with Governing Documents when an individual or organization wishes to challenge a decision of a Governing Organization Appeal Hearing Panel shall mean a group consisting of a minimum of three persons who are appointed by the Case Manager, the Appeals Committee or a Governing Organization to judge an Appeal in accordance with O.S.A. Policies and Procedures on Appeals Appellant shall mean the individual or organization appealing a decision of a Governing Organization Appeals Committee shall mean a group of Registrants either appointed or elected by a Governing Organization to consider all requests for Leave to Appeal and, where Leave to Appeal is granted, to appoint an Appeal Hearing Panel to hear any appeals that fall under the jurisdiction of the Governing Organization Approved by the Membership shall mean the adoption of a motion by a majority of the votes cast by delegates present at a General Meeting Auditor shall mean the organization that annually audits the accounts of a Governing Organization and ascertains the correctness of the Financial Statement of a Governing Organization. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 8

9 1.16 Beach Soccer is played on a beach or some form of sand Brawl shall mean a physical confrontation involving three or more Registrants Case Manager shall mean a Registrant who is responsible for establishing a three person Appeal Panel including appointing one member as Chairperson Club shall mean the Governing Organization that is affiliated to, and under the jurisdiction of, a District Association; which organizes teams in accordance with Governing Documents; and which is responsible for registering each of its Players on a team Coach shall mean any person appointed by The OSA, District Association, OSA Recognized Academy (ORA), Club or any other OSA recognized organization to coach a team or programs run by that organization, including any assistant or specialist coaches Competition shall mean one or more games organized by a Host and will include exhibition games, tournament games, league games, and cup games Computerized Registration System shall mean the electronic registration system used by The OSA to register District Associations, Clubs, Leagues, Players, Coaches, Game Officials and Administrators CONCACAF shall mean the Confederation of North and Central American and Caribbean Associations of Football; and is a Confederation of the F.I.F.A Conflict of Interest shall mean an incompatibility between one s private interests and one s duties as a trustee of a governing organization Corporate Responsibilities shall only apply to Directors and shall mean: a) Calling, attending and voting at Directors' and Members' Meetings of their registered Governing Organization. b) Ensuring minutes of meetings of their Governing Organization are prepared, accurate and approved. c) Managing, presenting and approving their Governing Organization s financial reports, budgets, disbursements, cheques and statements. d) Managing and implementing their Governing Organization s bylaws, policies, rules and procedures. e) Ensuring the rules of procedure are enforced and specifically, the proper nomination and election of Officers and Directors f) Participating in the process of removing Directors and Officers of their Governing Organization and accepting, rejecting, suspending and removing Members within their Governing Organization. g) Standing for nomination and election as a Director and/or Officer of their Governing Organization Co-Respondent shall mean the Governing Organization which made a discipline or appeal decision which has been upheld on appeal, and where the Appellant is then appealing again to a higher level CSA shall mean the Canadian Soccer Association which is the Governing Organization of soccer in Canada Days shall mean total days, irrespective of weekends or holidays, but not including the date of the meeting, hearing or event in question or the date by which a response if any is required Delegate shall mean an individual qualified to take part at a General Meeting and cast one or more of the votes a member is entitled to at that meeting Directly Affected by a Decision shall mean: a) Any Registrant or Registered Organization against whom a decision has been made. b) The Accused in the Discipline Hearing and c) The Victim of a reported misconduct that had been made against an accused 1.31 Director shall mean a person who is elected or appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of a Governing Organization and will automatically be deemed to be registered as an Administrator of that Governing Organization in accordance with OSA rules. The definition of a Director will also include any and all of the Governing Organization's Officers, members of its Executive Committee and Directors Discipline Hearing Panel shall mean a group consisting of a minimum of three persons who are appointed by a Governing Organization to judge a case in accordance with the Discipline By Hearing System. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 9

10 1.33 Discipline Review Panel shall mean a group consisting of a minimum of three persons who are appointed by a Governing Organization to judge a case in accordance with the Discipline By Review System District shall mean a distinct geographic area within the province of Ontario based on boundaries approved by The OSA Board of Directors District Association shall mean the Governing Organization in each District; affiliated to, and under the jurisdiction of The OSA; consisting of the Clubs which are affiliated to it, and recognized by it, as controlling soccer in their respective Clubs Employee shall mean a person who: a) Performs work and/or services for an employer for wages; and b) Works for regular pay, with income taxes, unemployment insurance premiums and government pension plan contributions withheld by the employer; and c) May have a job description; participate in the employer s benefits and private pension program; or a written employment agreement with the employer; and d) Provides tasks which are integral to the day-to-day business of the employer; and e) Is issued a T4 slip from the employer Exhibition Game shall mean a single game or a series of games arranged between teams of registered players, which is neither a scheduled league game, play-off game, cup game, tournament game, festival game nor cup game Fees Retained shall mean that portion of the membership fees paid during the one year period, ending on a date specified by a Governing Organization that is retained by that Governing Organization Festival shall mean a series of games played by Under-12 or younger age groups in accordance with LTPD principles F.I.F.A. shall mean the Federation Internationale de Football Association which is the Governing Organization of soccer in the world Financial Interest shall mean where a Director may derive a personal profit from any activity of the Governing Organization of which he or she is a Director Focus Group shall me a group of individuals representing the applicable membership chosen to provide review and feedback to the development or revision of Operational Procedures Full Team Identification shall mean the provision of the team's name, team classification, age classification, gender and team registration number Futsal is a game played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted, while the ball is in play or out of play. The game is played on a hard court surface with lines. The Futsal ball requirements shall be in accordance with Law 2 of the FIFA Futsal Laws Of The Game Game Official shall mean an individual who is either registered with The OSA to officiate soccer games or an individual who officiates a game in the absence of the appointed referee; a club linesman accepted by the referee; a person serving as the "Official Timekeeper" at an Indoor game Game Official Assault shall mean deliberate physical contact or attempted physical contact, any type of threats or threatening action, any form of violent conduct or attempted violent conduct towards a Game Official Gender Equity shall mean the allocation of resources, benefits, opportunities and entitlements (including power) associated with soccer, fairly and without discrimination on the basis of sex. Gender Equity also means redressing identified imbalances Governing Organization shall mean that Registered Organization which, in the context of the rule being interpreted, is the organization delegated to act and is either an organization under whose jurisdiction The OSA operates, OSA, a District Association, a League or a Club Governance Position shall mean any individual elected or appointed by a Governing Organization, who is in a position of authority and is involved in any way in a decision-making process. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 10

11 1.50 Harassment shall mean any comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals, which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. Harassment means inappropriately exerting power over another person. Harassment occurs along a continuum that ranges from mild conduct such as gestures or commands to conduct which may be physical, forceful, and violent. In certain forms, harassment may be a criminal offense Host shall mean a Governing Organization responsible for a Competition Indoor Soccer is a game played in an indoor facility with either; touchlines, walls or boards. Like the Outdoor game, it can be fullsided (11v11) or small-sided Ineligible Player shall mean a Registrant or Non-Registrant of The OSA who participated in a soccer activity in which he/she was not eligible to participate in accordance with Operational Procedure Knowingly (contravenes an OSA Policy or Procedure) shall mean deliberately or consciously Leave to Appeal shall mean the process that a party Directly Affected by a Decision participates in, to request that a decision by a Governing Organization be reviewed by a higher level Governing Organization Long Term Player Development, also known as LTPD, shall mean the Canadian Soccer Association model designed to optimize Canadian excellence and lifelong wellness through soccer LTPD Development Matrix shall mean a matrix of principles which govern competition provided at the District Development level for Under-8 to Under-12 players through the FUNdamentals and Learning To Train stages of Long Term Player Development LTPD Recreational Matrix shall mean a matrix of principles which govern competition provided at the Local level for Under-6 to Under-12 players through the Active Start, FUNdamentals and Learning To Train stages of Long Term Player Development Mandatory Penalty shall mean the fixed or set penalty specified for certain misconduct types in Discipline Policies and that must be imposed by a Discipline Hearing/Review Panel after a guilty finding for those misconduct types Moral Turpitude shall mean any offences found in Part V of the Criminal Code of Canada (Sexual Offences, Public Morals, and Disorderly Conduct) New Facts shall mean, in the context of an Appeal, any fact that was not in existence when the original decision was made or that could not be discovered by due diligence Not In Good Standing shall mean a status designated to an individual or an organization by its governing organization limiting its participation at a general meeting of that governing organization. Such status will only apply to its relationship with its governing organization and will be subject to the "Not In Good Standing" policies in the OSA's Governing Documents Obligation of Loyalty shall mean where a Director through his or her position, or on account of some other significant involvement, with another corporation or organization has a conflict or apparent conflict with his or her required loyalty to the Governing Organization of which he or she is a Director Outdoor Full-Sided Soccer is a game consisting of eleven players, one of whom is a goalkeeper, which is played on an outdoor field Outdoor Small-Sided Soccer is a game played with less than eleven players and which is played on an outdoor field OSA shall mean The Ontario Soccer Association; the Governing Organization of soccer in Ontario OSA-Recognized Academy is an Academy which is annually recognized by the OSA in accordance with the Operational Procedures and which reports all of its participants to the OSA in accordance with the Operational Procedures Perceived Conflict of Interest shall mean a reasonable perception by an informed person that a conflict of interest situation exists or may exist Person shall mean any family member, friend, customer, client, sponsor, colleague, legal person or organization Player shall mean an individual who is permitted, when registered with the O.S.A., in accordance with Governing Documents, to play for a Registered Team in a Sanctioned Competition. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 11

12 1.71 Policy shall mean a position statement adopted by the Board of Directors to define the intent of The OSA's Constitution, or to define an established course of action or behaviour that must be followed Procedure shall mean the explicit published guidelines or details required to implement some aspects of a Policy or to cover matters related to administration managed by The OSA Published Rule shall mean a Statute, By-Law, Constitution, Rule, Regulation, Policy, Procedure, or Law that is adopted by a Governing Organization Recorded Payment shall mean a cheque or money order made payable to a Governing Organization Registered shall mean that an individual or organization is named on the register of a Governing Organization in accordance with Governing Documents Registered Organization shall mean an organization which registers with The OSA, District Associations, Leagues and Clubs Registered Team shall mean a group of Registered players who have been assigned to that team by its Club in order to play in a Sanctioned Competition Registrant shall mean an individual registered with The OSA, as well as an individual engaged in authorized activities with, or employed by, The OSA or a Registered Organization Registrar shall mean the person(s) authorized by a Governing Organization to validate the registration of all its Players on its teams Registration Form shall mean the form which meets OSA minimum requirements and is provided by a Governing Organization Representatives shall mean individuals employed by, or engaged in activities on behalf of, the OSA, or Registered Organizations, including: Administrators, Coaches, Directors, Employees, Game Officials, Players, Registrants, Registrars, Team Officials, contractors, volunteers, managers, committee members, and officers Respondent shall mean the Governing Organization which made the decision which is being appealed at a given Appeal Hearing Sanctioned Competition shall mean a competition which has obtained the approval of the required Governing Organization(s) in accordance with Governing Documents Sanctioned Participation shall mean that a Registered Team has obtained the approval of the required Governing Organization(s) in accordance with Governing Documents Sexual Harassment shall mean unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when it ought to be reasonably known to be unwelcome Soccer Related Activity shall mean any, or all, of the following acts or actions by a Player, Team Official, Game Official, Administrator or Director including, but not limited to,: a) coaching players at games and practices, managing, playing, practising, officiating, or b) acting as an Administrator in any activity that falls under the jurisdiction of The O.S.A. by any party either in person or by proxy, or c) representing their applicable Governing Organization at another Governing Organization's meetings or voting at such meetings, or d) managing or participating in an OSA administered program; Soccer Related Activity does not apply to the following exclusions: a) attending a Discipline Hearing as an accused, or b) attending an Appeal Hearing (provided that the appeal being made is against her/his from all soccer related activity), or c) a Director of an incorporated organization performing corporate responsibilities related to that corporation, or d) an employee performing her/his employee responsibilities. Notwithstanding Exclusion 4 above, a person who is paid to be a game official, player, team official, Club Head Coach or Technical Director will not be exempt from being suspended from the acts or actions applicable to Soccer Related Activity as included in a), b), c) and d) above. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 12

13 1.87 Subject Matter Group shall mean a group of designated OSA department staff and external individuals chosen to develop and review OSA Operational Procedures in designated sections Team Official shall mean anyone registered to a team as a Team Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Assistant Manager, or Club Head Coach, Technical Director or Staff Coach Team Position Status shall mean that a Club is entitled to operate a team in a division of a League in accordance with the provisions of OSA Policies on Team Movement Tournament shall mean a series of games involving Under-13 or older aged teams between a minimum of our teams and played within no more than seven (7) consecutive days or over no more than three (3) weekends during a playing season Transgender Female - MTF shall mean someone who was born with a male body, but who identifies as a girl or a woman and who is being treated for sex reassignment Transgender Male - FTM shall mean someone who was born with a female body, but who identifies as a boy or a man and who is being treated for sex reassignment Valid Photograph shall mean a photo of the person being registered and must be an accurate impression of the person being represented as per the requirements in the Registration Operational Procedures Victim shall mean any Registrant or Registered Organization who/which has suffered injury or harm as a result of another Registrant s or Registered Organization's actions Youth Aged Game Official shall mean a registered Game Official under the age of 18, who is appointed to officiate, or is officiating, a game in a youth or mini soccer age division. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 13

14 Procedure Development Of, And Revision to OSA Policies 2.1 Any member of the Board of Directors, an OSA Committee, or Executive Director, or staff delegate, may propose a new policy, a revocation of an existing policy or a change to a policy through a NOTICE OF MOTION form provided by The OSA. The NOTICE OF MOTION will include: 1. The current text of the existing policy (if a policy is being revised or revoked) 2. The proposed text for the existing policy or new policy 3. The reason or rationale for revision, revocation or creation of a policy 2.2 All Notice of Motion forms shall be submitted to the Executive Director or staff delegate and shall be placed on the agenda for the next Board of Director s meeting for their consideration and action. Procedure Development Of, And Revision to, Operational Procedures 3.1 Operational Procedures shall be developed and revised by a designated Subject Matter Group. 3.2 Any recommended changes to the Operational Procedures by the OSA Board of Directors, OSA Staff and any OSA Member Organization, shall be completed on an OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE CHANGE REQUEST form, with the rationale for each change. Request shall be made through designated OSA Staff and shall be sent to the applicable Subject Matter Group for review and consideration. 3.3 After review, the recommended changes will be sent to the applicable Focus Groups and the members of the OSA s Board of Directors for review and written feedback with an explanation for such feedback. 3.4 The Subject Matter Group will review all written feedback and amend the recommended changes accordingly and will submit its final recommended changes to the Executive Director for approval. 3.5 Any changes to the Operational Procedures will be implemented and take effect in a timeframe established and communicated by OSA Staff taking into account the timeliness of such changes. 3.6 Prior to approved the recommended changes to the Operational Procedures, the Executive Director shall provide a copy of the Group s final recommended changes to the members of the OSA s Board of Directors who will be given the opportunity to provide written feedback regarding the final recommended changes. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 14

15 SECTION 2 - OSA ADMINISTRATION Procedure Affiliation 1.1 Affiliate shall mean the annual process that an individual or organization shall complete with its governing organization. The process of affiliation includes: a) applying for membership with b) registering with c) paying fees to d) reporting to e) acknowledging the jurisdiction and authority of a governing organization. 1.2 The OSA shall be responsible for administering soccer in the Province of Ontario. 1.3 An individual or a soccer organization shall affiliate with a governing organization in accordance with Governing Documents. 1.4 An individual or a soccer organization that affiliates with a governing organization shall be under the jurisdiction and authority of all superior governing organizations. 1.5 A person in a "governance position" is any individual elected or appointed, who is in a position of authority and is involved in any way in a decision-making process. An individual elected or appointed to a governance position in a governing organization may be personally subject to the same disciplinary procedures in accordance with the governing documents for any offence alleged to have been committed by the governing organization, so long as that individual knew or should have known of the conduct complained of. 1.6 A governing organization, through its regular notice of meeting, shall invite at least one representative of its governing organization to attend its general meetings. Procedure Active Members 2.1 The OSA will consider accepting into Active Membership, District Associations which comply with Administration Procedures 1.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 and Section 5.0 Organizations Procedures 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. Procedure Associate Members 3.1 The OSA will consider accepting into Associate Membership i) organizations operating on a provincial basis, such as school, college and university leagues; referees' and coaches' associations; ii) other organizations representing specific soccer interests who operate in six or more Districts and whose aims and objectives are compatible with those of the OSA; and iii) Provincial Leagues, Regional League and (if governed by OSA) District Competitive Leagues; and iv) professional soccer clubs operating in an International Professional League. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 15

16 Procedure General Membership Requirements 4.1 Each member is required to respect the aims and objectives and comply with the Governing Documents of The Ontario Soccer Association. Each Member shall maintain Published Rules in conformity with that of this Association. 4.2 Each Member shall hold its Annual General Meeting not later than January 31 of the following year. 4.3 Each Member shall notify The OSA in writing of any change of officers or any change of address, within seven days of any change. 4.4 MEMBERSHIP FEES Membership Fees shall be in addition to any fees levied by The Canadian Soccer Association Any surcharge or supplementary fee in addition to the annual fees may only be levied on Members by a majority vote of delegates present and entitled to vote at a general meeting of The OSA. Procedure Membership Application And Renewal 5.1 The Membership Year for Active and Associate Membership in The OSA shall be January 1 to December The Board of Directors shall approve or deny membership applications. 5.3 A new member shall apply not later than one month before any Board of Directors Meeting. 5.4 Membership renewal applications shall be submitted before 1 November each year for the upcoming Membership Year and shall be considered at any Board of Directors meeting held on or before December Any District Association or any Member League which has not submitted its application form and the required documents by 1 November shall be fined $ An additional fine of $ shall be levied for each subsequent fifteen-day period that the documentation is late. 5.6 Each Member of The OSA shall be required to renew its membership at the final regular Board of Directors meeting each year. 5.7 Membership renewals which are not submitted to the final regular Board of Directors meeting or are not submitted in accordance with this Procedure by the end of the Membership year shall be deemed to have been terminated. 5.8 If Membership is terminated or denied, membership may only be reinstated, with approval of the Board of Directors, after all membership renewal criteria are met. 5.9 The Board of Directors and or Executive Committee where applicable holds the right to revoke Membership if any OSA Member is deemed to be in violation of OSA Policies and or Operational Procedures a) Application for membership in The OSA shall be made annually on a Membership Application Form to be provided by The OSA. b) The application must be accompanied by: i) the required membership fee, ii) a list of the current Officers for the applicant's organization, Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 16

17 iii) the audited Financial Statement for the immediate past fiscal year for the applicant's organization, and A Member with an Annual Gross Revenue of $30,000 or less is required to submit a copy of its Financial Statement circulated to its Membership at its most recent Annual Meeting and provide, within six months of its most recent fiscal year end, a Financial Review Engagement completed by a Certified General Accountant, Certified Management Accountant or Certified Accountant. A Member with an Annual Gross Revenue greater than $30,000 is required to submit a copy of its Financial Statement circulated to its Membership at its most recent Annual Meeting and provide, within six months of its most recent fiscal year end, an Audited Financial Statement completed by a Chartered Accountant. iv) a copy of the applicant's constitution or a written communication signed by the Member's President and Secretary which states that the applicant's constitution has not been changed since the Member's previous Membership renewal application. c) Notwithstanding Policy 5.9 b) iii), educational organizations shall not be required to submit an audited Financial Statement. d) The application must include a signed agreement that the Member agrees to: i) abide by the Governing Documents of The OSA and the decisions made by The OSA's Board of Directors elected to act on its behalf; and ii) adhere to, and abide by, The OSA Dispute Resolution Policy. e) In addition to the above, the application from a League shall be accompanied by: i) an annual Associate Membership Fee; ii) an annual League Fee as set by the membership of OSA; and iii) a bond posted with the OSA as set by the membership of OSA. Procedure Not In Good Standing 6.1 An individual member or a member organization may only be designated Not In Good Standing by its governing organization. The individual or organization designated as such remains a member of its governing organization and is not restricted in its soccer activities, except as stated elsewhere in this procedure. 6.2 A member may be designated Not In Good Standing when the member has failed to follow administrative or financial directives of its governing organization. 6.3 A member designated Not In Good Standing loses all rights to attend, vote, speak and make motions at all general meetings of its governing organization, until the status has been removed. In these circumstances, a representative or representatives of the organization may be invited, by the President of the governing organization, to a general meeting as a guest (or observer). 6.4 A member designated Not In Good Standing shall have that status removed by its governing organization upon proof that the actions or defaults of the individual or organization which led to the designation of Not In Good Standing have been rectified. 6.5 This policy applies to District Associations, Leagues and Clubs and has application to the members of those organizations through the jurisdiction of the respective District Association, League or Club. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 17

18 Procedure Association General Meetings 7.1 The Order of Business at an Annual General Meeting shall be: i) Roll Call and Report of the Credentials Committee ii) National Anthem iii) Period of Remembrance iv) Tributes and Introduction of Guests v) Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting vi) President's Address vii) Officers' Reports viii) Executive Director s Report ix) Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement x) Auditor's Report xi) Appointment of Auditors xii) Other Reports xiii) Unfinished Business xiv) Amendments to the By-Laws xv) Roll Call xvi) Election of Officers and Directors xvii) Any other business xviii) Adjournment The Chair may, at his/her discretion, introduce any special business for discussion after the approval of the minutes All meetings of The OSA shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order insofar as they may apply. 7.2 PRESIDING OFFICER 7.3 VOTING The President shall preside at all General Meetings of The OSA, and in his/her absence the Vice-President shall take the chair. The absence of both of those Officers shall require the selection, by the Executive Committee, of a pro tem Presiding Officer At all meetings of The OSA, voting shall be a show of hands unless a poll is requested. Decisions shall be reached by a simple majority unless otherwise required by the By-Laws of The OSA or Corporation Law If a Poll is required, appointed tellers shall total the votes and report same to the Presiding Officer, who shall announce the results to the assembly for the record. Procedure 8.0 Elections And Nominations 8.1 Election of Directors The election of Officers shall be by secret ballot at The OSA's Annual General Meeting according to Article 5 of The OSA Constitution. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 18

19 8.1.2 The District Representatives representing the following Active Members shall be elected for a two year term at the Annual General Meeting held in even-number years: Durham Region S.A. Elgin Middlesex S.A. Essex County S.A. Niagara S.A. North York S.A. Peel Halton S.A. Sault Amateur S.A. Soccer Northeastern Ontario S.A. Southeast Ontario S.A. York Region S.A The District Representatives representing the following Active Members shall be elected for a two year term at the Annual General Meeting held in odd-numbered years: East Central Ontario S.A. Eastern Ontario and District S.A. Hamilton and District S.A. Huronia and District S.A. Lambton Kent S.A. Scarborough S.A. Soccer North Ontario S.A. Soccer Northwest Ontario South-West Regional S.A. Sudbury Regional S.A. Toronto S.A Nominations and election of Officers of The OSA shall be conducted in accordance with the following procedures: Nomination Procedures a) A nominee must be nominated by an Active Member or an Associate Member of The OSA b) If a nominee currently holds an Officer position on the OSA Executive, the person must submit along with the nomination, a signed letter of resignation from that Officer position effective the commencement of the election process at the General Meeting. c) Each nomination must be: i) in writing, and submitted by the Member; ii) accompanied by a brief biographical sketch of the nominee, with particular reference to the nominee's qualifications for the position; iii) accompanied by a brief statement from the nominee outlining her/his vision of the future of The OSA and what she/he hopes to achieve, if elected; and iv) signed by the nominee or accompanied by the nominee's letter of acceptance. d) All nominations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Following this date, a report of all nominations will be published. e) Nominations from the floor at the Annual General Meeting may only be made under one of the following conditions: 1. if no nomination for a specific position was made in accordance with sections a), b), and c) above, or if all valid nominations are subsequently withdrawn 2. if insufficient nominations were made in accordance with sections a), b), and c) above for the positions of Director at Large 3. if a nominee - whose nomination was made in accordance with sections a), b), and c) above - is defeated for the position nominated, the nominee may be nominated from the floor for a subsequent position. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 19

20 Election Procedures 4. notwithstanding the fact that one or more nominations were made in accordance with sections a), b), and c) above for a specific position, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried by at least 75% of the eligible votes present, nominations may be made from the floor for that position. a) Prior to the election, the Chair of the meeting: i) may appoint a returning officer to act as Chair, to oversee and run the election(s); ii) will ask all retiring officers to leave the head table; iii) will appoint tellers to assist in the election. b) A majority of votes cast (i.e. more than 50% of the total eligible votes actually cast) is required for election as an officer. c) With the exception of the Director at Large positions, each vacant position will be voted on separately, in the following order: President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Director(s) at Large (1 or 2 year term) d) If only one person is nominated for election as an Officer, that person shall be declared elected by acclamation, and no secret ballot held. e) If more than one person is nominated for election as an Officer, each nominee will be invited to address the meeting for no more than three (3) minutes. Nominees will speak in reverse order of their nomination. f) If more than one person is nominated for election as an Officer (other than for Director at Large), there shall be a secret ballot, conducted as follows: i) The Chair will direct the tellers to ensure all delegates present have the proper number of voting slips for each vote held by the delegate. ii) After a reasonable time, the Chair will direct the delegates to place the voting slips in the voting boxes provided. iii) The tellers will collect the voting boxes, and retire to count the vote; iv) The tellers will return and provide the following information to the Chair: - number of eligible votes cast - number of spoiled votes cast - number of votes necessary for the election - votes cast for each candidate v) The Chair, after checking the totals, will announce whether a candidate has been elected or not; vi) If a candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the Chair will declare that candidate elected; vii) If no candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the Chair will declare "no result". The candidate with the fewest votes will be dropped before the election procedure is repeated. viii) If the Chair has declared "no result", then all candidates may view the voting information provided to the Chair by the tellers and may also withdraw from future ballots by verbally notifying the Chair. If two or more candidates remain, the election procedure will be repeated. If only one candidate remains, he or she shall be declared elected. ix) After the Chair has declared the outcome of a ballot, he or she may allow two minutes for any candidate to call for a recount. The decision of the Chair to allow a recount (or not) shall be final. g) The election for the position(s) as a Director at Large shall be conducted as follows: If there is one Director at Large position up for election: a) There shall be one ballot on which each voter will rank all of the nominees in the order of preference for that position. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 20

21 b) If after a) a candidate receives the first preference votes necessary for election as per b), the Chair will declare that candidate elected. c) If no candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the nominee receiving the least first preference votes will be eliminated and any ballots which listed that candidate as first preference will have their second preference count as a first preference. d) If after c), a candidate receives the first preference votes necessary for election as per b), the Chair will declare that candidate elected. e) If after c), no candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the nominee receiving the least first preference votes will be eliminated and any ballots which listed that candidate as first preference will have their second preference count as a first preference. f) The process will repeat as per c) and e) until one candidate has the necessary first preference votes for election as per b), upon which the Chair will declare that candidate elected. If there are two Director at Large positions up for election: a) There shall be one ballot on which each voter will rank all of the nominees in the order of preference for that position. b) If after a) a candidate receives the first preference votes necessary for election as per b), the Chair will declare that candidate elected. c) If no candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the nominee receiving the least first preference votes will be eliminated and any ballots which listed that candidate as first preference will have their second preference count as a first preference. d) If after c), a candidate receives the first preference votes necessary for election as per b), the Chair will declare that candidate elected. e) If after c), no candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the nominee receiving the least first preference votes will be eliminated and any ballots which listed that candidate as first preference will have their second preference count as a first preference. f) The process will repeat as per c) and e) until one candidate has the necessary first preference votes for election as per b), upon which the Chair will declare that candidate elected for the Director at Large position with the longer term. g) After f), any ballots which listed the elected candidate as first preference will have their second preference count as a first preference. h) If after g), a candidate receives the first preference votes necessary for election as per b), the Chair will declare that candidate elected. i) If after g), no candidate receives the votes necessary for election, the nominee receiving the least first preference votes will be eliminated and any ballots which listed that candidate as first preference will have their second preference count as a first preference. j) The process will repeat as per c), e) and g) until one candidate has the necessary first preference votes for election as per b), upon which the Chair will declare that candidate elected for the Director at Large position with the shorter term. If there are three Director at Large positions up for election: a) The process used in the election of two Director at Large positions shall be used for the three Director at Large positions until one candidate has the necessary first preference votes for election as per b), upon which the Chair will declare that candidate elected for the Director at Large position with the shorter term. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 21

22 h) Should a District Representative be elected as an Officer of The OSA, her/his position as District Representative is immediately vacated and the District Association affected shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy during the remainder of the term. i) If a sitting Officer is elected to another position as an Officer of The OSA, her/his original position is immediately vacated and an election shall be held to fill the vacated position for the balance of the term remaining. j) Successful candidates will take their positions at the completion of the election process. 8.2 VACANCIES The Office of a Member of the Board of Directors shall be vacated: a) Upon resigning in writing. b) If he/she becomes of unsound mind or otherwise incapable of performing the business of The OSA. c) If he/she absents himself from two meetings of the Board without reason. d) If he/she is removed by resolution of The OSA for good cause. e) In the case of a Director if he/she ceases to reside in the District Association he/she represents. f) In the case of an Officer of The OSA if he/she ceases to reside in the Province of Ontario. 8.3 Members of the Board of Directors The President shall: a) Act as spokesman for The OSA; b) Preside at all meetings of The OSA, unless he/she delegates this to another Officer or Director The Vice President shall: a) Be the senior Officer of The OSA next to the President; b) Preside at any meetings of The OSA if the President is absent, unless he/she delegates this to another Officer or Director The Secretary shall: a) Be custodian of the Corporate Seal, Minutes Books and Correspondence Files of The OSA; b) Ensure due notice is given of all General Meetings of The OSA, and that Minutes are taken at such Meetings, and that the Minutes are distributed within one month of the end of the meeting; c) Ensure due notice is given of all meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and that Minutes are taken at such meetings; d) Act as Chair of the Credentials Committee; e) Receive, investigate and refer all disputes or written complaints by any person or organization to the appropriate party. f) Submit an Annual Report to the Annual General Meeting The Treasurer shall: a) Ensure that full and accurate records are kept of the accounts of The OSA, and reported to the Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee at least once per quarter; b) Act as Chair of the Finance Committee; c) Submit an Annual Report to the Annual General Meeting d) Present the Annual Budget to the Board of Directors for approval Directors-at-Large shall: a) Act as members of the Executive Committee, in handling any matters not under the jurisdiction of a District Association. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 22

23 8.3.6 All Officers and Directors shall: a) Members shall perform those roles and responsibilities as prescribed in the Governance Policies and any other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. b) Members of the Executive Committee shall not sit on a Discipline or Appeals Committee of a District Association, a Provincial League or a Regional League. 8.4 Meetings of Board of Directors a) The Board of Directors shall meet not less than three times per annum. b) A guest may be permitted to attend a Board of Directors' Meeting at the discretion of the Chair. c) The following may attend a Board of Directors' Meeting and make a presentation: i) Associate Member ii) OSA Task Force iii) OSA Committee iv) OSA Staff Each of the above organizations/groups may be represented by a maximum of three persons and all representatives must leave the meeting prior to the Board of Directors voting on any motion. d) The dress code at a Board Meeting shall be in accordance with the approved dress code standards (Reference: Operational Procedure 9.1) e) Copies of minutes of Board of Directors' meetings shall, after approval of these minutes, be made available to all members of The OSA. Procedure Board of Directors 9.1 Board of Directors Dress Code OSA Annual Meeting Executive Committee members should dress in a formal manner including blazer and OSA badge. is subject to the dress code of her/his District Association. Each District Representative OSA Annual Awards Banquet Formal dress should be worn by both the Executive Committee members and the District Representatives Representing The OSA When representing the OSA at: meetings with provincial government officials meetings with municipal government officials District Association functions Club functions League functions the OSA representative should be suitably dressed in business attire or in slacks and blazer with OSA crest (for men) or skirt/slacks and blazer with OSA crest (for women) Board Meetings Dress should be less formal that the situations described in 9.1.1, 9.1.2, and Casual attire consisting of crested golf shirt or blouse with grey, blue or black slacks/skirt. In colder times, a sweater bearing the OSA crest would be appropriate Committee Meetings No special dress code should apply to committee meetings. However, when special guest invitees are present, the more business-like attire would be appropriate. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 23

24 9.1.6 Ontario Cup Finals and Semi-Finals If the Board member is participating in this event as an official or OSA representative, she/he needs to be dressed in such a way that permits her/him to be recognized as an event official or OSA representative. In hot weather, this would require that she/he wear a shirt/blouse bearing the OSA crest with slacks/skirt. In cooler weather, a blazer or wind jacket bearing the OSA crest should be worn National Club Championships or National All-Star Championships As head of delegation, the OSA representative must attend meetings, sit on the discipline committee, attend the competition banquet, attend the games of Ontario teams, and accompany the team to planned special events. She/he should be recognizable as an OSA representative and should dress accordingly. For official functions, the person should wear a blazer with OSA crest and slacks/skirt. For attendance at games, she/he should wear a golf shirt/blouse on warmer days and a wind jacket on cooler days Special Outdoor Events At events where the Board Member, alone or with others, is an invited guest of the organizing committee, the appropriate dress would be the more formal blazer with skirt/trousers for ceremonial occasions such as opening ceremonies or award presentations. During games, the proper dress would be a golf shirt/blouse or wind jacket. 9.2 Expenses of Board Members Travel The most economical method of transportation must be used. A Board member may claim: a) the cost of economy air or bus or rail fare b) 45 cents per kilometre return trip by automobile Meals Breakfast $ Lunch $ Dinner $ Note: The daily total may not exceed $ Claiming Expenses Receipts Expenses must be promptly claimed after the termination of the event or function. Expenses not claimed promptly will be subject to the following scale: 0-90 days Full payment days 80% of amount payable days 50% of amount payable 211 days & beyond NO reimbursement All travel receipts (including taxi, hotel, parking) must be attached to the expense claim. Receipts for meals are not necessary. 9.3 Code of Conduct for Directors on OSA Boards, Provincial/Regional League Boards and Board Committees Preamble: The Board of Directors of The Ontario Soccer Association is elected by and responsible to the Membership of The OSA as defined in the Bylaws of The OSA. Members of The OSA Board, Members of Provincial and Regional League Boards, and Members of Board Committees, shall at all times be governed by applicable federal and provincial statutes, by the Bylaws, and by Policies adopted by The OSA for the governance and management of its affairs. These individuals shall ensure that their actions or decisions do not conflict with the published rules of The OSA, Robert's Rules of Order or the Harassment Policies of The OSA. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 24

25 9.3.2 Code of Conduct Members of the Board of The OSA, of Boards of Provincial and Regional Leagues and of Board Committees shall: I. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all other persons; II. III. IV. Be responsible first and foremost to the welfare of The OSA and must function primarily as a Member of the Board, not as a member of any particular constituency; Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of The OSA; Behave with appropriate decorum and be fair, equitable, considerate and honest in all dealings with others; V. Exercise due diligence in upholding their fiduciary responsibility to the Membership of the OSA; VI. VII. VIII. IX. Abide by all motions passed by The Board in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order; Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature; Ensure that all members are given sufficient opportunity to express opinions, and that all opinions are given due consideration and weight; Respect and support the decisions of the majority and remove themselves from a meeting or resign if unable to do so; X. Commit the time to attend meetings and to be diligent in their preparation for and participation in discussions Failure to Comply - Guiding Principles a) Self removal from a meeting or the Board b) Board mandated-removal from a meeting c) Membership removal from the Board Training - Guiding Principles a) Initial orientation training for new and existing Board Members b) Acknowledgement of training and understanding c) Annual renewal of understanding Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 25

26 Section 3 - FINANCE AND OSA COMMITTEES Procedure Finance 1.0 Auditor The accounts of The OSA shall be audited annually, and the correctness of the Financial Statement ascertained by the Auditor, who shall be an accredited accountant The Auditor shall be appointed by the delegates at the Annual General Meeting. 1.2 MONIES OWING All monies owing to The OSA shall be due and payable within thirty days of invoicing unless otherwise stipulated Penalties for late payment or non-payment of monies due shall be as established by the OSA Finance Department. 1.3 EXPENSES All persons appointed to represent The OSA shall be entitled to claim expenses incurred in their duties, at rates established from time to time by The OSA Members of the Board and staff shall be entitled to a refund of all expenses incurred during the performance of their duties Committee Chairs and Committee Members shall be entitled to a refund of all expenses incurred as members of a Committee when those expenses have been incurred directly as a result of Committee work Claims for reimbursement shall be submitted promptly on forms supplied by The OSA All expenses must be supported by appropriate receipts. 1.4 SIGNING OFFICERS OF The OSA The cheque signing officers of The OSA shall be any one of the President, Vice President, or Treasurer together with one of the Executive Director or the Director of Finance & Administration All financial obligations such as contracts, lease, rental and service agreements must be signed by two Officers of the Association in compliance with the approval limits and exceptions published in The OSA Financial Manual. 1.5 APPROVAL OF UNUSUAL AND EXTRA-ORDINARY EXPENDITURES Any unusual and extra-ordinary (unbudgeted) expenses: i) over $50, must be approved by the Board of Directors ii) between $25, and $49, must be approved by the Executive Committee iii under $25, must be approved by the Executive Director ) Full details of approval limits, exceptions and expenses shall be as published in The OSA's Finance Manual Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 26

27 Procedure 2.0 OSA Committees 2.0 Committees 2.1 The OSA Committees shall include: a) Discipline and Appeals b) Competitions c) IMS Oversite d) League Management e) Referee Development f) Technical Advisory g) Women in Soccer h) Rules Review i) Audit j) Executive k) Finance l) Governance m) Human Resources n) Nominations o) Risk Management p) Strategic Planning 2.2 Task Forces The OSA Task Forces shall include: a) Task Force on Harassment 2.3 Advisory/User Groups The OSA Advisory Groups shall include: a) Computer Advisory Group b) Consitution Advisory Group c) Lotus Notes Applications Advisory Group d) Medical Advisory Group 2.4 Terms of Reference for Committees All OSA Committees are created and operate under the authority of the Board of Directors The creation and operation of each committee is described in its applicable Governance Policy All committees are, however, subject to the General Principles Governance Policy for Committees. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 27

28 Section 4 - OSA AWARDS AND HALL OF FAME Procedure OSA Awards 1.0 O.S.A Awards 1.1 The OSA shall be recognised: a) Life Member An individual who has been associated with The OSA or one of its members, and who has rendered special service to the game in Ontario to an extent beyond normal participation. b) Meritorious Service Award a) A Meritorious Service Award shall be given to an individual or club from time to time, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. b) The giving of a Meritorious Service Award shall require the approval of the O.S.A. Executive Committee. c) All nominations for Meritorious Service Award shall be submitted in writing by an Active or Associate Member, or by an Officer or Director of The OSA. d) Nominations of an individual or club for the Meritorious Service Award shall require that person or Club to have rendered special service, over a period of not less than twenty years for a person and not less than ten years for a Club, to the game in Ontario, dedicated to the promotion and the development of the game. Procedure The Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum 2.0 Recognition and Requirements 2.1 The Soccer Hall of Fame recognition criteria and eligibility requirements will be as developed and published by the Board of Governors of the Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum (Ontario). 2.2 The publication of the criteria and requirements can be referenced in the Soccer Hall of Fame Selection document. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 28

29 Section Organizations I. District Associations Procedure District Boundaries 1.1 The District Boundaries of the Durham Region S.A. shall include the following: Region of Durham 1.2 The District Boundaries of the East Central Ontario S.A. shall include the following: County of Haliburton County of Northumberland County of Peterborough County of Victoria 1.3 The District Boundaries of the Eastern Ontario District S.A. shall include the following: the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton County of Prescott-Russell County of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County of Lanark North Grenville Village of Merrickville-Wolford in the County of Leeds-Grenville 1.4 The District Boundaries of the Elgin Middlesex S.A. shall include the following: County of Bruce County of Elgin County of Huron County of Middlesex County of Norfolk County of Oxford 1.5 The District Boundaries of the Essex County S.A. shall include the following: County of Essex 1.6 The District Boundaries of the Hamilton and District S.A. shall include the following: County of Brant County of Haldimand (not including Dunnville) County of Hamilton Wentworth Region 1.7 The District Boundaries of the Huronia District S.A. shall include the following: District Municipality of Muskoka County of Simcoe District of Parry Sound (excluding the townships and municipalities that are included in the District Boundaries of the Soccer NortheasternOntario S.A.) 1.8 The District Boundaries of the Lambton Kent S.A. shall include the following: County of Kent County of Lambton 1.9 The District Boundaries of the Niagara S.A. shall include the following: Dunnville (in the County of Haldimand) Region of Niagara 1.10 The District Boundaries of the North York S.A. shall include the following: former City of North York Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 29

30 1.11 The District Boundaries of the Peel Halton S.A. shall include the following: County of Halton County of Peel 1.12 The District Boundaries of the Sault Amateur S.A. shall include the following: District of Algoma (not including Elliott Lake) 1.13 The District Boundaries of the Scarborough S.A. shall include the following: former City of Scarborough former City of East York 1.14 The District Boundaries of the Soccer North Association shall include the following: District of Temiskaming District of Cochrane 1.15 The District Boundaries of the Soccer Northeastern Ontario S.A. shall include the following: District of Nipissing Renfrew County that part of the District of Parry Sound that includes: the Townships of Nipissing, Strong, and Joly; the Municipality (township) of Callander and the Municipality (town) of Powassan The District Boundaries of the Soccer Northwest Ontario shall include the following: District of Kenora District of Rainy River District of Thunder Bay 1.17 The District Boundaries of the Southeast Ontario S.A. shall include the following: County of Lennox-Addington County of Frontenac County of Leeds County of Hastings County of Prince Edward 1.18 The District Boundaries of the South-West Regional S.A. shall include the following: County of Dufferin County of Grey County of Perth County of Waterloo County of Wellington 1.19 The District Boundaries of the Sudbury Regional S.A. shall include the following: Region of Sudbury Town of Espanola Town of Elliott Lake 1.20 The District Boundaries of the Toronto S.A. shall include the following: former City of Toronto former City of Etobicoke former City of York 1.21 The District Boundaries of the York Region S.A. shall include the following: Region of York Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 30

31 Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 31

32 Procedure Terms Of Reference (District Associations) 2.1 The OSA will consider accepting into Active Membership, District Associations which have the following terms of reference: a) To affiliate with The OSA, and act as its branch association within a District boundary defined by the Board of Directors of this Association. b) To promote, develop and govern the game of soccer, 11v11 Soccer, Small-Sided Soccer, Grassroots Soccer, Futsal, Beach Soccer and Accessible Soccer, in the District. c) To provide play for all ages and both genders. d) To administer Discipline and Appeals according to the standards of The OSA. e) To implement clinics for coaches, referees, and administrators, according to the standards of The OSA. f) To oversee player registration. g) To appoint, or delegate the appointment of, referees for all games approved by the District Association. h) To affiliate all leagues providing approved play within the District. i) To approve, monitor and/or provide tournaments and festivals within the District. j) To cooperate, collaborate and co-ordinate with its neighbouring District Associations to provide opportunities for competition and coaching development. Procedure 3.0 District Association Requirements 3.1 A minimum of four active clubs shall be required to form a District Association. 3.2 A District Association shall ensure that league competition is available to all teams in its District. Procedure District Association By-Law 4.1 In order to be eligible for Active Membership in The OSA, a District Association must have a Constitution or By-Law which is in full compliance with the minimum requirements as defined in Appendix A Model District Association Constitution. Procedure Membership In District Association 5.1 Application for membership in a District Association shall be made annually: a) On a form to be provided by the District Association. b) The application must be accompanied by the required membership fee, together with a copy of the applicant's constitution, a list of current Officers, the organization s screening and harassment policies and financial statements in the format prepared for the club's Annual General Meeting. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 32

33 c) Notwithstanding Procedure 4.1 b), educational organizations shall not be required to submit an audited Financial Statement. d) The application must include a signed agreement that the Member agrees to: i) abide by the published rules of The OSA and the District Association; and to abide by the decisions made by the District Association's Board of Directors elected to act on its behalf; and ii) adhere to, and abide by, The OSA Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures. 5.2 Membership in the District Association shall be deemed to have been terminated if the Member fails to renew membership in accordance with this Procedure by a date specified by the District Association. Membership may only be reinstated, with approval of the District Association's Board of Directors, after all membership renewal criteria are met. Procedure Associate Membership (Leagues) in a District Association 6.1 Each District Competitive League and District Recreational League shall annually submit its League By-Law or League Constitution to its District Association (which shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with OSA minimum requirements) and shall submit any amendments within 60 days after the League's General Meeting at which the amendments were approved. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 33

34 II. Leagues Procedure Definition Of League 7.1 A League is a governing organization that: a) shall affiliate with and is immediately subordinate to the governing organization which delegates it the right to operate; b) controls its teams, for league operation purposes only, in accordance with published rules; c) has at least one division with a minimum of four teams in each division; and d) operates under an executive to provide competition for teams entered in the League. 7.2 Unless otherwise specified in these rules, all policies and procedures apply equally to all types of leagues. Procedure 8.0 Leagues By-Law 8.1 A League shall have a By-Law or Constitution which includes, but is not limited to, the following minimum requirements as referred to in Appendix B Model League Constitution. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 34

35 III. Clubs Procedure Clubs 9.1 A Club shall affiliate with a governing organization and be subject to the Published Rules of that organization. 9.2 A Club is an organization operating one or more teams under a common Executive. 9.3 A Club may not change headquarters from one District to another without the written consent of the two District Associations involved. 9.4 Except for "District Clubs", every Club operating teams at the Youth level and/or Grassroots soccer level shall register not less than four Youth and/or Grassroots soccer teams. 9.5 All Clubs under the jurisdiction of The OSA shall place their players at the service of The OSA. 9.6 Voting Rights At all General Meetings of its District Association, each affiliated Club shall be entitled to voting rights based on team affiliation and player registration monies retained by that District Association or based on representation by player registration of the affiliated Club. 9.7 Playing Out Rights A Club may enter a team or teams in a District Recreational or District Competitive League affiliated with an adjacent District Association provided that its District Association does not operate a District Recreational or District Competitive League and subject to the approval of both its District Association and the League's District Association. 9.8 Poaching Registered Players It is an offence for any club, through its responsible officers or representatives, to induce or attempt to induce a registered player of a team under the jurisdiction of the C.S.A. to leave his/her team before the end of the current playing season. The offence shall be dealt with by the Provincial Association or League in Membership (with the C.S.A.) concerned, if the club and the player are under the same jurisdiction, and by the C.S.A. in all other cases. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 35

36 Procedure Club Teams 10.1 Club Team Officials Each Club Team shall have (a) team official(s) appointed by the Club Each Club Team shall have a Team Head Coach as a team official Each Club Team may have (a) Team Manager(s), Assistant Manager(s) and Assistant Coach(es) as (a) team official(s) Such Club Team officials shall be registered with this Association and shall be responsible for the team during the game Only a team official with a Team Official OSA Identification shall be eligible to participate in a game, to be listed on the team sheet and to be present in the team's bench area Notwithstanding Club Procedure , a person registered as a Technical Director or Club Head Coach with a Club may serve as a Team Official for any team within that Club. Each Club may only appoint one Club Head Coach (Male Teams) and one Club Head Coach (Female Teams). The Club Head Coach shall not be permitted to register as a Team Manager or as an Assistant Manager Any Club team having three or more players selected for District, Provincial or National team duty may have those affected games postponed, provided that ten days notice has been given by the team to the OSA and team s League. The team shall, immediately following the receipt of such notices, notify any and all affected opponents to that effect. (NOTE: District, Provincial or National team duty shall be construed to mean all player development camps, and games arranged by, or on behalf of, Provincial or National authorities.) Procedure Club Head Referee 11.1 All Ontario Soccer Clubs which operate Youth Local Leagues shall have a designated Club Head Referee. Procedure Outstanding Debts 12.1 A Club shall be denied the right to enter a team into a league if the Club has any outstanding debts to another League, District Association or The Ontario Soccer Association due to an unpaid fine, fee, bond or penalty. Procedure Club By-Law or Club Constitution 13.1 A club shall have a Constitution or By-Law which includes, but is not limited to, the following minimum requirements as outlined in Appendix C Model Club Constitution Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 36

37 IV. OSA Recognized Non-Club Academies Procedure 14.0 Academies 14.1 Requirements To Be Classified as an OSA Recognized Academy Professional Academy The requirements for a Professional Academy will be determined by Professional Clubs playing in a Division 1 Professional League Elite Development Academy The requirements for an Elite Development Academy will be developed by the OSA's Technical Development Committee as part of the Long Term Player Development implementation. Elite Development Academies will participate in the proposed OSA Elite Player Development Program as part of the Stage 5 (Training To Compete) in Long Term Player Development OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy (ORNCA) ORNCA Staff I. ORNCA Technical Staff to be overseen by Coach with a minimum of National B Licence II. All coaches of U13 to U21 teams require a minimum of Provincial Pre B Assessment. III. Academy Coaches working solely with the development players from U8 to U12 must hold the stageappropriate LTPD coaching certification (Learn to Train + MED + RiS) or have a USYSA National Youth License require a minimum of Provincial B Licence or better. IV. Goal Keeper Coach with OSA GK diploma or equivalent V. Have access to a strength and conditioning coach VI. An individual will be restricted to hold only one of the above coaching positions (in 1-4 above) within the ORNCA staff VII. Administrator / Manager - The ORNCA will employ an administrator to run the business side of the ORNCA VIII. Staff ratio of coaches to students will be 1 coach for every 14 participants (specific to all age groups) IX. The ORNCA will provide screening and harassment policy and procedure X. All ORNCA staff and volunteers will undergo required interview / screening process every two years XI. All ORNCA staff and volunteers will be required to have a police records check every two years ORNCA Facilities and Equipment I. The ORNCA will have ownership of, or access to, quality facilities and necessary equipment which will include: II. III. Indoor Facility - Field Outdoor Facility - Field Board Room and Class Room / Lecture Hall - with IT capabilities for game analysis Equipment - balls (2 sizes) - Goals (all-sizes) - Bibs / Cones - All Fitness Test Equipment - Training Gear / Uniform Staff will ensure that all fields and equipment used must be kept in a safe, well maintained operating condition The Academy will have the necessary property insurance relative to facility ownership Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 37

38 ORNCA Program The ORNCA will provide: I. programs for all age groups. II. the minimum number of hours per week spent on training the participants will be: 3.0 hours minimum for Under-8 to Under-12 players 5.0 hours minimum for Under-13 and Under-14 players 6.0 hours minimum for Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 players 6.5 hours minimum for Under-18 and older players III. the ratio of training sessions to games will be a minimum of 3:1 IV. $5 million liability insurance for staff and students to cover all activities V. on-going and innovative ideas related to development of the soccer student VI. international relationships and soccer experiences for the soccer student VII. support resources of the highest quality VIII. information about the National Team and Provincial Team programs IX. recognition to achievements in soccer excellence 14.2 Process for Obtaining ORNCA Status In order to obtain and maintain the status of an ORNCA, an ORNCA shall be subject to the following process. I. An ORNCA shall be eligible to annually apply to the OSA for OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy status. A. The application will be on a form to be provided by the OSA. B. The application form must be accompanied by the applicable application fee in accordance with the OSA s Schedule of Fees as approved by the OSA Board C. The ORNCA must provide the following documents with the application form: 1. declaration that the ORNCA will report or register all of its participants in accordance with Operational Procedures and below 2. proof of insurance that the Academy has $5 million liability insurance for staff and students to cover all activities 3. proof of liability insurance regarding any facilities owned or rented by the ORNCA 4. for Non-Club organizations, declaration that the ORNCA, its coaches, administrators, volunteers and players are not covered by OSA insurance for any and all activities in that ORNCA's program 5. a reporting form for each player (to comply with policy 1.3 below) signed by each player and by each player's parent or guardian. The reporting form will include a waiver that she/he holds the OSA harmless for any and all injuries and incidents which occur as part of the Academy program. 6. screening and harassment policy and procedure D. OSA Administrative Staff will review the application form and other required documents (as per C above) and fee to ensure that the application is complete. E. OSA Technical Staff will conduct an audit of each applicant ORNCA in order to ensure that there is total compliance with the OSA's requirements as per Operational Procedures , and II. The application will be considered for approval by OSA Board and if the requirements are met as per steps D and E above, the OSA Executive Director will approve the Academy as an ORNCA. III. In accordance with 1.3.1, 1.32 and 1.33 below, the ORNCA shall annually report or register all of its IV. participants on a form provided by the OSA. The ORNCA shall be annually audited by a member of the OSA's technical staff to ensure compliance with the OSA requirements. V. If an ORNCA fails to meet the OSA's requirements as part of the annual audit, it shall have its OSArecognized Non-Club Academy status revoked by the OSA Executive Director 14.3 Reporting of Academy Participants by Academies Club Academy A Club Academy shall register all of its participants as players and team officials with the District Association with which the Club is affiliated. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 38

39 Non-Club Academy An OSA-recognized (Non-Club) Academy shall report all of its participants (players and team officials) to the OSA on a form to be provided by the OSA which will include, but not be limited to, the following about each participant: I. full name II. date of birth III. home address IV. telephone number V. address VI. NCCP Number for coaches VII. waiver to be signed by player and player's parent Reporting Period (Non Club Academy) An ORNCA shall report all of its participants by May 1 of each year. After May 1, the ORNCA must report each new participant within seven days of that participant joining that ORA Reporting Fees (Non Club Academy) The ORNCA will pay the applicable Player Report Fee to the OSA in accordance with the OSA s Schedule of Fees as approved by the OSA Board 14.4 Referee Appointments Minimum Referee Classifications Division League/Play Min. Ref Classification Min. A/R Classification Min. 4th Classification Sr. Level League League 1 Ontario W League OSL Open Division OSL U21 Division OWSL USL (Super 20) Provincial Provincial Upgrading Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Upgrading District Upgrading District Upgrading District Upgrading District Upgrading District Regional Regional N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A School OSL and OWSL Open OSL and OWSL U21s Provincial Upgrading District Regional Regional Regional for playoff Regional for playoff Senior Level 3 & 4 OSL and OWSL Open OSL and OWSL U21s Regional Upgrading District District assigned District Referee District assigned District Referee N/A N/A Youth Level 1 & 2 Super Y (U16 to U18) Super Y (U13 to U15) OYSL (U16 to U18) Upgrading District Upgrading District District assigned District Referee District District Assigned District Referee District N/A N/A N/A OYSL (U14 and U15) District assigned District Referee District Assigned District Referee N/A ORNCA U16 to U18 U14 and U15 Under U14 Upgrading District District District District District N/A N/A N/A Sr. Level 5 Senior Open District Assigned District Referee District Assigned District Referee Youth Level 3 U16, 17 & 18 District Assigned District Referee District Referee U12, 13, 14 & 15 District Assigned District Referee Youth Referee Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 39

40 Youth Level 4 U16, 17 & 18 U12, 13, 14 & 15 Youth Level 5 U16, 17 & 18 U11, 12, 13, 14 &15 U10, 11 and 12 Mini District Assigned District Referees District Assigned District Referee District Assigned District Referee Youth Referee Mini Soccer Referee District Referee Youth Referee District Referee Youth Referee Senior Level 6 & 7 District Referee District Referee Youth Level 6 & 7 U16, 17 & 18 U11, 12, 13, 14 & 15 U10, 11 and 12 Mini CSA Appointments Priority Policy District Referee Youth Referee Mini Soccer Referee N/A District Referee Youth Referee N/A I. International II. International representative matches appointed by the CSA III. MLS IV. USL V. National Championships VI. PDL and W League VII. Senior Level 1 League competitions (Provincial) VIII. Ontario cups - note semi-finals take precedence over PDL, W League and Sr. Level 1 IX. School - OUA, OCAA X. All other competitions of the CSA XI. Youth Level 1 League competitions (Provincial) XII. Senior & Youth Level 3 & 4 League competitions (Regional) XIII. Senior & Youth Level 5 & 6 League competitions (District) XIV. Senior & Youth Level 7 League competitions (Club) XV. ORNCA Teams Maximum Referee Game Fees - As Per Referee Operational Procedure - Referee Game Fees Leagues shall set referee game fees but may not exceed the maximum game fees as indicated in Table 1 - Maximum Referee Game Fees for Youth amateur Games, Table 2 - Maximum Referee Game fees for Senior Amateur Games, Table 3 - Maximum Referee Game Fees for Semi-Professional Games Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 40

41 Table 1 - Maximum Referee Game Fees for Youth Amateur Games Age Group Youth Level 6 & 7 Leagues Youth Level 5 League Youth Level 3 & 4 Leagues Including ORA Games Youth Level 1 League Ref Assist. TOT Ref Assistant TOTAL Ref Assistant TOTAL Referee Assistant Referee TOTAL Ref AL Referee Referee Mini U4-U9 $20 $ Mini U10+ $25 $25 $3 0 $ U11 & $30 $20 $70 $3 $30 $95 $35 $30 $ U12 5 U13 & $35 $25 $85 $4 $35 $110 $40 $35 $110 $55 $35 $125 U14 0 U15 & U16 $40 $30 $100 $4 5 $40 $125 $45 $40 $125 $65 $40 $145 U17 & U18 $45 $30 $105 $5 0 $40 $130 $50 $40 $130 $65 $40 $145 Table 2 - Maximum Referee Game Fees for Senior Amateur Games Age Group Senior Recreational Leagues Senior District & Regional Leagues Senior Provincial Leagues Referee Assistant TOTAL Ref Assist. TOTAL Referee Assistant Referee TOTAL Referee Ref Under $50 $35 $120 $60 $45 $150 $70 $55 $ Senior $60 $45 $150 $70 $55 $180 $80 $65 $210 Table 3 - Maximum Referee Game Fees for Semi-Professional Games Age Group Level 1 Semi-Professional League Referee Assistant Referee 4th TOTAL Referee Reserve $80 $60 - $200 Men $110 $70 $70 $ For Senior Recreational Leagues and Youth Level 4, Youth Level 5, Youth Level 6 and Youth Level 7 Leagues, the maximum referee game fee may be increased by $10.00 when only a referee is required for a game Referee Appointment Procedure Referees to games involving two ORNCA teams shall be appointed by the OSA's Referee Development Department. Appointments will be delegated to a District Association upon the request to the OSA by that District Association Referee Appointment Administrative Fee The organization appointing the referees will charge the ORNCA an administrative fee for this service. NOTE: The OSA's Referee Appointment Administrative Fee is $5.00 per game. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 41

42 14.5 Discipline Procedures Administration of Discipline The OSA shall be responsible for discipline in accordance with the OSA's standard penalties for misconduct. regarding: I. Game Official Assault by a player, team official or administrator of an ORNCA II. Any misconduct occurring in a game involving two teams which are both operated by an ORNCA and involving an OSAregistered referee III. Any misconduct occurring in an OSA sanctioned exhibition game involving an ORNCA team and a team from out-ofprovince. IV. Any misconduct occurring in a competition for which the OSA has given the ORNCA team permission to travel The District Association shall be responsible for discipline in accordance with the OSA's standard penalties for misconduct. regarding: I. match between ORNCA Team and Club Team and approved by the District Association Suspensions for Serious Misconduct Suspensions for Serious Misconduct will include: I. Offences of moral turpitude II. Physical assault or attempted physical assault of a registered player by a Team Official or Administrator III. Game Official Assault by a player, team official, administrator or another game official IV. Failure to attend, participate, or remain in, a discipline hearing when required to do so and thus preventing the Discipline Hearing Panel from rendering a decision Reciprocal Recognition of Suspensions For Serious Misconduct Between OSA and Academies Any of a player or team official which results from discipline classified as a Suspension for Serious Misconduct" rendered by an ORNCA will be recognized and enforced by the OSA and all of its affiliated organizations. Any of a player or team official which results from discipline classified as a Suspension for Serious Misconduct" rendered by the OSA will be recognized and enforced by each ORNCA Player Identification Players and team officials of an ORNCA team will be required to have a Player Photo Identification Card, approved by the OSA, when they participate in any game involving an OSA-registered referee and when the team travels out of the province Team Travel Out of Province An APPLICATION TO TRAVEL FORM (ATF), must be used when applying for approval to travel The ATF must be completed and returned to the OSA by no later than: a) 15 days before travelling to another Province or the U.S.A. b) 45 days before travelling to another country outside of Canada or the U.S.A ATF Fees a) Teams travelling to another Province or the U.S.A. shall pay the applicable fee to The OSA in accordance with the OSA s Schedule of Fees as approved by the OSA Board, and submitted with the ATF. b) Teams travelling outside Canada and the U.S.A. shall pay a the applicable fee to The OSA in accordance with the OSA s Schedule of Fees as approved by the OSA Board, and submitted with the ATF. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 42

43 Liability Insurance For any team travelling outside of Canada, the ORNCA is required to have and to provide proof of: I. medical insurance for all coaches, administrators, volunteers and players travelling with the team; and II. liability insurance in the amount of five million dollars and the OSA must be included as an "Additional Insured Party" in the insurance policy Team From Out of Province Playing In An Exhibition Game Against an ORA Team An Exhibition Game involving an ORNCA team and a team from outside the province must be approved by the OSA in accordance with the OSA's Competition Policies 12.2 and The team from outside the province must receive permission from its governing organization affiliated with FIFA or a FIFA Member Organization to travel to, and participate in the exhibition game The team from outside the province must provide proof of accident and liability insurance The team from outside the province must provide a legal binding commitment indemnifying the OSA, OSA-registered referees officiating the exhibition game and any OSA officials involved with the exhibition game An EXHIBITION GAME FORM (EGF), must be used when applying for approval to host an Exhibition Game The EGF must be completed and returned to the OSA by no later than: EGF Fees a) 7 days before an exhibition game involving two ORNCA teams. b) 15 days before an exhibition game involving a team from another province or from the U.S.A. c) 30 days before an exhibition game involving a team from outside Canada or the U.S.A. a) Teams travelling to another Province or the U.S.A. shall pay the applicable fee to The OSA in accordance with the OSA s Schedule of Fees as approved by the OSA Board, and submitted with the EGF. b) Teams travelling outside Canada and the U.S.A. shall pay the applicable fee to The OSA in accordance with the OSA s Schedule of Fees as approved by the OSA Board, and submitted with the EGF. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 43

44 APPENDIX A: MODEL CONSTITUTION (DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS) 1.2 A District Association shall have a Constitution or By-Law which includes, but is not limited to, the following: the name of the District Association and a statement that: "hereinafter referred to as the District Association" the location of the District Association's headquarters the objects or objectives of the District Association a statement which encompasses the following: The District Association shall be a Member of The Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) and shall follow the published rules of The OSA. The District Association is subject to the published rules in declining order of authority of the following bodies: I. The Canadian Soccer Association II. The OSA III. The District Association a statement which encompasses the following: a) MEMBERSHIP There are four (4) classes of Membership: i) Active Membership Active Membership shall be open to clubs that meet the following criteria: I. are properly constituted soccer clubs II. have their headquarters in the District III. operate within defined boundaries as set out in the Rules and Regulations IV. any other membership criteria approved by the membership of the District Association As a condition of Active Membership in the District Association, each Club shall agree to the following requirements of membership: a) have a Constitution which meets the minimum requirements for a Club Constitution in accordance with The OSA's published rules. b) follow the published rules of the District Association and The Ontario Soccer Association. The Club is subject to the published rules in declining order of authority of the following governing organizations to which it is affiliated: I. The OSA II. The District Association III. The Club c) agree to abide by the following OSA discipline procedures: A Member may be fined, censured, suspended or expelled from Membership for cause and only after charges have been laid in accordance with the Club's published rules and a hearing held in accordance with the Club's and OSA's published rules. An individual whose Membership has been suspended loses all rights of Membership until the has been terminated. Player, team and team official discipline for game infractions is governed in accordance with the procedures published by The OSA. Any Member who infringes the Articles or rules of the Club or brings the Club into disrepute, may be reprimanded, suspended or expelled from the Club after a hearing by the Board of Directors of the Club at which hearing the Member is entitled to attend. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 44

45 d) agree to abide by The OSA's Conflict of Interest Policy; e) The financial statements of the Club shall be: audited, as defined by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), by a public accountant if the Club s annual gross revenue is greater than or equal to $150,000 or the Club has greater than or equal to 1000 registered players reviewed by Public Accountant, Certified General Accountant or a Certified Management Accountant through a Financial Review Engagement, as defined by CICA, if the Club s annual gross revenue is less than $150,000 but greater than or equal to $100,000, or the Club has less than 1000 but greater than or equal to 500 registered players signed with a Notice to Reader prepared by a Public Accountant, Certified General Accountant or a Certified Management Accountant if the Club s annual gross revenue is less than $100,000 but greater than or equal to $10, completed by the Treasurer or designate, if the Club s annual gross revenue is less than $10,000 If an auditor is required: a) at each Annual General Meeting, the Members will appoint an auditor to audit the books, accounts and records of the Club who will report to the Members at the next Annual General Meeting. The auditor will hold office until the next Annual Meeting. If an auditor is not appointed, the auditor in office will continue in office until a successor is appointed; b) the members may, by special resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a general meeting of which proper notice has been provided, remove any auditor before the expiration of the auditor s term of office; c) the auditor will not be a director, officer or employee of the Club or any affiliated Club or who is a partner, employer or employee of any such director, officer or employee; d) the auditor will report to the members at the annual general meeting the auditor s financial statement which presents fairly the financial position of the Club and the results of its operations for the period under review in accordance with generally accepted account principles; and e) the auditor s report will be open for inspection by any member of the Club. f) The Club shall adhere to the Dispute Resolution process as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. The Club shall make available to any Member The OSA's Dispute Resolution process when requested. g) The Club shall adhere to the Harassment policies and procedures as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. The Club shall make available to any Member The OSA's Harassment Policies and Procedures when requested. h) The Club shall adhere to the Appeal process as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. The Club shall make available to any Member The OSA's Appeal process when requested. A Club which meets The OSA definition of: I. club which operates professional and/or semi-professional team(s) only II. club which operates both amateur teams and professional and/or semi-professional team(s) III. social club IV. service club V. club operated by a municipality VI. club operated by a facility VII. club running a senior recreational league VIII. for-profit club Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 45

46 may apply in writing for an exemption from any minimum requirement for a Club Constitution, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of both the District Association and The OSA. ii) Associate Membership Associate Membership shall be open to: I. leagues governed by the District Association including: II. District Recreational Leagues and District Competitive Leagues (both Senior and Youth) III. leagues mandated by The OSA published rules, including: A. Regional 4 Leagues (both Senior and Youth) IV. other organizations which operate soccer programmes including, but not limited to: A. soccer camps, schools or academies B. school boards C. colleges D. universities E. referee associations F. coach associations which support the objectives of, and operate within, the boundaries of the District Association. In order to be eligible for Associate Membership in a District Association, a League must have a By-Law or Constitution which is in full compliance with the minimum requirements for a League By-Law as defined in League Procedure 5.3. iii) Honourary Membership The Board of Directors may confer an honourary Membership upon an organization or a person for a period of time. Honourary Members are afforded all rights of Membership and shall have a voice but no vote at a general meeting of the District Association. iv) Life Membership The Board of Directors may confer a Life Membership upon a person. Life Members are afforded all rights of Membership and shall have a voice but no vote at a general meeting of the District Association. b) Membership Fees Except where mandated by The OSA published rules, the annual Membership fees shall be set by the Board of Directors and ratified by the Membership at a general meeting of the District Association. c) Player Registration Fees Members shall be required to pay player registration fees which shall be set by the Board of Directors and ratified by the Membership at a general meeting of the District Association. d) Approval of New Members A Club shall be accepted into Active Membership upon: I. submitting an application form along with the other required documents and Membership fees II. obtaining the approval of the District Association Board of Directors An organization shall be accepted into Associate Membership upon: I. submitting an application form along with the other required documents and Membership fees II. obtaining the approval of the District Association Board of Directors, where applicable e) Membership Renewal Active Members shall annually apply for renewal of their Membership by: Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 46

47 I. submitting an application form together with a copy of the applicant's current constitution, a list of current Officers, and an audited Financial Statement along with the Membership fees to the District Association prior to the Annual General Meeting and as set out in the Rules & Regulations. II. payment of an amount equal to fifty per cent (50%) of the Membership fee for the year ending at the Annual General Meeting, III. payment of the balance of the Membership fee after the Annual General Meeting when invoiced by the District Association, and IV. signing an annual agreement that the Active Member agrees to: a) have a Constitution which meets the minimum requirements for a Club Constitution in accordance with The OSA's published rules; b) follow the published rules of the District Association and The Ontario Soccer Association. The Club is subject to the published rules in declining order of authority of the following governing organizations to which it is affiliated: I. The OSA II. The District Association III. The Club c) to abide by The OSA discipline policies and procedures: d) to abide by The OSA's Conflict of Interest Policy; e) have the financial statements of the Club audited as per The OSA's Club Policy and Procedures; f) to abide by The OSA's Dispute Resolution process; g) to abide by The OSA's Harassment Policies and Procedures; and h) to abide by The OSA's Appeal process, 5. complying with any restrictions on its scope of soccer operations which had been previously approved by the Board of Directors. Any expansion or a change in a renewing members scope of operations will require the approval of the Board of Directors. Associate Members shall annually apply for renewal of their Membership prior to the Annual General Meeting and pay the entire Membership fee required for the year ending at the Annual General Meeting. Subject to the above conditions, renewal of Active and/or Associate Membership shall be automatic and does not require the approval of the Board of Directors. f) Rights of Active and Associate Members Active Members shall be accorded the following rights: I. To be governed in accordance with The OSA and the District Association s published rules, II. To register players, administrators, team officials and referees with The OSA and the District Association, III. To be a Member of, and register their teams with, OSA sanctioned Leagues, IV. To enter teams in OSA sanctioned competitions, V. To participate in OSA sanctioned programs such as player, coach and referee development, VI. To participate in District Association sanctioned programs, VII. To attend and vote at all general meetings called by the District Association, VIII. To operate Club Leagues in accordance with The OSA published rules, IX. To operate Player, Coach and Referee Development Programs, and X. To participate in The OSA Insurance Plan Associate Members shall be accorded the following rights: Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 47

48 I. To be governed, where applicable, in accordance with The OSA and the District Association s published rules, II. To register, where applicable, administrators and teams with The OSA and the District Association, III. To enter teams, where applicable, in OSA sanctioned competitions, IV. To participate in OSA and District Association sanctioned programs, and V. To attend and vote at all general meetings called by the District Association g) Discipline of a Member A Member may be fined, censured, suspended or expelled from Membership for cause and only after charges have been laid in accordance with the District Association's published rules and a hearing held in accordance with the District Association's and OSA's published rules. A Member whose Membership has been suspended loses all rights of Membership until the has been completed. h) Termination of Membership Membership in the District Association shall be deemed to have been terminated: I. If the Member submits a signed letter of withdrawal to the District Association II. If the Member is expelled by the District Association III. If the Member fails to renew Membership in accordance with the By-Law a statement that the District Association shall be governed by a Board of Directors: i) which shall consist of at least three individuals; ii) specify the Position Titles of the Directors; iii) the length of term for each position must be defined; iv) a definition of when each position is elected; v) define how to fill a vacancy on Board of Directors; vi) the grounds and the procedure for the removal of a Directors must be specified; vii) statements about the general responsibilities of the Board and the specific duties of each position viii) procedures for nominations and elections must be clearly specified; and ix) a statement which encompasses the following: The Directors shall be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedures in The OSA's Governing Documents a statement that there shall be General Meetings of the District Association based on the following inclusions in the By-Law or Constitution: i) procedure for official notice including the minimum time required for, and the method of, notification of meeting; ii) definition of quorum; iii) statement that there must be an Annual General Meeting held in a specified month with a specified agenda including the presentation of a financial statement; iv) procedure for a Special General Meeting including the process for requesting the meeting and calling the meeting; and v) define the voting rights for each member a statement that there shall be Board meetings which shall include: i) the number of meetings per annum; ii) notice procedure including the minimum time required and the method of notification; iii) specification of quorum; and iv) clearly defined voting rights a statement regarding how committees are formed (ie., by the Membership and/or by the Board of Directors identify the Parliamentary Procedure for conducting meetings a statement that defines the process for amending the By-Law or Constitution including: i) who can propose amendments; ii) timelines for proposing amendments; iii) notification of proposed amendments to members including timelines and method; and iv) approval process. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 48

49 statements covering the process for creating, approving, amending and publishing the rules and regulations a statement which encompasses the following: INDEMNITY Members of the Board of Directors or other servants to the District Association, their heirs, executors, administrators and estate and effects respectively shall be indemnified and saved harmless at all times by the District Association against all costs, losses and expenses incurred by them respectively in or about the discharge of their respective duties, except such as happens from their own respective willful neglect or default a statement that the financial accounts of the District Association shall be: i) audited annually; ii) based on a defined fiscal year end; iii) presented to the Annual General Meeting; and iv) audited by an auditor appointed by the Members at the previous Annual General Meeting a statement which encompasses the following: DISPUTE RESOLUTION The District Association shall adhere to the Dispute Resolution process as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. Any Member of the District Association may initiate the Dispute Resolution process by communicating in writing to The OSA, with a copy to the District Association, the nature and facts of the dispute. The OSA, at its discretion, may proceed with the Dispute Resolution process by assigning one or more neutral persons to the dispute. The Dispute Resolution process shall not to be used for game discipline which follows the normal discipline and appeals process. The District Association shall make available to any Member the Dispute Resolution process when requested a statement which encompasses the following: HARASSMENT The District Association shall adhere to the Harassment Policy and Procedures as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. The Harassment Policy and Procedures shall apply to all employees, directors, officers, volunteers, coaches, game officials, administrators, players, Members and registrants of the District Association. Harassment is defined as any comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. It includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment. The District Association shall make available to any Member the Harassment Policy and Procedures when requested a statement which encompasses the following: APPEALS a) Any Member or registrant of the District Association directly affected by a decision of the District Association may appeal such decision. The denial or termination of Membership in the District Association may be appealed by a non-member. b) A decision of the District Association may be appealed to The OSA. The appeal shall be conducted in accordance with The OSA's Governing Documents. c) An individual shall not appeal a decision made by the Board of Directors regarding the appointment, non-appointment, reappointment or revocation of an appointment of an individual to any coach or administrator position within the District Association's operations, except where the selection, appointment revocation process outlined in the District Association's published rules has not been followed. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 49

50 a provision for the: i) payment of all debts and liabilities; and ii) the distribution or disposal of the District Association's property in the event that the District Association is dissolved. 1.3 A District Association shall annually submit its District Association By-Law or District Association Constitution to The OSA which shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with District Association Procedure 1.2 by each District Association. 1.4 A District Association shall be required to submit any amendments to its District Association Constitution or District Association By- Law to The OSA within 60 days after the District Association's General Meeting at which the amendments were approved. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 50

51 APPENDIX B: MODEL CONSTITUTION (LEAGUES) the name of the League and a statement that: "hereinafter referred to as the League" the location of the League's headquarters the objects and objectives of the League a statement which encompasses the following: The League shall be a Member of the (insert name of governing organization) and shall follow the published rules of The Ontario Soccer Association, hereinafter referred to as The OSA. The League is subject to the published rules in declining order of authority of the following governing organizations to which it is affiliated: 1 The Canadian Soccer Association 2 The Ontario Soccer Association 3 District Association, if applicable 4 Club, if applicable a statement which encompasses the following: Membership a) The Membership of the League shall be each Club with one or more teams playing in the league. Eligibility for Membership in the League shall be in accordance with The OSA's Pyramid For Play and with The OSA's published rules governing leagues. b) Acceptance Into Membership A Club must apply for Membership and pay Membership fees to the league. Membership Fees The annual Membership fees shall be set by the Board of Directors and ratified by the Membership at a general meeting of the League. Approval of New Members A club shall become eligible to be a new Member if one or more of its teams becomes eligible to play in the league based on The OSA's Pyramid For Play in accordance with The OSA's published rules. The Membership application must be approved by the League's Board of Directors. Membership Renewal A Club will renew its Membership by completing the required forms for Membership renewal, providing that it still has a team eligible to play in the league based on The OSA's Pyramid For Play in accordance with The OSA's published rules. Rights of Members Members shall be accorded the following rights: I. To be governed in accordance with The OSA and the League s published rules, II. To participate in League sanctioned competitions, III. To attend and vote at all general meetings called by the League, IV. To enter teams in the league in accordance with The OSA's published rules. Discipline of a Member A Member may be fined, censured, suspended or expelled from Membership for cause and only after charges have been laid in accordance with the League's rules and regulations and a hearing held in accordance with the League's rules and regulations and The OSA's published rules. A Member whose Membership has been suspended loses all rights of Membership until the has been terminated. Termination of Membership Membership in the League shall be deemed to have been terminated: Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 51

52 I. If the Member submits a signed letter of withdrawal to the League II. If the Member is expelled by the League. III. If the Member fails to renew Membership in accordance with the By-Law a statement that the League shall be governed by a Board of Directors: i) which shall consist of at least three individuals; ii) specify the Position Titles of the Directors; iii) the length of term for each position must be defined; iv) a definition of when each position is elected; v) define how to fill a vacancy on Board of Directors; vi) the grounds and the procedure for the removal of a Directors must be specified; vii) statements about the general responsibilities of the Board and the specific duties of each position viii) procedures for nominations and elections must be clearly specified; and ix) a statement which encompasses the following: The Directors shall be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy in The OSA's published rules a statement that there shall be General Meetings of the League based on the following inclusions in the By-Law or Constitution: i) procedure for official notice including the minimum time required for, and the method of, notification of meeting; ii) definition of quorum; iii) statement that there must be an Annual General Meeting held in a specified month with a specified agenda including the presentation of a financial statement; iv) procedure for a Special General Meeting including the process for requesting the meeting and calling the meeting; and v) define the voting rights for each member a statement that there shall be Board meetings which shall include: i) the number of meetings per annum; ii) notice procedure including the minimum time required and the method of notification; iii) specification of quorum; and iv) clearly defined voting rights a statement regarding how committees are formed (ie., by the Membership and/or by the Board of Directors identify the Parliamentary Procedure for conducting meetings a statement that defines the process for amending the By-Law or Constitution including: i) who can propose amendments; ii) timelines for proposing amendments; iii) notification of proposed amendments to members including timelines and method; and iv) approval process statements covering the process for creating, approving, amending and publishing the rules and regulations a statement which encompasses the following: INDEMNITY Members of the Board of Directors or other servants to the League, their heirs, executors, administrators and estate and effects respectively shall be indemnified and saved harmless at all times by the League against all costs, losses and expenses incurred by them respectively in or about the discharge of their respective duties, except such as happens from their own respective willful neglect or default a statement that the financial accounts of the League shall be: i) audited annually; ii) based on a defined fiscal year end; iii) presented to the Annual General Meeting; and iv) audited by an auditor appointed by the Members at the previous Annual General Meeting a statement which encompasses the following: Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 52

53 DISPUTE RESOLUTION The League shall adhere to the Dispute Resolution process as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. Any Member of the League may initiate the Dispute Resolution process by communicating in writing to The OSA, with a copy to the League, the nature and facts of the dispute. The OSA, at its discretion, may proceed with the Dispute Resolution process by assigning one or more neutral persons to the dispute. The Dispute Resolution process shall not to be used for game discipline which follows the normal discipline and appeals process. The League shall make available to any Member the Dispute Resolution process when requested a statement which encompasses the following: HARASSMENT The League shall adhere to the Harassment Policy and Procedures as published and approved by The OSA from time to time. The Harassment Policy shall apply to all employees, directors, officers, volunteers, coaches, game officials, administrators, players, Members and registrants of the League. Harassment is defined as any comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. It includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment. The League shall make available to any Member the Harassment Policy and Procedures when requested a statement which encompasses the following: APPEALS a) Any Member or registrant of the League directly affected by a decision of the League may appeal such decision. The denial or termination of Membership in the League may be appealed by a non-member. b) A decision of the League may be appealed to The OSA. The appeal shall be conducted in accordance with The OSA's Governing Documents. c) An individual shall not appeal a decision made by the Board of Directors regarding the appointment, nonappointment, re-appointment or revocation of an appointment of an individual to any coach or administrator position within the League's operations, except where the selection, appointment and revocation process outlined in the League's published rules has not been followed a provision for the: i) payment of all debts and liabilities; and ii) the distribution or disposal of the League's property in the event that the League is dissolved. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 53

54 APPENDIX C: MODEL CONSTITUTION (Clubs) the name of the Club the location of the Club's headquarters the objects or objectives of the Club define the Member Types or classes of membership a statement which defines the discipline of a member criteria for terminating membership a statement that the Club shall be governed by a Board of Directors: i) which shall consist of at least three individuals; ii) iii) iv) specify the Position Titles of the Directors; the length of term for each position must be defined; a definition of when each position is elected; v) a statement about whether the Directors are elected to the positions by the Membership or; are elected as Directors by the Membership and appointed to the positions by the Board of Directors; vi) vii) define how to fill a vacancy on Board of Directors; the grounds and the procedure for the removal of a Directors must be specified; viii) statements about the general responsibilities of the Board and the specific duties of each position ix) procedures for nominations and elections must be clearly specified; and x) a statement which encompasses the following: The Directors shall be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy in The OSA's published rules a statement that there shall be General Meetings of the Club based on the following inclusions in the By-Law or Constitution: i) procedure for official notice including the minimum time required for, and the method of, notification of meeting; ii) iii) iv) definition of quorum; statement that there must be an Annual General Meeting held in a specified month with a specified agenda including the presentation of a financial statement; procedure for a Special General Meeting including the process for requesting the meeting and calling the meeting; and v) define the voting rights for each member a statement that there shall be Board meetings which shall include: i) the number of meetings per annum; ii) iii) notice procedure including the minimum time required and the method of notification; specification of quorum; and Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 54

55 iv) clearly defined voting rights identify the Parliamentary Procedure for conducting meetings a statement that defines the process for amending the By-Law or Constitution including: i) who can propose amendments; ii) iii) iv) timelines for proposing amendments; notification of proposed amendments to members including timelines and method; and approval process statements covering the process for creating, approving, amending and publishing the rules and regulations in the case of an incorporated club, a statement which encompasses the following: INDEMNITY Members of the Board of Directors or other servants to the Club, their heirs, executors, administrators and estate and effects respectively shall be indemnified and saved harmless at all times by the Club against all costs, losses and expenses incurred by them respectively in or about the discharge of their respective duties, except such as happens from their own respective willful neglect or default the financial statements of the Club shall be: i) presented annually subject to the minimum requirements as defined in iv) ii) iii) iv) based on a defined fiscal year end; presented to members at the Annual General Meeting; and subject to the following size test based on financial statements of the previous year: a) audited, as defined by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), by a public accountant if the Club s annual gross revenue is greater than or equal to $150,000 or the Club has greater than or equal to 1000 registered players; or b) reviewed by Public Accountant, Certified General Accountant or a Certified Management Accountant through a Financial Review Engagement, as defined by CICA, if the Club s annual gross revenue is less than $150,000 but greater than or equal to $100,000, or the Club has less than 1000 but greater than or equal to 500 registered players; or c) signed with a Notice to Reader prepared by a Public Accountant, Certified General Accountant or a Certified Management Accountant if the Club s annual gross revenue is less than $100,000 but greater than or equal to $10, d) completed by the Treasurer or designate, if the Club s annual gross revenue is less than $10,000. NOTE: Clubs are still required to follow applicable legislation related to filing income tax returns. Incorporated Clubs are still required to follow audit guidelines in accordance with the legislation as outlined in the Corporations Act of Ontario which currently requires any Incorporated Club with income over $100,000 to perform an audit. v) if an auditor is required: a) at each Annual General Meeting, the Members will appoint an auditor to audit the books, accounts and records of the Club who will report to the Members at the next Annual General Meeting. The auditor will hold office until the next Annual Meeting. If an auditor is not appointed, the auditor in office will continue in office until a successor is appointed; Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 55

56 b) the members may, by special resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a general meeting of which proper notice has been provided, remove any auditor before the expiration of the auditor s term of office; c) the auditor will not be a director, officer or employee of the Club or any affiliated Club or who is a partner, employer or employee of any such director, officer or employee; d) the auditor will report to the members at the annual general meeting the auditor s financial statement which presents fairly the financial position of the Club and the results of its operations for the period under review in accordance with generally accepted account principles; and e) the auditor s report will be open for inspection by any member of the Club. vi) A club's membership or Board can agree to upgrade the certification of their statements over the required minimums (ie., Review or Audit where Notice to Reader is Required or Audit where Review is required) a statement defining the Club's Dispute Resolution policies a statement defining the Club's Harassment policies a statement defining the Club's Appeal policies a provision for the: i) payment of all debts and liabilities; and ii) the distribution or disposal of the Club's property in the event that the Club is dissolved. 2.2 A Club shall annually submit its Club Constitution or Club By-Law to its District Association which shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with Club Procedure 2.1 by each of its Member Clubs. 2.3 A Club shall be required to submit any amendments to its Club Constitution or Club By-Law to its District Association within 60 days after the Club's General Meeting at which the amendments were approved. 2.4 Any of the following types of Clubs: a) professional club which operates professional team(s) only; b) club which operates both professional and amateur teams; c) social club; d) service club; e) club operated by a municipality; f) club operated by a facility; g) club running only a senior recreational league; and h) For-Profit club may be granted an exemption from one or more requirements in Club Procedure 2.1 by: i) submitting a written request for exemption to its District Association; ii) obtaining the approval of its District Association's Board of Directors; and iii) obtaining the approval of The Ontario Soccer Association's Board of Directors. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 56

57 Section Registration Procedure Registration of Organizations and Individuals 1.1 An individual or organization shall register with The OSA prior to participating in any soccer programme under the jurisdiction of The OSA. 1.2 Except where indicated in these rules, all Governing Documents of District Associations, Clubs and Leagues pertaining to registration shall comply with the O.S.A. s Registration Operational Procedures. 1.3 A governing organization shall provide copies, either electronically or otherwise, of all of its registrations to The OSA. 1.4 A District Association shall: a) register with The OSA through the annual Membership Renewal Process b) register all of its Clubs, Leagues and administrators c) be responsible for ensuring and reporting that its Clubs have provided copies, either electronically or otherwise, of all of their registrations of Leagues, Divisions, Teams, players, coaches and administrators to The OSA d) be responsible for ensuring and reporting that its Leagues have provided copies, either electronically or otherwise, of all of their registrations of divisions and administrators to The OSA e) shall appoint a Registrar who will act on behalf of the O.S.A. in that District. 1.5 A Club shall: a) register with its District Association through the annual Membership Renewal Process b) register all of its Leagues, Divisions, Teams, players, coaches and administrators with The OSA 1.6 A League shall: a) register with its governing organization through the annual Membership Renewal Process b) register all of its divisions and administrators 1.7 The OSA shall: a) register players involved in National and Provincial Team programs who are not already registered with Clubs. 1.8 An individual can participate as a player, coach, game official or administrator in a competition under the jurisdiction of The OSA by registering as such with The OSA. 1.9 Referee Assignor An individual may function as a referee assignor with a governing organization under the jurisdiction of The OSA provided she/he is registered in that capacity with The OSA. Procedure Player Registration 2.1 When registering with The OSA, acceptable proof of age must be provided by the player to the Club. The burden of proof of age shall rest with the player. 2.2 a) A player on a team playing in an amateur league is registered by his/her Club with that Club's District Association. A player on a team playing in a semi-professional league is registered by his/her Club with The Ontario Soccer Association. A player who is not registered with a Club and who is involved in a National and Provincial Team program is registered by the OSA with the Ontario Soccer Association. b) As part of the registration process, the Club will do the "Player Assignment To Team" for players playing on an Under-13 or Older Aged Team, in a competitive League, a District Recreational League or a Sanctioned Competitive Competition(s). This is done by designating the player to the registered team of that Club. c) A player registered in the Under-12 classification or in a younger aged classification will not be assigned to a team. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 57

58 d) At a Club s discretion, it may register its recreational players, playing in a Local League without assigning these players to teams. 2.3 a) A player is registered only after his/her registration has been validated by The OSA's computerized registration system as per Procedure 7.0 b) The effective date of registration for a player shall be the day and time that the registration has been data entered in The OSA's computerized registration system. In situations when The OSA's computerized registration system is not working correctly, a player is registered only after his/her registration form has been validated by the District Association with which his/her Club is affiliated. The responsibility for the validation of registration forms may not be delegated to Leagues or Clubs. c) A player may not register through The OSA's computerized registration system or through the validation of a player registration form by the District Association before: I. for outdoor player registration: October 1st of the year preceding the outdoor playing season; and II. for indoor player registration: June 1st preceding the indoor playing season. 2.4 A player shall be registered by his/her Club in one of the following two ways: a) through The OSA's computerized registration system; or b) on a Registration Form provided by, or approved by, the O.S.A.. A District Association can either obtain Player Registration Forms from the O.S.A. at no charge to the District Association or it can design and produce its own forms, subject to the approval of the O.S.A. and providing that the District Association s form meets all O.S.A. requirements. 2.5 The player registration form shall include a section requiring: a) b) has the player ever registered to play soccer in another country; the name of the country in which the player last registered; c) the Club with which the player last registered; d) e) the year in which the player was last registered for that Club and country. A warning shall be prominently displayed on the registration form that any player found guilty of providing false information on a registration form, including the information in a) b) c) and d) above, shall be suspended in accordance with the discipline policies and procedures. The District Association shall not validate the registration form if a player fails to complete necessary sections. In such a case, the form should be returned to the player's new Club which shall be requested to ensure that the player supplies this required information in order to validate the registration. If the player indicates a country, other than Canada, an International Transfer shall be required, unless the player was under twelve years of age when he/she last registered. 2.6 If required, Clubs shall obtain their Registration Forms from their District Association. A Club may create its own Club Specific Registration Form providing that such form complies with the OSA s minimum requirements for a Registration Form and such Club Specific Registration Form has been approved by the Club s District Association. 2.7 A player's "Player Assignment To Team" designation by its Club on an outdoor team is terminated on December 31 or when the Club de-registers the player, whichever occurs first. However for insurance purposes, the player's "outdoor" registration with the O.S.A. is effective until May 31 of the following year for training purposes only. 2.8 A player's "Player Assignment To Team" designation by its Club on an indoor team is terminated on May 31 or when the Club de-registers the player, whichever occurs first. However for insurance purposes, the player's "indoor" registration with the O.S.A. is effective until December 31 of the following year for training purposes only. 2.9 An amateur player is bound to the team for which he/she has registered until the end of the current playing season of the League in which his/her team plays, with indoor and outdoor leagues as separate entities. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 58

59 2.10 A professional player is bound to the team for which he/she has registered until both the expiry of his/her contract and of any extension thereof which his/her Club may be entitled to exercise A League may establish a deadline after which a player registering on a team is not eligible to play in competitions organized by that league. In such a case, the League must advise, in writing, its Governing Organization that such a deadline has been established The processing and validation of player registration, transfers, reinstatements and other transactions pertaining to player registration shall be approved by the applicable governing organization(s). Such authority may not be delegated to Clubs or Leagues An amateur player may register on the following number of outdoor teams: a) a grassroots player may only be registered at any one time with one Club; b) a youth player may register on a maximum of three outdoor teams, only one of which may be a competitive team; and c) a senior player may register on an unlimited number of teams, only one of which may be a competitive team An amateur player may register on the following number of indoor teams: a) a grassroots player may only be registered at any one time with one Club; b) a youth player may register on a maximum of three indoor teams; and c) a senior player may register on an unlimited number of teams A professional player may register on a maximum of one professional or semi-professional outdoor team and one professional or semi-professional indoor team Notwithstanding Operational Procedures 2.14 and 2.15: a) a player may not play for more than one team in the same division or cup of any competition. b) a league may limit the eligibility of a player registered on teams in other leagues from playing in its league With the written permission of its District Association, a Club may: a) permit a player of demonstrated lower ability to play for an age level team within its Club League lower than the one to which he/she should, by age, be registered, provided that the age difference does not exceed two years; and b) place children with special needs at the appropriate age group; and the permission is for intra-club recreational competition only. Procedure League Registration 3.1 Each League must register with its Governing Organization through the annual Membership Renewal Process and in accordance with the Governing Documents for both, leagues and player registration. A League is registered only after its registration has been data entered in The OSA's computerized registration system in accordance with Governing Documents. After the initial data entry of the league s registration in The OSA's computerized registration system, the league shall remain registered until such time as the League s Governing Organization de-registers the league. 3.2 A League must be registered before any of its divisions are registered and before any teams are placed in those divisions. 3.3 Each league's Governing Organization will assign it a "LEAGUE REGISTRATION NUMBER". That number shall be used when referring to the league in league registration, team registration, player registration, coach registration, and administrator registration. Procedure Club Registration 4.1 Each Club must register with its District Association through the annual Membership Renewal Process and in accordance with the Governing Documents. After the initial data entry of the club s registration in The OSA's computerized registration system, the club shall remain registered until such time as the club s Governing Organization de-registers the league. 4.2 A Club is registered only after its registration has been data entered in The OSA's computerized registration system in accordance with Published Rules. A Club must be registered before any of its teams and players may be registered. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 59

60 4.3 Each Club's District Association will assign it a "CLUB REGISTRATION NUMBER". That number shall be used when referring to the Club in Club League registration, team registration, player registration, coach registration, and administrator registration. 4.4 Each club will assign to each of its Club Leagues a "LEAGUE REGISTRATION NUMBER". That number shall be used when referring to the Club League in league registration, team registration, player registration, coach registration, and administrator registration. Procedure Team Registration 5.1 A team is registered annually by its Club to play in sanctioned competition(s). A team is registered only after its registration has been data entered in The OSA's computerized registration system. 5.2 A team is not required to participate in a league in order to be registered as a team. 5.3 At the conclusion of its playing season, the team shall be de-registered and shall cease to exist as an entity. 5.4 When registering a team, a Club must provide the following information: a) the address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable), date of birth (optional), sex, and "OSA REGISTRANT NUMBER" of the team contact; b) the address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable), date of birth (optional), sex, and "OSA REGISTRANT NUMBER" of each coach, manager and other team personnel; c) the "TEAM REGISTRATION NUMBER" of the team; d) the Team Status; Team Classification; Team playing season; Team Gender; and Team Age Classification corresponding to those in Section Leagues, Procedure In the team age divisions Under-21 and lower, each player on: a) an outdoor team cannot exceed the stipulated age before January 1 preceding the current outdoor playing season; and b) an indoor team cannot exceed the stipulated age before January 1 during the current indoor playing season. 5.6 In the team age divisions Over-30 and over, each player on: a) an outdoor team must exceed the stipulated age before January 1 preceding the current outdoor playing season; and b) an indoor team must exceed the stipulated age before January 1 during the current indoor playing season 5.7 In Open Age divisions, teams may contain players of any age. 5.8 A Club shall register its players on its teams, subject to the following maximum and minimum limits. Team Status Player Classification and Team Classification Amateur Grassroots Player Classification: 3V3 (No GK) (for Outdoor/Indoor/Futsal U6 Teams ONLY) Grassroots Player Classification: 4V4 (No GK) (for Outdoor/Indoor/Futsal U7 & U8 Teams ONLY) Team playing season Maximum Limit Minimum Limit Outdoor/Indoor Outdoor/Indoor Grassroots Player Classification: Outdoor/Indoor 5v5 (With GK) (for Outdoor/Indoor/Futsal U8 Teams ONLY) As there are no registered teams in Grassroots Soccer, there is only a Game Day Maximum - 6 Players As there are no registered teams in Grassroots Soccer, there is only a Game Day Maximum - 8 Players As there are no registered teams in Grassroots Soccer, there is only a Game Day Maximum - 10 Players NOTES: There will be no maximum and minimum limits to each team as there is no "Player Assignment To Team" for Under-12 and younger aged players. There will only be "Game Day Maximums". Players registered with the Club are eligible to play in the appropriate age and Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 60

61 Professional or Semi- Professional Grassroots Player Classification: 7v7 (With GK) (for Outdoor/Indoor/Futsal U9 & U10 Teams ONLY) Outdoor/Indoor Game Day Maximum - 12 Players Grassroots Player Classification: 9v9 (With GK) (for Outdoor/Indoor/Futsal U11 & U12 Teams ONLY) Youth Outdoor Competitive Player/Team Classification: (for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18 Teams ONLY) Youth Outdoor Recreational Player/Team Classification: (for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18 Teams ONLY) Youth Indoor (small sided) Player/Team Classification: (for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18 Teams ONLY) Youth Indoor (11v11) Player/Team Classification: (for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18 Teams ONLY) Youth Futsal Player/Team Classification: (for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 & U18 Teams ONLY) Senior Outdoor Competitive Player/Team Classification Senior Outdoor Recreational (11-a-Side) Player/Team Classification Senior Outdoor Recreational (5-a-Side) Player/Team Classification Senior Indoor (small sided) Player/Team Classification Senior Indoor (11v11) Player/Team Classification Outdoor/Indoor Game Day Maximum - 16 Players Outdoor 18 Players 11 Players Outdoor 25 Players 11 Players Indoor 18 Players 7 Players Indoor 18 Players 11 Players Indoor 18 Players 5 Players Outdoor 25 Players 11 Players Outdoor 25 Players 11 Players Outdoor 25 Players 5 Players Indoor 25 Players 7 Players Indoor 25 Players 11 Players Senior Futsal Player/Team Classification Indoor 25 Players 5 Players A Club with one Professional/Semi- Outdoor Professional Senior Outdoor Competitive Team A Club with two Professional/Semi- Outdoor Professional Senior Outdoor Competitive Teams Professional/Semi-Professional Senior Indoor Indoor Professional/Semi-Professional Senior Futsal Indoor As per CSA Rules and Regulations and OSA's Terms Of League Operations with Professional/Semi- Professional League. gender classifications for each team. As per CSA Rules and Regulations and OSA's Terms Of League Operations with Professional/Semi- Professional League. 5.9 A Club must register, by no later than April 15, the minimum eleven players required on each team playing in a Youth Provincial Division or in a Youth Regional Division A Club may only register a maximum number of imports to play on a Professional/Semi-Professional Team and that maximum number shall be annually determined by the CSA Board of Directors A female player may register and play on a female team, male team or a mixed team. A male player may register and play on a male team or a mixed team. This rule is binding on all leagues, cup competitions, tournaments and exhibition games under the jurisdiction of The Ontario Soccer Association and all of its member organizations. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 61

62 5.12 Transgender Player A Transgender Female (Male Transitioning to Female in Future (MTF)) person being treated with testosterone suppression medication for gender reassignment purposes may register and play on a male team or a mixed team, but may not compete on a female team until after completing one calendar year of testosterone suppression treatment. This rule is binding on all leagues, cup competitions, tournaments and exhibition games under the jurisdiction of The Ontario Soccer Association and all of its member organizations A Transgender Male (Female Transitioning to Male in Future (FTM)) person being treated with testosterone administration medication for gender reassignment purposes may register and play on a male team or a mixed team. This rule is binding on all leagues, cup competitions, tournaments and exhibition games under the jurisdiction of The Ontario Soccer Association and all of its member organizations Any transgender person who is not taking hormone treatment for gender reassignment purposes may register and play for a mixed team or for a male or female team in accordance with his or her birth gender. This rule is binding on all leagues, cup competitions, tournaments and exhibition games under the jurisdiction of The Ontario Soccer Association and all of its member organizations Any Transgender Female or Transgender Male seeking registration not in accordance with their birth gender will submit a letter from a physician that describes the Transgender Female or Transgender Male's transition status, outlines the general nature of the hormone treatment being received and indicates the length of time since treatment began. The OSA, with reasonable cause, may request that a Transgender Female or Transgender Male provide an updated physician's letter at any time A Club which operates a team in an amateur league outside of Ontario and such non-ontario league is designated under the League Section 8.1 Procedure 23, shall register a minimum of fifteen of its "designated top players" with its District Association in accordance with The OSA Published Rules and such players shall only play in that non-ontario league while they are registered with the Club. Notwithstanding Player Registration Procedure which limits each senior outdoor competitive team to a maximum of twenty-five players and each youth outdoor competitive team to a maximum of 18 players, the Club may also register additional players who are also actively registered, competitively or recreationally, with (an) other Club(s) in Ontario, up to a maximum total (including the "designated top players") of twenty-six players, for the sole purpose of playing in the non-ontario league. With regard to the Club with which the additional player is actively registered: I. participation in a game in a non-ontario league designated under the League Procedure 23 shall not render the player ineligible for the Ontario Cup, National Club Championships, or any other competition entered by that Club, subject to the competition's rules; II. if there is a schedule conflict between league games of both Clubs, its games shall be given priority unless it permits the player to play for the other Club Notwithstanding Registration Procedure 1.5 a), 2.2 a), 2.3 b), 2.4 b), 2.5, 2.13, 2.15, 2.16, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.10, 5.11, 6.1, 9.3, 9.7, 9.8 e), 10.4, 10.5, 12.2 b), 12.3 c), 14.3 a), 15.1, 16.3 a), and 16.4, a Professional Club which is affiliated as an Associate Member of the OSA, may with the permission of The OSA, operate Senior Club Teams, Youth Club Team(s) or Club Academy Team(s), providing that the team(s) fully comply with the OSA standards for such teams. All registration processes involving the players and team officials on these Senior Club Teams, Youth Club Team(s) and/or Club Academy Team(s) operated by a Professional Club: 1. shall be managed by The OSA, including team registration, player registration, team official registration, de-registration, transfers, temporary eligibility permits, trial registration permits and Registration Books; and 2. any reference to "District Association" or "Club's District Association" in the Registration Procedures 1.5 a), 2.2 a), 2.3 b), 2.4 b), 2.5, 2.13, 2.15, 2.16, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 6.1, 9.3, 9.7, 9.8 e), 10.4, 10.5, 12.2 b), 12.3 c), 14.3 a), 15.1, 16.3 a), and 16.4 shall be replaced by "OSA". Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 62

63 Procedure O.S.A. Registrant Book and O.S.A. Identification Card 6.1 a) Except where stipulated in these Governing Documents, players and team officials shall be issued an O.S.A REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION. b) O.S.A REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION can be either an OSA REGISTRATION BOOK or an OSA IDENTIFICATION CARD, which shall: i. i) have the effective date of registration, to that specific team (or Club in the case of Club Head Coaches) for that specific playing seasons; ii. be validated by the District Association iii. be accompanied by a valid OSA Team Roster Report (in the case of an OSA Identification Card) c) Players and Team Officials are responsible for having their O.S.A REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION at all games (including league, cup, tournament and exhibition games) for presentation. d) Failure to present OSA REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION shall render: i. the player ineligible to play in that game ii. a team official ineligible to participate in that game, to be listed on the team sheet and to be present in the team s bench area. 6.2 The "O.S.A. PLAYER REGISTRATION BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" is the property of the person identified in the book or card. Identification must be returned to this person within five days of a written request for such. 6.3 Notwithstanding Operational Procedure 6.1, a Club operating an Outdoor Local League with the permission of its District Association, waive the requirement for games in that league only for: a) a player to have an "O.S.A. PLAYER REGISTRATION Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card"; and b) a team official to have an "O.S.A. PLAYER REGISTRATION Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card". 6.4 Notwithstanding Operational Procedure 6.1, if an indoor team is playing in an Indoor Local League or in an indoor tournament in which all of the indoor teams are from the same Club: a) a player on that team will not be required to obtain an "O.S.A. Registrant Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card"; and b) a team official on that team will not be required to obtain an "O.S.A. Registrant Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card". A player or Team Official on an indoor team playing in any other indoor soccer game shall be required to obtain an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card". 6.5 Nothwithstanding Procedure 6.1,: a) a player registered in the Under-8 or in a younger age classification will not be required to obtain an OSA Registrant Book or OSA Identification Card b) a Club may waive the requirement for games in its Under-9 to Under-12 Local Recreational competitions only, for a player to have an "O.S.A. Registrant Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card": c) a District Association may waive the requirement for games in its Under-9 to Under-12 Development competitions only, for a player to have an "O.S.A. Registrant Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card": d) a Festival Host Organization may waive the requirement for games in its Festival competition only, for a player to have an "O.S.A. Registrant Book" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" 6.6 Any player who does not have an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" and who wishes to play-up to an "outdoor competitive" team in a sanctioned competition or league game, must be issued with an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" and have it available for presentation at the game in which he/she is playing. Failure to present such document shall render the player ineligible to play in that game. 6.7 An "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" shall be valid for three years for a youth player; and shall be valid for five years for a senior player or team official. 6.8 The "O.S.A. Identification Card" will be produced by verifying registration information from The OSA's computerized registration system and will include the following: Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 63

64 a) A laminated Identification Card which is approved by the OSA, has the OSA logo and which is in compliance with the OSA's specifications for such a card; b) which provides the following information: I. the registrant's photograph; II. the registrant's name; III. the registrant's date of birth; IV. the registrant's "O.S.A. REGISTRANT NUMBER"; V. the registrant's sex; VI. an issue date VII. an expiry date; VIII. the name of the District Association where the player is registered; and IX. the registrant s signature c) player registration to a team will be verified by the Team Roster Report provided at each game; and d) the player's discipline status will be provided by the League, Tournament or Cup Competition. 6.9 A valid photograph as referenced in the definitions section of the Governing Documents Operational Procedures shall mean a photograph that meets the photo specifications of Passport Canada which will include the following: 1. The photograph shall be a head and shoulders photo. 2. The photograph must measure 45 mm (1.8 inches) long X 35 mm (1.4 inches) wide. 3. The photograph must be a close-up of the head and shoulders with the length of the face in the photo (from the chin to the crown of the head - natural top of head) being between 31 mm (1.2 inches) and 36 mm (1.4 inches) so that the face covers approximately 80% of the photo. 4. The photograph must have been taken in the past six months. 5. The eyes must be open and clearly visible. 6. Glasses may be worn as long as the eyes are clearly visible. 7. Sunglasses are unacceptable. 8. The photo must show a full front view of the face with both edges of the face showing clearly. 9. The face and shoulder must be centered in the photo and squared to the camera. 10. Black and white or colour photos are acceptable. 11. Hats or head coverings are not permitted except when worn for religious reasons and only if the full facial features are clearly visible. 12. Photocopies are not acceptable. Procedure The O.S.A's Computerized Registration System 7.1 The OSA will provide a framework by which all governing organizations of The OSA manage The OSA's computerized registration system in order to ensure proper and appropriate use and security for the information stored within the database. This framework includes procedures, training instructions and reference documents that will assist and ensure Clubs, Leagues, District Associations and The OSA use best practices when using its computerized registration system. The framework will be documented in the Operational Procedures in The OSA's published rules. 7.2 A District Association must comply with player registration deadlines (including data entry requirements) or the O.S.A. shall take over responsibility for that District Association's player registration in The OSA's computerized registration system and charge back (to that District Association) all expenses incurred. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 64

65 7.3 Schedule of deadlines for League Registration OSA Governed League Provincial League March 1 N/A Regional League March 1 N/A District Competitive League April 1 May 1 District Recreational League April 1 May 1 Schedule of deadlines for Division Registration OSA Governed League Provincial League March 15 N/A Regional League March 15 N/A District Competitive League April 1 May 1 District Recreational League April 1 May 1 District Governed League District Governed League 7.4 A player registered in the "recreational" player classification will be registered to a Club and not to a team. Assignment to a team will only be required if that recreational team will be playing against a team from another Club. In the case of a Senior Local League's All Star Team playing against a team from outside its Club, no team assignment to the All Star Team will be required. 7.5 For all players the data entry into The OSA's computerized registration system must be completed before the player plays. 7.6 A player would become insured upon "Player Registration with Club" (ie., when the Club accepts his club registration form and club registration fee). Although the player would be ineligible to play in any OSA sanctioned game until "Player Registration with OSA" (effective after her/his registration has been data entered in OSA s computerized registration system) has been transacted, the player would still be insured if she has completed "Player Registration with Club". 7.7 USER ACCOUNTS POLICY The OSA will provide a framework by which all governing organizations of The OSA manage The OSA's registration system in order to ensure proper and appropriate use and security for the information stored within the database This framework includes procedures, training instructions and reference documents that will assist and ensure Clubs, Leagues, District Associations and The OSA use best practices when using its registration system. The framework will be documented in the Operational Procedures in The OSA's Governing Documents. The following Procedure describes how users are assigned, receive access and are trained on the registration system. User Accounts The Ontario Soccer Association OSA Staff and other authorized personnel will request user accounts from the Information Systems Department. Training will be provided by OSA Staff or their designate. District Associations The District Administrator will be assigned a user account by The OSA s Information Systems Department. Additional accounts for the District Association will be created upon request by the District Administrator to The OSA s Information Systems Department. The User Confidentiality Agreement must be signed by each User before a User Account is created for that person. Training for the District Administrator will be provided by OSA Staff or their designate. Leagues (under the jurisdiction of The OSA) User accounts for leagues will be created upon request to The OSA. The User Confidentiality Agreement must be signed by each User before a User Account is created for that person. Training will be provided by OSA Staff or their designate. Clubs and Leagues (under the jurisdiction of a District Association) The Club or League President or designate advises the District Association who they have approved to receive access to the registration Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 65

66 system. The Club or League also determines the type of access i.e., user is a registrar, webmaster, or league administrator for its organization. The User Confidentiality Agreement must be signed by each User before a User Account is created for that person. The District Association identifies who the trainers are for each type of module. The District Association provides the training and training documents for its Club and League users. There can be an unlimited number of User Accounts for each organization, subject to the approval of the District Administrator. User access is automatically terminated on March 31 of each year. Access renewal is subject to approval by the User's organization and the signing of a new User Confidentiality Agreement. Process for Training All Users User Confidentiality Agreement is signed. User Access to and its modules is granted by either The OSA or District Association to users under their jurisdiction. Access is granted after the USER CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT has been completed and returned to the appropriate organization. NOTE: No Access will be given without the AGREEMENT properly signed. Account is set up with Username Password, The Username is the users address The password should be at least 6 characters in length and contain letters and numbers Changes to user name and password can only be done by the Trainer or designate. Review components of agreement which refer to the Username and password. Within each account, specific access is assigned for specific portals. Organizations below the training organization are not allowed to give access to their members. Tour of website, including control panel for training, reporting and support, along with the components they will be using. User is trained on specific area they are assigned to The User signs off that training was received and retains a copy of the Confidentiality Agreement. At the present time, contact the Information Systems Department at The OSA for assistance ( AIMSHelpDesk@soccer.on.ca) Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 66

67 Procedure Trial Registration Permit 8.1 A "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" is a temporary registration with the O.S.A. which shall only be used by players who are not registered with the O.S.A. or a Provincial Association affiliated to the C.S.A. Notwithstanding the fact that this is considered a registration with a specific team, it shall not be included in the count of total number of players registered with a team. 8.2 A player who was previously registered with a Club during the current playing season and who was de-registered by that Club, shall not be eligible to obtain a Trial Registration Permit to play for that Club during the current playing season. 8.3 A "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" entitles a non-registered player to play two games for a Registered Team during a fifteen day period. 8.4 The "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall be obtained from the District Association to which the team's Club is affiliated. 8.5 The District Association Registrar shall issue two copies of the "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" and when validating the "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall ensure that the form has both, the starting date and the expiry date of the trial period. The player may use the "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" to play in any two games for the team stipulated on the form and which occur during the trial period. Once the player has played in her/his second game, the District Association shall terminate the Trial Permit by revising the expiry date to the date of the second game. 8.6 A copy of the "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall be affixed to the teamsheet submitted to the referee at each trial game. Prior to submitting the copy of the "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" to the referee, the team must write the date of the game on the "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT ". 8.7 A player playing in an outdoor competitive game or an indoor game while using a "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" must also obtain an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" which must be available for presentation at the trial game in which he/she is playing. Failure to present the "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" shall render the player ineligible to play in that game. 8.8 A player may obtain two "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMITS" during one playing season. The trial period for each shall not overlap. An outdoor playing season and an indoor playing season shall be considered different playing seasons. 8.9 A player may only be issued one "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" to play for any one Club A "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall be permitted, subject to the competition rules, at league games, exhibition games, and tournament games but not in cup games When making application for a "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT", a player shall: a) complete a "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" application form approved by the O.S.A. and obtained from the District Association to which the team's Club is affiliated; b) pay the fee as established by the O.S.A.; c) if the player is playing on trial for a competitive team, supply a recent passport-sized photograph (which shall be affixed, by the District Registrar, to the "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card"); and d) indicate the starting date and the expiry date of the fifteen day trial period A League or a District Association or the competition rules may impose limitations on the use of "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMITS", provided that the limitations are applied consistently. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 67

68 Procedure Short Term Registration Permit 9.0 SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT 9.1 A "SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT" is a temporary registration with the O.S.A. which shall only be used by players who are not registered with the O.S.A. or a Provincial Association affiliated to the C.S.A. for the specific purpose of playing in a senior tournament. 9.2 A "SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall consist of a Team Roster Report which, when validated by the District Association, entitles all of the non-registered players listed on the report to play in all of the games of that specific senior tournament. 9.3 The "SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall be obtained from the District Association in which the senior tournament is being played. 9.4 If a player's name is not included on the "SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT", she/he will not be eligible to play in that senior tournament. 9.5 There is no limit to the number of times a player may be listed on the "SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT" during one playing season. Procedure De-Registration 10.1 An outdoor player shall be de-registered on December 31 of the outdoor registration year; and an indoor player shall be deregistered on May 31 of the indoor registration year A player may be de-registered earlier for any of the following reasons: a) his/her Club declares him/her surplus; b) with the consent of the Club's District Association, his/her Club ceases to operate the team on which he/she was playing; c) his/her League's playing season has ended A player shall be de-registered by one of the following methods: a) automatic de-registration of outdoor player by The OSA's computerized registration system on December 31 and automatic de-registration of indoor player by The OSA's computerized registration system on May 31; b) her/his Club de-registers the player in The OSA's computerized registration system with the effective date of de-registration being the date of validation by The OSA's computerized registration system; c) her/his Club submits a De-Registration Form to its District Association which de-registers the player in The OSA's computerized registration system after which the de-registration is effective A player who has been de-registered during the playing season may register as a new player. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 68

69 Procedure Amateur and Professional Player Status 11.1 Players who are not in receipt of any remuneration other than the actual expenses incurred during the course of their participation in, or any activity connected with, soccer shall be regarded as amateur Travel and hotel expenses incurred through involvement in a match and the costs of a player's equipment, insurance, and training may be reimbursed without jeopardizing a player's amateur status Any player who receives remuneration in excess of the amount stated in 11.2 in respect of participation in, or an activity connected with, soccer shall be regarded as professional The amateur/professional status of players shall be determined in accordance with Procedures 11.1, 11.2, and 11.3 above by the National Association with which they are registered The C.S.A. shall keep an official register of the professional/semi-professional players under its jurisdiction A player leaving a National Association shall not be described as professional/semi-professional unless he/she was last registered as such by that National Association. Procedure Reinstatement from Professional to Amateur Status 12.1 A player last registered with any National Association as a professional player must apply for Reinstatement to Amateur Status before being registered as an amateur player. [CSA Policy] 12.2 The procedure for approving the reinstatement of a player from professional to amateur status shall be as set out in the C.S.A. Rules and Regulations and in accordance with any additional requirements as set out in this section Each application must be: a) made on a form approved by the O.S.A. and supplied by the District Association with which the player's new Club is affiliated Upon receipt of a properly completed application and the required fee, the O.S.A. will issue a "Permit To Play Pending Reinstatement" with an effective date fourteen days after receipt of the application by the O.S.A.. This will permit the player to be registered and play as an amateur player If the application for reinstatement is subsequently denied by the C.S.A., the "Permit To Play Pending Reinstatement " will be cancelled A player who is registered as a professional player may be temporarily reinstated to play amateur indoor soccer or Futsal, subject to the following conditions: a) the application shall be on a "TEMPORARY INDOOR REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION FORM" which the player will obtain from his District Association; b) the player shall submit the application form to the District Association with which he/she wishes to register as an amateur indoor or Futsal player; c) the application form must be accompanied by: i. a fee as established by the O.S.A.; ii. a "letter of permission" from the Club with which the player is under contract as a professional player; d) the application form must be authorized by the League of which the player's professional team is a member; e) the reinstatement applies to indoor soccer and Futsal only; and f) the player remains under contract, for outdoor soccer purposes, with the Club with which he/she has registered as a professional players Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 69

70 Procedure 13.0 Player Transfers 13.1 A player moving from one province to another province, under the jurisdiction of the C.S.A., shall not be registered until the player receives in writing a clearance from the Provincial Association under which the player was last registered. [CSA Policy] 13.2 Inter-Provincial Transfers for players transferring out of Ontario a) When another Provincial Association advises The OSA that a player has requested a transfer to that Province, The OSA shall immediately advise, in writing, the District Association (with which the player was last registered) that a transfer has been requested. b) After being advised by The OSA about the Inter-Provincial Transfer (IPT) request, the District Association shall immediately advise the Club with which the player was last registered in order to obtain a statement from that Club that the player has no further obligations to the Club and is free to transfer. c) A District Association shall respond to The OSA within six days after it receives the written notification from The OSA about the Inter-Provincial transfer request. d) If the District Association does not respond within six days, The OSA shall: a) assume a compliance position by the District Association and Club; and b) advise the Provincial Association that the player has no further obligations to her/his former Club and is free to transfer. e) If a Club or District Association has a valid reason for delaying the issuance of Inter-Provincial Transfer, the District Association must advise The OSA in writing, the reason why the transfer should not be issues or should be delayed. Upon receipt of such a request, The OSA shall immediately advise the other Provincial Association about the reasons for not issuing the transfer Inter-Provincial Transfers for players transferring into Ontario a) When a player was last registered to play in another Provincial Association other than Ontario an Inter Provincial Transfer is required to release the player from the Province with which she/he was previously registered. b) The Club with which the player is looking to register with in Ontario should complete the OSA s Inter Provincial Transfer form and send it to the District Association with which the Club is affiliated to. c) The District Association processes the Inter Provincial Transfer form and sends it to The OSA. The OSA sends the Inter Provincial Transfer form to the other Provincial Association requesting the player s release. d) Once the release is approved by the other Provincial Association, The OSA will notify the District Association of the player s ability to transfer and register with their desired Club. e) Players are not allowed to register until they receive confirmation of approval from The OSA 13.4 A professional player may be loaned between two professional teams. The "Loan Agreement" is subject to the following conditions: a) the agreement must be signed by the player and both teams; b) copies of the signed agreement must be distributed to: the player; both teams; the League(s); and the O.S.A.; c) the agreement shall stipulate the time period of the loan and specify which date that the player must be returned to the loaning team; d) the team receiving the "Loan Player" must agree to pay, during the loan period, the player's salary, as per the original contract, or as per an amount re-negotiated between the player and the team receiving the "Loan Player"; and e) the amount of the salary must be stipulated in the Loan Agreement A player shall be entitled to the following transfers: a) Two transfers only during the current playing season within the jurisdiction of a District Association. However, a player once transferred cannot be transferred back to the team for which he was originally registered until a period of thirty days has elapsed. b) One transfer within the jurisdiction of the O.S.A. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 70

71 c) One transfer between the O.S.A. and any other Provincial Association, except that in the event of a player having been transferred under section a) and b) finding it necessary to return to the jurisdiction under which he was originally registered, he shall be allowed to transfer his services back to the team for which he was last registered. d) A player moving outside the jurisdiction of the O.S.A. may apply for, and be granted, an "open" transfer upon payment of the applicable fee. The transfer will bear the required signatures of the officials of the team from which he/she is transferring and will become effective when completed by officials of his/her new team in the receiving jurisdiction No Registrant or Registered Organization shall unreasonably limit the right of a player to transfer to the team of his choice. The procedure for obtaining a transfer shall be as follows: a) The player shall make application on a form supplied by the O.S.A. and obtainable from a District Association. b) The player shall first give written notice of his intention to transfer to the Club, which operates the team with which he is currently registered. c) The Club shall have seven days to sign the transfer form, indicating acceptance of the transfer. d) If the Club does not sign the form within seven days, the player may appeal to his/her District Association, without fee, in accordance with Appeals Procedures Such appeal must be submitted within seven days after the seven-day period specified has expired Notice of all transfers as hereby provided shall immediately be mailed to the Secretary of the Club and to the O.S.A.. The player so transferred shall be eligible after one day following the registration of such transfer, to play all games for the team to which his transfer has been granted The fee payable for transfer shall be set by The OSA. The fee together with a copy of the transfer form, shall be sent to the O.S.A. by the District Association into which the player is transferring within seven days of such transfer A transfer of registration between two Senior Teams within the same Club must follow all the requirements of this Rule Transfer of Registration from Recreational Team to Competitive Team a) Any Club having a team playing in the Competitive category desiring to sign a player from a team playing in the Recreational category during the current playing season shall remit the required fee with the registration form. The fee shall be paid to the Recreational Club concerned. The required fee shall be set by The OSA. b) Any Club operating teams in the Competitive category and in one or more Recreational categories shall be allowed to sign, as a Competitive player, any player(s) on its Recreational team(s) during the current playing season without payment of a fee Transfer of Registration from Youth Team to Senior Team a) Any Club having a team playing in the senior age division desiring to sign a registered player from a team playing in a youth age division during the current playing season shall remit the required fee with the registration form. The fee shall be paid to the Youth Club concerned. The required fee shall be set by The OSA. b) Any Club operating teams in the senior age division and in one or more youth age divisions shall be allowed to sign, as a senior player, any player(s) on its youth age team(s) during the current playing season without payment of a fee. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 71

72 Procedure International Transfer 14.1 An amateur or professional/semi-professional player who has previously registered with another National Association requires an international transfer certificate issued by that National Association before the player is eligible to register under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Soccer Association. [FIFA Policy] An amateur or professional/semi-professional player who has become eligible to play for a Club affiliated to a National Association may not qualify for a Club affiliated to another National Association unless the latter National Association has received an international transfer certificate issued by the National Association which the player wishes to leave. For the complete policies regarding international transfer certificates, you are referred to The OSA's Operational Policies International Transfer Certificates for Players Transferring to Canada 14.3 Each application for an International Transfer shall: a) be on an online form approved by the O.S.A. and supplied by the District Association with which the player's new Club is affiliated; 14.4 The procedure for approving the international transfer of a player shall be: a) the application form shall be completed and signed by the player and his/her new Club; and shall be submitted to the new Club's District Association. b) the new Club's District Association is required to: i) check that the application form is in order; ii) approve the application form; iii) forward the application form to the O.S.A. office; c) the O.S.A. is required to: i) verify that the application form is in order; ii) approve the application form iii) forward the application form to the C.S.A. office; iv) Provide the District Association with a Permit to Play for the player awaiting an International Transfer Certificate. The Permit to Play will entitle the player to register with their desired Club 30 days from the date the ITC Application was sent to the C.S.A if the approval is not received before 30 days. d) the C.S.A. is required to: i) review applications for international transfers received from the O.S.A.; ii) if the application is in order, request an international transfer certificate from the player's former National Association; iii) advise the O.S.A. immediately after it has been notified that an international transfer certificate is being issued by the player's former National Association and send a copy of the international transfer certificate; or iv) send a Provisional Transfer Certificate to the OSA if the approved International Transfer Certificate is not received by the former National Association within 30 days International Transfer Clearance for players transferring out of Canada a) When the CSA advises The OSA that a player has requested a transfer to another Country, The OSA shall immediately advise, in writing, the District Association (with which the player was last registered) that a transfer has been requested. b) After being advised by The OSA about the International Transfer Clearance request, the District Association shall immediately advise the Club with which the player was last registered in order to obtain a statement from that Club that the player has no further obligations to the Club and is free to transfer. c) A District Association shall respond to The OSA within six days after it receives the written notification from The OSA about the International Transfer Clearance request. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 72

73 d) If the District Association does not respond within six days, The OSA shall assume a compliance position by the District Association and Club and advise the CSA that the player has no further obligations to her/his former Club and is free to transfer. e) If a Club or District Association has a valid reason for delaying the issuance of an International Transfer the District Association must advise The OSA in writing, the reason why the transfer should not be issues or should be delayed. receipt of such a request, The OSA shall immediately advise the CSA about the reasons for not issuing the transfer. Upon f) If The OSA does not respond to the CSA within seven days of a request by the CSA for an International Transfer for a player, the CSA shall assume a compliance position and shall immediately issue the International Transfer Certificate (for that player) to the other National Association In the case of a refugee player, the Club shall write a letter to the O.S.A. and send a copy of such letter to its District Association. The letter must include: a) the name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of the player; b) the name, address, and telephone number of the new Club with which he/she wishes to register; c) the player status and player classification of which the player wishes to register in Canada; d) the name of the player's former Club (with which he/she was last registered); e) the name of the National Association to which he/she was last registered and the year of that registration; and f) the player status and player classification when the player was last registered with his/her former Club and former National Association. The O.S.A. shall forward the above information to the C.S.A. which will refer the matter to the F.I.F.A. Players' Status Committee. Based on its investigation, the F.I.F.A. may issue a document equivalent to an international transfer certificate. If such is the case, the C.S.A. would then authorize the player's registration in Canada and advise the O.S.A.. The O.S.A. would advise the player and the player's new District Association. If F.I.F.A. does not issue this document, the player may not register in Canada unless he obtains an international transfer certificate from his former National Association In the event it is discovered that a player, who was last registered in another country, has registered in Canada without an international transfer certificate: a) the player shall be declared an ineligible player; b) any games in which the player played shall be forfeited to the opposing team, in accordance with the competition's rules; and c) the player shall be subject to disciplinary action. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 73

74 Section 7.0 Game Types Procedure V 11 Soccer 1.1 The Operational Procedures for 11 v 11 Soccer are included in various existing OSA Operational Procedures and therefore, do not require having a segregated section. Procedure Small Sided Soccer 2.1 A Small Sided soccer competition in the Province of Ontario must be played in accordance with the "OSA Playing Rules Of Small Sided Soccer" as approved by the OSA Executive Director in accordance with the approved processes for amending Operational Procedures and as published by The Ontario Soccer Association 2.2 OSA Playing Rules For Small Sided Soccer The OSA has established a set of Small Sided Playing Rules that shows flexibility when it comes to facility/field dimensions and configurations but also ensures consistent standards for those aspects of the Small Sided game not bound by the type of facility. Rule 1 - THE FIELD OF PLAY The field of play and other components shown in the illustration on the previous page (ie.,the Playing Area) is a generic diagram that applies equally to indoor facilities with boards and without boards. The dominant measure will be metric and the internal dimensions will be consistent with or without boards. Where the markings for other sports prevail, eg., gymnasiums, the other sports markings as a substitute for soccer markings is encouraged. 1. DIMENSIONS. The field of play shall be rectangular. Unless specified in the competition rules, the field of play dimensions shall be: a) 9 v 9: length being not more than 75 meters not less than 64 meters and its breadth not more than 55 meters nor less than 42 meters b) 6 v 6: length being not more than 64 metres nor less than 45 metres and its breadth not more than 30 metres nor less than 23 metres. c) 3 on 3: length not more than 40 yards and breadth not more than 30 yards. Boards or walls which are part of the playing area shall not be less than 1.2 metres high. The glass mounted on the boards shall be considered part of the boards. 2. MARKING. The field shall be clearly marked with lines, not more than 12 cm. and not less than 5 cm in width in accordance with the plan. All lines shall be of the same width. The longer boundary lines being called the touch-lines and the shorter the goal-lines. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field of play. The centre of the field of play shall be indicated by a suitable mark, and a circle with a 3 metre radius shall be marked round it. The space within the inside areas of the field of play includes the width of the lines marking these areas. For facilities without boards a flag on a post not less than 1.5 metres high and having a non-pointed top shall be placed at each corner; a similar flag-post may be placed opposite the halfway line on each side of the field of play, not less than 1 metre outside the touchline. For facilities with boards, a referee's crease shall be marked as a semicircle with a radius of 3 metres centred at a point on the perimeter wall and the halfway line adjacent to the timekeepers box. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 74

75 3. THE GOAL AREA. With the exception of 3 on 3 tournaments, the penalty area shall serve as the goal area. In 3 on 3 tournaments, the goal area is ten feet wide by eight feet long and it is directly in front of the goal. No player may touch the ball within the goal box; however, any player may move through the goal area. Any part of the ball or player's body on the line is considered in the goal area as the player is an extension of the goal area. An infraction occurs if a defender touches the ball in the goal area, a penalty kick is awarded to the offensive team. If an offensive player touches the ball within the goal area, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. Habitual touches in the goal box may result with a Yellow Card given to offending party. If the ball comes to a complete stop in the goal area, regardless of which team touched it last, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. 4. THE PENALTY AREA. At each end of the field of play, two lines shall be drawn at right angles to the goal-line, 3 metres from the inside edge of each goal opening. These shall extend into the field of play for a distance of 8 metres and shall be joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal-line. Each of the spaces enclosed by these lines and the goal line shall be called a penalty area. A suitable mark shall be made within each penalty area, 7.5 metres from the mid-point of the goal-line, measured along an undrawn line at right angles thereto. These shall be the penalty-kick marks. From each penalty kick mark an arc of a circle, having a radius of 3 metres shall be drawn outside the penalty area. 5. CORNER AREA/MARK. For facilities without boards from each corner a quarter circle, having a radius of 1 metre shall be drawn inside the field of play. A short line shall be drawn on the goal line five metres from the quarter circle and another short line shall be drawn on the touch line five metres from the quarter circle. For facilities with boards a corner mark shall be placed 1 metre from the boards on the extension of the goal area line parallel to the goal line. 6. THE GOALS. The goals shall be placed on the centre of each goal-line. Unless specified in the competition rules, the goal sizes shall be: a) 9 v 9: The inside width of the goal opening shall be 5.48 metres. The inside height of the goal opening shall be 2 meters. b) 6 v 6: The inside width of the goal opening shall be 3.5 metres. The inside height of the goal opening shall be 2 metres. c) 3 on 3: The goals are approximated 4 feet high by 8 feet wide. The width and depth of cross-bars shall not exceed 12cms. The goal-posts and the cross-bars shall have the same width. Nets shall be attached to the outer edges of the goal or the goal-posts, cross-bars and the ground behind the goals. The nets should be appropriately supported and have a minimum depth of 1.5 metres, so as to allow the goalkeeper ample room. For safety reasons, the goals, including those which are portable, must be anchored securely to the ground. 7. TEAM BENCHES. All team benches must be on the same side of the field. Rule 2 - THE BALL The ball shall be spherical; the outer casing shall be of leather or other suitable materials. No material shall be used in its construction which might prove dangerous to the players. The ball shall be judged fit for play by the referee and shall not be changed during the game unless authorised by the referee. Rule 3 - NUMBER OF PLAYERS 1) The Rules of the competition shall specify the maximum and minimum number of players on the field of play. One of the players shall be the goalkeeper with the exception of 3on3 competitions in which there is no goalkeeper. The rules of the competition shall state the number of players on each team who may be dressed to play. All persons dressed to play shall be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee. 2) Substitutes may be used in any match in accordance with the rules of the competition. The game shall not be delayed to allow substitution, except for the substitution of the goalkeeper. 3) Unlimited substitution shall be allowed. 4) Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that the referee is informed before the change is made, and provided also, that the change is made during a stoppage of the game. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 75

76 5) When any player other than the goalkeeper is to be replaced, the substitute shall not enter the field of play until the player being replaced is within 1 metre of the centre field on the side of the player's team bench. Neither the player entering or the player leaving may interfere with the play while both are on the field. The substitution is completed when the substitute enters the field of play, from which moment the substitute becomes a player and the player being substituted ceases to be a player. Infringements/Sanctions For any infringement of this playing rule the offending team's coach shall designate a player from the field of play to serve a 2 minute penalty and if the referee stopped the game because of the infringement, the game shall be restarted with a free-kick from the place where the ball was when the offense occurred. Rule 4 - PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT Players shall not wear anything which is dangerous to themselves or another player. The Players equipment shall adhere to Law 4 in the Laws Of The Game approved by the IFAB and published by FIFA. 1) The footwear shall be appropriate to the playing surface. Infringements/Sanctions For any infringement of this playing rule, the player at fault shall be instructed to leave the field of play by the referee, when the ball next ceases to be in play, unless by then there is no longer an infringement. Play shall not be stopped immediately for an infringement of this Playing rule. A player who is instructed to leave the field to adjust equipment or obtain missing equipment shall not return without first reporting to the referee, who must ensure that the player's equipment is in order. The player shall only re-enter the game at a moment when the ball has ceased to be in play. Rule 5 REFEREES Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the OSA's Playing Rules of Small Sided Soccer depending on the rules for that competition. The authority and exercise of the powers granted to the referee by these playing rules commence as soon as the referee enter the field of play. The referee's powers of penalizing shall extend to offences committed when the ball is in play the ball is out of play. or play has been temporarily suspended. The referee's decision on points of fact connected with the play shall be final, so far as the result of the game is concerned. In accordance with the rules of the competition an additional referee may be appointed. The referee(s) shall: a) enforce these playing rules; b) refrain from penalising in cases where by doing so, an advantage would be given to the offending team; c) keep a record of the game; d) have the discretionary power to stop the game for any infringement of the playing rules and to suspend or terminate the game whenever, by reason of the elements, interference by spectators, or other cause, such stoppage is deemed necessary. In such a case the referee shall submit a detailed report, within the stipulated time, and in accordance with the provisions set by the O.S.A.; e) caution and show a yellow card to any player guilty of misconduct or unsporting behaviour. In such cases the referee shall send the name of the offender to the competent authority, within the stipulated time, and in accordance with the provisions set by the O.S.A.; f) allow no person other than the players to enter the field of play without giving permission; g) stop the game when of the opinion that a player has been seriously injured; have the player removed as soon as possible from the field of play, and immediately resume the game. If a player is slightly injured, the game must not be stopped until the ball has ceased to be in play. A player who is able to leave the field of play for attention of any kind, shall not be treated on the field of play; h) send off the field of play and show a red card to any player who is guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play, or the use of offensive, insulting, abusive language and/or gestures, or is guilty of a second cautionable offence; i) signal for recommencement of the game after all stoppages; j) decide that the ball provided for a match meets with the requirements of Playing Rule 2; and k) the allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee and the referee may add an additional time to the game to compensate for time lost during the last two minutes of the game. If the Indoor Facility does not allow additional time to be added to games, the League may have another penalty imposed in its local rules for time wasting offences in the last two minutes of the game. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 76

77 Rule 6 TIMEKEEPER 1) A timekeeper may be appointed to assist the referee. The timekeeper shall not enter the playing area and shall be under the jurisdiction of the referee. 2) The timekeeper shall: a) start and stop the time-clock when signalled to do so by the referee; b) keep the score and record the name and the number of those who score; c) record the name and number of any player who is cautioned or sent-off from the playing area or its vicinity; and d) control time penalties. Rule 7 - DURATION OF THE GAME The duration of the game shall be two equal periods of 25 minutes, unless otherwise stated in the rules of the competition. Time shall be extended to permit a penalty kick being taken at or after the expiration of the normal period in either half. At half time the interval shall not exceed three minutes except by consent of the referee. The competition rules shall state whether overtime and/or kicks from the penalty-mark are required to reach a decision. Rule 8 - THE START OF PLAY 1) Preliminaries: A coin is tossed and the team which wins the toss decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the game and kicks off in the second half of the game. The other team takes the kick-off to start the game. In the game s second half, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals. 2) Kick-Off: A kick-off is the way of starting or restarting play: a) at the start of the game; b) after a goal has been scored; c) at the start of the second half of the game; and d) at the start of each period of extra time, when applicable. 3) A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-off. 4) Kick-Off Procedure: The referee having given a signal, the game shall be started by a player taking a place kick (i.e.a kick at the ball while it is stationary on the ground in the centre of the field of play) in any direction (ie., forwards, sidewards, or backwards) on the field of play. All players shall be in their own half of the field and every player of the team opposing that of the kicker shall remain not less than five metres from the ball until it is kicked-off. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. Infringements/Sanctions For any infringement of this playing rule, the kick-off shall be retaken, except in the case of the kicker playing the ball again before it has been touched or played by another player; for this offence, a free kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the over-riding conditions imposed in Playing Rule 13. 5) After any other temporary ; when restarting the game after a temporary of play from any cause not mentioned elsewhere in these playing rules, provided that immediately prior to the the ball had not passed over the touch or goal lines, the referee shall drop the ball at the place where it was when play was suspended, unless it was within the penalty area at that time, in which case it shall be dropped on the penalty-area line at least one metre from the boards/goal-line, nearest to where the ball was when play was suspended. It shall be deemed in play when it has touched the ground; if, however,: a) it goes over the touch-line or goal-line after it has been dropped by the referee, but before it has been touched by a player, or b) a player touches the ball before it has touched the ground the referee shall again drop the ball. Rule 9 - BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY Ball out of Play: The ball is out of play: a) when it has wholly crossed the goal-line and/or the end boards whether on the ground or in the air, or touches the netting above the end-boards; Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 77

78 b) when the game has been stopped by the referee; or c) when it has wholly crossed the touch-line and/or the side boards whether on the ground or in the air, or touches the netting above the sideboards, or makes contact with any part of the ceiling above the playing area. For such contact, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team, below the point at which contact was made, subject d) to Playing Rule 13. Rebounds off a referee located inside the field of play and remains on the field of play. e) Ball in Play: The ball is in play at all other times from the start of the match to the finish including: if it rebounds from a goal-post, cross-bar, corner-flag post, board or wall, including fixtures attached to the walls, into the field of play Rule 10 - METHOD OF SCORING A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the rules has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. Competition Rules For games ending in a draw, the competition rules may state provisions involving extra time and/or the "Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark" or other procedures approved by the O.SA. to determine the winner of a game. Rule 11 - OFFSIDE OFFENCE There shall be no offside offence in small sided soccer, unless otherwise stated by the rules of the competition. Rule 12 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: a) kicks or attempts to kick an opponent; b) trips or attempts to trip an opponent; c) jumps at an opponent; d) charges an opponent, including forcing into the boards; e) strikes or attempts to strike an opponent; or f) pushes an opponent; or who commits any of the following five offenses: g) when tackling an opponent makes contact with the opponent before contact is made with the ball; h) spits at an opponent; i) holds an opponent; j) handles the ball deliberately, i.e., carries, strikes or propels the ball with hand or arm (this does not apply to the goalkeepers within their penalty areas); or k) slide tackles or attempts to slide tackle (Sliding without attempt to contact the opposing player shall not be considered a slide tackle). A direct kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred (See Law 13 Position of free kick). Penalty Kick A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above eleven offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play. A player committing any of the five following offences: 1) playing in a manner considered by the referee to be dangerous. 2) charging fairly, i.e., with the shoulder, when the ball is not within playing distance of the players concerned and they are definitely not trying to play it; 3) when not playing the ball, impeding the progress of an opponent, i.e., running between the opponent and the ball, or interposing the body so as to form an obstacle to an opponent, or using the boards or walls to delay play, trap, fend-off an opponent or support themselves so as to gain an advantage; 4) charging the goalkeeper except when the goalkeeper: a) is holding the ball; Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 78

79 b) is obstructing an opponent; c) has passed outside the goal area. 5) when playing as a goalkeeper and within the penalty area commits any of the following five offences: a) takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with her/his hands, before releasing it from her/his possession, b) touches the ball again with her/his hands after it has been released from her/his possession and has not touched any other player, c) touches the ball with her/his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to her/him by a team-mate, d) touches the ball with her/his hands after she/he has received it directly from a kick-in taken by a team-mate, e) wastes time shall be penalised by the award of a free kick to be taken by the opposing side from where the infringement occurred, subject to the overriding conditions of Playing Rule 13. A player shall be cautioned and shown the yellow card if, in the opinion of the referee, the player: a) is guilty of unsporting behaviour; b) shows dissent by word or action; c) persistently infringes the Playing Rules Of Indoor Soccer; d) delays the restart of play; e) fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or a free kick; f) enters the field of play without the referee s permission other than in the act of substitution; g) deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee s permission other that in the act of substitution or directly returning to the team bench after serving a time penalty; or h) slide tackles or attempts to slide tackle. Sliding without attempt to contact the opposing player shall not be considered a slide tackle. If the referee stopped play to administer the caution, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the place where the offence occurred, subject to the over-riding conditions imposed in Playing Rule 13, unless a more serious infringement of the playing rules was committed. A player shall be sent off the field of play and shown the red card if, in the opinion of the referee, the player: a) is guilty of serious foul play; b) is guilty of violent conduct; c) spits at an opponent or any other person; d) denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within her/his own penalty area); e) denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick; f) abuses offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures; or g) receives a second caution in the same match. If play is stopped by reason of a player being ordered from the field of play for an offence without a separate breach of the playing rule having been committed, the game shall be resumed by a free kick awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the over-riding conditions imposed in Playing Rule 13. Time Penalties 1) A player committing any offence may be given, at the discretion of the referee, a 2 minute time penalty. 2) A player who is cautioned shall serve a 2 minute time penalty. 3) A team, one of whose players has been sent off, shall serve a 5 minute time penalty. Administration of time penalties 1) Time penalties shall commence when the game is restarted. 2) Time penalties to goalkeepers may be served by another player who was on the field at the time of the offence. 3) 2 minute time penalty shall be served until the time penalty expires. 4) 5 minute time penalties shall be served until the time penalty expires. 5) When a player has been sent off another player on the same team shall serve the 5 minute time penalty. 6) If a team has two players serving time penalties and another player on the same team receives a time penalty, that player must go into the penalty box. The team must substitute players not serving time penalties to maintain the minimum number. The time penalty of the third player shall not commence until the time penalty of the first player has expired. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 79

80 Rule 13 - FREE KICK All free kicks are indirect, with exception of Penalty Kicks When a player is taking a free kick inside the player's own penalty area, all of the opposing players shall be at least five metres from the ball and shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball has been kicked out of the area. The ball shall be in play immediately when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area. The goalkeeper shall not handle the ball, in order to kick it into play. If the ball is not kicked directly into play, beyond the penalty area, the kick shall be retaken. When a player is taking a free kick outside the player's own penalty area, all of the opposing players shall be at least five metres from the ball, until it is in play, unless they are standing on their own goal line, between the goal posts. The ball shall be in play when it is kicked and moves. If a player of the opposing team encroaches into the penalty area, or within five metres of the ball, as the case may be, before a free kick is taken, the referee shall delay the taking of the kick, until the playing rule is complied with. The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken, and the kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. Notwithstanding any other reference in these playing rules to the point from which a free kick is to be taken: 1) Any free kick awarded to the defending team, within its own goal area, may be taken from any point within the goal area. 2) Any free kick awarded to the attacking team within its opponent's penalty area shall be taken from the penalty-area line, at least one metre from the boards/goal-line, at the point nearest to where the offence was committed. 3) Any free kick awarded for an infringement on the boards shall be taken at a point 1 metre into the field of play. Infringements/Sanctions If the kicker, after taking the free kick, plays the ball a second time before it has been touched or played by another player, a free kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the spot where the infringement occurred. If the offence is committed by a player in the opponents' goal area, the free kick shall be taken from any point within the goal area. Rule 14 - PENALTY KICK With the exception of 3 on 3 tournaments, a penalty-kick shall be taken from the penalty-mark and, when it is being taken, all players with the exception of the player taking the kick, properly identified, and the opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty-area, and at least 3 metres from the penalty-mark and must stand behind the penalty mark. The opposing goalkeeper remains on her/his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goal-posts, until the ball is kicked. The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward; it shall not be played a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. The ball shall be deemed in play directly after it is kicked and moves. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty-kick. When a penalty-kick is being taken during the normal course of play, or when time has been extended at half time or full time to allow a penalty-kick to be taken or retaken, a goal shall not be nullified if, before passing between the posts and under the crossbar, the ball touches either or both of the goal posts or the crossbar, or the goalkeeper, or any combination of these agencies, providing that no other infringement has occurred. In 3 on 3 tournaments, a penalty kick shall be awarded if, in the match official s opinion, a scoring opportunity was nullified by an infraction. It is a direct kick taken from the top of the center circle (15ft. line) on the offensive side of the midfield line with all other players behind the midfield line. If a goal is not scored, the defending team obtains possession with a goal kick. Penalty kicks are not live balls. Infringements/Sanctions The Penalty Kick infringements shall adhere to Law 14 in the Laws Of The Game approved by the IFAB and published by FIFA. Rule 15 - KICK-IN When the whole of the ball passes over the touch-line, either on the ground or in the air, or touches the netting above the side-boards a free kick shall be awarded the team opposing that of the player who last touched or played the ball. The free kick shall be taken from the point that the ball crossed the line, or for facilities with boards, from a point within 1 metre of the point closest to where the ball went out of play. Players of the team opposing that of the player taking the kick-in shall not approach within five metres of the ball until it is in play, i.e., it has been kicked and moves, nor shall the kicker play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-in. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 80

81 Rule 16 - GOAL KICK Except for 3 on 3 tournaments, when the whole of the ball passes over the goal-line and/or the end-boards excluding that portion between the goal-posts, either in the air or on the ground, or touches the netting above the end-boards having last been played by one of the attacking team, it shall be kicked from a point within the goal-area, by a player of the defending team. A goalkeeper shall not handle the ball from a goal-kick in order to kick it into play. If the ball is not kicked beyond the penalty area, i.e., directly into play, the kick shall be retaken. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has touched or been played by another player. Players of the team opposing that of the player taking the goal-kick shall be at least five metres from the ball and shall remain outside the penalty-area until the ball has been kicked out of the penalty-area. A goal may not be scored directly from a goal-kick. In 3 on 3 tournaments, a goal kick may be taken from any point on the end line but, not within the goal area. Infringements/Sanctions If the player taking a goal-kick plays the ball a second time after it has passed beyond the penalty-area, but before it has touched or been played by another player, an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the over-riding conditions imposed in Playing Rule 13. Rule 17 - CORNER-KICK When the whole of the ball passes over the goal-line and/or end-boards, excluding that portion between the goal-posts, either in the air or on the ground, or touches the netting above the end-boards, having last been played by one of the defending team, a member of the attacking team shall take a corner-kick. Depending upon the facility either the whole of the ball shall be placed on, or within, the corner arc (ie., quarter circle at the nearest corner-flag post), which must not be moved, or the ball will be placed on the corner-mark. and it shall be kicked from that position. Players of the team opposing that of the player taking the corner-kick shall not approach within five metres of the ball until it is in play, i.e., it has been kicked and moves, nor shall the kicker play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. A goal shall not be scored directly from a corner-kick. Infringements/Sanctions If the player who takes the kick plays the ball a second time before it has been touched or played by another player, the referee shall award an indirect free-kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, subject to the over-riding conditions imposed in playing Rule 13. Rule 18 - Local Facility or League Rules A facility or a league may have local rules which vary from the OSA's Playing Rules Of Small Sided Soccer subject to the approval of the OSA's Executive Director. Rule Appendix A - INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE TAKING OF KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK (in knock-out competitions to decide a winner) 1) All dressed players (excluding any players who were dismissed) shall be "eligible players" to take part in the "Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark". 2) When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players that its opposing team, that team shall reduce its numbers to equate with that of its opposing team. 3) Before the start of "kicks from the penalty mark", the referee shall ensure that only an equal number of players from each team remain within the centre circle and they shall take the kicks. 4) The referee shall choose the goal at which all of the kicks shall be taken. 5) The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or second kick. 6) The referee shall keep a record of the kicks being taken. 7) Subject to the conditions below, both teams shall take 5 kicks which will be alternately taken by the teams. 8) If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks shall be taken. 9) If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks. 10) Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before a player can take a second kick. 11) An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 81

82 12) Only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. 13) All eligible players except the two goalkeepers and the player taking the kick must remain at centre-line on 3 Soccer Tournaments on 3 Soccer is a competition played in a tournament format only and is subject to the OSA s Playing Rules of Small-Sided Soccer on 3 Soccer is played under the Laws Of The Game with the exceptions outlined in the Operational Procedures below. 2.4 Registration: All players must be registered in the OSA Database at the time of the competition. 2.5 Team Eligibility For Competitions: In 3 on 3 competitions, the teams are comprised of OSA registered players who are not required to be registered with the same team playing in the competition. The team entry shall be submitted by an OSA Registrant and not by a Club or registered team. 2.6 Team Composition: Teams consist of 3 to 6 registered players, playing in a 3 on 3 format, with no goalkeeper The team provides the competition host with their list of 3 to 6 registered players that will be the official team roster for the competition. The team roster list will consist of First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth and OSA# of each player Teams may also list a Coach or Manager. 2.7 Duration of Games: Unless otherwise specified in the competition rules, the duration of the game shall be: a) Two 10 minute halves or 10 goal lead; or b) 16 minute game. 2.8 Player Dismissal: If a player is dismissed from the game, the player is not permitted to continue playing in the game but, the team still plays with three players on the field. 2.9 Goals: The competition rules will determine the minimum number of players required by each team to be on the field. Goals must be last touched by either team in the OFFENSIVE half of the field only. On a kickoff, the ball is not considered in the offensive half of the field. The ball must be completely on the offensive half and must roll over the mid-line in order to be shot into the goal. Procedure 3.0 Futsal 3.1 A Futsal competition in the Province of Ontario must be played in accordance with the "Futsal Laws Of The Game" as approved by the IFAB which can be obtained from the FIFA website: The following modifications to OSA Operational Procedures apply to Futsal Competitions: 3.3 Team Composition: Teams consist of 5 to 14 registered players. Each team must provide the competition host with its OSA Team Roster Report. 3.4 Registration Operational Procedure 5.11 (ie., residency rule) shall not apply to Futsal youth teams. 3.5 Club Policy 1.4 (ie., requirement for Club to have minimum of four youth teams) does not apply to a Club operating Futsal teams. 3.6 All provincial competitions (e.g. the Ontario Futsal Cup) shall be officiated by teams consisting of four officials: a Referee, a Second Referee, a Third Referee and a TimeKeeper. During provincial competitions player bibs, a suitable chronometer, a public scoreboard, visible signs and documents shall be used as described in the Futsal Laws of the Game. 3.7 Walls and board are not permitted in Futsal competitions. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 82

83 Procedure Grassroots Soccer 4.1 Grassroots Soccer OSA Grassroots Soccer refers to all soccer played in Ontario between the ages of Under-4 to Under Grassroots Matrices All Grassroots Soccer shall be organized and played in accordance with the OSA s LTPD Development Matrices and LTPD Recreational Matrices as per Appendix D Outdoor Recreational Matrix, Appendix E Outdoor Development Matrix, Appendix F Indoor Recreational Matrix and Appendix G Indoor Development Matrix The LTPD Matrices shall be developed and maintained by the OSA s Grassroots Development Department. 4.3 Festivals All competitions for Grassroots Soccer shall be in accordance with the Festivals Sections of the Competitions Operational Procedures (Section 8.0 Operational Procedures 10.0 to 17.0) 4.4 Playing with a Squad to Which a Player is Not Registered An Under 12 and younger aged player may only play with a squad to which they are not registered under one of the following conditions: a) he/she plays up to an older age group: i) an under-8 player wishing to play with an under-9 squad must complete the U8 to U9 evaluation process and form ii) Under 9 to Under 11 players wishing to play to an older age group must complete the U9-U11 evaluation process and form iii) Under 12 player wishing to play to Under 13 team must complete the U12 to U13 process and form. Note: limitation regarding the number of players allowed to play up is explained in the evaluation process and form for each age group b) he/she uses a Trial Registration Permit: i) May only be used by players who are not registered with the OSA or a Provincial Association affiliated to the CSA ii) Must be used in accordance with Operational Procedure Section 6.0 Registration Procedures 8.0 Trial Registration Permit. c) Movement of players may occur between recreational and development programs within the same club. d) Grassroots Club Affiliation Agreement i) With permission of the District Association and The Ontario Soccer Association a Grassroots Club Affiliation Agreement is a document which may be signed by two Clubs under which they agree to allow players to play for the affiliated Club that offers a suitable program at the specified age group as a result of the other affiliated Club not being able to provide an equivalent program. Procedure Beach Soccer 5.1 A beach soccer competition in the Province of Ontario must be played in accordance with: a) the "Beach Soccer Laws Of The Game" as approved by the IFAB which can be obtained from the FIFA website: Player Equipment: Shoes, cleats and shinpads are not permitted. Socks may be worn to protect the feet. 5.3 Registration: All players must be registered in the OSA Database at the time of the competition. 5.4 Team Composition: Teams consist of 5 to 10 registered players, playing in a 5 on 5 (4 players +1 goalkeeper) format. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 83

84 5.4.2 The team provides the competition host with their list of 5 to 10 registered players that will be the official team roster for the competition. The team roster list will consist of First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth and OSA# of each player Teams may also list a Coach or Manager. 5.5 Duration of Game: Unless otherwise specified in the competition rules, the duration of the game shall be: 5.6 Team Eligibility For Competitions: c) Two 14 minute halves; or d) Three periods of 12 minutes (as per FIFA Laws) In Beach Soccer competitions, the teams are comprised of OSA registered players who are not required to be registered with the same team playing in the competition. The team entry shall be submitted by an OSA Registrant and not by a Club or registered team. Procedure Accessible Soccer 6.1 The OSA will support the integration and inclusion of all players with a disability to participate in an environment that is safe, fun and challenging. 6.2 The OSA recognises the established laws of the game associated with the following types of accessible soccer: 1. Special Olympics Football through Special Olympics 2. Blind soccer (5-a-side) through the International Blind Sport Federation 3. Para soccer (7-a-side) through Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association 4. Powerchair Football (wheelchair) through Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association 5. Amputee soccer through the World Amputee Football Federation 6.3 The OSA may use its discretion to enable disabled children to play soccer in an age group other than the groups dictated by their birth date, including playing down. 6.4 The OSA provides clear guidance to District Association and Club Technical Directors regarding the decision making process for a player to play down. 6.5 Programs specific to any disability will follow the rules of that disability group as defined on the international federation s website (IBSA, CPISRA, Special Olympics etc.) 6.6 Programs that combine athletes with a disability and able bodied athletes will, where required, seek guidance from the applicable disability specific group as per Operational Procedure 2.0 above. 6.7 All participants must be registered in the OSA database. 6.8 Where a reciprocal agreement exists between the OSA and another organization identified in Operational Procedure 2.0 above, then registration with either party must be confirmed to ensure the player s well-being is addressed. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 84

85 Section 8.0 HIGH PERFORMANCE Procedure 1.0 High Performance Programs 1.1 High Performance Programs shall include: a) Regional EXceleration Program (REX) b) Talent Development Centres (TDC) c) Provincial Team and Canada Games d) Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Procedure 2.0 Regional Exceleration Program (Rex) 2.1 The Regional Exceleration Program is a CSA program which is outlined in the attached PDF file: The Ontario Soccer Association has a licence to operate the REX in Ontario. 2.3 The REX Program will operate from January to November annually for female youth players aged Under-13 to Under-18 (exceptions to ages will be explored and decision will be issued by the REX Director. 2.4 A full time player will register directly with the OSA. 2.5 Full time players within the REX program cannot participate in any Club or Academy competitions or events during the duration of the REX season. 2.6 Part time players must be registered with an OSA affiliated Club or an OSA Recognized Non-Club Academy. 2.7 A part time player may continue to participate with her Club or OSA Recognized Non-Club Academy program during the REX season. 2.8 Players can be recommended to the Manager of High Performance for future assessment. Procedure Provincial Teams & Canada Games 3.1 Appointment of Team Staff to Provincial & Canada Games Teams The OSA shall circulate an invitation to serve as a Provincial Team and or a Canada Games Team Coach or Manager at least 60 days prior to the appointment deadline The selection process will include interviews when required The Provincial and or Canada Games Team Ontario appointments shall be subject to review, renewal or revocation. 3.2 Provincial Team Programs including Canada Games Teams Program Responsibility The Ontario Soccer Association shall be responsible for providing opportunities for players and coaches to reach a Provincial, National, and International Standard of Play. The Ontario Soccer Association shall be responsible for and operate the Provincial Team Program and Canada Games Program. District Associations, Talent Development Centres (TDC) and the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) shall provide the opportunities for players and coaches to participate in a Province-wide Player Development Program Scope of the Programs The Program shall consist of Male and Female Youth Teams Program Duration The Provincial Teams Program shall operate from January to May plus preparation for, and participation in, Inter-Provincial competition at Under-14 and Under-16. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 85

86 The Canada Games Teams program shall operate every four years (2017, 2021, 2025, etc) The Canada Games Teams program shall operate from January to competition end date within the Canada Games four year cycle system Player Selection Provincial Team Player Selection The Under-15 and Under-16 Male and Female Age Groups shall be scouted by and/or written recommendation by the following persons: National Staff Coach Provincial Technical Staff District Technical Director OSA Master Learning Facilitator Club Head Coach Club Coach OSA Recognized Non-Club Academy (ORNCA) Technical Director A player of possible elite quality who has recently arrived from another Province or Country and has taken residence, and registered as a player in Ontario can be considered for the Provincial Program. The player scouted/recommended at the Under-15 or Under-16, Age Groups may be scouted by the Provincial Staff Coach, prior to being invited into training. The Provincial Head Coach has the responsibility/duty to select the best player to represent the Province Canada Games Team Player Selection The Canada Games Under-18 Male and Female Age Groups shall be scouted by and/or written recommendation by the following persons: National Staff Coach Provincial Technical Staff OSA Master Learning Facilitator Club Head Coach Club Coach OSA Recognized Non-Club Academy (ORNCA) Technical Director *note that As the Canada Games council determines the age of the athletes, player selection is therefore subject to change for which the OSA must comply. A player of possible elite quality who has recently arrived from another Province or Country and has taken residence, and registered as a player in Ontario can be considered for the Canada Games Program. The player scouted/recommended at the Under-18, Age Group may be scouted by the Canada Games and or OSA Technical Staff Coach, prior to being invited into training. The Canada Games Head Coach has the responsibility/duty to select the best player to represent the Province Coach Selection The coaches for the Provincial Teams and Canada Games Teams and Inter-Provincial Competition Teams will be selected by The OSA High Performance Department. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 86

87 3.2.6 Coach Qualifications The minimum requirement is Provincial B Licence. Canada Games also requires the coaches and/or staff to have a minimum of NCCP level 3 theory completed. The Canada Games Council may also have additional requirements with which the coach and or staff will need to comply. A Club Coach or Head Coach may not coach a Provincial Team or Canada Games Team; however, an appointed Coach to a Provincial or Canada Games Team may coach at the Club or OSA Recognized Non-Club Academy (ORNCA) level as long as the team is of the opposite gender or, if the same gender, the team is at least one year younger or older that the Provincial or Canada Games Team which she/he is coaching Budget/Financial Policies These policies will be set by The Ontario Soccer Association and shall be supervised by the Director of Finance and Administration Team Travel All team travel will require prior approval by the Manager of High Performance. 3.3 Scheduling Competitions for Provincial and Canada Games Teams With the exception of its participation in an authorized OSA Provincial Team Project, a Provincial Teams competition or a Canada Games Team competition, a Provincial Team shall not schedule any competition on the same date as an Ontario Cup competition. Procedure 4.0 Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) 4.1 The Ontario Player Development League is a high performance youth training and competition program which will be conducted and administered by the OSA. 4.2 The operations of the OPDL run in accordance with the OPDL Operations Manual developed and maintained by the OSA s Technical Director of Talented Pathways Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 87

88 Section 9.0 Competitions Procedure Sanctioning Of Competitions 1.1 When applying for sanction, the Governing Organization acting as Host must provide the information required on the appropriate application form, in accordance with the Procedures for Tournaments, Festivals, Cup Competitions, and Exhibition Games. 1.2 A Club must apply to its Governing Organization, as stipulated in the Operational Procedures for Team Travel, for permission for one of its Registered Teams to participate in a sanctioned tournament, festival, cup competition, or exhibition game. The Club must provide the information required on the appropriate application form, in accordance with the Published Rules for Team Travel. 1.4 Nothwithstanding Operational Procedure 1.2 above, a Club's team may play in a municipality sponsored competition which is not a sanctioned competition, subject to the approval of its District Association. However, the OSA Insurance program shall not be in effect for any of the participants. 1.5 Each competition may only be classified under one type of competition status, competition classification, competition playing season, and competition gender and must specify which age division(s) the competition will include. 1.6 An indoor team, futsal team and outdoor team can enter any indoor, futsal or outdoor tournament providing that the team was actively registered on the first day of the competition and is allowable by the tournament host. 1.7 In the case(s) where there is a maximum age limit, a participating team's age classification shall not exceed the competition's age classification. 1.8 In the case(s) where there is a minimum age limit, a participating team's age classification shall not fall short of the competition's age classification. 1.9 Youth competitions are not permitted to offer cash prizes. Procedure Tournament Definitions 2.1 A Tournament shall consist of a series of games: a) involving Under-13 or older aged teams b) played within no more than seven (7) consecutive days or over no more than three (3) weekends during a playing season c) between a minimum of 4 teams. 2.2 A Tournament Host must be one of the following: a) The OSA b) a District Association c) an Affiliated Club d) an Affiliated League e) an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy (for a Selected Showcase Tournament or Selected Charity Tournament only) f) an Unaffiliated Organization (in accordance with these policies). 2.3 A Tournament Host may host more than one class of tournament at the same time. A Team is eligible to participate in only one of those tournaments. 2.4 A District Association may limit the number of tournaments a Tournament Host may host in that District in each playing season. 2.5 The Ontario Cup Tournament Rounds shall be exempt from 2.3 and 2.4 above. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 88

89 2.6 A tournament may be played under the rules of any of the following types of soccer: (See Game Types Operational Procedures) I. 11v11 Soccer played under the Laws Of The Game II. small-sided soccer played under the OSA's Playing Rules of small-sided soccer III. futsal played under the FIFA Futsal Laws Of The Game IV. beach soccer subject to the tournament rules and FIFA Beach Laws Of The Game V. accessible soccer 2.7 A Selected Showcase Tournament is a tournament hosted in Ontario by the OSA, District Association, affiliated Club, affiliated League or an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy for Under-15 or older aged male and/or female teams. The objective is to provide exposure for the top Canadian players to the coaches of Canadian and American Colleges/Universities, Professional Clubs and National Teams. In order to be classified as a Selected Showcase Tournament, the tournament must be designated as such by the OSA's Technical Director who can designate no more than six Selected Showcase Tournament in one calendar year. 2.8 A Selected Charity Tournament is an event hosted in Ontario by the OSA, District Association, affiliated Club, affiliated League or an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy (ORNCA) for any aged male and/or female teams. The object is to provide an opportunity for charitable tournaments to have both affiliated Club and ORNCA teams participate in the event as well as to provide these Club and ORNCA teams the opportunity to be part of a charitable experience. In order to be classified as a Selected Charity Tournament, the event must be designated as such by the OSA s Director of Business Operations annually. Selection criteria will be determined by the OSA and only legitimate charitable events will be considered. Procedure Tournament Classifications 3.1 It is expected that tournament hosts are to provide adequate and appropriate competition to their participating teams. Subject to the tournament s Competition Rules, Under-13 and older aged teams may play in tournaments according to the following chart. TEAM TYPE YOUTH CLUB - OUTDOOR SENIOR OPEN CLUB - OUTDOOR YOUTH CLUB - INDOOR YOUTH CLUB -FUTSAL SENIOR CLUB - INDOOR SENIOR CLUB -FUTSAL TEAM LEVEL (LEAGUE) TEAM ELIGIBLE TOURNAMENT TYPES INT L TOURNAMENT CLASSIFICATION NORTH AMERICAN INTER- PROV. INTER- DISTRICT PROVINCIAL COMPETITIVE X X X X X REGIONAL COMPETITIVE X X X X X DISTRICT COMPETITIVE DISTRICT RECREATIONAL DISTRICT COMPETITIVE X X X X X COMPETITIVE X X RECREATIONAL X X X X X LOCAL RECREATIONAL X X X X X PROVINCIAL COMPETITIVE X X X X X REGIONAL COMPETITIVE X X X X X DISTRICT COMPETITIVE DISTRICT RECREATIONAL 3.2 Professional Tournaments COMPETITIVE X X X X X RECREATIONAL X X X X X LOCAL RECREATIONAL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Professional Tournaments are open to teams in Professional and Semi-Professional Leagues. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 89

90 3.3 Open Tournaments Open Tournaments are open to teams in Professional and Semi-Professional Leagues and to amateur teams. 3.4 Senior Tournaments Hosted by Unaffiliated Organizations A Senior Tournament may be hosted by an Unaffiliated Organization. The tournament is open to registered and unregistered senior teams providing that all players are currently registered with The OSA: a) on an annual basis or b) on a short term registration basis in accordance with Registration Policy or, c) the players are registered with teams from outside Ontario which have received written approval from their governing organization to participate in the tournament. Procedure Approval of Tournaments 4.1 A TOURNAMENT APPLICATION FORM (TAF), must be used when applying for approval to hold a tournament. The TAF is available online. 4.2 Associations Involved In Granting Approval of Tournaments: The Tournament Host Organization requires the approval of the following Associations: Tournament Level TAF Submission Deadline First Approval Second Approval Third Approval Fourth Approval Fifth Approval International 90 District of Host District Tournament Location O.S.A. C.S.A. F.I.F.A. North 60 District of Host District Tournament Location O.SA. American Inter 60 District of Host District Tournament Location O.S.A. Provincial Inter District 21 District of Host District Tournament Location District 21 District of Host District Tournament Location If a Tournament Host Organization submits its TAF after the above deadline, there is no guarantee that the tournament will be approved. NOTE: In most cases the District Association of the Tournament Host Organization will be the same District Association as the District in which the tournament is being played. Therefore, the second approval will only be required if the Tournament Host Organization is playing all or part of the tournament in a District other than the one with which it is affiliated Notwithstanding an OSA governed League, District Association, Professional Club which is affiliated as an Associate Member of the OSA and an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy hosting a tournament does not require District Association approval but will require the approval of The OSA In the case of an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy, OSA Approval will only be considered if the tournament has been designated as a Selected Showcase Tournament by the OSA's Technical Director or has been designated as a Selected Charity Tournament by the OSA s Director of Business Operations and after consideration of any recommendations submitted by the District Association of the District where the tournament is being played All senior tournaments hosted by an Unaffiliated Organization will require the approval of the OSA and the District Association in which the tournament is played. An Unaffiliated Organization may only host an Inter-Provincial, Inter-District or District Tournament. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 90

91 Procedure Tournament Requirements of Hosts 5.1 The Tournament Host shall indicate on the TAF only one Tournament Classification and will indicate one or more Age Classifications. 5.2 The Tournament Host for an Inter-National Class Tournament shall pay a "Tournament Host Fee", and submit its tournament rules to The Ontario Soccer Association for approval. The Ontario Soccer Association shall pay a fee, and submit such rules to the C.S.A. for its approval. 5.3 The Tournament Host for a North American Class Tournament shall pay a "Tournament Host Fee", and submit its tournament rules to The Ontario Soccer Association for approval. 5.4 The Tournament Host for an Inter-Provincial shall pay a "Tournament Host Fee", and submit its tournament rules to The Ontario Soccer Association for approval, otherwise the tournament will be governed by The Ontario Soccer Association's tournament rules. 5.5 The Tournament Host for an Inter-District Tournament shall submit its tournament rules to the District Association(s) required to approve the tournament, otherwise the tournament will be governed by The OSA's tournament rules. 5.6 The Tournament Host must indicate on the TAF that it will comply with all of the O.S.A. Rules, Policies, and Procedures governing tournaments. 5.7 Team Age Classifications Eligible to Play in Tournaments: 5.8 May play in North American, Inter-National, Inter-Provincial, Inter-District and District Tournament (Under-13 and older age teams). Tournament rules acceptable to The OSA shall be submitted; and must include the following: a) age divisions b) team eligibility c) number of games for each team d) duration of games e) number of players dressed in each game for each team f) substitution rules g) protest rules 5.9 Team Eligibility Criteria: a) All teams must be registered with their Provincial, State, or National Association. b) Each team must include with tournament application written proof of team travel permission authorized by its governing Association. c) In North American and Inter-National Class Tournaments, all teams from outside Ontario must supply proof of accident/injury/illness medical insurance to the Tournament Host no later than seven days prior to the tournament. d) Teams may only use players who are registered with them, except as otherwise stipulated Laws Of the Game All games shall be played in accordance with the Laws Of The Game observed by the O.S.A. and the C.S.A Duration of Games a) The following competitions shall not exceed the permitted time limit per day: i) Under-13 and Under-14 not to exceed 150 minutes per day ii) Under-15 and older not to exceed 180 minutes per day b) There must be a minimum of one hour between each game played by any team Number of Players Dressed In A Game: Teams may only dress and play up to a maximum of eighteen players in each game of the tournament The Tournament Host must obtain approval, in accordance with Operational Procedure The Tournament Host must advise all participants about the "Tournament Requirements for Team Participation", as stipulated in Operational Procedure 6.0 Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 91

92 5.15 a) Tournament rules may permit youth teams to include additional players from another youth team within the same Club, subject to the requirements of Operational Procedure 8.8. b) Tournament rules may permit senior teams to include additional players from another team within the same Club subject to the requirements of Operational Procedure a) Further to 6.3 a) tournament rules may permit youth teams to include additional players from another youth team from any Club, subject to the requirements of Operational Procedure 8.8 b) Further to 6.3 b), tournament rules may permit senior teams to include additional players from another team from any Club, subject to the requirements of Operational Procedure The Tournament Host shall provide teamsheets which shall be completed by each team prior to each game, and which must be submitted to the referee prior to the kickoff. The competing teams must be identified on an individual teamsheet their Team Name and Team Registration Number Except as specified in 6.7, the Tournament Host shall collect teamsheets and misconduct reports from referees immediately after each game and such shall be forwarded by the Tournament Host to its District Association, or in the case of a Senior Level 1 League, Senior Level 2 League, Senior Level 3 League, Senior Level 4 League, (if governed by the OSA) Senior Level 5 League, Youth Provincial League, Youth Regional League, (if governed by the OSA) Youth District Competitive League, to The OSA, no later than 48 hours after the last day of the tournament In all cases of alleged game official assault, the misconduct report shall be forwarded by the referee to: a) The OSA b) her/his District Association c) the Tournament Host within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game Within 30 days of the final day of the tournament a) The Tournament Host of an International Tournament, North American Tournament, or Inter-Provincial Tournament must submit a tournament report to The OSA b) The Tournament Host of an Inter-District Tournament or a District Tournament must submit a tournament report to the District Association 5.21 Failure to do so shall result in the following penalties: first offence, $ fine; second offence, $ fine plus disqualification from hosting a tournament in the following year The tournament report shall include: a) a list of participating teams, identified by Team Name and Team Registration Number; b) a list of teams failing to show up, identified by Team Name and Team Registration Number; c) a list of teams which failed to play all their games, identified by Team Name and Team Registration Number; d) a summary report of serious injuries; e) discipline summary report; f) the tournament schedule and results of each game; g) any other relevant comments Failure to comply with the terms of Operational Procedures 5.1 to 5.12, will result in the tournament application (TAF) not being approved by the appropriate governing organization(s) in accordance with Operational Procedure 4.3 above. Failure to comply with terms of Operational Procedures 5.13 to 5.22 will render the Tournament Host subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, non-sanction of hosting any tournament in the following year, with the exception of Game Official Assaults, where the Tournament Host shall have the responsibility for overseeing that the referee report has been completed and submitted. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 92

93 Procedure Tournament Requirements of Host District Associations 6.1 a) The District Association approving a tournament shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, a discipline committee to act at the tournament. b) For a tournament hosted by a Provincial League, Regional League (if governed by the OSA) District Competitive League, The OSA shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, a discipline committee to act at the tournament. 6.2 a) The District Association approving a tournament shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, referees. b) For a tournament hosted by a Provincial League, Regional League (if governed by the OSA) District Competitive League, The OSA shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, referees. Procedure Tournament Requirements for Team Participation 7.1 An Under-13 or older aged team may only participate in a tournament which has been sanctioned in accordance with OSA rules by the governing organization to which the Host Organization is affiliated. 7.2 The team must comply with all of the competition rules in the tournament for which it has received approval to play. 7.3 When applying to take part in a tournament, each team shall identify itself by providing "Full Team Identification" as defined in the OSA's Operational Procedures and must attach to the tournament application form written proof of permission from its Association to participate, in accordance with the following: Ontario teams -- District Association approval if tournament is played out-of-district; Other Canadian teams -- Provincial Association approval; U.S.A. teams -- State Association approval; Other teams -- National Association approval. Failure to comply will disqualify the team from participating in the tournament. NOTE: This rule must be included in the written information sent by the Tournament Host to all participating teams. 7.4 In Inter-National Class Tournaments and North American Class Tournaments, all teams shall supply proof of accident/injury/illness medical insurance to the Tournament Host not later than seven days prior to the first day of the tournament. Failure to comply will disqualify the team from participating in the tournament. NOTE: This rule must be included in the written information sent by the Tournament Host to all participating teams. 7.5 Each player must provide proof of registration or that player will not be allowed to play in that tournament. 7.6 A team entered in the Ontario Cup will not be: a) eligible to enter any tournament; b) given permission to participate in any tournament; or c) given permission to travel to any tournament; which conflict(s) with the Ontario Cup schedule. 7.7 Subject to the rules of the tournament, a team shall only use players registered on it, with the exception of the following: In the case of a Club's Youth Team,: a) use up to three registered youth players from another youth team within the same Club as guest players, each player must meets the age eligibility requirements of the tournament; and b) use up to an additional three registered youth players from another youth team from any Club as guest players, each player must meet the age eligibility requirements of the tournament In the case of a Club's Senior Team,: a) use up to three registered players from another team within the same Club as guest players; and b) use up to an additional three registered players from another team from any Club as guest players. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 93

94 7.7.3 In the case of an All Star Team, use players registered with the organization (ie., The OSA, District Association, League) represented by the All Star Team. 7.8 Notwithstanding Competitions Operational Procedure 1.8, in a tournament,: a) a competitive youth team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which competitive senior teams are eligible b) a recreational youth team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which recreational senior teams are eligible c) an indoor youth team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which indoor senior teams are eligible d) a futsal youth team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which futsal senior teams are eligible e) a competitive girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which competitive boys' teams are eligible f) a recreational girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which recreational boys' teams are eligible g) an indoor girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which indoor boys' teams are eligible h) a futsal girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which futsal boys' teams are eligible i) a competitive mixed team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which competitive boys' teams are eligible j) a recreational mixed team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which recreational boys' teams are eligible k) an indoor mixed team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which indoor boys' teams are eligible l) a futsal mixed team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which futsal boys' teams are eligible m) a competitive girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which competitive mixed teams are eligible n) a recreational girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which recreational mixed teams are eligible o) an indoor girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which indoor mixed teams are eligible; and p) a futsal girls' team will be eligible to enter, and play in, a tournament for which futsal mixed teams are eligible providing that the published Tournament Rules of the Tournament Host Organization permit it and subject to the approval of the District Association to which the team's Club is affiliated. Procedure 8.0 Under-13 and Older Team Travel to Tournaments and Exhibition Games 8.1 Any travel outside a team's District, except for a scheduled league game, league playoff game, or cup game, shall be considered Team Travel. 8.2 An APPLICATION TO TRAVEL FORM (ATF), must be used when applying for approval to travel. 8.3 Approval for Team Travel for Under-13 and older aged teams shall be based on Approval to travel is required from the following Associations: Travel To First Second Third a) Another District District b) Another Province District c) The U.S.A. District d) Another Country District O.S.A. C.S.A. e) Outside Canada by an OSA-recognized Non-Club Academy O.S.A. C.S.A. (if team is travelling outside Canada and USA) 8.4 A Provincial League, Regional League and (if governed by the OSA) District Competitive League, District Association and an OSArecognized Non-Club Academy will obtain the ATF from The OSA. A Club and other leagues will obtain the ATF from their District Associations. 8.5 Notwithstanding Operational Procedure 19.4, an All Star Team from a Provincial League, Regional League and (if governed by the OSA) District Competitive League does not require District Association approval. 8.7 The ATF must be completed and returned to the District Association no later than: Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 94

95 a) 7 days before travelling to another Province or the U.S.A. b) 21 days before travelling to another country outside of Canada or the U.S.A. If the ATF is submitted after the above deadline, there is no guarantee that the team travel will be approved. 8.8 The ATF for a Club team requires the authorization of its Club. 8.9 Teams travelling outside Canada and the U.S.A. shall pay the applicable fee to The OSA, and must include with the ATF a copy of documents containing information about the competition and its rules, received from the Tournament Host and/or Exhibition Game Host. Procedure Festival Definitions 9.1 A Festival shall consist of a series of games played under the following format: a) played on one day; (NOTE: During 2015, the OSA will phase out the 2014 pilot project of two day festivals for Under-11 and Under-12 age groups will only permit Under-12 age groups to participate in two day festivals) b) played without the recording of scores and standings; c) which prohibits trophies or awards with the exception of participation mementos d) Under-6 teams will play 3v3 with no goalkeeper e) Under-7 or Under-8 teams will play 4v4 with no goalkeeper or 5v5 with a goalkeeper f) Under-9 and/or Under-10 teams will play 7v7 with a goalkeeper; g) Under-11 and/or Under-12 teams will play 9v9 with a goalkeeper. 9.2 A Festival Host must be one of the following: a) The OSA b) a District Association c) an Affiliated Club d) an Affiliated League e) An OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy (for Selected Charity Festivals only) 9.3 A festival will consist of small-sided soccer played under the OSA's Grassroots Soccer Rules. 9.4 A Selected Charity Festival is an event hosted in Ontario by the OSA, District Association, affiliated Club, affiliated League or an OSA- Recognized Non-Club Academy (ORNCA) for any aged male and/or female teams. The objective is to provide an opportunity for charitable festivals to have both affiliated Club and ORNCA teams participate in the event as well as to provide these Club and ORNCA teams the opportunity to be part of a charitable experience In order to be classified as a Selected Charity Festival, the event must be designated as such by the OSA s Director of Business Operations annually. Selection criteria will be determined by the OSA and only legitimate charitable events will be considered. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 95

96 Procedure Festival Classifications 10.1 Festivals The following classes of festivals are open to Under-6, Under-7, Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 teams only. Under-12 and younger age groups are not eligible to participate in any tournaments. Season Jurisdiction Classification Age Group Eligibility Outdoor Inter-District Development Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 Club Teams Outdoor Inter-District Recreational Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 Club Teams Outdoor District Development Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under- 12 Club Teams Outdoor District Recreational Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under- 12 Club Teams Outdoor Club Recreational Under-6, Under-7, Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 Club Teams Indoor Inter-District Development Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 Club Teams Indoor Inter-District Recreational Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 Club Teams Indoor District Development Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under- 12 Club Teams Indoor District Recreational Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under- 12 Club Teams Indoor Club Recreational Under-6, Under-7, Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 Club Teams 10.2 Notwithstanding Operational Procedure 11.1 above, with the permission of its District Association, a team may be given permission to travel to: a) a District Festival hosted in a neighbouring District; and b) a Club Festival hosted by a neighbouring Club Notwithstanding Operational Procedure 10.1 above, the Host Organization may permit: a) an Under-11 or Under-12 team from another Province or from the USA; or b) an Under-9 or Under-10 team from a Province or State which borders the Host Organization's District to enter its Inter-District Festival. NOTE: Team Travel procedures are subject to Procedure Approval for Team Travel. Procedure Approval of Festivals 11.1 A FESTIVAL APPLICATION FORM (FAF) must be used when applying to host a festival The Festival Host Organization requires the approval of the District Association which the Festival Host Organization is affiliated with, as well as the District Association in which the Festival is being played, if different than the Festival Host Organization s affiliated District Association The FAF must be completed and returned to the Festival Hosts Organization s District Association by no later than 15 days before the first day of the Festival. Note: If the FAF is submitted after the above deadline, there is no guarantee that the Festival will be approved. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 96

97 11.4 The Festival Host shall indicate on the FAF only one Festival Classification and will indicate one or more Age Classifications The Festival Host must indicate in writing on the FAF that it will comply with all of the O.S.A. Rules, Policies, and Procedures governing festivals Failure to comply with the terms of Section 11.0 will result in the festival application (FAF) not being approved by the appropriate governing organization(s) in accordance with Operational Procedure 11.2 above In the case of an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy, OSA Approval will only be considered if the festival has been designated as a Selected Charity Festival by the OSA s Director of Business Operations and after consideration of any recommendations submitted by the District Association of the District, where the festival is being played. Procedure Festival Rules 12.1 Festival played in Ontario will be played based on the OSA's Game Organization Guide document Festivals may be played at the Inter-District and District classes by teams subject to the Development and Recreational Matrices Team Eligibility: a) All teams must be registered with their Provincial Association or, in the case of teams from the USA, with the State Association. b) When applying to take part in a festival, each team must attach to the festival application form (FAF) written proof of "Permission To Travel" duly authorized by its governing Association, when the team is travelling from its District Association. c) In Inter-District Class Festivals, all teams from outside Ontario must supply proof of accident/injury/illness medical insurance to the Festival Host not later than seven days prior to the festival. d) A Team may only use players who are registered with its Club, except as otherwise stipulated Laws Of the Game All games shall be small-sided soccer played under the OSA's Grassroots Soccer Rules 12.5 Duration of Games a) The following competitions shall not exceed the permitted time limit per day: i) Under-6 not to exceed 60 minutes per competition day ii) Under-7 and Under-8 not to exceed 80 minutes per competition day iii) Under-9 and Under-10 not to exceed 100 minutes per competition day iv) Under-11 and Under-12 not to exceed 140 minutes per competition day b) c) There must be a minimum of twenty minutes between each game played by any team for Under-8 and younger aged groups. There must be a minimum of thirty minutes between each game played by any team for Under-9 to Under-12 aged age groups 12.6 Number of Players Dressed In Each Game Day Roster: The following number of players may dress and play in each Game Day Roster of the festival: i) Under-6 Festival 3v3 (No GK) maximum of six players in each game ii) Under-7 Festival 4v4 (No GK) maximum of eight players in each game iii) Under-7 Festival 5v5 (With GK) maximum of ten players in each game iv) Under-8 Festival 4v4 (No GK) maximum of eight players in each game v) Under-8 Festival 5v5 (With GK) maximum of ten players in each game vi) Under-9 Festival 7v7 (With GK) maximum of twelve players in each game vii) Under-10 Festival 7v7 (With GK) maximum of twelve players in each game viii) Under-11 Festival 9v9 (With GK) maximum of sixteen players in each game ix) Under-12 Festival 9v9 (With GK) maximum of sixteen players in each game Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 97

98 12.7 Substitution: a) There is no limit to the number of substitutions that may be made during a game. b) Substitutions in Festival games may be made on the fly In instances when the Festival Host's Festival Rules conflict with the OSA's Game Organization Guide document and the The OSA's Festival Rules 13.1 to 13.7, and The OSA's Guide shall apply. Procedure Festival Requirements of Hosts 13.1 The Festival Host must obtain approval, in accordance with Operational Procedure The Festival Host must advise all participants about the "Festival Requirements for Team Participation", as stipulated in Operational Procedure The Festival Host shall provide teamsheets which shall be completed by each team prior to each game, and which must be submitted prior to the kickoff. The competing teams must be identified on the teamsheet by Team Name and Team Registration Number Within 30 days of the final day of the festival: a) The Festival Host of an Inter-District Festival or a District Festival must submit a festival report to its District Association 13.5 Failure to do so shall result in the following penalties: first offence, $ fine; second offence, $ fine plus disqualification from hosting a festival in the following year The festival report shall include: a) a list of participating Clubs/Teams; b) a list of Clubs/Teams failing to show up; c) a list of Clubs/Teams which failed to play all their games; d) a summary report of serious injuries; e) discipline summary report; f) the festival schedule; g) any other relevant comments Failure to comply with the terms of Operational Procedure 14.0 will render the Festival Host subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, non-sanction of hosting any festival in the following year. Procedure Festival Requirements of District Associations 14.1 The District Association approving a festival shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, a discipline committee to act at the festival The District Association approving a festival shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, Game Leaders. Notwithstanding this Operational Procedure, a Game Leader may not be appointed to a festival game involving Under-6 teams Appointed Game Leaders must be certified with the OSA. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 98

99 Procedure Festival Requirements for Team Participation 15.1 An Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 or Under-12 team may only participate in a festival which has been sanctioned in accordance with OSA rules by a District Association The team must comply with all of the competition rules in the festival for which it has received approval to play When applying to take part in a festival, each team shall identify itself by providing its Club name, age and gender classification; and if the festival is played outside its District, must attach to the festival application form (FAF) written proof of permission from its Association to participate, in accordance with the following: Ontario teams -- District Association approval if festival is played out-of-district; Other Canadian teams from Border Provinces -- Provincial Association approval; U.S.A. teams from Border States -- State Association approval; Failure to comply will disqualify the team from participating in the festival. NOTE: This rule must be included in the written information sent by the Festival Host to all participating teams In Inter-District Festivals, all teams from Border Provinces or Border States shall supply proof of accident/injury/illness medical insurance to the Festival Host not later than seven days prior to the first day of the festival. Failure to comply will disqualify the team from participating in the festival. NOTE: This rule must be included in the written information sent by the Festival Host to all participating teams A team shall only use players who are registered with its Club and each player must provide the appropriate registration document or that player will not be allowed to play in that festival. Procedure 16.0 Under-9, 10, 11 And 12 Squad Travel to Festivals and Exhibition Games 16.1 Any travel outside a team's District, except for a scheduled league game, shall be considered Squad Travel An APPLICATION TO TRAVEL FORM (ATF), must be used when applying for approval to travel Squad Travel shall be based on the following: a) Under-11 and Under-12 age groups may travel 60 minutes one way outside of the District boundaries. b) Under-9 and Under-10 age groups may travel 45 minutes one way outside of the District boundaries. c) Under-8 age groups may travel within District boundaries. Notwithstanding this Operational Procedure, a District Association may approve squad travel beyond the above time travel when there is no suitable competition within the time allotted for team travel Under-7 and younger aged age groups participate in club focused development programs, therefore no travel is required beyond their club Notwithstanding Operational Procedure 16.3 above, an Under-11 age group or an Under-12 age group may be given permission to travel to two Memorable Events during each season for cultural experiences and learning. The Memorable Event will be based on the Festival guidelines and comply with the OSA's LTPD Matrix requirements. It may be held anywhere within Ontario or in a Province or State which neighbours the team's District. Of the two Memorable Events permitted, Under -11 and/or Under-12 age groups may choose to use one of the event to travel to a venue of their choice that do not necessarily meet all matrix requirements as long as they are within Canada and/or the USA. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 99

100 16.6 Approval to travel is required from the following Associations: Travel To Approval By a) Another District District Association b) A Border Province District Association c) A Border State in USA District Association 16.7 The ATF must be completed and returned to the District Association no later than 7 days before travelling to another District, Border Province or to a Border State in the U.S.A. If the ATF is submitted after the above deadline, there is no guarantee that the team travel will be approved The ATF for a Club team requires the authorization of its Club. Procedure Exhibition Games 17.1 An exhibition game is a game arranged between two teams of registered players with a registered Match Official, which is neither a scheduled league game, play-off game, cup game, tournament game or festival game. An exhibition game may also include one team of registered players playing against: a) a college team, providing that the OSA has an adequate written agreement with the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association regarding the liability pertaining to the college team's participants; b) an university team., providing that the OSA has an adequate written agreement with the Ontario University Athletics regarding the liability pertaining to the university team's participants; and c) a team operated by an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy Eligibility to Play in Exhibition Games: a) An Under-8 or younger age group is not eligible to participate in an exhibition game. b) An Under-13 or older aged team is eligible to participate in an exhibition game subject to Operational Procedure Approval of Exhibition Games. c) An Under-9, Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 age group is eligible to play in an exhibition game providing that: i) the age group has not already played in a league game or in a festival during that week ii) the age group will not exceed the maximum 20 competition days permitted during one season as a result of that game iii) the exhibition game meets all of the criteria in the LTPD Matrices An Exhibition Game Host must be one of the following: a) The OSA b) a District Association c) an Affiliated Club d) an Affiliated League e) an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy hosting a team from outside Ontario 17.4 Nothwithstanding Competitions Operational Procedure 1.6, in an exhibition game,: a) a competitive team may play against a recreational team b) a youth team may play against a senior team c) a senior amateur team may play against a professional team d) a female team may play against a male team or a mixed team e) a mixed team may play against a male team 17.5 With the exception of the teams identified in Operational Procedure 18.1 a), b) and c) above, each participating team shall supply the Exhibition Game Host written proof of permission from its Association to participate in the exhibition game, in accordance with the following: a) Ontario teams District Association approval b) Other Canadian teams Provincial Association approval c) U.S.A. teams State Association approval Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 100

101 d) Other teams National Association approval 17.6 Teams from outside Ontario must supply proof of accident/injury/illness medical insurance to the Exhibition Game Host prior to participating in an Exhibition Game a) Each player must provide the appropriate registration document or that player will not be allowed to play in the exhibition game. b) The Exhibition Game Rules may permit Under-13 and older aged teams to include players registered with other Clubs The Exhibition Game Host shall collect The OSA Exhibition Game teamsheets that include Team Name and (if applicable) Team Registration Number for each team and misconduct reports from the referee immediately after each game and shall forward such to its District Association, or to The OSA for games approved by The OSA, no later than 48 hours after the game The OSA, or District Association, approving an Exhibition Game shall appoint, or delegate the appointment of, referees Exhibition games involving foreign professional teams shall comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Canadian Soccer Association. Procedure Approval of Exhibition Games 18.1 An Application to Host Exhibition Game (AHEG) form, must be used when applying for approval to play an exhibition game. Each team must provide "Full Team Identification" as defined in the OSA's published rules The Application to Host Exhibition Game (AHEG) form will be submitted online through the OSA forms website Approval for an Exhibition Game to be played in Ontario is required from the following Associations: Game Involving First Second Third Ontario teams District Association Other Canadian team District Association O.S.A. Team from outside Canada District Association O.S.A. C.S.A. Team from outside Province to play an OSA-recognized Non-Club Academy O.S.A. C.S.A. (if the team is from outside Canada and U.S.A.) Ontario Team to play against an Ontario District Association college team or an Ontario university team Ontario Team to play against a team operated by an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy District Association Notwithstanding the above, a Provincial League, Youth League, (if governed by the OSA) District Competitive League does not require District Association approval but requires OSA approval when the league's All-Star Team is playing in the exhibition game An exhibition game between an Ontario Team against an OSA-Recognized Non-Club Academy team may only be hosted by the Ontario Team A team entered in the Ontario Cup will not be eligible to play in any Exhibition Game, given permission to host any Exhibition Game, or given permission to travel to any Exhibition Game which conflicts with the Ontario Cup schedule Blanket Permission to Play Exhibition Games: a) The OSA may grant blanket written permission to any league governed by the OSA to authorize exhibition games which only involve teams belonging to that affiliated league. b) A District Association may grant blanket written permission to any league governed by the District Association to authorize exhibition games which only involve teams belonging to that affiliated league. c) A District Association may grant blanket written permission to all Clubs affiliated to it to authorize exhibition games which only involve teams on those affiliated Clubs. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 101

102 18.7 The AHEG must be completed and returned to the District Association, or in the case of an OSA-recognized Non-Club Academy to the OSA, by no later than: a) 72 hours before an exhibition game involving 2 Ontario teams. b) 10 days before an exhibition game involving a team from another province or from the U.S.A. c) 21 days before an exhibition game involving a team from outside Canada or the U.S.A. If the AHEG is submitted after the above deadline, there is no guarantee that the Exhibition Game will be approved. Procedure Cup Competitions 19.1 A Cup Competition shall be organized and run by one of the following: a) The OSA; b) a District Association; c) an affiliated League for its Member Clubs; d) an affiliated Club A player shall not play for more than one team in any one cup competition All-Star teams will not be permitted to participate in Cup Competitions OSA Cup Competitions takes precedence over all other OSA Competitions Procedure Ontario Cup 20.1 The Soccer Centre in Vaughan shall be the permanent site of the Ontario Cup Finals. A District Association may submit a bid to host the Ontario Cup Finals as an alternate site to The Soccer Centre The team that emerges from the game or tournament round(s) of the competition in Northeastern Ontario shall be allowed to enter the last sixteen teams still competing in the Ontario Cup in that age group When a division of the Ontario Cup is based on the "single-game knockout" format with no tournament rounds, Senior Level 1 League teams and Youth Provincial League teams will enter the competition in the following rounds for that division: a) eight spots in the third round of the Ontario Cup shall be allotted for teams in the Senior Level 1 Women's League; b) sixteen spots in the second round of the Ontario Cup shall be allotted for teams in the Senior Level 1 Men's League; c) eight spots in the third round of the Ontario Cup shall be allotted for teams in the Youth Provincial League. Procedure Playing For a Team to Which A Player Is Not Registered 21.1 A player registered on an Under-13 or older aged team may play for a team to which he/she is not registered only under one of the following conditions: a) he/she plays with a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" (TEP): i) plays up in a league game for a higher level Club Team of a Club other than one with which he/she is registered, or ii) plays as a guest player in a tournament (subject to tournament rules) or exhibition game (subject to the agreement of both teams) with a Club other than one with which he/she is registered ; b) he/she plays with a "TRIAL REGISTRATION PERMIT" or a "SHORT TERM REGISTRATION PERMIT"; c) with permission of his/her club, for another Club Team within the same Club to which he/she is registered, subject to the following: i) plays up in a league game or a cup game for a higher level Club Team Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 102

103 ii) plays as a guest player in a tournament (subject to tournament rules) or exhibition game (subject to the agreement of both teams) with a Club Team within the same Club; (NOTE: A League or District Association, or the competition rules, may impose limitations on such movement within a Club, provided that the limitations are applied consistently); d) his/her Club permits him/her to play for another team within the same Local League in which he/she is registered to play; e) a registered senior player plays for another senior team of the same Club under the following conditions: i) A Senior League may permit player movement both upwards (ie., to a higher level team) and downwards (ie., to a lower level team) between senior teams of the same Club and such movement shall be subject to that league's published rules; and ii) in the National Club Championships only, a player registered on an Over-30 team will be permitted to play on an Over-35 team; f) he/she plays in an exhibition game (subject to the agreement of both teams) or in a tournament (subject to tournament rules) as a guest player (NOTE: Temporary Eligibility Permit is required if player is not registered with that team's Club); g) he/she plays for a C.S.A., O.S.A., District Association, or League All-Star Team; h) a player may play on an All-Star team in sanctioned outdoor games (Exhibition & Tournament games) up to May 31 without being registered to an outdoor club team as long as that player was registered in the previous outdoor playing season. i) his/her Club permits him/her to play for a Professional Team (ie., a higher level Club team) with which his/her Club has an "Affiliation Agreement - Amateur and Professional"; j) a youth player registered with a Club that operates youth teams is permitted by his/her Club to play for a higher level Club Team in a Club that operates senior teams, subject to an "Affiliation Agreement - Senior Amateur and Youth Amateur" between the two clubs; or k) with the permission of the District Association, a youth player registered with a Club that operates youth teams is permitted by his/her Club to play for a higher level Club Team in another Club that operates youth teams, subject to an "Affiliation Agreement - Youth Amateur and Youth Amateur" between the two clubs In all cases in which a player is playing for an outdoor competitive team or an indoor team under one of the conditions in Operational Procedure 22.1 above, the player must possess an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" and have such document available for presentation at the game in which he/she is playing. Failure to present the "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" shall render the player ineligible to play in that game A higher level team referred to in Operational Procedure 22.1 a) and c) shall be defined as a team which meets any of the following criteria: a) registered in a higher team age classification; b) registered in a higher player classification; c) registered in a higher team classification; d) playing in a higher league level; or e) playing in a higher division of the same league Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 103

104 21.4 The hierarchy of age classifications, player classifications, team classifications, and league levels shall be as follows: Team's Age Classification Player Classificatio n Team Classificatio n League Levels Open Age Professional Competitive National League Under-21 Senior Recreational Provincial League Amateur Under-20 Youth Regional League Amateur Under-19. District Competitive League Under-18 District Recreational League Under-17 Local League Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 NOTES: The above levels are in descending order from the top. The hierarchy of "division levels" shall be determined by each league If a player is registered as both a competitive player and a recreational player, he/she may only play up to a higher level team, as referred to in Operational Procedure 21.1 a), c) i) j) and k), from the competitive team Procedures for playing up to, or playing as a Trial Player for Grassroots player (Under-12 or younger aged group) is in Section 5.0 Game Types, Operational Procedures 17. Procedure Temporary Eligibility Permit (TEP) 22.1 Any Under-13 and older player registered with the O.S.A. or another Provincial Association affiliated to the C.S.A. is eligible to obtain a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT", which shall entitle the player, subject to Operational Procedure 21.0, to play for a registered Club Team of a Club other than the one with which he/she is registered in a game of any registered league or sanctioned competition A player registered on a Club Team shall be allowed a Temporary Eligibility Permit to play on a District Association's team in a Provincial League or Regional League providing that he/she is a resident of the District A "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" being used to play for an amateur team must be validated by the District Association with which the team, from which he/she is playing up, is registered. A District Association may not delegate to any other organization or individual the function of validating such document. A District Association may not validate a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" unless all sections of the form have been properly completed. The validation of a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" being used to play for a professional team is subject to League Procedures A player using a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" in order to be eligible to play for an outdoor competitive team or an indoor team must also possess an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" available for presentation at the game. Failure to present the "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" shall render the player ineligible to play in that game A "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" is not valid for amateur cup competitions A player shall be entitled to three "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS" to play for an amateur team during each playing season. An outdoor playing season and an indoor playing season shall be considered as different playing seasons. The maximum number of "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS" to play for a professional team is subject to League Procedures The District Association with which the team, from which he/she is playing up, is registered shall be responsible for maintaining a record of the number of "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS" assigned to the player when playing for an amateur team. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 104

105 22.8 In a tournament, a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" must be used by any player playing for a Club Team, other than one with which he/she is registered, subject to the following conditions: a) the tournament rules permit guest players; b) the number of guest players does not exceed the tournament rules or the O.S.A. Published Rules on Competitions, Operational Procedure 8.0. c) if the tournament is classified as permitting competitive teams only, the player has an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" or "O.S.A. Identification Card" available for presentation at each game in which he/she plays; d) the "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" entitles the player to play in all of the games in the tournament; and e) the District Association has stipulated for which tournament the "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" is valid A League or a District Association or the competition rules may impose limitations on the use of "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS, provided that the limitations are applied consistently The policies governing "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS" for play on a professional team are outlined in League Operational Procedure Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 105

106 Section Leagues Procedure Objectives 1.1 To clearly establish the principle that the most productive environment for every player at every level of play, from grassroots soccer to international competition, is to play in a balanced league in accordance with the Pyramid For Play. 1.2 To ensure that the player is the number one priority and has the opportunity to play at a level appropriate to his or her skill and ability. 1.3 To provide a stable League organizational structure to ensure the ongoing viability of Teams and Clubs Procedure Pyramid for Play Operating Principles 2.1 The Pyramid for Play in Ontario is a hierarchy of leagues structured in such a way as to provide opportunities for every player to play soccer at a level appropriate to his/her skill and ability. 2.2 This is done by: providing a progressive structure of leagues from the Club level to the Provincial level developing policies governing entry to, and participation in, each level of league to ensure that progressively higher demands on skill and competitive ability are required at higher levels of the Pyramid; and striving to ensure competitive balance within each league and among all leagues at the same level in the Pyramid. Procedure 3.0 Regional Boundaries for Regional Leagues 3.1 For the purposes of the Pyramid For Play, the Province of Ontario will be divided into the following Regions: a) West Region which shall be comprised of the District Associations of Elgin Middlesex, Essex County, Lambton Kent and South- West Regional; b) South Region which shall be comprised of the District Associations of Hamilton and District, Niagara, and Peel Halton; c) Central Region which shall be comprised of the District Associations of Durham Region, East Central Ontario, Toronto, Huronia District, North York, Scarborough, and York Region; d) East Region which shall be comprised of the District Associations of Eastern Ontario District, and Southeast Ontario; e) North Region which shall be comprised of the District Associations of Sault Amateur, Soccer Northeastern Ontario, Soccer North, Soccer Northwest, and Sudbury Regional. 3.2 The O.S.A. League Management Committee is responsible for re-defining boundaries in accordance with the LTPD Soccer For Life principles. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 106

107 Procedure League Functions 4.1 A league shall provide scheduled games for its member clubs, in one or more divisions. 4.2 A league shall perform such functions as are delegated to it by its governing organization. Such delegation may be withdrawn at any time. 4.3 A league may provide cup competitions for its teams only. 4.4 Following completion of its regularly scheduled games, a league may provide a play-off competition or similar format of play. 4.5 A league may host a tournament in accordance with the O.S.A. policies and procedures governing tournaments. 4.6 A league may set a deadline after which no players can be added to a team's roster for playing games in that league. Procedure League Categories 5.1 A League Category is defined by its: a) League Level b) League Status c) League Classification d) League Season e) League Gender f) League Age Division 5.2 Subject to the approval of its governing organization and subject to the Published Rules, a league may be categorized under one or more different types of League Level, League Status, League Classification, League Playing Season, League Gender, and League Age Division. 5.3 With the exception of "Leagues Above OSA Pyramid Structure", the levels of play within the PYRAMID FOR PLAY will be based on the League Levels. In the Youth Pyramid For Play, a Youth Provincial League will provide the highest level of competition; In the Senior Pyramid For Play, a Senior Provincial League will provide the highest level of competition; 5.4 A League may operate other age division(s) as approved by its governing organization. 5.5 A League must correspond with the following categories for each of the following playing seasons. LEAGUE LEVEL Leagues Above or Outside OSA Pyramid For Play Structure - International Leagues and National Leagues LEAGUE STATUS amateur or professional or semi-professional amateur or professional or semi-professional LEAGUE CLASSIFICATION LEAGUE PLAYING SEASON LEAGUE GENDER Senior Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Open Age Under-23 Under-22 Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Senior Indoor or Senior Futsal Indoor Male or Female Open Age Under-23 Under-22 Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 LEAGUE AGE DIVISIONS Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 107

108 Senior Provincial League amateur Youth Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 amateur amateur or semiprofessional Youth Indoor or Youth Futsal Indoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Senior Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Senior Indoor or Senior Futsal Indoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Youth Provincial League amateur Youth Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Youth Indoor or Youth Futsal Indoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Senior Regional League amateur Senior Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Senior Indoor or Senior Futsal Indoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Youth Regional League amateur Youth Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Youth Indoor or Youth Futsal Indoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Senior District Competitive League Youth District Competitive League amateur Senior Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Senior Indoor or Senior Futsal Indoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 amateur Youth Outdoor Competitive Outdoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 108

109 Senior District Recreational League Youth District Recreational League Youth Indoor or Youth Futsal Indoor Male or Female Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 amateur Senior Outdoor Recreational Outdoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Senior Indoor or Senior Futsal Indoor Male or Female Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 amateur Youth Outdoor Recreational Outdoor Male, Female, or Mixed Youth Indoor or Youth Futsal Senior Local League amateur Senior Outdoor Recreational (11-a-side) or Senior Outdoor Recreational (5-a-side) Senior Indoor or Senior Futsal Indoor Outdoor Indoor Male, Female, or Mixed Male, Female, or Mixed Male, Female, or Mixed Youth Local League amateur Youth Outdoor Recreational Outdoor Male, Female, or Mixed Grassroots District Development League Youth Indoor or Youth Futsal Indoor Male, Female, or Mixed amateur Learning To Train Outdoor Outdoor Male, Female, or Mixed Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Over-30 Over-35 Over-40 Over-45 Over-50 Open Age Under-21 Under-20 Under-19 Over-30 Over-35 Over-40 Over-45 Over-50 Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 Under-18 Under-17 Under-16 Under-15 Under-14 Under-13 Under-12 Under-11 Under-10 Under-9 Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 109

110 Grassroots Local Recreational League Learning To Train Indoor/Futsal Indoor Male, Female, or Mixed amateur Learning To Train Outdoor Outdoor Male, Female, or Mixed Learning To Train Indoor/Futsal Indoor Male, Female, or Mixed Under-12 Under-11 Under-10 Under-9 Under-12 Under-11 Under-10 Under-9 Under-12 Under-11 Under-10 Under In the Provincial League category,: a) a Provincial Semi-Professional League must include semi-professional teams and may include amateur teams; and b) a Provincial Amateur League may only include amateur teams. Procedure 6.0 Procedures Governing Categories 6.1 All Leagues A female player may play on a female team, male team or a mixed team. A male player may play on a male team or a mixed team No league may prohibit a female player from playing on a male team. 6.2 League Category Restrictions Only one Provincial League shall be permitted to operate in the categories listed for Provincial Leagues in Procedure Only one Regional League shall be permitted to operate in each Region of the Province in the categories listed for Regional Leagues in Procedure Only one District Competitive League shall be permitted to operate in each District of the Province in the categories listed for District Competitive Leagues in Procedure A District Association may approve the operation of one or more District Recreational Leagues in any of the categories listed for District Recreational Leagues in Policy A District Association may approve the operation of one or more Local Leagues in any of the categories listed for Local Leagues in Procedure Male and Female teams as well as Mixed teams are permitted to play in any Grassroots Mixed League. 6.3 One or more leagues may share a common executive. 6.4 The following leagues: District Competitive Outdoor League Regional Outdoor League Provincial Outdoor League shall have competitive divisions comprised of competitive teams and may operate at the District Recreational League and/or Local League levels with recreational divisions comprised of recreational teams, providing that there is no promotion and relegation of the teams between the competitive divisions and the recreational divisions. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 110

111 6.5 Notwithstanding League Procedure 6.5, a District Competitive League which is governed by a District Association and which includes both District Competitive and District Recreational Divisions may be given permission by its District Association to have promotion and relegation between the District Competitive and District Recreational Divisions. 6.6 A District Competitive League or District Recreational League may be governed by one District Association or by two or more District Associations. Even if a District Competitive League or District Recreational League is governed by a single District Association, its league boundaries may overlap two or more Districts. 6.7 A Local League may be operated by one Club or by two or more Clubs. 6.8 For the purpose of defining League expansion and/or restructuring (in League Procedure 9.0 and elsewhere in these Published Rules), an allowable League expansion or restructuring must be within the same League Status, League Playing Season and League Gender (as listed in Procedure 5.5 ). Procedure Jurisdiction 7.1 A league shall affiliate, as an Associate Member, with a governing organization and be subject to the Published Rules of that organization and all higher governing organizations. 7.2 In the event that any article of the league by-laws or rules and regulations conflicts with the published rules of The OSA or the CSA, the provisions of The OSA or CSA published rules shall take precedence. 7.3 Leagues shall be governed as follows: a) The following leagues shall affiliate with the Canadian Soccer Association - A National League b) The following Soccer For Life Leagues shall affiliate with the O.S.A.: District Competitive League in which no District Association has 51% of the teams in the league or a league in which 51% of the teams are from one District Association but that District Association permits the OSA to govern the league c) The following Soccer For Life Leagues shall affiliate with a District Association: - District Competitive League shall affiliate with the District Association which has 51% of the teams in that league - District Recreational League shall affiliate with the District Association which has the most teams in that league d) The following Grassroots Leagues shall affiliate with a District Association: - A Youth District Development League shall affiliate with the District Association which has the most teams in that league e) The following Soccer For Life Leagues shall be operated by a Club: - A Local League f) The following Grassroots Leagues shall affiliate with a Club: - A Youth Local Recreational League g) An Educational or Other League may affiliate, as an Associate Member, with the O.S.A. or a District Association. 7.4 A league shall provide annually to its governing organization a copy of the latest publication of its Constitution, a list of its officers, and a financial statement on its previous year's operations. A governing organization may require additional items to be submitted. 7.5 If a League operates at more than one league level, it shall affiliate with the governing organization of its highest level and be subject to: governance by that organization the Published Rules of that governing organization. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 111

112 Procedure Formation of Leagues 8.1 A Provincial League or Regional League shall be formed by the OSA. 8.2 A District Competitive League or District Recreational League shall be formed by District Associations. 8.3 District Associations wishing to form a new District Competitive League (to be governed by the OSA) shall apply to The OSA by no later than December 1 (for an outdoor league) or by no later than June 1 (for an indoor league) and after a review of its application by The OSA League Management Committee and consultation with the District Associations involved will require the approval of the O.S.A. Board of Directors. 8.4 A District Association which currently participates in a District Competitive League (governed by The OSA) and intends to form its own: a) District Competitive League (governed by the District Association) or b) to become part of another District Competitive League (governed by The OSA) must notify the O.S.A. by October 31 (for an outdoor league) and by June 1 (for an indoor league). 8.5 A Local League shall be formed by its governing Club(s). 8.6 In a league's first year of operation, the league Executive Committee shall be appointed by the league's governing organization. Procedure Application To Operate A New Or Expand/ Restructure A League Governed By The O.S.A. 9.1 The following policies apply to Provincial Leagues, Youth Regional Leagues, and (if governed by OSA) District Competitive Leagues A new League may be formed in accordance with the following conditions or an existing league may apply to expand its number of divisions or restructure its divisions in accordance with the following conditions: a) the League shall apply to the O.S.A. to: 1. form a League or 2. to expand its number of divisions, or restructure its divisions, on a form provided by the O.S.A. and shall submit such application by no later than August 1 of the year preceding the first year of operation or expansion or restructuring (for an outdoor league) or by no later than November 1 preceding the first playing season of operation or expansion or restructuring (for an indoor league); b) the League Management Committee shall review all applications; c) all District Associations and existing Leagues shall be advised of the application d) the League Management Committee shall make a recommendation to the Board of Directors about approval, in principle, for the new league to operate or for the existing league to expand or restructure, and including the division(s) to be operated; e) the Board of Directors shall consider approval, in principle, for the new league to operate or for the existing league to expand or restructure in the following season, or in any subsequent season, and specify which division(s) shall operate; f) if the Board of Directors approves, in principle, the formation of a new League, a Club may apply to enter (a) team(s) in that league by: November 30 (for an outdoor amateur league) or by June 30 (for an indoor amateur league) or by July 1 (for a Provincial Semi-Professional league) preceding the league's first season of operation or expansion or restructuring; g) the league must meet all of the conditions required by the Board of Directors; h) the Board of Directors shall give final approval for the new league to operate subject to the terms of league operations being approved by the League Management Committee. For an existing league to expand or restructure, final approval shall be given by the League Management Committee when the terms of league operations are approved as per League Procedure 11.0 i) notwithstanding the timelines above, the Board of Directors may approve the operation of a new League or the expansion or restructuring of an existing league when the specified timelines have not been met j) under exceptional circumstances, the Executive Committee may act on behalf of the Board of Directors on all other matters. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 112

113 Procedure Terms Of League Operations For League Governed By The O.S.A The following leagues shall have their Terms Of League Operations approved annually by the OSA League Management Committee: Provincial Leagues Regional Leagues District Competitive League (if governed by OSA) 10.2 Each League shall annually sign an agreement within ten days of approval of its Terms of League Operations. In such agreement, the league shall agree to abide by the Published Rules of The OSA, the approved Terms of League Operations, and the decisions made by the Board of Directors; failing which, it will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Operational Procedures Each league shall comply with its Terms of League Operations which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: a) Each league shall: i) have fulfilled the requirements for Associate Membership in The OSA and, ii) operate in compliance with its By-Laws and Rules and Regulations. b) Each league shall have its annual budget, including team fees, fines, and all other financial items, approved at a General Meeting of its Member Clubs. c) Each league's Published Rules shall not prohibit a person who is affiliated to a Club, League, or other soccer organization from being nominated or elected to a position on its Board of Directors, Executive Committee, or an equivalent governing council. d) The League Categories (ie., Level, Status, Classification, Playing Season, Gender, Age Division(s)) as per Procedure 5.5 shall be identified. e) The league's geographical location (eg., Ontario for a Provincial League and the specific Region for Regional Leagues) shall be identified. f) The names of each of its divisions and the names of the teams to play in each division. g) Each League must make available to The OSA, upon request, an up-to-date list of its teams, team contact persons, team addresses, and team telephone numbers. h) Each League's Fiscal Year must end following the end of its playing season and before December 31. i) The Annual Meeting of an amateur League must be held within 90 days following the end of the League's fiscal year. j) The O.S.A. must receive a Notice of each of the league's General Meetings, be entitled to send (a) representative(s) to such meetings, and receive a copy of the Minutes of all of the league's General Meetings. k) Upon the request of The O.S.A. a Notice of each amateur league's Board of Directors' meetings shall be provided to the OSA which will be entitled to send (a) representative(s) to such meetings, and receive a copy of the Minutes of such Meetings. l) Referee appointments may be delegated to an amateur league by The OSA and shall be done in accordance with criteria and standards established by the O.S.A. If an amateur league fails to comply with such criteria and/or standards, the delegation of referee appointments may be rescinded by the O.S.A. m) Each amateur Outdoor League shall appoint a referee to all of the games in all of its divisions and assistant referees as specified in its Terms of League Operations. n) Each Outdoor League shall submit its schedule of referee fees to the O.S.A. by no later than February 28 of each year. Each Indoor League shall submit its schedule of referee fees to the O.S.A. by no later than October 31 of each year. o) Discipline pertaining to league activities may be delegated to the league and shall be done in accordance with O.S.A. Policies and Procedures. If the league fails to comply, the delegation of discipline may be rescinded by the O.S.A. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 113

114 p) The O.S.A. shall be entitled to send (an) observer(s) to all discipline hearings, and receive a copy of the results of each discipline case. q) An amateur league must submit its Rules and Regulations, Membership Criteria and Promotion/Relegation Criteria to the O.S.A. r) The league shall recognize and enforce all s levied by The OSA for misconduct occurring in Ontario Cup games. s) The league may conduct post-season competition with other leagues but, such competition must be approved by the O.S.A. t) The league may operate League All-Star Teams which may participate in competitions and may travel outside of Ontario, only with the approval of the O.S.A. u) The O.S.A. shall appoint a representative to serve as a non-voting member on the Board of Directors (or its equivalent) of each League 10.4 The OSA may impose a performance bond, not to exceed $5, for each function, on a league regarding the delegation of the "referee appointments" function or the "discipline" function; and if the league fails to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the delegated function(s), the governing organization may retain the bond in full, or in part, at its discretion Failure to abide by any term of the Terms of League Operations, shall render a League subject to disciplinary action by the O.S.A. including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a) forfeiture of the league's bond with the O.S.A.; b) a fine levied to the league; c) withdrawal of some of the terms of league operations. d) the immediate withdrawal of the O.S.A. approval to operate; and e) if d) above is implemented, and upon the request of 50% of the league's membership, the O.S.A. may reinstate the league under conditions that are mutually acceptable by the League's membership and The OSA. Procedure Approval Of Terms Of League Operations For Leagues Governed By The O.S.A The following policies apply to a Provincial League, Regional League, and (if governed by OSA) District Competitive League Each league shall annually apply to the O.S.A. for approval to operate during the next playing season as part of the annual OSA Membership Renewal process. If the league membership renewal is approved by the OSA Board, the league will operate under its Terms of League Operations which shall be approved by the OSA League Management Committee 11.2 The approval process shall be as follows: Each League shall, by February 28 (for an Outdoor League) and October 31 (for an Indoor League), i) verify the teams with "Full Team Identification" whose Clubs have applied to enter them in the league for the upcoming season; and ii) submit a written summary of all discipline cases for the previous year The League Management Committee shall meet with each League by March 31 (for Outdoor Leagues) and by October 31 (for Indoor Leagues) to review: a) the league's Terms of League Operations; Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 114

115 b) the League's past season; c) any concerns the league may have; and d) any concerns about the league The Terms of League Operations, including the teams playing in each of its divisions, for each league shall be considered for approval by the League Management Committee by March 31 (for an outdoor league) or by October 31 (for an indoor league). Procedure Policies on Soccer For Life Leagues' Divisions And Number Of Teams LEAGUE CATEGORY Provincial Senior Open Age League Provincial Senior Under-21 League MAX. NO. OF DIVISIONS (per age group) TEAMS PER DIVISION (Minimum) TEAMS PER DIVISION (Maximum) COMMENTS One 8 16 A league may divide its division into two sub-divisions of equal calibre and based on the geographical location of each team; A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate with fewer than 8 teams. Three 6 12 The three divisions may be vertically structured (based on team ability) or horizontally structured (geographically based on team location); A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate a division with fewer than 6 teams or more than 12 teams Regional Senior League Three 6 12 The three divisions may be vertically structured (based on team ability) or horizontally structured (geographically based on team location); A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate a division with fewer than 6 teams or more than 12 teams. District Competitive Senior League Unlimited 6 14 A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate a division with fewer than 6 teams or more than 14 teams. District Recreational Senior League Unlimited 4 Maximum number of teams shall be in accordance with the published rules of the league. Local Senior League Unlimited Maximum and minimum number of teams shall be in accordance with the published rules of the league. Provincial Youth League One 8 12 A league may divide its division into two sub-divisions of equal calibre and based on the geographical location of each team; A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate with fewer than 8 teams. Regional Youth League Two 6 8 Where a league operates two divisions, they must be horizontally structured. A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate with fewer than 6 teams. District Competitive Youth League Unlimited 6 12 A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate a division with fewer than 6 teams or more than 12 teams. District Recreational Youth League Unlimited 6 Maximum number of teams shall be in accordance with the published rules of the league. A league may be permitted, in exceptional circumstances, to operate a division with fewer than 6 teams. Local Youth League Unlimited Maximum and minimum number of teams shall be in accordance with the published rules of the league. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 115

116 Procedure 13.0 Procedures Applicable To All League Levels (Except Senior Local, Youth Local Leagues) 13.1 A league shall consist of Clubs as members A league shall be required to obtain permission from its governing organization to operate on an annual basis and shall operate under the jurisdiction and supervision of its governing organization. Where O.S.A. is the governing organization, it may delegate supervision of a league to its League Management Committee A league Executive Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the league; the league Executive Committee shall be elected by the member clubs of the league A league shall be administered in accordance with the league's by-laws and its rules and regulations. Any changes to the by-laws shall be as approved by the member clubs and ratified by its governing organization. Changes to the rules and regulations may be made by the league Executive Committee and must be ratified by the member clubs at the next general meeting of the league If delegated by its governing organization, a league shall: a) control the discipline of its teams, players, team staff and club officials involved in league activities only b) appoint referees to officiate games under its jurisdiction A league shall approve the applications of Clubs to enter teams in its league: based on its membership criteria and requirements which are annually approved by its governing organization. subject to any appeal to, and final approval from, its governing organization. Procedure Additional Policies Applicable To Youth Leagues 14.1 A Youth Provincial League may operate Youth Provincial Divisions based in one or more Regions A Youth Regional League shall be open to any team in an adjacent Region which does not operate a Youth Regional League, subject to the approval of the OSA League Management Committee; 14.3 A Youth District Competitive League shall be open to any team in an adjacent District which does not operate a Youth District Competitive League, subject to the approval of the team's District Association and of the Governing Organization A Youth District Recreational League shall be open to any team in an adjacent District subject to the approval of the team's District Association and of the league's District Association; 14.5 A Provincial Youth League, Regional Youth League or (if governed directly by the OSA) District Youth Competitive League may either be: I. run directly by The OSA under the supervision of a League Board/Executive appointed by The OSA, II. run as a separate entity with its own by-laws and rules and regulations III. annually delegated to another league to operate. a) If run directly by The OSA, the rules of the league shall be as set out in the rules and regulations of The OSA. b) If run as a separate entity, or if delegated to another league to operate, the league shall be administered in accordance with the league's by-laws and its rules and regulations A Youth District Competitive League may either be: I. run directly by its District Association under the supervision of a League Board/Executive appointed by the District Association, II. run as a separate entity with its own by-laws and rules and regulations III. annually delegated to another league to operate. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 116

117 a) If run directly by its District Association, the rules of the league shall be as set out in the rules and regulations of the District Association. b) If run as a separate entity, or if delegated to another league to operate, the league shall be administered in accordance with the league's by-laws and its rules and regulations A Youth District Recreational League may either be: I. run directly by its District Association under the supervision of a League Executive Committee appointed by the District Association, or II. run as a separate entity with its own by-laws and rules and regulations, or III. annually delegated to another league to operate. a) If run directly by its District Association, the rules of the league shall be as set out in the rules and regulations of the District Association. b) If run as a separate entity, or if delegated to another league to operate, the league shall be administered in accordance with the league's by-laws and its rules and regulations Each Outdoor Youth District Competitive League and Outdoor Youth District Recreational League must operate entirely within the boundaries of the District Association which has sanctioned the League, unless: a) the League includes Teams from other Districts, in which case these teams may host their home games in their home District, or b) another District Association has approved the League to schedule games within that District. Procedure Additional Procedures Applicable To Senior Leagues 15.1 Provincial, Regional or (if governed directly by the OSA) District Competitive League may either be: I. run directly by The OSA under the supervision of a League Board/Executive/League Governing Committee appointed by The OSA, II. run as a separate entity with its own by-laws and rules and regulations III. annually delegated to another league to operate. a) If run directly by The OSA, the rules of the league shall be as set out in the rules and regulations of The OSA. b) If run as a separate entity, or if delegated to another league to operate, the league shall be administered in accordance with the league's by-laws and its rules and regulations and be subject to the supervision of a League Board/Executive which is elected by the Member Clubs of that League A Senior Provincial League may operate Regional Divisions based in one or more Regions A Senior Regional League shall be open to any team in an adjacent Region which does not operate a Senior Regional League, subject to the approval of the OSA League Management Committee 15.4 A Senior District Competitive League shall be open to any Club's team in its approved District, and to any team in an adjacent District which does not operate a Senior District Competitive League, subject to the approval of the team's District Association and of the league's District Association; 15.5 A Senior District Recreational League shall be open to any Club's team in its approved District, and to any team in an adjacent District, subject to the approval of the team's District Association and of the league's District Association; 15.6 A Senior District Competitive League or a Senior District Recreational League may either be run directly by its District Association under the supervision of a League Executive Committee appointed by the District Association, or as a separate entity with its own bylaws and rules and regulations. a) If run directly by its District Association, the rules of the league shall be as set out in the rules and regulations of the District Association. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 117

118 b) If run as a separate entity, the league shall be administered in accordance with the league's by-laws and its rules and regulations If a District Association permits a Senior District Competitive League or a Senior District Recreational League to be run as a separate entity as per Operational Procedure 17.7 b) above, the league may be formed and operated by its member Clubs. a) The League shall annually apply to their District Association(s) for approval to operate; b) The League Executive Committee shall be elected by the representatives of the Member Clubs; Procedure Additional Procedures Applicable To Soccer For Life Senior Local Leagues And Youth Local Leagues 16.1 A Local League shall be operated by a Club Notwithstanding 16.1, a Youth Local League may be operated by two or more Clubs with the permission of its District Association A Club or Clubs which operates a Youth Local League shall have a designated Club Head Referee Each Outdoor Youth Local League must operate entirely within the boundaries of the District Association which has sanctioned the League, unless: a) the League includes Teams from other Districts, in which case these teams may host their home games in their home District, or b) another District Association has approved the League to schedule games within that District. Procedure 17.0 Semi-Professional Soccer 17.1 A Semi-Professional League, as defined by the Canadian Soccer Association, shall operate under the "Terms Of League Operation" executed between the League and The OSA Any items not covered by the "Terms Of League Operation" or by this Policy, shall be judged in accordance with OSA Published Rules Membership a) A Semi-Professional League may be granted Associate Membership upon application, compliance with The OSA Constitution, Rules, Regulations and Published Rules and acceptance by The OSA. b) A Semi-Professional League shall annually provide The OSA (prior to the start of the season) evidence that every out-ofprovince team has permission from its provincial governing organization to participate in the League. c) A Semi-Professional League is subject to the following rules: i) Each Team may only register up to the maximum number of non-canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants permitted by the CSA. ii) iii) Each Semi-Professional Team must submit a copy of the contract of each semi-professional player to the OSA at the same that the player is registered; and Each Team must use the O.S.A. Registrant Book for player identification purposes Registration a) Notwithstanding OSA Registration Policy 6.0 and League Policy 21.3.e.iii, failure to present an OSA Registration Book at a game shall not automatically render a player ineligible to play in that game. b) In outdoor soccer, the deadline for a player transferring to a semi-professional team shall be September 1. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 118

119 c) Notwithstanding Registration Policy 15.4, an amateur player who registers with a team playing in a semi-professional league will not be permitted a transfer during the playing season unless the League's Governing Committee grants the player an exemption to this policy Temporary Registrations In addition to the Temporary Eligibility Permits permitted to be used in an amateur competition in accordance with Registration Policy 9.0, a player registered with the O.S.A. or another Provincial Association affiliated to the C.S.A. is eligible to obtain a "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT", which shall entitle the player to play for a semi-professional Club Team or a professional Club Team of a Club other than the one with which he/she is registered, subject to Registration Policy 8.0 and in accordance with the following rules: a) A "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" being used to play for a professional or semi-professional team must be validated by the OSA. b) A "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMIT" is valid for any competition involving (a) professional team(s) or (a) semi-professional team(s). c) A player shall be entitled to three "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS" to play for a professional or semi-professional team during each season. An outdoor season and an indoor season shall be considered as different seasons. d) The OSA shall be responsible for maintaining a record of the number of "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS" assigned to the player when playing for a professional or a semi-professional team. e) A semi-professional League may impose limitations on the use of "TEMPORARY ELIGIBILITY PERMITS", provided that the limitations are applied consistently Discipline, Appeals, Dispute Resolution a) Notwithstanding OSA Discipline Policy 9.0, the following penalties will be applied for misconduct in the League: a red card will result in an automatic next game pending disposition after a fifth seasonal yellow card: a one game after a seventh seasonal yellow card: an additional one game after an eighth seasonal yellow card: an additional one game b) Notwithstanding OSA Appeal Policy 3.0, the first level of appeal from discipline decisions of the League shall be to the Board of Directors of the League c) Notwithstanding OSA Dispute Resolution Policy 1.0, a dispute between a registered player and member club of a Semi- Professional League or between member clubs of a Semi-Professional League shall be dealt with by the League Commissioner or Board of Directors under a published league policy which shall be approved by The OSA Competitions a) Notwithstanding OSA Competition Policy 13.0, a Semi-Professional League, upon proper application to The OSA, shall be permitted to organize and run a cup competition which is open to other senior club teams in addition to its own member club teams. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 119

120 Procedure Professional Soccer The Ontario Soccer Association Standards for Semi-Professional League NOTE: These Standards were approved by the OSA s Board of Directors on December 11, 2011 and the amendments were confirmed by the Canadian Soccer Association on January 4, 2012 as per CSA Rule 10 1) iv). The following are minimum standards for the Semi-Professional Leagues and Teams in Ontario who engage players and coaching staff on a part-time, semi-professional basis. These standards represent the minimums and the league may adopt more stringent standards if it so desires. The underlying principle upon which these standards are based is that all teams provide compensation to its players to participate in matches for the benefit of paying spectators. The Ontario Soccer Association reserves the right to amend these standards at any time to meet the changing landscape of soccer development in Ontario, pursuant to the OSA s Published Rules and subject to the confirmation of the Canadian Soccer Association. All financial figures in this document will be adjusted for inflation where and when applicable League Office and Administration The league office shall be located in a city served by appropriate domestic air services and in a physical location commensurate with the status of the league The personnel of the league office may be headed by a part-time or full time Commissioner, hired by and reporting to the league Board of Directors. He shall exercise the powers vested in his office by the league bylaws and regulations and shall have the necessary broad experience for a chief operating officer in a league of this calibre The league may employ other personnel under the direction of the Commissioner, including, but not restricted to a Director of operations, a Director of Officials, a Director of Public Relations, and a Director of Marketing. In addition, the league shall retain adequate accounting and support staff, as well as any additional staff the Board may deem necessary from time to time. The league office shall also be sufficiently staffed so as to be able to provide an equal service to all clubs regardless of time zone, and to handle the additional workload during the peak playing days of the semi-professional season The league office shall be equipped with all the communications and other equipment necessary to the twelve month operation of the league and its member teams, including such items as multiple phone lines, a twenty-four hour answering service and all equipment necessary to facilitate communication with the working press Stadia Each member team shall have access, at the time designated for home games, to a stadium which has permanent seating for paying spectators. The stadium must be enclosed. It must have adequate spectator security, adequate vehicular access and parking, permanent public sanitation facilities, and adequate concessions. Notwithstanding the foregoing the stadium must also meet the municipal safety standards and, where appropriate, hold a license/permit allowing soccer to be played in the venue. It must have quality flood-lighting suitable for TV broadcasting. Approval Date: February 2015 The Ontario Soccer Association 120