SUNSHINE COAST SENIOR MEN’S SOCCER ASSOCIATION RULES and REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 2011 SUPERCEDES ANY and ALL PREVIOUS REGULATIONS Part 8 - still from 2006 for now - Executive is currently reviewing Updated September 8, 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART ONE: Team Representatives PART TWO: Team Responsibilities PART THREE: League and Tournament Play PART FOUR: Player Regulations PART FIVE: Protests PART SIX: Awards PART SEVEN: Game Officials PART EIGHT: Discipline PART ONE: Team Representatives A. Each team representative has the authority to speak and vote on behalf of the members of his team. This being the case, the vote cast by a team representative is binding on the members of that team. It is the team representative’s responsibility to inform all his players of any league issues, such as minutes of league meetings or executive decisions. Each team representative must make an effort to read and understand the Rules and Regulations so that he can represent his team properly. Ignorance of the Rules and Regulations in no way absolves the actions of any team and/or its members from its consequences. Team Representatives shall attempt at all times to uphold the Rules and Regulations. The designated team representative shall appoint an alternate representative to act on his team’s behalf should he be unable to continue his duties or attend league meetings, etc. Each team representative shall, when called upon by the Executive, help out with the operation and support of the League. If the team representative is unable to do this, he will appoint an alternate team member. Each team representative has the right to view any or all of the League records. Each team representative shall furnish the Executive with current contact information (email address, phone number) where they can easily be reached. PART TWO: Team Responsibilities A.     All teams must pay their membership fees in full prior to the first game of the season. Defaulting teams cannot participate in league play for the entire season. B.    Any member team or individual player is bound by these Rules and Regulations. C.    Each home team is responsible for lining the field, furnishing a first-class game ball, properly securing nets and having four regulation-length corner flags to the satisfaction of the game official and the league. D.    Every team must pay all monies owing to the League as per the Rules and Regulations. E.    Attendance at league meetings by one member of each team is mandatory. Failure to attend is subject to a minimum fine of twenty-five dollars. F.Any and all decisions made at any duly called meeting of the SCSMSA are binding even if a team did not have a member in attendance, providing there is a quorum of 50% + 1 teams’ representatives present. All teams will be held responsible for the actions of their spectators or known associates and are required to: a. Take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators from threatening or assaulting officials and/or players before, during or at the conclusion of matches. Take all precautions to prevent the use of objectionable, insulting language, and offensive behaviour    H.All teams are responsible for their actions on and off the field at any SCSMSA event. Specifically: a. All teams will be held responsible for any violations of local governing bodies drinking regulations they commit. All teams who commit acts of violence or willful damage to any person[s] or public and/or private properties shall be held solely liable for these actions. The League and/or its Executive will not be held liable. All teams will be held responsible for any violations of the unique and specialized rules that the governing bodies of the Sunshine Coast require to protect the integrity of their facilities     I.    All teams will pay any fine imposed upon them by the League by deposit to the league account at the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. For exact breakdown of amounts and payment deadlines, see appropriate section of Rules. All teams are subject to a review of their on/off field performance at the end of the playing season. PART THREE: League and Tournament Play A. The Executive may, from time to time, make temporary rules governing specific cases not provided for in the Rules and Regulations, but which may be necessary to carry out the functioning of the League. These decisions will be submitted for ratification by the Executive at the next League meeting, and will be duly recorded in the minutes. B. The Executive, in cooperation with the League’s appointed Referee Liaison, shall be responsible for the scheduling of all games along with the dispatch of game officials to all league and tournament games. C. The rules of league play will adhere to those of F.I.F.A., except as noted: There will be no slide tackles. There is no limit to the amount of substitutions that occur in a game. A maximum of 25 players may dress and play in any game, including tournament games. D. Teams not on the field, ready to play at the time indicated on the schedule, with a minimum of 7 players, will be subject to forfeit. a. In the case of a forfeit, the opposing team will be awarded 3 points. b. Any team responsible for forfeiting or causing a game to be abandoned will be assessed a 120 dollar penalty. c. In order to avoid a forfeit, a team must, without exception, notify the opposing team at least 36 hours before the game: i. in the case of a Sunday game, notify by Friday, 8 PM. ii. in the case of a weekday game, notify by 8am the day prior to the game. d. Any team winning a game by failing to comply with the rules of league play (ie: ineligible player) may, as a result of a disciplinary ruling by the Executive, have that game ruled as a forfeit and have the result overturned. e. Teams may be further sanctioned by the league for causing a game to be abandoned. E. League points shall be awarded on the basis of 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and zero points for a loss. All ties in the standings will be determined as per the tie-breaking formula outlined below: a. Head-to-head record of the tied teams, if applicable. The number of wins. goal differential greatest number of goals for coin flip F. Atrocious Weather a. Unless notified by the Executive, all teams must go to the field and await the decision of the Game Official in the event of atrocious weather, within the bounds of personal safety. b. A match shall be considered complete provided 68 minutes have been played. This is subject to executive review. The executive may decide that a game be considered complete even if 68 minutes have not been played. PART FOUR: Player Regulations A. Player Registration a. A player who’s name appears on a game sheet is deemed to be registered on that team. Eligible players must be or turn 30 years of age or older within the current calendar year of league play When registering a player, teams are responsible for confirming the player’s eligibility. Any games played with an ineligible player will result in a forfeit, as well as other actions deemed appropriate by the Executive No player shall be allowed to play on more than one team in league play unless they officially transfer. B. Transfers A player may transfer TWICE during a current playing season BUT cannot transfer back to the original team until a period of 30 days has elapsed All transfers must be completed no later than the start of the second half of the season. [All discipline accrued by the player to the date of his transfer is carried forward to the player’s new team] C. Tournament Eligibility a. To be eligible for the league tournament, players must play a minimum of 5 league games for one team. b. Only players who enter the field of play will be considered to have participated in a game. c. Players in uniform and prepared to play when a referee calls the game due to conditions may count it as a game played. d. To be eligible for the tournament, transferring players must have played their most recent 5 games for their new team. e. Immediately after a game, it is a team’s responsibility to review the opposing team’s game sheet to make sure that it is an accurate account of who participated in the game. D. Suspensions a. Suspended players are ineligible to play until their suspension has been completed and any fines have been paid. b. Deadline for paying fines is Friday at 6:00pm. PART FIVE: Protests A. All Protests (excluding disciplinary issues) must be emailed to the president(s) of the Executive within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game in question. No time limit applies (within the current season) for ineligible player protests. If it is necessary, the president will forward the protest to remainder of the Executive for a vote on the issue. PART SIX: Awards A. All trophies that are awarded [which are permanent] shall be returned to the Executive by the second Executive meeting of the season. All teams are responsible for any damaged or lost trophies while in their possession. Fines will be issued for replacement or repair of trophies. Teams must pay for the repair or replacement of trophies by the start of the second half of the season, or UNFINISHED PART SEVEN: Game Officials A. The match decisions of referees appointed by the League shall be deemed conclusive by the Executive. Complaints regarding the league officials shall be emailed to the referee liaison. B. In the case of referees not showing up, referees may be agreed upon by both teams. Teams may choose to have one referee, or split referee duties. a. In these situations, all decisions by appointed referees are final and binding. b. If teams cannot agree on a referee, the game will be postponed. C. In all cases of physical assault of, or threatening behaviour towards any game official, the player or players in question shall be immediately suspended from the league until the case has been reviewed by the Executive. PART EIGHT: Discipline The Executive retains the power over any and all decisions relating to disciplinary measures against any member team or individual player arising from league or tournament play or violations of the Constitution and/or its rules and regulations. Suspensions: The rules regarding discipline do not differentiate between games that are completed or abandoned for any reason. Therefore, the penalty for being cautioned or being ejected from a game remains the same regardless of the situation surrounding the game’s outcome or duration. The decisions rendered by the Executive in its capacity as the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding on the parties involved. The contents of the game official’s report as well as the team representatives reports to the Executive will provide the basis for all SCSMSA Disciplinary Committee decisions. If necessary team representatives will be used to vote on decisions. Cards: Every Yellow card carries a 15 dollar penalty - 2011 /2012 fees Every straight Red card carries a 30 dollar penalty - 2011/2012 fees Every subsequent yellow card in a season carries an increasing penalty: 3rd yellow card in a season = one game suspension 5th yellow card in a season = additional one game suspension 7th yellow card in a season = additional two game suspesnion * Any additional cards result in a special hearing with League executives a) Alleged misconduct on the part of a member of a club, player, team Official, or any member that may bring the game of Soccer into disrepute. b) Alleged breach of any of the Rules and Regulations or By-Laws of the League. The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to inquire into the conduct of Any member in the member’s capacity as a player, team Official, and will take Disciplinary action where it has been determined that a member has: a) Violated F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game and/or the League’s rules. b) Violated rules established from time to time by the League governing the conduct of members on and off the field. c) Behaved in a manner considered by the Executive and/or the Disciplinary Committee to be unbecoming of a member registered with the League. d) Behaved in a manner considered by the Executive and/or Discipline Committee not to be in the best interests of the game of Soccer or the League. e) Bet on any Soccer match. f) Attempted to offer, either directly or indirectly, any consideration whatsoever to team, player, or players of any other team, with a view to influence the result of the match. g) Accepted consideration pursuant to clause vi. h) Commit any act or make any statement either verbally or in writing, or been responsible for conduct, continuing misconduct or any other matter which in the opinion of the League is considered to be ungentlemanly, insulting, or improper behaviour or likely to bring the game into disrespect. The rules regarding discipline do not differentiate between games that are completed or abandoned for any reason. Therefore, the penalty for being cautioned or being ejected from a game remains the same regardless of the situation surrounding the games outcome. Players or team officials shall not participate in any sanctioned soccer activity while under suspension which includes: a) Acting as a game official b) Coaching in any way, either verbally or by hand signals, or assisting the team in any way. c) Shall not be in match strip while standing with team members during any match. The decisions rendered by the Executive in its capacity as the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding on the party [ies] involved Subject to the Right of Appeal as outlined in Part Seven of this Constitution. The contents of the game officials official report to the Executive will provide the basis for all SCSMSA Disciplinary Committee decisions. The SCMSA Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to deny registration to any player [s] whose past record has proven him to be potentially dangerous to opposing players. The B.C.S.A. shall be consulted in this regard if necessary. The SCMSA Disciplinary Committee shall maintain a precise record of all infractions reported to the Executive by its appointed game officials. If any situation [s] arises where a member [s] of the Executive is in a bias or conflict of interest position regarding exercising the Executive Power; that member [s] of the Executive shall be required to temporarily step down in order that an impartial team representative [appointed by the remaining Executive (s)] can take his/their place for the purpose of rendering a decision. Game officials appointed by the SCSMSA Executive shall employ the RED and YELLOW card system in all league and Cup games. NOTE: Any discipline that results in a suspension is a “Red Card” [League Policy] Any registered player or team official ejected from a match for the fourth instance [4th] during the leagues playing season shall be assessed a minimum six game suspension over and above the assessed discipline for the original offense. If, on the field of play, an incident entailing personal injury occurs unnoticed by the game official, the SCMSA Disciplinary Committee will require both team managers involved to submit written correspondence on the matter. Statements put forth by independent Witnesses will also be considered and the injured individual will be interviewed. The Committee will then, after fully acquainting the B.C.S.A with the case and all its particulars, make a ruling binding on all parties concerned. All Red Card ejections as well as two yellow card ejections will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the SCMSA Disciplinary Committee. League policy for the following offences are: a) Persistent Misconduct: [Two (2) cautions in one game] i) First Offense: minimum two game [2] game suspension. ii) Second Offense: minimum three game [3] suspension. [If the second caution was for an infraction that, by itself would have resulted in an ejection, then use the Red Card offence penalties. In this instance, the first Yellow card infraction should also be recorded]. b) Abusive, Insulting and/or Offensive Language: [If the language is loud enough to be heard by the game official and/or spectators, but not directed at any one person]: i) First Offence: minimum one game [1] suspension ii) Second Offence: minimum two game [2] suspension [If the language is directed at another player, team officials, or spectator [s] and is loud enough to be heard by the game official:] i) First Offence: minimum two game [2] suspension ii) Second Offense: minimum three game [3] suspension c) Denying a Goal Scoring Opportunity: i) First Offense: minimum one game [1] suspension ii) Second Offense: minimum two game [2] suspension d) For Serious Foul Play: i) First Offense: minimum three game [3] suspension ii) Second Offense: minimum four game [4] suspension iii) Third Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension e) For Violent Conduct: [Attempting to, or actually kicking, striking, or spitting at another person: threatening behaviour in any physical manner or physical action intended to provoke another person to fight] i) First Offense: minimum four game [4] suspension ii) Second Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension iii) Third Offense: minimum six game suspension League policy for the following Red Card offenses [For actions AGAINST GAME OFFICIALS] is as follows: a) Persistent criticism or disputing of decisions: i) First Offense: minimum one game [1] suspension ii) Second Offense: minimum two game [2] suspension iii) Third Offense: minimum four game [4] suspension Use of offensive, abusive, or insulting language [Deliberate insulting conduct towards game officials including personally insulting remarks. Allegations or physical actions without physical contact or threatening verbal statements]: i) First Offense: minimum three game [3] suspension ii) Second Offense: minimum four game [4] suspension iii) Third Offense: minimum six game [6] suspension b) Deliberate physical contact by: striking, spitting, kicking, charging, pushing, pulling, or holding or threatening in a verbal or physical manner: i) First [and only] Offense: Automatic suspension from ALL Soccer related activities and shall stand suspended pending a hearing. ii) Automatic expulsion from the league and immediate assessment of a substantial fine [minimum one hundred dollars ($100.00)]. Any player who participates in a game while under suspension shall be subject to: i) First Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension/one hundred dollar [$100.00] fine. ii) Second Offense: Any team official under suspension, who acts in a manner that may be deemed to be coaching and/or managing shall be subject to: i) First Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension/one hundred dollar [$100.00] fine ii) Second Offense: Any player or team official under suspension if attending a game as a spectator, behaves in a manner that brings disrepute to the game shall be subject to: i) First Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension/one hundred dollar [$100.00] fine ii) Second Offense: Where possible, past precedent will be used in rendering decisions. [ALL Red Card carry forward (if necessary) to the leagues next Playing season]. NOTE League policy is to increase suspensions and fines for member [s] and member teams that commit second [2nd], third [3rd] and more Red Card violations or team discipline violations in any one season over and above those outlined above. iii) The Executive in their capacity as the SCSMSA Disciplinary Committee shall establish the dollar value of all fines for infractions and violations of the Rules and Regulations. Where feasible, past precedent will be used to determine the amount. iv) Outright or continued refusal to pay fines ordered by the SCMSA Disciplinary Committee will mean indefinite suspension/expulsion from the League’s operations for the offending team [s]. Serious Offenses: a. Serious infractions resulting in suspension or expulsion from the League for either the player [s] or the team [s] involved a heavy fine will also be assessed: i) Striking, hitting, or threatening any game official. ii) Bribery of a game official or a player [s] to influence the outcome of a game. iii) Striking, hitting, or threatening a member or members of the Executive while he/they attempt to carry out his/their duties iv) Any player [s] receiving three [3] Red Card violations in one [1] season. v) Deliberate actions with the intent to or actually seriously injure any member [s] at any SCSMSA event. vi) Any member [s]: - Entering the field of play [without the game official’s approval] - Entering the field of play [without the game officials approval] with the intent to strike, hit, any member[s] or game official[s] or to actually strike, hit any member[s] or game official[s]. vii) Any member [s] who, after having been ejected from a game by a game official [s], refuses to leave the field of play or the park facility [if applicable]. NOTE Any discipline that results in a suspension is a “Red Card” [League Policy] Any registered player or team official ejected from a match for the fourth instance [4th] during the leagues playing season shall be assessed a minimum six game suspension over and above the assessed discipline for the original offense. If, on the field of play, an incident entailing personal injury occurs unnoticed by the game official, the SCSMSA Disciplinary Committee will require both team managers involved to submit written correspondence on the matter. Statements put forth by independent Witnesses will also be considered and the injured individual will be interviewed. The Committee will then make a ruling binding on all parties concerned. Any substantiated complaints from the Regional District or Towns concerning drinking/illegal drug use at scheduled Soccer games under the jurisdiction of the SCMSA will be severely dealt with. [Minimum one hundred dollar fine ($100.00) first offense]. All Red Card ejections will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the SCSMSA Disciplinary Committee. League policy for the following Red Card offenses is as follows: b) Abusive, insulting and/or offensive language: [If the language by the player is loud enough to be heard by the game official and/or spectators, but not directed at any one person or the language is directed at another player, team officials, or spectator and is loud enough to be heard by the game official:] d) For Serious Foul Play: e) For Violent Conduct: [Attempting to, or actually kicking, striking, or spitting at another person: threatening behaviour in any physical manner or physical action intended to provoke another person to fight] League policy for the following Red Card offenses [For actions AGAINST GAME OFFICIALS] is as follows: a) Persistent criticism or disputing of decisions: Use of offensive, abusive, or insulting language [Deliberate insulting conduct towards game officials including personally insulting remarks. Allegations or physical actions without physical contact or threatening verbal statements]: b) Deliberate physical contact by: striking, spitting, kicking, charging, pushing, pulling, or holding or threatening in a verbal or physical manner: i) First [and only] Offense: Automatic suspension from ALL Soccer related activities and shall stand suspended pending a hearing. [At the B.C.S.A. within twenty-one days (21)] ii) Automatic expulsion from the league and immediate assessment of a substantial fine (minimum 100.00 dollars) Any player who participates in a game while under suspension shall be subject to: i) First Offense: minimum 5 game suspension and $100.00 fine. ii) Second Offense: refer file to B.C.S.A. Discipline Committee. If a player under suspension participates in a game, his team shall forfeit the game. Any team official under suspension, who acts in a manner that may be deemed to be coaching and/or managing shall be subject to: i) First Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension/one hundred dollar [$100.00] fine ii) Second Offense: refer file to the B.C.S.A. Discipline Committee. Any player or team official under suspension if attending a game as a spectator, behaves in a manner that brings disrepute to the game shall be subject to: i) First Offense: minimum five game [5] suspension/one hundred dollar [$100.00] fine NOTE League policy is to increase suspensions and fines for member [s] and member teams that commit second [2nd], third [3rd] and more Red Card violations or team discipline violations in any one season over and above those outlined above. Fines i) Fines must be paid by deposit in the SCMSA account at the Sunshine Coast Credit Union by Friday at 6pm. ii) The Executive in their capacity as the SCMSA Disciplinary Committee shall establish the dollar value of all fines for infractions and violations of the Rules and Regulations. Where feasible, past precedent will be used to determine the amount. iii) Outright or continued refusal to pay fines ordered by the SCMSA Disciplinary Committee will mean indefinite suspension/expulsion the League’s operations for the offending team [s]. Serious Offenses: a. Serious infractions resulting in suspension or expulsion from the League for either the player [s] or the team [s] involved a heavy fine will also be assessed: i) Striking, hitting, or threatening any game official. ii) Bribery of a game official or a player [s] to influence the outcome of a game. iii) Striking, hitting, or threatening a member or members of the Executive while he/they attempt to carry out his/their duties iv) Any player [s] receiving three [3] Red Card violations in one [1] season. v) Deliberate actions with the intent to or actually seriously injure any member [s] at any SCSMSA event. vi) Any member [s]: - Entering the field of play [without the game official’s approval] - Entering the field of play [without the game officials approval] with the intent to strike, hit, any member[s] or game official[s] or to actually strike, hit any member[s] or game official[s]. vii) Any member [s] who, after having been ejected from a game by a game official [s], refuses to leave the field of play or the park facility [if applicable].