North West Regional Soccer League Rules & Regulations

North West Regional Soccer League Rules & Regulations

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 COMPETITION NAME AND DIVISIONS... 3 2 MANAGEMENT OF THE NWRSL... 3 3 ENTERING THE NWRSL... 4 4 PLAYER REGISTRATION... 4 5 SCHEDULING... 5 6 HOST TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES... 6 7 GAME OFFICIALS... 7 8 DURATION OF GAMES, BALL SIZE AND GAME FORMAT... 7 9 SUBSTITUTIONS... 8 10 POINTS AND STANDINGS... 8 11 TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES... 8 12 NORTH WEST REGIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP (NWRSLC)... 8 13 SOCCER NB CHAMPIONSHIPS (DIVISION 1)... 9 14 CODE OF CONDUCT... 9 15 PROTESTS... 9 16 DISCIPLINE... 9 17 PENALTIES & FINES... 10 18 FINANCES AND BANKING... 10 19 FISCAL YEAR... 10

1 Competition Name and Divisions 1.1 The name of the competition shall be the North West Regional Soccer League (NWRSL), hereinafter, referred to as the NWRSL and/or SPONSORNAME North West Regional Soccer League. 1.2 The NWRSL shall be divided into the following groups: 1.2.1 U10 Boys 1.2.2 U10 Girls 1.2.3 U12 Boys 1.2.4 U12 Girls 1.2.5 U14 Boys 1.2.6 U14 Girls 1.2.7 U16&U18 Boys 1.2.8 U16&U18 Girls 1.3 The NWRSL shall be open to all club teams in the North West Region competing in the Division 1 (a.k.a. AA ) or in a different competitive structure established by the North West Soccer Association (i.e. Senior competitive, Senior B). All teams must be duly registered in accordance with Soccer New Brunswick s Constitution and Rules and Regulations. Clubs outside the North West Region wishing to play in the league will either: 1.3.1 Participate in an exhibition schedule; Matches will be played and standings will be compiled, but they WON T COUNT TOWARDS STANDINGS FOR REPRENSENTING THE NORTH WEST REGION AT DIVISION 1 PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. 1.3.2 Or, participate in scheduled cross-over games with another league in accordance to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the said leagues, which will provide guidance in terms standings compilation. 1.4 The NWRSL will be played in each of the above divisions providing that there is a minimum of two (2) entries in the division. 1.4.1 If there is only one (1) team, they will represent the North West Region by acclamation. 1.5 The NWRSL will be operated in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game, CSA Rules & Regulations, Soccer New Brunswick Rules & Regulations unless otherwise stipulated in this document. 2 Management of the NWRSL 2.1 The North West Soccer Association (NWSA) will appoint a League Management Committee (LMC) that shall be responsible for developing, implementing and reinforcing the procedures governing the competition. The LMC shall consist of the NWSA President (Chairperson) and club appointed representatives from member clubs of the NWSA and may include a representative from another league who has a MoU with the NWRSL. The LMC meetings shall constitute of a minimum of three people and all clubs must have been notified 10 business days before the meeting.

2.2 Any staff hired by NWRSL or NWSA, shall be responsible for managing and implementing operational functions of the NWRSL. The NWRSL Coordinator will be specifically responsible for website maintenance. Any staff will be accountable to the NWSA Chairperson. 3 Entering the NWRSL 3.1 Each CLUB must complete one letter of intent indicating the quantity of teams for each of the boys and girls age groups (see rule 1.2) they intend to enter the NWRSL. The letter of intent shall be accompanied with a performance bond as per rule 3.4 and must be received by the LMC no later than May 1 st of the competition year. 3.2 The Final Entry Form accompanied with a non-refundable League Entry Fee must be received by the LMC no later than June 1 st of the year of the competition. The League Entry Fee is payable to NWSA in the amount as per the fee structure at rule 3.3. 3.3 League Entry Fee structure: 3.3.1 U10 = $90 per team 3.3.2 U12 = $160 per team 3.3.3 U14 = $225 per team 3.3.4 U16 & U18 = $240 per team. 3.4 A $300 performance bond will be levied by each CLUB that has teams participating in the NWRSL. The bond is payable to NWSA and will be reimbursed to the club at the end of the season, without interest if, no fines, fees or any other amount were deducted by the LMC from the performance bond. 3.4.1 If a club is levied more than $100 from its performance bond, the club must replenish its performance bond to the original amount of $300. Whether the club chooses to appeal the decision or not, it must remit said amount no later than 5 business days after notification of the amount levied. Failure to remit payment within that time frame shall restrict ALL of club s teams to participate in the NWRSL. 3.5 All NWRSL coaches must attain the Pre-B Coaching License level or any higher level deemed sufficient by the LMC. This rule is null for the 2015 season only. 3.6 All NWRSL coaches and managers must attend a Code of Conduct session at a date provided and specified by the LMC. Alternate arrangements can be made with the LMC s consent. 3.6.1 This Code of Conduct course must be taken at least once every 2 years. 3.7 Club and team officials are fully responsible for the conduct of their players, officials and spectators at, and at the vicinity (parking lot, dressing room, etc.) of, games. 3.8 A team and or club shall be in good standing when they have paid all of their league fees and completed their league requirements. If there are any doubts regarding this matter please contact the LMC. 4 Player Registration

4.1 Each player must be registered with his/her own club and with Soccer NB prior to taking any part in any NWRSL competition. 4.1.1 Unless said player is from a province other than New Brunswick. Refer to Memorandum of Understanding with said team, club or league. 4.2 Players may register with the club of their choice. 4.3 Clubs are to submit the 1 st Team Roster Form for each team entering the NWRSL to the LMC and be received no later than June 1 st of the year of the competition. The Roster Form must be complete and the form can be found at Annex A. 4.4 On July 1 st of the year of the competition, the Final Team Roster Form must be complete and received by the LMC. Without said form, the team will forfeit its scheduled games until it is received. 4.5 For any roster changes after June 30 th, the team or club must submit a written request (paper or email) to the LMC for their approval. 4.6 Absolutely no roster changes can be made after July 15 th of the competition year, unless the LMC allows it, given it is an unusual circumstance (recently moved to the area, player wakes up from a coma, etc.). 4.7 All transfers must be in accordance to the Rules and Regulations of Soccer NB. 4.8 Unless the LMC indicates differently, team must be formed by players as follows: 4.8.1 U10 - A minimum of 6 players to a maximum of 16 players can be registered and dressed per team. 4.8.2 U12 - A minimum of 10 players to a maximum of 16 players can be registered and dressed per team. 4.8.3 U14 - A minimum of 14 players to a maximum of 22 players can be registered and dressed per team. 4.8.4 U16 - A minimum of 16 players to a maximum of 25 players can be registered and dressed per team. 4.8.5 U18 - A minimum of 16 players to a maximum of 25 players can be registered and dressed per team. 4.9 Teams that play any ineligible players, as determined by the LMC, will forfeit the game to a score of 3 0 and any associated points. 5 Scheduling 5.1 A NWRSL draft schedule will be submitted to all clubs on May 17 th. 5.2 Clubs of teams competing in the NWRSL are required to identify the venue and time of all home games, no later than May 24 th of the competition year. 5.3 Should a club or team wish to change a time or venue of the game in the schedule, they are required to propose 3 game days and time that fit their schedule. The teams receiving the 3 proposed dates are to either accept one of the proposed dates or in return propose 3 new game days and times within 24 hours and so on. It is encouraged to use emails to provide time stamps on request. This ensures there is a mutual agreement between both parties. For a game rescheduled for uncontrollable conditions, the host begins the process. 5.3.1 All rescheduled games must be played at least 3 days prior to the end of the regular season.

5.4 The Final NWRSL schedule will be distributed by May 25 th of the year of the competition. 5.5 Once the final schedule schedule has been issued, changes will only be made if both teams agree, in writing (email or letter), to reschedule the game. 5.6 Should a game be stopped by the game officials due to uncontrollable conditions such as bad weather, unplayable field or other conditions, both teams must use the same process as described in Rule 5.4 to reschedule the game. 5.7 In any event (draft scheduling, make-up game, or rescheduling) where teams can t agree to a game venue and time, the LMC shall decide and impose the location and time of the game upon both teams. 5.8 Teams failing to appear for a scheduled NWRSL game or who are unable to field the minimum number of allowable players (7) within 15 minutes of the scheduled kickoff time shall be imposed to the following: 5.8.1 Forfeit the game by a score of 3-0; 5.8.2 Pay a $100 fine or more to the NWRSL, which is levied from the club s performance bond. 6 Host Team Responsibilities 6.1 Identify the venue for each home game. 6.2 In the event that the municipality closes the venue, notify the Referee Zone Coordinator, referees (if possible), the opposition and the NWRSL. 6.3 Submit a copy (or email) of the original game sheet to the NWRSL within forty-eight (48) hours of the game s conclusion. 6.3.1 In the event the home team fails to comply, a $25 fine will be levied against his club s performance bond. Both the club and the team will be notified. 6.4 Provide: 6.4.1 Two (2) FIFA quality match balls; 6.4.2 A quality groomed, lined and safe field (as per the FIFA Laws of the Game and the Referee s Judgment); 6.4.3 Nets at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled kick off; 6.4.4 Four (4) clearly identifiable corner flags. 6.5 The Visiting team must wear its regular colors and if the colors of the two teams are similar (as judged by the referee), the Home team must wear alternate colors.

7 Game officials 7.1 The North West Regional Zone Coordinator (affiliated with NBSRA) will assign a minimum of one referee to each home game for U12 games. And, assign a minimum of 3 referees for U14 & U16/U18 games. 7.1.1 All officials for U10 games will be assigned by North West Regional Director. 7.2 The NWRSL is responsible for payment of game officials. 7.3 Game Officials Fee Schedule for the NWRSL is as follows: Age Classification Head Referee Assistant Referee Lone Referee U10 N/A N/A $15.00 U12 N/A N/A $20.00 U14 $25.00 $12.50 $30.00 U16 & U18 $35.00 $17.50 $40.00 8 Duration of Games, Ball Size and Game Format 8.1 All games shall consist of two (2) equal haves of a duration determined by NWRSL. There will be no over time (do not confuse with extra time) play in the regular season NWRSL games. The games are formatted as follows: Age Classification Duration of Match Match Format Field Size Ball Size U10 2 X 30 minutes 8v8 Mini Size 3 U12 2 X 35 minutes 8v8 Mini Size 4 U14 2 X 40 minutes 11v11 Full Field Size 5 U16 & U18 2 X 45 minutes 11v11 Full Field Size 5 8.2 In the NWRSL Championship Play-offs where there are (2) teams competing tied at the end of the regular time or extra time, will then have to play overtime and if the need be, penalties are to be taken as per FIFA Laws of the Game. Age Classification Duration of Overtime Penalties U10 No Overtime No Penalties U12 2 X 5 minutes 5 per team U14 2 X 10 minutes 5 per team U16 & U18 2 X 10 minutes 5 per team

9 Substitutions 9.1 Unlimited substitutions are permitted (including playoff games) during a stoppage of play at the referee s discretion. 9.2 No substitution shall be allowed for a player who has been ordered off the field of play for misconduct. The team will play with a player disadvantage. 10 Points and Standings 10.1 The winning team of each game will be awarded three (3) points, which is applicable to all games. 10.2 In the event of a tie at the end of play, each team will receive one (1) point, which is applicable to all games. 10.3 In the event of a default, the non-defaulting team will win by a score of 3-0 and will be awarded three (3) points, which is applicable to all games. 10.4 At the end of league play, total points obtained from NWRSL will determine the placement for the NWRSL Championship Playoffs. Only the top four (4) teams will progress towards the NWRSL Championship Playoffs, which provides an opportunity to represent the North West Region at the Soccer NB Division 1 Championships. Teams and their respective clubs must be in good standing to attend. 10.5 The NWRSL Championship Playoffs will be as follows: Only the top four (4) teams of each group are allowed to compete. 10.5.1 If there are four (4) teams or more, 1 st position plays 4 th position and 2 nd position plays 3 rd position. The winners of those games will play for the 1 st position of the Regional Championship; both of the losing teams will play to determine the 3 rd position of the Regional Championship. 10.5.2 If there are three (3) teams, the 1 st position automatically advances to the finals; 2 nd and 3 rd position competes for the last spot in the finals. 10.5.3 If there are two (2) teams, they automatically play the final game. 10.5.4 If there is only one (1) team, they will represent the North West Region by acclamation. 10.6 During the playoffs, the highest seed of the regular season hosts the match-up. 11 Tie-Breaking Procedures 11.1 Unless specifically indicates in this document (See section 8), FIFA Laws of the Game will apply. 12 North West Regional Soccer League Championship (NWRSLC) 12.1 All teams (including out of region teams) clinching the top 4 positions during the regular season will play for the NWRSLC. 12.2 The NWRSLC shall be played as a playoff, as indicated in Section 10.5 & 10.6.

13 Soccer NB Championships (Division 1) 13.1 NWRSLC Champions will represent the North West Region at the Provincial Championships for their respective age category, unless section 13.2 is applicable. 13.2 Only teams within the North West Region can represent the North West at the Provincial Championships. 13.2.1 If this is the case, the runner up will be the team representing the region at the Provincial Championships. 13.3 In the event a club is hosting the Provincial Championships, the Host Team and the region representative/victor of the NWRSLC as defined in 13.1 will both represent the North West Region at the Provincial Championships. 13.3.1 If the Host Team is also the winner of the NWRSLC, both the Host Team and the runner up of the NWRSLC will represent the North Region at the Provincial Championships. 14 Code of Conduct 14.1 Players, parents, team officials and/or any other persons involved in the NWRSL are required to conduct themselves in a manner which will bring credit to the competition and to the sport as a whole. 15 Protests 15.1 Consideration of all protests shall be made by the NWRSL League Management Committee (LMC). 15.2 Protests shall be sent to the NWRSL no later than forty-eight (48) hours after the conclusion of the game of item in question. 15.3 All protests shall be submitted, in writing, to the NWRSL accompanied by a fee of $50. 15.4 In the event the protest is upheld, the fee will be refunded. 16 Discipline 16.1 Unless clearly indicated below, Soccer NB s discipline procedures will apply. 16.2 The player is suspended for his next entire scheduled NWRSL game, regular or championship, after accumulating 3 yellow cards. Once the suspension is served, the count goes back to zero (0). 16.3 A player receiving a red card is automatically suspended for his next entire scheduled NWRSL game, regular or championship. The New Brunswick Soccer Referee Association or the LMC may assess harsher suspensions to their discretion. 16.3.1 After three or more red cards, the LMC will evaluate whether the player can continue playing in the NWRSL or if the player is suspended indefinitely.

16.4 Appeals or in the event of severe infractions, the case may be handled by Soccer NB and/or NBSRA in accordance to their own disciplinary procedures. 17 Penalties & Fines 17.1 Penalties and fines are levied on a club or a team when 17.1.1 Offence: They fail to submit a team s final roster by July 1 st. Penalty: All games scheduled will be forfeited until such time as the final roster has been submitted. No forfeited games can be rescheduled. 17.1.2 Offence: They use an ineligible player (as determined by the NWRSL s LMC) in a NWRSL game. Penalty: Forfeit the game in question by a score of 3-0 and all associated points. 17.1.3 Offence: They fail to appear for a scheduled NWRSL game. Penalty: On 1 st offence, forfeit the game 3-0 and associated point and a $100 fine is applicable. On any subsequent offence, forfeit the game 3-0 and a $150 fine is applicable. The LMC reserves the right to evaluate whether a team can keep its privilege to play in the NWRSL on an ongoing basis. 17.1.4 Offence: They fail to meet all Home Team Responsibilities in section 6. Penalty: A $25 fine is levied for each infraction. 17.1.5 Offence: They fail to provide the game sheet to the NWRSL within 48 hours of match completion. Penalty: A $25 fine is levied for each infraction. 18 Finances and Banking 18.1 The NWRSL shall establish a bank account with the name of the account being North West Regional Soccer League and the signing officers shall be the Chair and the Treasurer of the NWRSL. 18.2 Every cheque must be signed by both signing officers. 19 Fiscal Year 19.1 The fiscal year of the NWRSL shall be from October 1 st to September 30 th, inclusively of the following year (i.e. October 1 st, 2014 to September 30 th, 2015).