KENTUCKY SELECT SOCCER LEAGUE RULES

KENTUCKY SELECT SOCCER LEAGUE RULES Adopted January 1998 June 30, 2011 The Kentucky Select Soccer League (KSSL), a non-profit corporation, is an affiliate of the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA). Participation in the KSSL, except where modified in these rules, is governed by the rules adopted by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), US Youth Soccer, and the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA). 1. Board of Directors i. The Kentucky Select Soccer League shall be governed by a five (5) member Board of Directors. These shall include a League Director and four (4) Deputy Directors, one (1) each from older and younger girls teams, and one (1) each from older and younger boys' teams. ii. The Board reserves the right to vote on matters not addressed in these rules. A. Elections i. The KSSL Director shall be elected annually at the end of each spring season. ii. The Deputy Director for Younger Boys and the Deputy Director for Older Girls shall be elected bi-annually at the end of the spring season on years ending with an even number. iii. The Deputy Director for Younger Girls and the Deputy Director for Older Boys shall be elected bi-annually at the end of each spring season on years ending with an odd number. iv. Nominations shall be made to the KSSL Administrator during the spring season. Each club may nominate one (1) person for one (1) of the five (5) Director positions. No club shall have more than one (1) member elected to the Board. v. Ballots shall be emailed by the end of the spring season to all teams registered with the KSSL. Each Team receives one (1) vote for each position. Write-in ballots shall not be accepted. All votes mailed from a single address shall count as one (1) vote. vi. The elected KSSL Directors' term shall run from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. All other elected Board members terms shall begin on July 1 and end two (2) years later on June 30. vii. In the event that a Board member other than the KSSL Director cannot fulfill their term, the KSSL Director shall nominate a successor candidate to fill the remaining term. The Board of Directors shall confirm the candidate at the earliest possible date by a majority vote. viii. In the event that the KSSL Director cannot fulfill their term, a new KSSL Director shall be elected from the existing members of the Board of Directors by the majority vote of the current 1 of 13

Directors to fill the remaining term. 2. KSSL Administrator and Webmaster i. A KSSL Administrator and/or Webmaster may be contracted by the Board of Directors to conduct routine KSSL business, (i.e. mailings, season standings, etc.). The KSSL Administrator and/or Webmaster shall report to the Board of Directors. The contract for the KSSL Administrator and/or Webmaster shall be reviewed annually and shall be renewed by the Board. The Board shall maintain a written job description for the KSSL Administrator and/or Webmaster. ii. The Board of Directors shall establish the amount to fund the KSSL Administrator s and/or Webmaster s contract on an annual basis. 3. League Finances i. The Board of Directors shall oversee all funds received by the KSSL and shall approve all KSSL expenditures over $250.00. ii. A complete income and expense statement shall be completed annually at the end of each Board's term. The annual financial statement shall be made available, by request, to each member club and each team, within thirty (30) days of the end of each spring season. Any questions or concerns about League finances shall be made in writing to the KSSL Director and will be addressed by the Board of Directors. 4. Application and Admission A. Application for Participation i. Participation in the KSSL is open to any properly registered competitive team in good standing with the KYSA or any neighboring affiliated association. ii. All applications for participation in the KSSL must be received by January 15 for participation in the spring season and July 15 for participation in the fall season. iii. A properly completed application shall include: a. Team history. b. A check for the entry fee of $85.00 payable to the Kentucky Select Soccer League or KSSL. U17, U18, and U19 and all out of area teams, regardless of age group, must post a performance bond of $250. iv. Any application received after the deadline will be accepted only by a favorable vote of the Board and payment of an additional $50 late fee. 2 of 13

B. Acceptance of Teams i. Teams are accepted based on factors such as, but not limited to, team history, sportsmanship, geographic location, previous KSSL participation, and availability of comparable teams to form a division. ii. Teams not located within the geographic area of the KSSL may be admitted with the understanding that they shall arrange a home field within the geographic area of the KSSL. iii. Teams not located within the geographic area may host a game or utilize a neutral field outside the KSSL geographic if the team in the geographic area agrees and the game is approved by the Age Group Coordinator. iv. Teams not accepted will receive a full refund of the entry fee with a letter of notification within thirty (30) days of the entry deadline. v. The Board of Directors reserves the right to decline to admit any team. 5. Formation of Divisions A. Supervision and Management i. Each Age Group shall be under the supervision and management of the KSSL Age Group Coordinator who shall be responsible for: a. assigning teams to divisions; b. constructing match schedules; c. recording division standings; and d. such other responsibilities as are necessary for the operation of the age group. B. Age Groups i. Age groups as defined by US Youth Soccer (i.e. Under 14) will be divided into single birth year divisions whenever there are sufficient teams participating in the KSSL to permit the formation of two (2) or more divisions within the age group. There shall be separate age groups for girls and mixed. An exception to the US Youth Soccer age guidelines shall be to conform to a state rule (i.e. U14/15 rule in the fall season). ii. Age groups of the same team type may be combined where necessary to provide sufficient teams to form a division in the merged age groups. Girls and mixed teams may not play in the same division. Small sided age groups will not be combined with an age group which mandates a different number of players. 3 of 13

iii. Age groups may be divided into two (2) or more divisions. C. Divisions i. The highest division in an age group shall be designated Premier. ii. Remaining divisions in an age group shall be designated Division I, Division II, Division III, and so on as needed. D. Under 10 i. Beginning Spring 2013 and continuing thereafter, KSSL shall sanction spring season U10 competition. KSSL shall not sanction fall season U10 competition. ii. The clubs academy director shall recommend the division placement of each U10 team (Premier, D1, D2, etc.). KSSL will consider the placement recommendation(s) when determining divisions. 6. Seeding and Placement of Teams i. Seeding of each division is the responsibility of the KSSL Age Group Coordinator for the formation of divisions as provided in these rules under the direction of the Boys or Girls Deputy Director(s). ii. Placement of teams within divisions and subgroups will be based on the playing record of each team with the intent of creating divisions of comparable strength. iii. Consideration may be given to geographic dispersion of the teams to minimize travel distances for games. iv. Teams placing first or second in their division in a season will be eligible for promotion to the next higher division and teams finishing last or next to last will be eligible for relegation to the next lower division in the next season. v. A team may request to play up no more than one (1) age group. All requests to play up one (1) age group must be made in writing and submitted with the team's KSSL application. All requests will be considered by the Board of Directors and their decision is final. 7. Operational Procedures A. Scheduling i. Division schedules, match dates, times and other KSSL information will be prepared and distributed to all participants by the Age Group Coordinator or KSSL Administrator. 4 of 13

ii. As a part of their application, teams may identify up to six (6) days they prefer not to play league games. Such dates will be considered where possible in preparing the divisional match schedule. iii. Applications with more than six (6) days identified that a team prefers not to play shall be considered improper and may be rejected. If the application is accepted, the Age Group Coordinator shall select any six (6) days. iv. KYSA sponsored competition dates shall be automatically blocked out by the league. Teams not participating in KYSA sponsored competitions may play league games on those dates. iv. Teams shall be available to play all other weekend dates. B. Reporting of Scores i. Both teams are responsible for reporting match results by e-mail to the Age Group Coordinator within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled start of the match. ii. Scores not reported within the required time may be recorded as a 3 to 0 forfeit. In the event of a no-show, the team that is present shall advise the Age Group Coordinator within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled start of the match. The Age Group Coordinator, with the Deputy Directors approval, may record the no show as a forfeit. iii. No score shall be posted or computed for standings reflecting more than a three (3) goal differential. C. Awards / Standings i. Trophies or other awards will be given to the first and second place teams in each division based upon the results of league play for all divisions of four (4) or more teams. In three (3) team divisions, only the winner will receive post-season awards. ii. The final season standings will be determined by the following point system: a. Three (3) points per win; b. One (1) point per tie; c. No points per loss; d. Minus three (-3) points for a forfeit. iii. The tie breaker system for final season standings shall be determined by: a. Results of match(s) played between the two (2) teams within the division; 5 of 13

b. Maximum +3/-3 goal differential per game (+3 differential for a forfeit). All games posted are counted, including across flights in multi-flighted divisions; c. Least number of goals allowed in games played with teams in the division (including games across flights in multiple flighted divisions); d. If teams are tied after all tie breakers, all will receive awards. D. Team Rosters i. Teams shall have an official state roster at all league games. A copy of the roster shall be provided immediately to the referee or opposing team manager if requested. ii. Beginning Fall 2012, players shall not dual roster within the same age group for KSSL games. Players may dual roster to play up on an older KSSL team. Players dual rostered on a Midwest Regional League team and a KSSL team shall play in the highest KSSL division for their age. iii. Any team playing an ineligible player(s) shall forfeit the game(s) in which that player(s) takes part. The player, coach(es), and team may be ineligible or disqualified for competition in KSSL. iv. Each team shall submit a copy of their official state roster to the KSSL Administrator no later than seven (7) days prior to their first league game. An updated copy of an official state roster shall be immediately sent to the KSSL Administrator if a team has any changes to their roster. Failure to provide a roster may result in the team being ineligible to compete in KSSL until an official roster is provided to the KSSL Administrator. 8. Matches A. Dates and Times i. Match dates shall be Saturdays and Sundays unless otherwise agreed upon by the participating teams. ii. For a team playing more than one (1) league match on a single day, matches may not be played with less than four (4) hours between the start of each match. iii. The Board of Directors will determine beginning and end play dates for each season. B. Failure to Play as Scheduled and Rescheduling i. All match schedules shall be followed as published. ii. Failure to play a match as scheduled may result in forfeiture of the match for KSSL standings. 6 of 13

iii. A team that fails to play a match as scheduled or forfeits a match shall be responsible for the payment of the referees and any other fees incurred for assigning referees to the match. The notice of fees due shall be sent to the club(s). The fees shall be paid to the appropriate Deputy Director within seventy-two (72) hours of notice sent. All remaining teams from the offending club(s) may be ineligible to compete in KSSL until all fees have been paid. iv. Written or e-mailed requests, approved by both team managers, with new play dates and times must be received by the Age Group Coordinator one (1) week prior to the first play date. No limits or costs apply to games moved prior to this date. v. Once league play begins: a. Games may not be moved for any reason without the Deputy Director s approval responsible for that age group. This specifically includes home field coordinators and/or referee assignors. b. No game shall be moved within seven (7) days of its play date. c. All games rescheduled one (1) week prior to the first play date must be approved by the Deputy Director responsible for that age group. d. The Age Group Coordinator does not have the authority to change games after the first league play date. e. Moving a game after the first play date may result in a forfeited game, loss of end of season award, or removal from the KSSL. f. A $50 change fee is required for any change approved by the Deputy Director responsible for that age group. The change fee shall be made payable to KSSL and mailed within three (3) days of the change to the Deputy Director. vi. Matches may be rescheduled after the scheduled date only if required due to: a. Rain out, in which case the teams involved are mutually responsible for rescheduling. b. The home team shall notify the Age Group Coordinator of the rain out on the day it occurs. c. If the teams involved have not notified the Age Group Coordinator of the rescheduled date, time, and location within five (5) days of the rain out, the Age Group Coordinator may, without regard to the preferences from either team, establish a date, time, and location for the match which shall be played prior to the final KSSL play date of the current season. A neutral field may be used. d. If a neutral field is used, both teams shall be responsible for the payment of referees and any other fees incurred for assigning referees to the match. The amount shall be 7 of 13

determined by the Age Group Coordinator in conjunction with the host site, club, or assignor. e. If the manager of one of the teams is the Age Group Coordinator, the KSSL Director shall establish the date, time, and location. C. Inclement Weather i. Each club's home team is responsible for notifying their opponents as soon as possible if their fields are closed due to inclement weather. ii. The home team shall report the cancellation to the Age Group Coordinator on the day it occurs. iii. All games are subject to the lightning / thunder rule. No team shall take the field until thirty (30) minutes has elapsed since the last lightning bolt or sound of thunder. 9. Rules of Play i. Games will be played under the applicable rules of US Youth Soccer. Teams are responsible for obtaining and being familiar with the US Soccer Federation Official Administrative Handbook and the FIFA Laws as they govern League play with the modifications noted below. ii. U10 play by all USSF rules unless otherwise noted. These include, smaller field size, reduced players on the field, and reduced field markings, i.e. free kicks are to receive eight (8) yards distance. A. Match Rules i. Teams shall use their age group as defined by US Youth soccer for the current seasonal year in determining length of match and ball size, except for teams playing up, which shall use the length of match and ball size for the group that they have advanced to. U12 and younger teams must play as defined by FIFA, USSF, US Youth Soccer, and KYSA. U10's shall play 6v6, and U11-12's shall play 8v8. U10 and U12 teams shall not play up to an older age group in KSSL due to the difference in team and roster size. ii. Beginning Spring 2013 and continuing thereafter, U15 and older age groups in all KSSL Premier divisions may substitute a maximum of seven (7) substitutions in each game during each half of play. After leaving the game during a half of play, the substituted player may not re-enter the game during that same half of play. Substitutions may be made at any time by either team with the consent of the referee. B. Official Match 8 of 13

i. A match shall be considered official after one (1) full half of play (the second half does not have to start) and the final score shall be the score at the time the match is terminated. ii. If less than one (1) half is completed and the match is called, the entire match shall be replayed. iii. If a match is called because of gross misconduct, the disposition of the match score shall be decided by the KSSL Director. iv. Teams shall wait thirty (30) minutes for their opponents to arrive. v. Failure to appear may result in a forfeit. C. Player Passes / Rosters i. Each team shall bring their US Youth Soccer player and coach s passes signed by an official of their National State Association to every match. ii. Only players listed on their Official State Roster may play in League matches. Guest players are not permitted. iii. Playing of an ineligible player will result in automatic forfeiture of the match and possible suspension or expulsion of the coach(es) and team from the KSSL. iv. US Youth Soccer player and coaches passes shall be presented to the referee prior to the start of the match. The passes shall remain in the referee's possession until the completion of the match v. Teams shall have an official state roster at all KSSL games. A copy of the roster shall be provided immediately to the referee or opposing team manager if requested. Failure to provide a roster may result in a forfeit and the team being ineligible to compete in KSSL. D. Other i. Uniform color conflict. a. Home teams shall wear white (or a light color) and the visiting team shall wear dark. If there is a discrepancy, the offending team shall change. b. The referee's judgment is final. ii. Coaching from Sidelines a. Limited coaching is permitted only from one (1) touchline and coaches shall remain in the technical area as defined by FIFA. 9 of 13

b. Coaches shall not enter the field without permission from the referee. iii. Field player jerseys shall each have a unique number. 10. Match Control A. Three Man System i. Matches shall be officiated by the three (3) man FIFA / USSF Referee System. ii. If a certified referee is not available within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled start time, the home team may be subject to a forfeit by the Age Group Coordinator for the game. The Age Group Coordinator may reschedule the match in the event of extra ordinary circumstance. iii. If the teams involved cannot agree upon a rescheduled date, time, and location, the Age Group Coordinator shall, without regard to the preferences from either team, establish a date, time, and location for the match which shall be played prior to the final league play date of the current season. A neutral field may be used. iv: If a neutral field is used, both teams shall be responsible for the payment of referees and any other fees incurred for assigning referees to the match. The amount shall be determined by the Age Group Coordinator in conjunction with the host site. B. Payment of Referees i. Referees and assistant referees shall be assigned under the provisions of USSF. ii. The home team is responsible for payment of fees to the match officials unless a neutral field is used. The provisions established above are applicable if a neutral field is used. C. Termination of Matches i. Referees may suspend or terminate matches for lack of crowd control, poor team behavior, or other unsportsmanlike behavior. Each coach is responsible for the behavior of his sideline players, parents, and fans and can be sent off for their misbehavior. ii. The Board of Directors shall determine appropriate disciplinary action for a match that is suspended or terminated. iii. Disciplinary action may include any, all, or any combination of a: (a) Reprimand; (b) Forfeiture; (c) Suspension from one (1) or more matches; (d) Fine determined by the Board of Directors; and 10 of 13

(e) Recommendation to the Kentucky Youth Soccer President of a more severe penalty. 11. Ejections and Discipline A. Ejections i. Any person ejected from a match will receive a minimum of a one (1) KSSL match suspension. ii. Any person guilty of fighting with another player or coach, on or off the field, will be given a minimum of a two (2) match suspension. iii. Any person ejected, or guilty of assaulting a referee, player, coach, manager, or other participant, is subject to a one (1) year suspension. iv. All ejections of coaches, parents or spectators during any KSSL game shall be fined by the KSSL and are in addition to any game suspension(s). Fines shall be set by the KSSL Director and start at $250. v. Any ejected coach, parent, or spectator who refuses to immediately leave the game site will be subject to a $500 fine and the game may be treated as a forfeit for KSSL standings. vi. Fines will be sent to the club. All remaining teams with the club may be ineligible to compete in KSSL until all fines have been paid to the KSSL. vii Fines can be appealed but must be paid during the appeal. If a fine is overturned on appeal, that fine will be returned to the club. viii. All clubs and teams agree to these rules when they sign their application. B. Discipline i. The penalty for abusive language toward a referee by a player, coach, assistant coach, or manager will be an automatic one (1) match suspension. ii. A USSF Referee report should be filled out by the center official for any action resulting in an ejection or serious incident. The report should be mailed or filed electronically with the KYSA office within forty-eight (48) hours. The Team Manager or Coach shall notify the Age Group Coordinator and appropriate Deputy Director and the League Director within twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the match. Any team failing to provide notification may be subject to match forfeiture, player(s) suspension, coach(es) suspension, and removal from the KSSL. iii. All ejections of players, coaches, assistant coaches, spectators, or managers shall be reviewed by the KSSL Directors who may impose additional discipline or fines. 11 of 13

12. Protests A. Filing of Protest i. Protests can only be filed by the coach, manager, or club administrator of the team as identified on the Kentucky Select Soccer League application. Players or parents may not appeal. ii. A Complete Protest must be mailed by two (2) day priority mail or overnight to the KSSL Director and all opposing parties within seven (7) days of the match in question and must include: a. A check for $100 made payable to KSSL; b. A written statement describing the specific grounds for the protest signed by the team or club official; c. A clear and concise statement of the relief or action sought by the protesting party; d. Copies of all documents relevant to the appeal including but not limited to: i. USSF Referee report(s) on the match in question, if available; ii. Copies of Rules that are applicable to the protest; and iii. Official State Roster if applicable to the protest. iii. The Opposing (Responding) party will have five (5) days to prepare a response to the protest which must be mailed by two (2) day priority mail, not requiring signature, by the recipient to the KSSL Director and the protesting party. B. Consideration of Complete Protest i. The Board of Directors shall have the right to decline to hear the protest if the protest filed by the protesting party: a. Does not deal with the violation of KSSL rules and bylaws; b. Concerns a matter of referee judgment; c. Is incomplete or does not contain the required information; d. Is not filed in a timely or proper manner; or e. The question arising from the protest does not deal with the application of these rules. 12 of 13

ii. The protest may not be withdrawn and the protest fee is not refundable if the protest is accepted by the Board of Directors. iii. The Board of Directors shall issue a decision within 10 (ten) days of the receipt of the complete protest and the response, if any, of responding party. iv. The decisions of the Board of Directors on all matters of protest shall be final. 13 of 13