Page 1 f TRI-COUNTY ELITE SOCCER LEAGUE RULES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL 2017
Page 2 RULES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I. SECTION II. SECTION III. SECTION IV. SECTION V. SECTION VI. SECTION VII. SECTION VIII. SECTION IX. SECTION X. SECTION XI. APPENDIX I. Definitions League Procedures Player and Team Transfers Rules of Play For League Games Game Procedures Entry Requirements and Procedures Grievance Procedures Structure Development Procedures Division Standings Match Schedules Discipline and Appeals Committee Field Layout Procedures
Page 3 SECTION I. DEFINITIONS Club A club is a member organization of the TCSL that consists of at least one active team. Any club that fails to enroll at least one team during a seasonal year will have their membership terminated. Age Group An age group is a group of teams based upon the birth date of players on the team. The birth dates are calculated from August 1to July 31 of the following year. TCSL age groups will be U10, U12, and U14. The age of the team is determined by the birth date of the oldest player. Division A division is a subgroup within an age group formed from teams with similar competitive levels for league play. TCSL divisions will be coed and girls. Team A team is a group of players sponsored by a club that competes in a division of an age group of the TCSL. A player may only be rostered to one (1) TCSL team within each age group, at a time. There is one exception to this rule. Any female player rostered on an all-girls team will be permitted to be rostered on their club s coed team, in the same age group. Minimum number of players on a roster is as follows: o U14 teams 11 players o U12 teams 8 players o U10 teams 6 players Maximum number of players on a roster is as follows: o U14 teams 23 players o U12 teams 17 players o U10 teams 13 players Underage players: Players may not play up more than one (1) age group. Structure Structure is the placement of teams in divisions within age groups. Placement of teams will be determined by the TCSL Board of Directors. SECTION II. LEAGUE PROCEDURES TCSL Board Meetings All league meeting locations will be announced well in advance. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. The meeting schedule can be found in the calendar on the league website (www.tricountyelitesoccer.net). Club representatives make up a portion of the Board of Directors and decide important policy matters. Attendance at Board of Directors meetings is mandatory, to maintain voting privileges. The league will accept a representative by proxy, if written or electronic authorization is sent to the league by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the league meeting. Club Representatives Only one (1) club representative may cast the vote(s) per member club participating in the league.
Page 4 Referee Scheduling Only the referee assignor or league officers may phone the referees. If a change is necessary, or a problem game is coming up, have your club representatives contact the League. In NO case may a team or club add extra officials to a game without the League s knowledge. SECTION III. PLAYER AND TEAM TRANSFERS Player Transfers League player transfers may occur only between seasons (not during seasonal play). Team Roster Changes Once rosters are locked, all changes to a team s roster must be approved by the TCSL Board of Directors. SECTION IV. RULES OF PLAY FOR LEAGUE GAMES All league matches will be played in accordance with the current Laws of the Game (English Edition) approved by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) with modifications for youth games as well as United States Youth Soccer Official Rule Book for small-sided games. All administrative procedures will be conducted pursuant to the approved guidelines listed in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Bylaws, USSF Policy Manual and all TCSL rules and procedures listed in this manual. NOTE: Both teams are responsible for informing the referee(s) of all modifications of FIFA laws of the game. Showing Cards to Coaches Referees cannot show yellow or red cards to coaches, assistant coaches, team officials, and spectators for infractions. A referee may caution or eject coaches, assistant coaches, team officials and spectators that might merit a yellow (caution) or red (ejection). The referee must report all ejections of coaches, assistant coaches, team officials, or spectators to the League. Number of Players to Start the Game U14 Play 11 v. 11 U12 Play 8 v. 8 U10 Play 6 v. 6 Game Ball Size U14 Play Size 5 ball U12 Play Size 4 ball U10 Play Size 4 ball Length of Games U14 Play 35-minutes halves 1 or 3 referees U12 Play 30-minute halves 1 referee U10 Play 25-minute halves 1 referee
Offside Law The Offside Law will apply to the U12 and U14 age groups. This law will not apply to the U10 age groups. Page 5 Checking Official League Roster and Player Passes Each team must have a current Official League Roster and Player Passes at every match. Prior to the start of every match, the Referee will be required to check player passes against each player. The league Player Passes and the Official Roster must remain at the field until the successful completion of the match. If a player is not listed on the roster or card is not present before the start of the match, he/she is ineligible to participate in that competitive event. This requirement is not optional and the assigned Referee must comply with this policy. Refusal of this requirement must be reported to the League following the match. Teams will be given a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled kick off time to produce the Player Passes and the Official Roster. After the 15-minute grace period, the match will be declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded as a 0-6 loss for the forfeiting team. Guest Players The league allows carded players to guest play as long as they meet all of the requirements set forth. These guest players will not be listed on the Official Roster, but must be listed on the game report. All guest players must meet the following requirements: Guest players can only be from the Tri-County Soccer League. A player can only be used as a guest player three (3) times per season. There will be NO LATERAL moves for U12 and U14 teams. They are to call up from their lower age groups. U10 teams may have lateral moves because there are no age group below them to call up from. The number of guest players per team, per game are as follows: o U10: 2 guest players o U12: 2 guest players o U14: 3 guest players When calling a player up, they can only play up one (1) age group. Guest players from both teams will be listed on the same game report. NOTE: No guest players will be permitted during tournaments Substitution Substitutions may be made from midfield, at any stoppage, at the Referee s discretion. Substitutions are unlimited. Yellow / Red Cards Double Yellow = minimum of 1 match suspension + hearing at the discretion of the board. Straight Red = minimum of 1 match suspension + hearing at the discretion of the board. 2 consecutive games with yellow cards = automatic 1 game suspension.
Page 6 Fields Any field accepted by the league is, by definition, acceptable for league play. Field and goal size will not be a matter of protest. Please see APPENDIX I for Field Layout Procedures. As a minimum, lines will be painted on the ground. If the referee determines that the lines are not acceptable, the home team forfeits the match. The Home team is responsible for the safety of their fields. Fields may be deemed unsafe by the referee. Coaches may refuse to play any match on a field they deem unsafe. These situations must be reported to the TCSL Board of Directors. This refusal will result in a forfeit for the reporting team, until the league reviews the situation. If the Board confirms the unsafe conditions, the forfeit can be reversed. Too many confirmed complaints about unsafe field conditions can result in a refusal of the League to allow matches to be played on the field in question. Team Side Both teams in all age groups are required to take the same side of the field. The Home team s coach is responsible for choosing the side of the field the teams will occupy. Members of each team will remain on the opposite sides of the center line. Coaches are to remain within 20 yards of the center line. Other team officials and players are to remain between the center line and the 18-yard line. All are to be at least 3 yards behind the touchline. A maximum of three (3) coaches per team are permitted on the player s side. All coaches on the player s side must show the referee their TCSL coach s card. Coach Responsibilities During the match, each coach is responsible for the behavior of his/her team and any adults on his/her sidelines. Spectator Area All spectators are to take the side of the field opposite the teams. Spectators are not permitted behind the goal line, and must remain at least three (3) feet from the touchline. At NO time (this includes half time) should any spectator be present on the team side of the field without a League Pass. There is a medical exception to this rule. Under this exception, a parent will be allowed on the player side of the field long enough to administer medical treatment. This exception does not allow parents to be on the player s side of the field in the event of an injury. During an injury, a parent is not allowed on the player s side of the field unless the coach or referee determines that immediate medical care is necessary. NOTE: Any player, coach, or spectator who encourages a team or individual members of a team to intentionally injure or physically abuse a member of another team is guilty of a serious breach of the Code of Conduct. Referees have been instructed to take immediate action which may include carding of the coaches or players for foul or abusive language and ordering spectators away from the vicinity of the field.
Page 7 SECTION V. GAME PROCEDURES Procedures Before Game Day The home team is to check the condition of its field and the height of the grass. Get the field mowed if necessary. If the referee refuses to let the game play because the grass is too tall, the referee may depart, certain of being paid, and the home team or teams will forfeit. For circumstances not involving a lapse of responsibility on the part of the club rep, the TCSL Board of Directors has the right to waive this rule. Procedures on Game Day Prior to the start of the game, each team is to provide the referee with their official roster, player/coach cards, and game report. o Make sure to fill out the game report completely and accurately o Only Guest Players are to be listed on the Game Report Referees MUST be paid BEFORE every match. Matches will not begin until the referees are paid. Coaches may only approach referees prior to the match starting for the following reasons: To pay the referees and submit a game report To introduce themselves in a friendly manner To inform the referees of league-specific rule changes Passes should be checked for every game. Teams not having the minimum number of players ready to play within 15 minutes of the scheduled kickoff time forfeit. If the minimum number of players arrives within the 15-minute grace period, the game must begin as soon as the minimum are present. Jersey numbers should coincide with the player s numbers as listed on the game report. The mandatory equipment for all players includes jerseys, shorts, shoes (determined by the referee(s) to be safe), and shin guards (mandated by FIFA rules). Players must wear their socks over top of their shin guards and their shirts tucked into their shorts at the start of each half. Players are not permitted to wear any type of jewelry during matches (unless for religious or medical purposes). Players will not be allowed to play if not in accordance with these equipment rules. If a game is stopped because one coach pulls his team from the field, this case will go to the Board of Directors who will investigate the circumstances and rule on whether a replay will occur or a forfeit will be awarded. In no case will a team gain an advantage by a replay if that team has left the field during a game. Procedures After the Game Game reports must be submitted within 48 hours of the match being played. Game reports are submitted by the HOME TEAM only. Teams failing to submit a game report will be suspended until the game report is received. If a game report is lost, the team responsible for submission must contact TCSL within 24 hours. Please report any missing referees on the game report.
Page 8 When the Referee is Missing The league encourages teams to play their matches whenever possible. If the referee does not arrive prior to the scheduled game time, the game may be played with an emergency volunteer (to be supplied by the home team). Rescheduled Games Any games that are rescheduled after the League Scheduling Meeting are subject to a $50.00 fine. This fine may be waived, with Board approval. Any games that are canceled without notice are subject to a $50.00 fine and will be forfeited by the canceling team. In this event, the canceling team will also be responsible for paying the full fees to any referees that were present for the game. Severe Weather Policy Tri-County Soccer League s severe weather policy states that: 30 minutes must elapse from the last display of thunder/lightening before resuming play. Schedule changes due to severe weather will be allowed. NOTE: If you provide sufficient notice of a game cancellation (due to weather) and the League is able to notify the referees, you will not be responsible for paying the referee fees. If the referee is not able to be notified of the cancellation, the teams are still responsible for paying the referee. SECTION VI. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES How to Enter Teams To declare a team, new teams must submit a New Team Application, along with the $50.00 deposit. Returning teams must submit a Returning Team Application, along with the $50.00 deposit. These forms can be submitted through our website (or downloaded and mailed). Deposits must be postmarked by the date listed on the League Calendar at: www.tricountyelitesoccer.net. Team declarations (with deposits) received before the deadline will receive an additional $50.00 off the League registration fees (per team). Mail all payments to: Tri-County Soccer League Attn: Ryan Maxwell PO Box 121 New Philadelphia, OH 44663 Mandatory Scheduling Meeting All teams wishing to participate in the TCSL must attend a mandatory scheduling meeting. Each team must have a representative present at the scheduling meeting. Any team failing to attend the mandatory meeting will not be permitted to participate. If you do not attend the scheduling meeting, all fees will be refunded to your club, minus the $50.00 deposit. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE!
Page 9 E-mail Addresses Are Required E-mail has become a primary means of communication between the League and it s Member Clubs. All teams are required to submit an e-mail address on their application for league play. Also, all club representatives are required to submit an e-mail address. Risk Management Certification Required All TCSL team officials must be registered and cleared by the US Club Risk Management Program. Admission Process Once the completed application is received, it will be reviewed by the Tri-County Soccer League Board of Directors. Upon approval, a representative from TCSL will contact your club with further instructions on scheduling matches, entering players into our online registration system, and receiving player cards. NOTE: You will need a copy of each player s birth certificate, their signed US Club form, and a small photo (that must be uploaded into our online system) in order to receive your player cards. If for any reason your team s application is denied, a letter of explanation will be mailed to the address you provided on the application. This will include a refund of any registration payments / deposits that were received with the application. SECTION VII. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES Any member club, club officer, director, agent, team or player associated with a member club, within seven days of written or verbal publication of information, whichever comes first, concerning actions of the officers or Board of Directors of TCSL, who feel(s) aggrieved of such action and are desirous of having their grievance heard, must send submit their grievance to the President for review. The President will review grievances for determination of proper filing and the nature of the matter being grieved. If the President determines the grievance is validly submitted, he will initiate action to resolve the issue. This may be accomplished by consulting other officers or club representatives by phone or personally, or by holding a hearing. The President will be the judge of which method of resolution will be used. The Board does consist of a Discipline and Appeals Committee, who will hear any grievance within 14 days of the receipt of the grievance. A quorum for the meeting is three; the presiding officer, will count towards a quorum but will only vote in a tie situation. The decision of the Discipline and Appeals Committee is final within the TCSL and is not appealable to the state association on matters of League policy. If the aggrieved party remains dissatisfied after having exhausted all requirements concerning grievances, or, if not having exhausted all requirements concerning grievances, if he/she invokes the aid of the courts of any state or the United States, should the person bringing the action not prevail in such court action, he/she shall then be liable for all expenses incurred by TCSL in defending such an action including but not limited to the following: Court Costs Attorney s fees
Page 10 Reasonable compensation for time spent by TCSL employees in responding and defending against allegations in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearances Travel expenses Expenses of any special meeting(s) necessitated by the action NOTE: There is a difference between a grievance and a protest. Grievances concern league policy; protests concern game situations. SECTION VIII. STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES Structure Requests The Board of Directors, on a case-by-case basis, will review all special requests and situations not specifically covered in the above listed general principles. The overriding guiding principle structure is to insure maximum competitiveness for each age group and division. Requests for exceptions to Structure procedures must be submitted in writing and accompany a team s application for league play. Oral communications with officers will have no bearing. Grievances No grievances will be allowed regarding Division Structure. Questions, complaints or other official comments concerning the Structure must be submitted in writing through club representatives. Number of Teams in an Age Group Teams will be formed into age groups based upon the birth date of the oldest player. SECTION IX. DIVISION STANDINGS A team s standing in its division will be determined by the number of points it receives based on its win/loss record during the season. Points will be awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss. Tiebreakers In the case of point ties at the end of the regularly scheduled season, final division standings for any teams involved will be determined on the basis of the following tiebreaker sequence: Goal Differential Goals Against Goals Scored SECTION X. MATCH SCHEDULES Scheduling Match Play Scheduling will be finalized at the scheduling meeting. Schedules will be posted on the TCSL website (www.tricountyelitesoccer.net) following the scheduling meeting. There will be a $50.00 fee to change any match schedule after the official schedule has been set.
Page 11 SECTION XI. DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS COMMITTEE Organization, Responsibility and Procedures Interpreting and enforcing league rules and competition will be the responsibility of the Discipline and Appeals (D&A) Committee. This committee will be composed of the five (5) officers of the TCSL Board of Directors. Duties The Discipline and Appeals Committee is responsible for the following: Investigating and conducting hearings, as appropriate, to determine, assess, and enforce penalties when violations of league rules or the League Code of Conduct may have occurred. The D&A Committee has jurisdiction over rostered players and all team officials (including trainers) whether listed on the roster or not Resolving protests based on alleged misapplication of FIFA Laws of the Game and appeals concerning referee actions or alleged violation of league rules which may be appealed Maintaining records of all cautions and ejections Reviewing any game terminated, except for weather, prior to its conclusion and providing the league with an official determination of the outcome of the game Periodically reviewing rules and discipline policies and procedures, including the penalties for misconduct, and recommending changes to the Board as deemed necessary Discipline & Appeals Hearings: Any club that is subject to a disciplinary hearing has the right to an expedited hearing. An expedited hearing allows for the hearing to take place without all five (5) officers of the Board of Directors present, which is mandatory under normal circumstances. A request & waiver for an expedited hearing must be submitted in writing and signed by the coach of the offending team. Referee Assault When a player, coach, manager, or club official is alleged to have assaulted a referee or an assistant referee, the appropriate state referee association has total jurisdiction. The D&A Committee, having information about an alleged assault, will immediately notify the proper state referee association authorities and give them all the information that TCSL has compiled. Any player, coach, or other team official alleged to have assaulted a referee or assistant referee is automatically suspended from all league games pending resolution by the state association. Rules for serving sit-outs apply to individuals on suspension pending resolution of the allegation. Protests and Appeals Definitions Game Protests: Alleged misapplication of FIFA Laws of the Game by the referee, which may have affected the outcome of the game, may be protested (a single incident in a 7-0 game will generally not be considered to have affected the outcome of the game). Incidents resulting from judgment calls may not be protested. Other Protests: Referee actions, other than judgment calls, and alleged violation of league rules and procedures, which may have affected the outcome of the game, may be protested. For example, playing of ineligible player or coach.
Page 12 Filing Protests and Appeals Protests must be submitted in writing or emailed to the Board of Directors, within two days of the match protested. Mailed submissions must be postmarked; a postal meter stamp is not acceptable. Copies of the protest must be sent to the opposing coach and both club representatives. Protests must include: The date, time, place The age group/division The nature of the protest Statements from eyewitnesses (as appropriate) The remedy requested D&A Action on Protests and Appeals The D&A Chairman will review protests and appeals for determination of proper filing and the nature of the matter being protested. If he/she determines that a protest has been properly submitted, he/she will initiate action to resolve the issue. All decisions will be sent to the opposing coach and both club representatives. Discipline The existence of a D&A Committee with authority to discipline does not relieve each club of its responsibility to ensure that players under its sponsorship will play and learn in a safe and supportive environment. The League expects clubs to take prompt, effective action when it detects problems. The D&A Committee will defer to club action, provided it is satisfied the action is appropriate and responsive. The D&A Chairman will receive reports of problems (including phone calls and written communications from referees, coaches, the Board of Directors, game reports, etc). He/She will review the record of offenses set out therein, and if necessary, communicate with referees and other witnesses to obtain any information they may possess. If the Committee deems disciplinary action is appropriate, he/she will advise appropriate club representatives of the offense(s) and the action planned by the Committee. Failure of an individual to observe the sit-out procedures described below will be reviewed by the Committee and may result in additional sanctions, including forfeits for using suspended personnel. Any team (players, coaches, or team officials) which shows continued disregard for the Code of Conduct or the League s rule and procedures will be subject to sanctions determined by the D&A Committee. A team may be instructed to appear before the Committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents in question, the corrective measures the team proposes to take, and whether penalties against the team are in the best interest of the League. The D&A Committee may fine and/or suspend teams for significant misconduct. The Committee will decide when a team fits into the category of significant misconduct. The duration of the suspension will be based on the severity of the offense; games missed because of the suspension will be recorded as forfeits in favor of the scheduled opponent. A fine will not be more than the sum of entry fee for that season. The Committee will decide the amount of the fine depending upon the severity of the misbehavior of a team. If a team disbands or does not pay for any reason, the club will be responsible for the fine before the following season.
Page 13 Appeal of D&A Decisions Decisions of the D&A Committee may be appealed. The appeal cannot be based solely on the fact that the appellant is unhappy with the D&A decision and is seeking retry of the case. The appeal must be based on any errors in the process, procedure, precedent that the team believes the D&A Committee made in reaching its decision. The appealing party, within seven days of receiving notice of the D&A decision, must send an appeal via e-mail to the League President. The appeal must cite the errors made by the D&A Committee in reaching its decision and the remedy requested. Written statements to be used in the appeal must be in the hands of the Chairman 48 hours in advance of the hearing. The Board of Directors will review the appeal to determine if it was properly filed and the nature of the matter being appealed. If it is determined that an appeal was properly submitted, he/she will initiate action to resolve the issue. This may be accomplished by consulting other Committee members, holding a meeting of the Committee, or by holding a hearing. The Board of Directors will be the judge of which method of resolution will be used. If a hearing is deemed appropriate, the Committee will meet within fourteen days of receipt of an appeal unless otherwise ordered for good cause.
Page 14 APPENDIX I. FIELD LAYOUT PROCEDURES Age Appropriate Field Sizes U9 / U10 U11 / U12 U14 + Field Size (yards) 60 x 40 80 x 50 100 x 70 Touch Line (TL) 180' 240' 300' Goal Line (GL) 120' 150' 210' A 24' 30' 30' B 12' 18' 24' Circle Radius 6'6" 6'6" 8' Goal Width 3' 3' 3' Goal He ight 72'x36' 96'x45' 132'x54' Corne r Arc 36'x12' 52'x18' 60'x18' Penalty Spot (from mid-goal) 24' 30' 36'