BY-LAWS OF THE
EFFECTIVE 07-1-2009
Article I – NAME
This body shall be known as the Michigan Youth Soccer League. The acronym MYSL and League shall equally refer to this association. This association shall be a nonprofit organization.
The registered office of the Corporation shall have the same location as the address of its Treasurer, or such other location as may be authorized from time to time by the Executive Board.
Article II – OBJECT AND AFFILIATION
A. The purpose of this League is to promote and develop the game of soccer at all skill levels and to protect and abide by the rules of the game.
B. The League shall be affiliated with an acknowledge affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), such as the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), hereinafter referred to as the USSF Affiliate League.
C. The authority, laws and rulings of the latter two (2) bodies shall at all times be complied with and shall prevail in the event of conflict with laws and rulings of the League.
D. The League shall sanction and control all League competition within the jurisdiction of the League.
E. In the event of dissolution of this League and at the direction of the Executive Board, the assets shall be distributed to the USSF Affiliated League.
Article III – MEMBERS
A. Previously affiliated clubs or leagues that are in good standing may make application for membership in this League at any time, subject to the provisions of these by-laws. The application will be made on the MYSL League Affiliation form and must contain the following information:
· Name of the club or league.
· A list containing the names, addresses, and phone numbers of not less than three voting members of the Board of Directors and the delegate to League meetings. The applying league or club must have an odd number of Directors.
· A check covering club or league affiliation fee as set by the MYSL Executive Board and identified on the League affiliation form.
· All clubs shall submit a copy of their by-laws and any subsequent amendments thereto each seasonal year.
· Such other information requested by the Executive Board and itemized by the MYSL Affiliation and Regulations checklist.
All clubs or leagues seeking affiliation after June 30, 1998 shall play their home games within the geographic boundaries defined by: I-69 to the North, US-127 to the West, St. Clair River and Lake St Clair to the East, and U.S. 96-696 and the Lodge Freeway (MI-10) to the South. From time to time, the Executive Board of MYSL, at its discretion, may exempt a club or league from compliance with the above boundaries.
B. Each club or league whose teams elect to compete in this League must submit the following information to the MYSL Registrar by the deadlines set each session by the Executive Board (extensions may be granted by the Board).
· Name of the team.
· A team roster containing the names, risk management numbers, addresses, and phone numbers of the coaches and managers of each team.
· Players’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates, state registration number (if available).
· Home playing fields and locations with alternates and descriptive maps.
· Proposed team colors.
· Check covering the MYSL-specified team registration fee for its age group for the full session or spring session.
· Any other information requested by the MYSL Executive Board.
In addition to the above, each team shall submit an MYSL affiliation form to the MYSL Commissioner which identifies the team name and affiliated league or club (which must be in good standing), along with the coach’s and manager’s names, addresses, current phone numbers, and current risk management card numbers as issued by the USSF Affiliated League.
C. All clubs or leagues seeking affiliation for the first time:
· Must be organized such that it has both an odd number and not less than three (3) voting board meetings or partnerships.
·
Will maintain their finances properly, filing all
necessary State of
· Prior to the commencement of its first seasonal year with MYSL, will be required to submit to the MYSL a performance bond in the amount of $350. The amount of this bond will be returned following the probationary period if no violations or fines are outstanding.
· Will serve a two-year probation period beginning at their first MYSL affiliation meeting
· Probation violations shall include failure to maintain in-good-standing status with the MYSL, failure to observe the Affiliate League’s rules and regulations, any violation of MYSL rules resulting in the levy of fines, and initiation of any legal action by current or previous board members, officials, coaches, managers or by the organization itself.
In addition to the performance bond above, each newly affiliated league or club will submit an initial affiliation fee payable to the MYSL in an amount specified by the Executive Board. The amount of this fee will be returned after June of the third seasonal year from the date of initial affiliation with the MYSL.
D. Any team, club, or league affiliating with this League after deadlines have passed will be permitted to play exhibition games only with other affiliated teams.
E. If a team is affiliated with the League and subsequently withdraws, its registration fee shall be forfeited. Furthermore, that team and/or its league shall be required to submit a performance bond for the next season in an amount set by the Executive Board.
F. Any team withdrawing after its first regularly scheduled league game shall forfeit all registration fees paid. Also, the Executive Board may set additional fines on the team and its affiliating club or league as it deems appropriate.
G. The Executive Board will have final approval of the use of a team name.
H. All clubs or leagues will pay a registration fee per team as recommended by the Executive Board at the League meeting preceding the fall and spring registration. All registration fees and proposed new leagues or clubs are subject to ratification by the League delegates prior to the affiliation meeting.
I. All teams must play their home games within the approved immediate geographic area of their affiliating league or club based upon historical field use.
J. All clubs or leagues and their respective teams affiliated with MYSL will adhere to the risk management provisions of the MYSL and the USSF Affiliate League. Any failure by any person(s) affiliated with this League to promptly comply with MYSL risk management provisions will cause their MYSL status to be changed to disqualified, and they shall immediately suspend their MYSL-associated activities until a satisfactory remedy is verified and approved by MYSL.
Article IV – LEAGUE ORGANIZATION
A. The League shall consist of clubs and/or leagues in good standing and will be governed by the MYSL Executive Board (hereinafter also referred to as the Board). The Executive Board shall consist of the following officers: a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Statistician, Commissioner, Secretary, a full-sided (11 v 11) and a small-sided Registrar, and a Publicity Director. Also, the Executive Board may annually appoint qualified persons to positions such as USSF Affiliated League Delegates and Referee Liaison.
B. All officers are elected for two-year terms and shall assume the duties of their office effective on July 1 following the Annual General Meeting. All officers and Executive Board members hall have unlimited terms of office. Elections will be held for members of the Executive Board as follows:
· Even year elections: President, Commissioner, Treasurer, Statistician and the small-sided Registrar.
· Odd year elections: Vice President, Secretary, the full-sided Registrar and Publicity (formerly Ways & Means).
C. Should an office become vacant, a successor shall be elected by the Executive Board for the remainder of the term. If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice President shall assume the office.
D. If no nominations are received, as provided for in section J below, for any MYSL term-limited Executive Board officer, an exception to Section B above will exist, and the previously elected officer may be elected for an additional two-year term.
E. The Executive Board shall transact all business of the League and shall have power to enforce the laws of the game and the constitution and by-laws of this League. It shall have the power to settle all disputes and protests from member clubs or leagues or teams subject to any appeal procedures of the USSF Affiliate League.
F. The Executive Board may appoint subcommittees and delegate authority for them to act on behalf of the Board, to the extent of the powers it has.
G. The President, Vice President and Treasurer shall constitute an Emergency Committee with any two (2) able to act on matters demanding immediate attention when it is impractical or impossible to call an executive Board meeting. Their action shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Board, and in no case shall the Emergency Committee have power to incur substantial liabilities on behalf of the League.
H. The Executive Board shall appoint delegates as required to the USSF affiliate League. The best interests of this League and youth soccer shall always be the primary consideration.
I. All officers shall deliver to their successors all official materials in their possession within ten (10) days following the expiration of their term in office.
J. The Executive Board shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of not more than three (3) delegates, one (1) of whom shall be the Vice President to the Executive Board who will serve as Chairperson.
· The Nominating Committee shall recommend one or more nominees for each office to be filled at the Annual General Meeting. The Committee will canvas the Executive Board and general membership for names.
· All nominations must be received 14 days in advance of the Annual General Meeting, and in all cases, only those who have consented to serve if elected shall be eligible for nomination.
K. The Executive Board shall appoint a Disciplinary Panel consisting of at least three (3) members to rule on all protests and other disciplinary actions arising under these by-laws and the rules of soccer during the seasonal year. The Chairperson of the Disciplinary Panel shall be the League Vice President. The panel will promptly report the results of its rulings to the Executive Boards. The Executive Board may then consider if taking any further action is necessary or warranted.
L. The Commissioner and Registrar Board positions shall be expense paid positions. The expense level for each position will be determined each year by the Executive Board and subject to ratification at the Annual General Meeting.
M. The election or appointment to a position on the Executive Board shall be limited to no more than one officer from any member league/club. This limitation includes the current members of MYSL-affiliated leagues/clubs and their respective coaches and managers. In the case of conflicting nominations from a member league/club, the incumbent MYSL Executive Board member will be given preference for election consideration by the Nominating Committee.
N. Nominations for the Executive Board will only be accepted from currently affiliated member leagues/clubs in good standing, and all nominees will have a currently valid risk management card from the USSF Affiliate League and hold a board-level position with MYSL or their respective member league/club.
Article V – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
A. The President:
· Shall preside at all meetings of the League.
· Shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the League.
· Shall appoint all committees except the Nominating Committee and Disciplinary Panel.
· Shall cast no vote except in the event of a tie or may waive the right to do so.
· Shall perform the duties of the office as set down in the by-laws, the MYSL rules and regulations and as assigned by the Executive Board, and the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
· Execute all authorized conveyances and contracts, or such other obligations as required by the duties of this office or delegated by the Executive Board.
· Shall appoint necessary assistants with the approval of the Executive Board.
· Shall call or schedule all Board meetings.
B. The Vice President:
· Shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President, succeed to the office of the President for the unexpired term in the event of a vacancy and may chair or serve on any committees as required. In the absence of the President and Vice President, the chain of command shall be in the order as listed in ARTICLE IV, Section A.
· Will coordinate insurance matters with the USSF Affiliate League.
· In performance of the duties of the office will represent MYSL at USSF Affiliate League Delegate meetings and cast all votes for MYSL. May assign an assistant to perform this function.
· Will coordinate and enforce all Risk Management requirements for MYSL.
· Shall be Chairperson of the Disciplinary Panel and Nominating Committee.
C. The Treasurer:
· Shall collect all dues and fees and have charge of al monies of the League.
· Shall pay all League bills properly approved by the President and the Board.
· Shall keep a detailed account of all income and expenditures and shall submit a report at every League meeting unless waived by parliamentary vote.
· Shall submit a full financial report for the fiscal year at the Annual General Meeting.
· Is authorized to have banking accounts as needed. All accounts will have three (3) signers and all checks will require the signature of another Executive Board Member who has approval of the Executive Board or the President.
· Shall be bonded.
· Will provide, as soon as practical, the official list of affiliated teams in good standing by league or club for the purpose of determining the votes available to conduct business at each meeting of this League.
D. The League Commissioner:
· Shall be responsible for the divisioning of teams (subject to Board approval) and the drawing up of game schedules for all divisions.
· Shall enforce the League’s by-laws and rules and regulations.
· Shall have power to schedule or reschedule postponed games.
· Shall appoint assistants as needed.
· Shall attend all Executive Board meetings, general membership meetings and the Annual General meeting.
· Shall provide a valid excuse to the Executive Board if unable to attend any meeting described above. Further, the Executive Board may adjust the expense payments for attendance non-compliance at its sole discretion.
E. The Secretary:
· Shall record the minutes of all meetings and read them at each subsequent meeting unless waived by a parliamentary vote.
· Shall maintain attendance records at meetings.
· May chair or serve on committees.
· Shall maintain a complete file on all member clubs and teams, including officers, coaches, managers and delegates.
· Shall attend to all correspondence regarding League matters and records with appropriate liaison with the President and Commissioner.
· Shall assist in the necessary liaison in the arrangement of representative games, clinics and promotions of the League.
· Shall secure materials for the compilation of team packets for distribution. Distribution packets may include League Rules and Regulations, lineup sheets, preprinted statistician envelopes and remaining passcards.
F. The Registrar:
· There shall be two Registrars with one Registrar being responsible for registration of all teams playing eleven players a side and will be elected in odd-numbered years. The second Registrar shall be responsible for all teams playing less than eleven players a side and will be elected in even-numbered years. Each Registrar shall be regarded as separate and equal Board positions and commonly designated by the age groups of the responsibility. Each Registrar (collectively hereafter, the Registrar):
· Shall register and certify players on affiliated teams on the appropriate USSF Affiliate League.
· Shall maintain a complete file on all registered players and on transfers granted or received.
· Shall have authority to appoint assistants as required.
· Shall be responsible for all computerized records and transmissions necessary to the proper registration of all players and team officials.
· Shall attend all Executive Board meetings, general membership meetings and the Annual general meeting.
· Shall provide a valid excuse to the Executive Board if unable to attend any meeting described above. Further, the Executive Board may adjust the expense payments for attendance non-compliance at its sole discretion.
G. The Publicity/Ways & Means Director:
· Shall be responsible for reporting pertinent information of all activities and games of the League to the news media.
· Shall be responsible for public relations with the community.
· Shall be responsible for advertising the events of the League.
· Shall be responsible for fundraising projects.
· Shall be chairperson of any committees to organize social events and exhibition games of the League.
· Shall be responsible for obtaining trophies and awards.
· Shall publish the Leagues annual newsletter.
H. Statistician:
· Shall maintain all League statistics and the file on all referee reports.
· Shall record all suspensions and promptly notify the League Commissioner of team point accumulations.
· Shall report all protested game reports to the Commissioner for appropriate handling.
· Shall post completed schedules to the League website with game numbers.
· Shall inform the League Commissioner of the failure of any player or coach to sit out a game due to infractions.
I. The USSF Affiliated League Delegate (an appointed position):
· Shall be appointed after the Annual General Meeting by the new Executive Board by a two-thirds majority vote of the elected officers of the Executive Board.
· Shall be responsible for attending all USSF Affiliate League meetings and functions and reporting back to the Executive Board.
· Shall report all pertinent information to the membership at general membership meetings.
· Appointed positions may, for the balance of their term, be given voting privileges, by the Executive Board, for all MYSL meetings. Such privileges may be revoked at any time by similar vote. The membership will be informed of such vote by a special mailing.
J. The Referee Liaison:
· Shall coordinate scheduling of referees between the Agent of Record and the MYSL Commissioner.
· Shall be appointed by the Macomb County Referee Association or its successors.
· Appointed positions may, for the balance of their term, be given voting privileges, by the Executive Board, for all MYSL meetings. Such privileges may be revoked at any time by similar vote. The membership will be informed of such vote by a special mailing
K. The Risk Management Coordinator (an appointed position):
· Shall be appointed after the Annual General Meeting by the new Executive Board by two-thirds majority vote of the elected officers of the Executive Boards. Appointed positions may, for the balance of their term, be given voting privileges at all meetings. Such privileges may be revoked at any time by similar vote. The membership will be informed of such vote by a special mailing.
· Shall be responsible for conducting and overseeing the risk management activities of MYSL in coordination with the directives of the Executive Board and the USSF Affiliate League.
· Shall report all pertinent information to the membership at general membership meetings.
· Appointed positions may, for the balance of their term, be given voting privileges, by the Executive Board, for all MYSL meetings. Such privileges may be revoked at any time by similar vote. The membership will be informed of such vote by a special mailing
L. All officers, appointees, agents or other such Board- authorized person(s) may be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in the performance of their duties rendered on behalf of the League. All such expenses and costs, no matter what their source, will be subject to the procedures outlined by these By-Laws.
M. Any officer or appointee who shall be absent from three consecutive meetings of the League or the Board, or who is otherwise derelict in his or her duties, may have the office vacated at the discretion of the Board.
Article VI – MEETINGS
A. Each affiliated team in good standing and each Executive Board member shall be entitled to one (1) vote. Each Executive Board member shall be entitled to only one (1) vote even if he or she holds more than one Executive Board position. Each affiliated club or team in good standing shall appoint a delegate to represent said group at all MYSL meetings. Each club or league shall have one vote for each of its member teams affiliated and playing with MYSL or sponsored by the MYSL and playing in the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program.
B. The Annual General Meeting is to take place in the month of June of each year at a site to be set by the Executive Board. All member clubs/leagues shall be notified in writing or by other electronic notification at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The main purpose of this meeting will be the election of officers and receipt of annual reports from officers and committees, along with the selection of a delegate to the USSF Affiliate League. The minutes of the previous general monthly meeting will be waived, and all outstanding or new business will be out of order unless put to a parliamentary vote.
C. Monthly general league meetings are to be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at a site selected by the Board, and preferably at the same location, except for the months of January, March, June, July, August, November and December. Notice of this meeting is not required unless the day or the site is changed, in which case affiliated members shall be notified, in writing or by electronic means, three (3) days prior to the adjusted meeting. Members of the teams and invited guests may participate in the business of the Board.
D. Executive Board meetings shall be held at the discretion and call of the President or by the request of three Board members. Only Board members may participate, except for guests specifically invited by the Board for presentations. Only Board members may vote.
E. Special meetings of the League can be called at any time by the President upon request of a majority of the Executive Board or upon written request. Notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the meeting and will state the purpose for which the meeting has been called. Business conducted at this meeting will be limited to the specific subjects of which notice was given.
F. The order of business for all monthly general League meetings and Board meetings, except special meetings, shall be:
· Roll call
· Minutes of previous meeting
· Treasurer’s report
· Communications
· Unfinished business
· Reports of officers, committees, delegates
· New business
· Good of soccer
· Adjournment
G. A quorum at all meetings of the League shall be one-half of the affiliated teams in good standing. On matters affecting age/division business, only the affected affiliated teams shall have a vote and one-half of the affected teams shall constitute a quorum. At Executive Board meetings, a quorum shall be three (3) members including either the President, Vice President or Treasurer.
H. When a quorum is present, a simple majority of votes is sufficient for the adoption of a motion in order, except amendments to by-laws. Votes may be taken by voice, show of hands, or by secret ballot as the membership may determine.
I. Authorized delegates should be present at all League meetings, and the Executive Board may institute, publish and enforce fines and suspension for absences from duly-called meetings.
Article VII – METHODS OF AMENDING CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
A. The Constitution and By-Laws shall be amended at the Annual General Meeting or at a special meeting convened for that specific purpose.
B. All proposed amendments shall be filed in writing with the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the date for the Annual General Meetings or ten (10) days prior to a special meeting called for that specific purpose. The Secretary will provide such By-Law changes to the membership prior to the meeting.
C. A two-thirds majority of the affiliated teams present or represented at a meeting is required to amend the Constitution or By-Laws.
D. Any amendment to the By-Laws of MYSL is effective on the following July 1 that occurs, unless otherwise authorized.
Article VIII – RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rule 1: Each team and/or club shall
be responsible for the conduct of its officers, managers, coaches, players,
members, parents and fans. Only
coaches are to be in the coach’s box during the game.
It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that its actions on or
off the field do not bring disrespect upon this League.
Rule 2: Disciplinary Rulings and
Minimum Punishments
A.
Players guilty of fighting before, during or after games shall receive a
minimum two (2) game suspension for the first offense.
For a second offense within two (2) seasonal years, the player will
appear before the Disciplinary Board and may be suspended for a period up to one
(1) year.
B.
Players guilty of using profanity, either by word or sign, against other
players, coaches, spectators,
referees or any League official shall receive a minimum two (2) game suspension.
C.
Players guilty of making threatening gestures against other players, coaches,
spectators, referees, or any League official shall receive a minimum one (1)
game suspension.
D.
Players guilty of pushing or striking any coach or official shall receive a one
(1) year suspension.
E.
Any player or team official sent off the field by the referee shall
receive a minimum one (1) game suspension.
F.
Any player or team official receiving three (3) cautions, i.e., yellow
cards, within a seasonal year shall be dealt with as in section E above.
G.
Coaches or team officials who make threatening gestures or use
threatening language will be disciplined according to the following:
·
First offense: The offender shall appear before the League Disciplinary Panel
and shall be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games and a maximum of four (4)
games if found guilty.
·
Second offense: (within three [3]
seasonal years) The offender may be suspended for a period not less than one (1)
year.
H.
Coaches or team officials who fight at any time shall be disciplined
according to the following schedule:
·
First offense:
The offender shall be suspended a minimum of one (1) year.
·
Second offense: Suspended for not
less than three (3) years.
I.
Any
player or team official who has been suspended shall not be on or in the
vicinity of the field during games from which he is suspended.
J.
Any
club or club official guilty of violating MYSL rules and regulations or the laws
of the game may be fined or otherwise dealt with by the Commissioner or the
Disciplinary Panel.
Rule 3: Insurance
All Players registered with the League shall be required to have in effect a
medical
insurance program specified by the League.
A.
Report of Insurance Claim:
·
All injuries to be claimed against the medical insurance shall be complete and
on the proper form (obtainable from the person in charge of insurance).
All reports of injuries must be submitted to the above-mentioned person
within seventy-two (72) hours of the injury.
Rule 4: Rules of Play
Rules of Play shall be the Laws of the Game as published by FIFA.
All contests sanctioned by this League shall abide by the “Laws of the
Game” and the modifications as published by the League.
Section 1: Coaching from the
sidelines – giving one’s own team points
of strategy and position – is permitted, provided:
A.
No
mechanical devices are used.
B.
Tone of
voice is informative and not a harangue.
C.
Only coaches are allowed in the coach’s box during the game. Teams shall
take opposite sidelines for their bench.
Home teams have choice of preferred sideline.
Infraction of this rule constitutes unsportsmanlike-like conduct and is
subject to disciplinary action.
Section 2:
Where colors of uniform are similar, the home team must effect a change
to colors that are distinct from those of the opponent.
Section 3:
The home
team and/or club will be responsible for the condition of the grounds, the
proper field markings and proper equipment.
Fields must be marked in accordance with FIFA rules with the addition of
a “Coach’s Box” on both sides of the field.
The coach’s box shall extend between the eighteen yard lines four (4)
feet from the touchline.
Nets and corner flags are required.
It will be the responsibility of the teams to have a game ball and to see
that their fans behave in a proper and respectful manner.
Failure in any of the above will result in disciplinary action.
Rule 5: Age Limit Definition
The term “youth” as applied to this Constitution shall mean any amateur player
who has not attained his or her 19th birthday before the first day of
August preceding the seasonal year in which he or she applies for registration.
Section 1: Attaining Age Limit
Players attaining the limiting age for any age group on or after August 1st
will be eligible to play for the full seasonal year.
Section 2: Reinstated Player
A reinstated player shall mean a player who has been reinstated to an amateur
youth status.
Section 3: Age Groups
All teams, unless otherwise sanctioned by the Board, shall divide play among
teams of equal age groupings.
Included age groups are: U-5, U-6,
U-7, U-8, U-9, U-10, U-11, U-12, U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19.
Rule 6: Proof of Age
Section 1: Authority to Contest
Any player can be called upon to prove his or her legal age by the Board,
the Registrar, or the League Commissioner.
Section 2:
Legal Proof of Age
A birth certificate, passport, board of health records, certificate of
naturalization or alien registration card shall be sufficient for proof
of age.
Rule 7: Player registration, League
Entry and Team Affiliation Requirements
Section 1:
Proper Registration Procedure
A.
All players are required to submit a properly completed player registration
form, with the required number of pictures. The submittal of such form binds
that player to that club or team for the seasonal year unless granted a transfer
or release under rule 10. Coaches
and assistants are required to submit pictures for coach passcards.
B.
Each club or team shall be required to submit to the appropriate League officer
various forms as may be required for the operation of the League, including the
appropriate
number and type of Club Passcard identifications, if participating in the
Club Passcard program.
C.
Prior to each fall and spring season, by dates established by the Executive
Board, each team must submit properly completed affiliation, registration and
roster forms to the appropriate Registrar, along with the established fees.
Only those properly registered players appearing on the roster form are
eligible to play that season. No
player may be added to the roster after deadlines have passed, unless granted a
hardship ruling by the Executive Board.
D.
Each team official (i.e., coach, assistant, coach, manager) shall be
listed on the team affiliation form and roster.
E.
No player shall be registered to play for more than one team within this
League. No player shall play
concurrently on any USSF-affiliated league team outside this League without
obtaining the approval of the Executive Board. MYSL does
permit the use of club passcards, whose rules and regulations are
incorporated with these By-Laws.
F.
Registration for high school age boys shall be for a single season and
not the seasonal year.
Section 2: Requirements for Player
Possession of Player Passcard
A.
The Registrar shall issue, or cause to be issued, a valid registration passcard
to eligible players, coaches, and assistant coaches.
B.
All players, coaches and assistant coaches must present their passcards to
the opposing team’s manager prior to the start of the game if requested.
Suspended players must be clearly marked on the line-up sheet and participants
not in possession of a passcard must print their name and sign the back of the
white copy of the game report sheet.
C.
Should players misplace their passcards, they shall be permitted to play in the
game. However, they shall be open to “Challenge” by the opposing team.
It shall be the responsibility of the manager/coach to notify the
referee, prior to the game, whether any players or coaches are not in possession
of their passcards. (See Rule 8;
Challenge of Player not in Possession of Player Passcard).
D. If
the designated coach and/or assistant is not present, the referee may inquire as
to their whereabouts, and take appropriate action where necessary if either is
in the vicinity of the field.
Rule 8: Challenge of Player not in
Possession of Player Passcard.
Section 1: Procedure and Penalties
A.
If a player does not present a player pass to the opposing team’s
manager/coach prior to the game, they are open to “Challenge” by the Coach of
the other team.
B.
If a coach desires to challenge, he shall notify the referee and the
opposing coach that the player is under “Challenge” (not to be confused with
Protest) prior to the start of the game.
C.
The player(s) being challenged shall give their name to the opposing team and
this information will be noted on the referee report in addition to complying
with Section 2 B.
D.
The challenging coach shall then contact the League Registrar and League
Commissioner for verification that the challenged player(s) is(are) properly
registered. If the Registrar’s records show the player is properly registered,
the matter is finished.
E.
If the player is not properly registered, their team shall automatically
forfeit that game and may face further disciplinary action by the League and/or
the MSYSA Board, depending on the nature of the violation.
F.
If the coach and/or assistant coach are not in possession of either their
risk management cards or their passcards, the opposing team must note on the
referee report the name, address and telephone number of the person(s) acting as
coach or assistant, and each will be required to sign the line-up sheet.
Coaches and assistants participating in games when not in possession of
their risk management cards or their passcards may be dealt with by the
Disciplinary Committee.
G.
In case of forfeiture, the score shall stand 1-0 against the forfeiting
team.
Rule 9: Senior Amateur Trial Games
Any youth player wishing to try for a senior amateur team must make application
through the Registrar. Any youth
player who plays for a senior team without obtaining the necessary approvals
shall be declared ineligible for youth games.
Rule 10: Player Transfer, Release,
Roster Limit and Tryouts
Section 1: Player Registration..
A.
A registered player shall be committed to a team for a seasonal year.
Once registered, and in the absence of mitigating circumstances, a player must
remain with his/her team in the league in which his/her team participates until
the completion of the spring session.
Any attempt to induce a player to change teams for either the current or
the following seasonal year during the session(s) in which his/her team is in
competition shall be poaching in violation of Rule 11.
During the time that a team has suspended league play, players and club
or team officers or representatives may freely discuss new affiliation for the
following seasonal year.
B.
MYSL registered players who participate on high school teams and who play
only during the one session of a seasonal year are expected to play in
tournaments and cup games with the team to which they are rostered through June
30 of the seasonal year or until granted a proper transfer or release.
C.
If a fall session girl’s team disbands or suspends play for the spring
session because a majority of the team is playing high school sports, those
players wishing to play on another
MSYSA affiliated team in the spring may be considered new players and not
transfer players.
D.
Registration for high school-aged players’ teams shall be for a single session
and not the seasonal year.
Section 2: Voluntary and Involuntary Releases.
A player’s right to a voluntary release is absolute and may not be challenged;
no player is required to play for a team he/she no longer wishes to play for.
Upon receipt of the proper, complete and approved paperwork, the player will be
considered released. It is the coach’s responsibility to return a released
player’s passcard to the appropriate MYSL Registrar to consider the team roster
spot available.
Additionally, releases will be granted if:
A.
The original team suspends operations for the remainder of the seasonal year, or
B.
The player moves to a new address, a distance which, in the opinion of
the Board or its delegates, would make it impractical for him to continue with
the original team, or
C.
There are mitigating circumstances which, in the opinion of the Board or
its delegates, justify a release.
Involuntary releases will be granted if:
A.
The player has violated rules of this Association or League and has been
suspended for a period of time greater than five (5) games, or
B.
The player is injured in such a manner that the player will not be able
to participate for the remainder of the season, or
C.
The player moves to a new address, a distance which in the opinion of the
Board or its delegates would make it impractical for him/her to continue with
the original team.
In any of the above cases, where a player seeks a voluntary release or
transfer or a team seeks to involuntarily release a player, a Player
Release/Transfer Form must be completed by the player and/or team.
The form, with appropriate fees, must be submitted for approval by MYSL.
Section 3: Player Transfers.
A player may transfer between MYSL teams between seasons of a seasonal year if
the transfer is approved by both coaches, the clubs or league and the MYSL.
The new team must have room on its roster to accept the transfer player.
During any seasonal year, a team may have no more than two (2) transfer players
on its roster unless granted a hardship ruling by the Executive Board.
Any team accepting transferred players or adding players not previously
registered, shall be re-evaluated for divisional alignment.
A team is considered “hardship” when its roster is legally reduced to 13
players, except U-12 and U-11 which shall be 10 players and U-9 and U-10 which
shall be 8 players. Application for player transfer must be made to the MYSL on
the required forms.
Section 4: Player Roster Limits.
Teams playing age divisions U-9 and U-10 shall have no more than eleven (11)
players registered at any time.
Teams playing U-11 and U-12 shall have no more than fourteen (14) players.
All other teams shall have no more than eighteen (18).
Section 5: Registration and
Transfer Cut-off Dates.
The Executive Board will set cut-off dates for each playing or seasonal year.
Section 6: Date of Registration.
A player is registered the moment the player and his/her parent or guardian (if
the player is under 18 years of age) signs the League Player Registration form,
submits any fees due at that time and is accepted by a responsible
team/club/league official.
Section 7: Multiple Rostering.
A player may register with more than one team per seasonal year.
The following restrictions apply to multiple registration.
A. A
player cannot play for more than one team in the MYSL.
B.
The team with which a multiple rostered player first registers shall be
designated as his primary team and the other his secondary team.
On days on which both teams have games, the player must play for his/her
primary team, if he/she plays. If
both teams enter the same competition, (State Cup, tournaments, etc.) the player
must play for his/her primary team.
Any player who registers for a team without informing the responsible team
official that he/she is already registered with another team shall be assumed to
be a single rostered player. Should
the player subsequently request approval of a multiple rostering form with that
team shown as his/her secondary team, the team has the right to insist that it
be shown as the primary team. If
the coaches of the two teams disagree on the designation of the primary team,
the player may not play until the issue has been resolved via the appeals
process.
C.
A multiple rostered player shall be issued a single USYSA passcard by the
league for his/her primary team. The passcard shall indicate the primary team
and the secondary team. The league
for the secondary team shall not issue a player passcard, but shall allow the
player to play in its league using his/her passcard showing both teams.
Rule 11: Poaching
Any club or team which, through its responsible officers or representatives,
attempts at any time to induce a registered player of any team under the
jurisdiction of this League, during the session the team is in competition or
prior to June 15, to change teams for either the current seasonal year or the
following seasonal year, shall be deemed to have committed the offense of
POACHING and shall be dealt with by the League Commissioner subject to Executive
Board approval and recommendations.
Rule 12: Professional Status
Any player signing a “letter of intent,” a professional contract, or playing
with a professional team without the permission of the USSF Affiliate League
shall be declared a professional.
Section 1: The MSYSA Board along with the Michigan Interscholastic Association
may grant a youth amateur permission to play in benefit or exhibition games
only, where professional players are involved.
Section 2: No player who has
signed a “letter of intent,” a contract, or played in any game where
professional players are involved without permission of the MSYSA Board will be
permitted to be reinstated to a youth amateur status.
Rule 13: League Play
Section 1: Length of games
and ball size for each group and overtime (if
provided by the current League rules).
Length of Game
Overtime Periods
Ball size
U-19, -18, -17, Youth
Two 15 minute periods
5
80 minutes (two
(5 minutes rest
40 minute halves)
between periods)
U-16, -15, Youth
Two 15 minute periods
5
80 minutes (two
(5 minute rest
40 minute halves
between periods)
U-14, -13, Youth
Two 10 minute period
5
70 minutes (two
(5 minutes rest
35 minute halves)
between periods)
U-12, -11, Youth
Two 10 minute periods
4
60 minutes (two
(5 minutes rest
30 minutes halves)
between periods)
U-10, -9, Youth
Two 10 minute periods
4
50 minutes (two
(5 minute rest
25 minute halves)
between periods)
Section 2: Players may be substituted only during a stoppage of the game
[Law 3, International Board Decision # 6, and Law # 9, Paragraphs (a) and (b)].
Number of substitutions shall be unlimited unless a competition
superceding MYSL jurisdiction specifically determines otherwise.
Substitutions may be made:
1. Prior to a throw-in, your
favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by
either team
3. After a goal by either
team
4. After an injury on either
team
5. At half time
In any case, a substitute may not enter
the field of play until they have been given a
signal to do so by the referee.
Section 3: If the two teams in age
groups U-13 and higher both have at least seven (7) players, the game shall
start on the scheduled time. For U-11 and U-12 age groups, there must be at
least seven (7) players. For U-9 and U-10 age groups, there must be at least
five (5) players. Otherwise they shall start when the two teams have reached
that number.
In no case shall they start later than fifteen (15) minutes from the scheduled
time. After the fifteen (15)
minutes have elapsed, the FIFA rule will be applied as to what constitutes a
team.
Section 4: In League play-off
games, should the score be tied at the end of regulation play, two (2) overtime
periods shall be played as specified under Section 1 of this Article.
In the event no winner is determined after overtime play, then both teams
will take five (5) penalty kicks (Rule 8, USYSA) alternating one (1) at a time
until a winner is determined.
Section 5: The referee in all games
shall be appointed by the Board or its delegate.
In the event of nonappearance of the appointed referee, the opposing
coaches/managers should agree to a solution in writing noted on the back of the
game report and signed by both coaches.
In that case, the game is to be played and will be official.
If agreement is impossible, then the matter will be referred to the
League Commissioner for action. The
referee shall comply with the “Youth Soccer Score Reporting Procedure.”
Referees will officiate the game in
accordance with current MYSL Rules and Regulations.
The referees may at any time be called at any time by the League Commissioner to
review a game report.
Rule 14: Protests and Appeals
Section 1: Should any
person, team, or club want to protest or appeal any decision, the line of
authority shall be: To the League
Commissioner, then to the League Disciplinary Panel, then to the Executive
Board, then to the District Appeals Committee (if one exists), then to the MSYSA
Appeals Committee, then to the line of authority as specified by the USYSA.
Section 2: The Commissioner
shall deal with all protests and appeals arising out of any league games.
Protests and appeals are to be written or typed and sent to the Commissioner, in
triplicate by registered mail within three (3) calendar days following the date
of the match or the disciplinary decision being protested.
The protest fee (a $100.00 check made payable to MYSL) must be enclosed
with all protests.
Section 3: The protest fee
will be returned if upheld. It will
not be returned if denied or unless the Disciplinary Panel is overruled by a
higher authority.
Section 4: The referee’s judgment with regard to the physical condition
of the field and its acceptance for play, to the actual happening and
occurrences related to the conduct of the game and to those prerogatives granted
to him by the “Laws of the Game” published by
F.I.F.A. SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO CHALLENGE.
Section 5: Only violation of the
Constitution of the League, its By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, and
misapplication of the law shall be proper subjects
to consider as protests.
Section 6:
A.
Protests will be acted upon by the League Commissioner within six (6)
days of his receipt of the protest or before the next regularly scheduled game,
whichever occurs first. His action
will be reported to the involved parties within this time limit.
B.
Appeals will be made in the same manner as protests and will be
accompanied by a $100.00 check made payable to MYSL.
An appeal will be acted upon by the Disciplinary Panel at a hearing
convened within fifteen (15) days of their receipt of said appeal by the
chairperson of the Disciplinary Panel.
The affected parties will be invited to this hearing.
The hearing shall be conducted under these By-Laws and shall comply with
USSF Bylaw 701 and USSF Policy 701-1,
along with the Rules and Regulations of the MYSL.
C.
Disqualification, suspension, other disciplinary action, or dismissal of charges
will take effect following the ruling of Disciplinary Panel.
Rule 15: Trophies will be awarded
to the first- and second-place teams (first place only if division of five teams
or less), with the exception that all players in the U-10 and younger age
divisions shall only receive a participation award.
Rule 16: The MYSL Executive Board
shall be responsible for establishing referee’s fees for all games played under
the jurisdiction of MYSL.
Rule 17: Affiliated Clubs/Leagues
may deem fit to enact rules and regulations more stringent than those included
herein, but in no case may their rules and regulations be less stringent than
these MYSL By-Laws.
Rule 18: A plea of ignorance to
these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations is not sufficient and violators may
expect appropriate action by the Executive Board of this League.