MIDDLESEX AGE DIRECTORS: LEAGUE AGE DIRECTOR EMAIL ADDRESS BOYS U10 DIVISION 1, 2 JEANNE BUCK BoysU10.D1-D2@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS U10 DIVISION 3 LINDY WILLIAMSON BoysU10.D3@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS U10 DIVISION 4, 5 JON LEDOUX BoysU10.D4@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS U12 DIVISION 1, 2 Bob Folk BoysU12.D1-D2@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS U12 DIVISION 3, 4, 5 HEATHER MCSWEEN BoysU12.D3-D4@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS U14 DIVISION 1, 2 LEONARD DAVID BoysU14.D1-D2@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS U14 DIVISION 3, 4, 5 TIM CANNING BoysU14.D3-D4@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U10 DIVISION 1, 2 MARC DAVIDSON GirlsU10.D1-D2@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U10 DIVISION 3 MARYJANE CANNING GirlsU10.D3@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U10 DIVISION 4, 5 MICHEAL BALOUS GirlsU10.D4@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U12 DIVISION 1, 2 CARYN GOULET GirlsU12.D1-D2@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U12 DIVISION 3, 4, 5 DAVID VALADE GirlsU12.D3-D4@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U14 DIVISION 1, 2 TIM DELANEY GirlsU14.D1-D2@middlesexsoccer.org GIRLS U14 DIVISION 3, 4, 5 BRETT JAFFE GirlsU14.D3-D4@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS AND GIRLS U16 JOVAN SOKOLOVIC BoysandGirls.U16@middlesexsoccer.org BOYS AND GIRLS U18/19 RUSS MEDEIROS BoysandGirls.U18-U19@middlesexsoccer.org Note: Please check http://www.middlesexsoccer.org/ for a current listing. MIDDLESEX TOWN COORDINATORS: MYSL MEMBER TOWN COORDINATOR EMAIL ADDRESS BILLERICA MARY ROGERS Billerica.TC@middlesexsoccer.org BURLINGTON BILL ROWE Burlington.TC@middlesexsoccer.org CHARLESTOWN KAREN GENTIS Charlestown.TC@middlesexsoccer.org CHELMSFORD JOHN EMERSON Chelmsford.TC@middlesexsoccer.org DRACUT MICHEAL BALOUS Dracut.TC@middlesexsoccer.org EVERETT MIKE BUONOPANE Everett.TC@middlesexsoccer.org LOWELL JON LEDOUX Lowell.TC@middlesexsoccer.org MALDEN JOVAN SOKOLOVIC Malden.TC@middlesexsoccer.org MEDFORD MATT AVELLA Medford.TC@middlesexsoccer.org MELROSE BOB LYNCH-GALVIN Melrose.TC@middlesexsoccer.org READING DAVID DECKER Reading.TC@middlesexsoccer.org SOMERVILLE BRENDAN RAFERTY Somerville.TC@middlesexsoccer.org STONEHAM SHAWN MCCARTHY Stoneham.TC@middlesexsoccer.org TEWKSBURY MICHAEL PAIGE Tewksbury.TC@middlesexsoccer.org WAKEFIELD STEPHEN de GARAVILLA Wakefield.TC@middlesexsoccer.org WALTHAM RAY HALLERAN Waltham.TC@middlesexsoccer.org WESTFORD KEVIN ROBERTSON Westford.TC@middlesexsoccer.org WILMINGTON ROB REGAN Wilmington.TC@middlesexsoccer.org WOBURN JOE TASSONE Woburn.TC@middlesexsoccer.org Note: Please check http://www.middlesexsoccer.org/ for a current listing. MIDDLESEX YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE CONSTITUTION 1. NAME Middlesex Youth Soccer League, which is affiliated with the Mass Youth Soccer (also referred to as Massachusetts Youth Soccer) and the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). 2. OBJECTIVES AND PHILOSOPHY The objective of the League is to provide the operational framework for the playing of youth soccer games between the teams of the member organizations. The philosophy of the League is to provide the opportunity and the training of the boys and girls to learn the game of soccer through the development of the individual skills, fitness, teamwork, and fair play. In organizations, teams, coaches, managers, and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and shall cooperate fully with the letter and the spirit of this Constitution and the Rules of the League. 3. MEMBERSHIP The League shall be an association of those youth soccer organizations, which represent the member towns and clubs (hereinafter identified as “Member Organizations” and, collectively, as “the Membership”). The member organizations are responsible for organizing and entering teams, providing fields and otherwise conducting the soccer program in accordance with this Constitution and other applicable rules. New member organizations shall be admitted only after approval by the Board at one of its meetings. Temporary memberships for one playing season may be granted in special cases by the Board (e.g., to fill out incomplete divisions.) Membership shall become effective when proper team payment is accepted. A new members organization is an organization never having played in the MYSL or any returning club having been absent for two (2) or more seasons (a season is the fall or spring schedule). The Board will not accept as members: a) out of State Clubs b) out of League Clubs that field "select" teams c) Clubs that field less than three (3) teams d) Multiple clubs from one town. (Any multiple town club member prior to November 2002 is grandfathered) 4. GOVERNING BODY The governing body of the MYSL will be the Board of Directors, hereafter referred to as “the Board”, which shall consist of the following, each being a “Director”: One year terms, elected annually: Referee Coordinator, Parliamentarian, Sportsmanship Committee, Protest Officer, Statistician, Age Directors, and Webmaster Two Year terms, elected in odd-numbered years: President, Vice-President (development), Treasurer, Girl's Commissioner Two Year terms, elected in even-numbered years: Vice-President (administration), Secretary, Registrar, Boy's Commissioner, Immediate Past President Two Year terms, elected every other year: Sportsmanship Committee, two members, one member elected in even numbered years and one member elected in odd numbered years The election of Directors according to the preceding schedule shall occur at the Annual General Meeting by means of paper ballot. Each member organization shall designate one individual to vote on its behalf at the Annual General Meeting. The Officers of the Board shall include the President, Vice President of Development, Vice President of Administration, Treasurer and Secretary. Directors are required to attend General and Board meetings. The Board or the membership may remove any Director for cause by a vote of the majority of the Directors, provided that a Director may be removed for cause only after reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard by the member organizations prior to action thereon. In the event of any vacancy on the Board of Directors or in any office, the remaining Directors may appoint someone by means of a majority vote to fill out the tenure of the vacated position at a general or special meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board shall establish an Executive Committee which will be responsible for addressing confidential and private matters, held in Executive Sessions. The Executive Committee shall be made up of the Officers, Registrar, Boys’ and Girls’ Commissioners and the Referee Coordinator. OFFICERS' DUTIES A. PRESIDENT 1) Convenes and chairs all meetings of the Board, the Executive Committee and the membership. 2) Establishes and serves as an ex officio member of all committees. 3) Represents and acts for the League on all external matters. 4) Convenes meetings of the Executive Committee, which makes decisions on the Board’s behalf for all urgent matters 5) In non-urgent instances where disciplinary measures appear appropriate or are recommended, the President will convene a meeting of the Board. 6) Sets the agendas for all meetings of the Board and distributes said agendas at least one week prior to meeting date. B. VICE-PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION) 1) In the absence of the President, shall be the acting President. 2) Is in charge of the preparation of the League Directory including advertising. 3) Responsible for creating and chairing a Nomination Committee for the purpose of identifying and presenting potential future Board Members to the Board and the membership. 4) Responsible for maintaining and updating the Organizations Rules and working with the membership and Directors to ensure Rules are properly followed. C. VICE-PRESIDENT (DEVELOPMENT) 1) Is in charge of personnel development and in such capacity, shall arrange clinics for players, referees, coaches and/or administrative personnel as determined by the Board. 2) Is in charge of raising funds to pay for the aforementioned clinics, as approved by the Board. 3) Recognizing that the league must be in a constant state of revitalization and growth, the Vice-President (Development) shall ensure a constant flow of information to membership prospects for the League and shall identify and address weak areas in the Leagues' operations. 4) Shall procure appropriate trophies and awards for the League. 5) Is in charge of inter-league post-season tournament play and the National Regional Cup. D. SECRETARY 1) Assists the Vice-President (Administration) with the publication of the League Directory and Rules. 2) Notifies Directors and Town Coordinators of Board meetings and the membership of General and Special Meetings. 3) Records minutes of all meetings and posts approved minutes on League’s Website. 4) Executes all League correspondence within and outside of the League. 5) Notifies the membership of Rule and Constitution changes in a timely manner. E. REGISTRAR 1) Review and distribute registration materials to appropriate league officials and town/club representatives in time for season start. 2) Review and validate all initial roster submissions. 3) In the absence of a Commissioner shall be acting Commissioner. 4) Verify Mass Youth Soccer affiliations. 5) Confirms that registration fees and fines have been collected prior to distributing materials. 6) Provide appropriate Age Directors with placement material at least two weeks prior to placement meetings. F. TREASURER 1) Provide treasurer's report at ALL meetings. 2) Collect and disburse funds as operational necessity dictates. 3) Manage the League bank account(s). 4) Responsible for filing all appropriate Tax filings. 5) Serves as Procurement Officer of the League. 6) Prepares a budget for review 30 days prior to the start of each season for approval by the Board. G. PROTEST OFFICER 1) Adjudicates official match-related protests through impartial fact- finding and arbitration 2) Works directly with the Sportsmanship Committee in matters concerning disposition of team/club discipline issues to determine suspensions/corrective actions for coach or fan infractions of Middlesex Soccer League Rules. H. STATISTICIAN 1) Reviews weekly game results (filed electronically) and discusses issues with Commissioners. 2) Prepares statistical information as required. 3) Assigns teams to the scheduling matrix after the Division placements have been determined. I. COMMISSIONER(S) 1) Ensures that players and teams register in a timely manner. 2) Ensures that registration requirements are fulfilled before players and teams are allowed to participate in League games. 3) Makes final decision on all matters pertaining to player and team eligibility. 4) Works closely with the Protest Officer in disputes over player eligibility 5) Receives and records player/coach ejections (red cards) and notifies appropriate league officials 6) Provides Age Directors with consistent policy for post season play qualifications. J. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT 1) Serves as advisor to the President. 2) Assists with liaison efforts vertically between the League and the State organization and horizontally with other Massachusetts affiliated leagues. K. REFEREE COORDINATOR 1) Recommends specific employment of referee assignors to the Board. 2) Negotiates appropriate referee fees with the referee assignor. These agreed upon fees will be paid at seasons end by the treasurer. 3) Primary mission is to ensure game coverage by qualified officials for sanctioned League contests. L. PARLIAMENTARIAN 1) Shall serve as Parliamentarian for all League meetings. 2) Shall ascertain that the Leagues' Constitution and Rules are functioning properly. 3) The Middlesex Youth Soccer League follows the parliamentary system in Roberts Rules of Order M. AGE DIRECTORS 1) Shall coordinate and direct all activities in the assigned divisions, pertaining to but not limited to: a) Determining champions b) Arranging for tie-breakers, etc. c) Passing on information on cancellations d) Ensuring timely make-up of postponed games 2) Shall collect all scores and other information that may be required and pass it on to the Statistician. 3) Serves as first instance of appeal in disputes between team representatives and settles disputes, if necessary, by declaring a forfeit. 4) Shall, if requested by the Commissioner, assist in certifying player eligibility for his division. N. SPORTSMANSHIP COMMITTEE 1) Consist of 2 elected members working in conjunction with the Protest Officer, a certified grade 8 referee and one individual recommended by the President and approved by the Board. 2) Reactive committee that will hear a request brought before the committee by any participant of the league. 3) Determine the appropriate action required for each request, including holding a hearing to adjudicate the matter. 4) Follow USSF guidelines for all hearings 5. BOARD MEETINGS Each Director shall have one (1) vote on the Board, but no one individual shall have more than one (1) vote. Each member town shall assign an individual as the Town Coordinator and such Town Coordinator shall have one (1) vote at the regularly scheduled monthly Board Meeting No one town shall have more than one (1) vote at Board Meetings. No voting member shall cast more than one (1) vote. One third (1/3) of the Board shall constitute a quorum for a Board meeting. Setting of fees and appropriations of funds as specified in Article 7 of this Constitution shall require the approval of (2/3) two-thirds of those present and voting (vote includes Directors and Town Coordinators). All other matters shall be decided by a simple majority of those Directors and Town Representatives present and voting. Regular monthly meetings shall be scheduled by the President and the Secretary shall notify all Board members and Town Coordinators by mail or email at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled date. An agenda must be distributed at least 7 days prior to these regularly scheduled monthly meetings A "SPECIAL" Board meeting may be requested in writing by three (3) or more Directors if they deem it necessary. 6. GENERAL MEETING General meetings shall be held at least annually, with two (2) weeks’ notice, and "SPECIAL" General meetings may be called by the Board as deemed necessary and require that one third (1/3) of the directors approve of the “special General meeting.” The Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of May no later than the third Wednesday of the month and shall be the election meeting. A quorum shall consist of fifty (50%) percent of the Membership. Board members shall not have a vote unless they are an authorized Town/Club Representative. Amendments to this Constitution per Article 11 require the approval of two- thirds (2/3) of those present and voting and all other decisions require a simple majority of those members present and voting. In the event of a tie vote, the vote shall be taken to the Board. If the vote is still equal, the President shall cast the tie-breaker. At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting, each member organization will receive votes based on the number of teams on record at the end of the previous spring season, as certified by the Registrar. Towns would receive one (1) vote per representative attending the meeting. Town Presidents will designate individuals responsible for casting Towns votes. (NO PROXY VOTES) 3 teams 1 vote 4 – 9 teams 2 votes 10 – 19 teams 3 votes 20 – 29 teams 4 votes More than 30 teams 5 votes 7 FINANCIAL POLICIES Members shall pay a registration fee for each playing season to the League for each of their teams to cover referee fees and other League expenses. The amount of this fee shall be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board and Town Coordinators at a Board meeting Expenditure categories that exceed their budget by more than $1000.00 shall be approved by a majority vote of the Board and Town Coordinators at a Board meeting All moneys shall be promptly deposited in either a savings or checking account maintained in the Leagues' name. Bills for authorized purchases shall be paid when due. Bills shall be approved by two (2) of the authorized signers. With the exception of fees paid for refereeing sanctioned contests, no Board member shall gain any profit from money appropriated by the League or from any transaction there with. The Board shall procure a bond for all authorized check signors. 8. DISSOLUTION In the event of the dissolution of the League the funds remaining shall be divided among all of the town organizations that are currently members of the League then in good standing with regard to the payment of fees to the League. Each organization would receive an equal amount. 9. SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION Any person, team or member organization may be suspended or expelled from the League by a resolution passed by the Board. The person(s) involved shall be notified of the intended action and may make a statement to the Board before the resolution is put to a vote. The resolution is passed if approved by 2/3 (two thirds) of the Board present and voting 10. LEAGUE RULES In addition to this Constitution there shall be a set of League Rules which, providing they do not contravene this Constitution, shall be binding upon all members. Changes and additions to the Rules may be made at General Meetings and at all Board Meetings and, in the event urgent action is required, by the Executive Committee. All changes made by the Executive Committee shall be presented at next Board meeting for ratification. If such ratification is not received, said change will no longer be in effect from the date it was originally approved by the Executive Committee. All significant changes made by the Board shall be presented to the next Annual General Meeting. The League Rules shall be published annually. Any changes approved by the Board between the annual publishing shall be mailed or emailed to all member organizations within one 2 weeks. 11 AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION No variation of the Constitution by addition, omission or amendment shall be adopted without the approval of a General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. Notice of such meeting and the details of the proposed amendment shall be mailed or emailed to all member organizations at least two (2) weeks before the meeting. Any amendment must be carried by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES OF THE MIDDLESEX YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE 1. General a) There will be two playing seasons: FALL and SPRING i) The Fall Season will be developmental; without formal championships, playoffs, etc. ii) The Spring Season will be competitive as teams in each division will be trying to make it to championship playoffs (for MTOC) or for a spot in Commissioners’ Cup b) To minimize confusion between the seasons, the same rules will generally apply with the exception of the competitive aspects of the rules for the Fall Season. c) These Rules are divided into the following groups: . ADMINISTRATION RULES 1 - 10 . RESCHEDULING GAMES RULES 11 - 14 . PRE-GAME RULES 15 –18 . GAME RULES 19 - 23 . POST GAME AND REFEREES RULES 24-30 . CHAMPIONS AND TOURNAMENTS RULES 31 - 35 2. Admittance a) To participate in the League, a team must belong to a member organization defined in the Middlesex Youth Soccer League (MYSL) Constitution. b) Member organizations are referred to as Clubs or Town Organizations in these Rules. c) The Board will specify registration deadlines. d) Teams that have submitted a completed entry form, a roster, and a full non-refundable payment in accordance with Rule 9, before the set deadline, will be guaranteed a proper berth. e) Late registrations will be accepted with an additional non-refundable fee of $25 per team and may be placed on a waiting list if a spot for the team is not immediately available. f) No additional teams will be admitted on a late basis except to fill open slots in a division. g) Clubs submitting late registrations will be placed on probation. A $1,000 bond shall be posted prior to the start of the current season by each club that has submitted their registrations after the registration deadline. If the Club submits its registrations for the next season on time, the bond will be returned. If the Club submits its registration for the next season late, this bond will be forfeited and MYSL may elect to not allow the club to participate in the league. A club will be considered to be in compliance if it submits all required paperwork by the stated deadline (including but not limited to full payment of registration fees, map, field information form, complete coaches list for all teams, division placement forms, rosters and, where required, player pass cards). 3. Affiliation a) All teams shall affiliate with the Mass Youth Soccer. It is the responsibility of Club to make certain that all participants in MYSL activities are properly affiliated. MYSL may, at its own discretion, check on such affiliations and take appropriate measures when required. 4. Appearance Bond/Forfeit/Fines a) New Clubs must post an appearance bond of $1,000 per Club that will be held in escrow by the MYSL for three (3) continuous seasons. b) A Club will be assessed a fine of $100 per game forfeited by one of its teams as determined by the appropriate Age Director. This fine must be paid along with the following season’s registration fee. c) A Club will be assessed an additional fine of $100 for each team which has forfeited two (2) or more games in the prior season in which that Club participated. This fine must be paid along with the following season’s registration fee. d) A Club will be assessed a fine of $25 for missing information or errors to submitted rosters after the agreed upon date. Said fees will be payable before the end of the season. 5. Rosters and Transfers (Player pass found at the end of the book) a) For each team, a current, complete and approved roster must be on file with the appropriate Commissioner. b) In MYSL games, players may play for one (1) team only. i) MYSL is comprised of town members whose teams are populated with players from each of its respective towns. As such, the league does not sanction teams from other, non-member towns. ii) for a roster to be approved by the league, at least 75% of that team’s roster must comprise players who live in that town, with the exception that players on a team from a town that does not have a Mass Youth Soccer sanctioned youth program do not count against the 75%. This not withstanding, any team that has over 25% of its roster comprised of players not living in that town will automatically be placed in Division 1 of its age bracket for both the fall and spring seasons. iii) Any town organization that falsifies roster information with regard to this rule will be sanctioned by the league (see Rule 7) c) For the Spring Season, the following applies to transfers and changes: i) A team is permitted to add players to its roster any time prior to the roster freeze date in order to get to the maximum roster size. ii) Once at the maximum, a team is permitted to have a maximum of three player “drops” and three player “adds” per season prior to the roster freeze date in accordance with US Youth Soccer and Mass Youth Soccer rules. Player adds will cost the town $10 per add, after the agreed upon date. Said fees will be payable before the end of the season. iii) In order for a U10, U12 or U14 player to be removed from the roster, the town must provide the Commissioner a letter / email from the players parent stating the reason for the player leaving the team. iv) Note that the 75/25% rules still apply when adding and dropping players and a player add that would alter a team’s division placement may be denied by the Commissioner. d) Players who move to a team in a lower division (regardless of age group) after May 10th may not play for their new team in any MYSL games. The only exception would be to replace an injured player. Such a move is subject to the unanimous approval of the, Age Director and Commissioner involved. e) Rosters are frozen on the end of day on the first Tuesday in October for the Fall Season. Rosters are frozen on the end of day on the first Tuesday in May for the Spring Season. 6. Player and Coach Registration a) A player is considered registered if he/she is properly affiliated with the Mass Youth Soccer, listed on the approved roster of the team he/she is playing for, and has a current identification card (U12 and above for the Spring Season only) approved by the Commissioner. b) The head coach and assistant coach(es) of each team are considered registered if they are properly affiliated with Mass Youth Soccer, listed on the approved roster of the team they are coaching, and have a current identification card (Spring Season only) stamped by the Commissioner. Coaches must also complete a CORI form online with Mass Youth Soccer. c) It is each Club’s responsibility to ensure that each player and coach in its organization is properly registered with Mass Youth Soccer and that all adults have completed a CORI form. 7. Compliance and Sanctions a) Any game played by a team that does not have an approved roster on file with the Commissioner shall be considered an automatic forfeit. b) Each coach is responsible for verifying all the players’ registration information. Any request for age verification by the Commissioner and/or Protest Officer shall be complied with within five (5) days of the request or the player involved will be considered unregistered and ineligible. c) If it is determined that a team has used a non-roster, suspended, ineligible or overage player in a game, that game shall be considered a forfeit. In addition, by a majority vote, the Board of Directors may suspend that team, without refund, for a certain number of games if the offense is considered to be of a serious nature. d) Any player found to be misrepresenting his/her age will be suspended for the remainder of the season. A coach knowingly using a non-roster, suspended, ineligible or overage player in a game will be immediately suspended by the President, and only re-admitted to the MYSL after applying in writing and showing cause for re-admittance. Any Club in which one or more teams have been found of using a non-roster, suspended, ineligible or overage player shall be required, by a majority vote of the Board, to provide to the Commissioner proof of age for all players for all teams in that Club. This requirement may be rescinded only by a majority vote of the Board. 8. Age Groups a) All players under the age of 19 and at least eight (8) years of age by December 31 of the current playing year will be eligible to play for a team. Current playing year is fall/spring seasons. b) Age groups for the 20013/2014 season: . U10 August 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005 . U12 August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2003 . U14 August 1, 1999 to July 31, 2001 . U16 August 1, 1997 to July 31, 1999 . U18 August 1, 1995 to July 31, 1997 . U19 August 1, 1994 to July 31, 1995 c) Each club should go to www.middlesexsoccer.org to confirm the dates for each age group. d) Players who are eligible to play in the 2nd year of MYSL’s U10 and U12 age groups can play in the next higher age group. That is, a 2nd year U10 player may “play up” in U12, and a 2nd year U12 player may “play up” in U14. If such a player chooses to play in the next higher age group in the Fall Season, that player must play in the same age group in the following Spring season. e) Players who are in their 2nd year of eligibility for the U14 age group and who are in 8th grade or lower (not attending high school) can play in the U16 age group. If such a player chooses to play in the U16 age group in the Fall Season, that player must play in the U16 age group in the following Spring season. f) Players who are in their 2nd year of eligibility for the U14 age group and who are in 9th grade or higher (attending high school) can play in any of the high school age groups (U16, U18, or U19) at the discretion of the club and the MYSL Commissioner and Registrar. 9. Team Costs a) The cost per team will be set by a majority vote of the Board, in accordance with the MYSL Constitution, and will be communicated to the Clubs at least one (1) month prior to the registration deadline. 10. Team Placement a) In each age group, there may be up to five (5) division levels. Each level may be further divided into sections. i) For age groups U12 and U14, in the fall season, there will be 4 divisions ii) For age groups U12 and U14, in the spring season, there will be 5 divisions. i. The top 2 divisions will be Division 1and Division 2. The teams in these divisions will be competing to represent MYSL at the MTOC Tournament at the end of the season ii. Teams that populate the MTOC divisions in the spring will be culled from the Fall Division 1 and select Division 2 teams iii. The other 3 spring divisions will be the Divisions 3,4 and 5. The teams in these divisions will be playing to compete in the Commissioners’ Cup Tournament at the end of the spring season b) The Age Director will recommend placement in specific divisions taking into consideration the following guidelines: i) Fall Season: Any Club with 3 or more teams in an Age Group or any large Club should place one team in the Division 1. A large club is defined as having 500 or more registered players U6 and up in their entire town program . ii) Spring Season: Any Club with 3 or more teams in an Age Group should place at least one team in either the First Division or Second Division, based on their record from the previous Fall Season. iii) Division 1 and 2 teams during the spring season will represent, in the opinion of the Age Director, the highest and next highest level teams in the age group. iv) The desire of the team and any other consideration submitted with the team's entry form. v) Statistical data from the previous season and other relevant information submitted. vi) Recommendations from the MYSL’s Competition Committee. c) Final team placement will be decided by a Board placement meeting that will resolve any disagreements with the Age Director's recommendations. d) If circumstances necessitate changes in a team’s division after the placement meeting, the Age Director with the approval of the Commissioner will determine the changes. All teams affected by such changes will be informed immediately. If necessary, the Board will vote on final placement. e) For the Fall Season, no Number 1 team will be allowed in Division 4. f) After placement in a division, all teams within the division are considered equal. 11. Rescheduling Games a) When a team cannot play a scheduled league game for legitimate reasons, the coach shall prove in writing, with significant documentation to the satisfaction of the Age Director, that fewer than eleven (11) players (Eight (8) players for U12 or six (6) for U10) will be available. i) A coach should know his/her players’ availability for the whole season; ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse. Legitimate reasons may include, but not be limited to: . graduation, . sanctioned invitational tournament, . school trip, or . religious activity. ii) Lack of players due to a vacation is not a legitimate reason to reschedule a game. b) Notification of the need to reschedule must be given to the Age Director and the opposing coach at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled game date or within two (2) days after the reason for rescheduling appears or is known. c) For Spring Season games, the league referee assignor must be notified by the Age Director at least 48 hours in advance of a rescheduled game’s date. i) Rescheduled games must be made up in advance of the scheduled date except with the permission of the Age Director. ii) If the reason for rescheduling appears within the two weeks prior to the game date, the Age Director will set a reasonable deadline. iii) If the HOME coach reschedules the game, he/she must give three (3) reasonable dates on which the game may be made up. iv) If the AWAY coach reschedules the game, the HOME coach will set the make-up date. v) The Age Director will arbitrate and decide on any disagreements. d) If the coach who wants to reschedule violates any part of this Rule, the opposing coach may claim a forfeit. The final decision will rest with the Age Director. 12. Postponing Games a) Games may be postponed if 1) the fields are unplayable or 2) the safety of the participants is at risk, over and above the normal risks involved in playing a soccer game i. Initial responsibility for determining the above lies with the home team’s administration (not the coach). A town organization can close a field or all of its fields for the full day up to when the referee starts the match or determines that the field is unplayable. ii. After this, it is each game’s assigned referee’s responsibility to determine if a game can be played or continued iii. Once a field is declared unplayable it is closed for the day. iv. The league will only cancel all games league-wide on a given day with the unanimous consent of the executive board. The intent is that only in an extraordinary circumstance would the league cancel such games. v. In situations where a significant number of a day’s games are not completed, it is the league’s responsibility to determine if that day’s games will be cancelled or if those games must be rescheduled. b) If the field is unplayable or in the case of another legitimate last day justification, the HOME coach shall inform the Age Director and the opposing coach before 9:00 a.m. (by 8:00 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. game). An authorized town representative shall be responsible for contacting the Referee Assignor and Referee Coordinator immediately to inform him/her of all cancelations at that town’s fields c) If the authorized town representative is not available, the HOME coach is responsible for contacting the Referee Assignor and Referee Coordinator. If the HOME coach does not properly inform the Age Director, Referee Assignor or Referee Coordinator, and the referee appears for the game, the HOME team will be liable for the referee fee. Failure to notify the opposing coach may result in a forfeiture of the game as determined by the Age Director. d) If all home games of a Club are canceled, the authorized town representative shall be responsible for notifying the Referee Assignor and/or Referee Coordinator as soon as possible. 13. Make-up Schedule for Postponed Games a) The home team coach must give the opposing coach three (3) reasonable dates, within seven (7) days of the original game date, on which the game may be made up. The home team coach will confirm the date, time and place for the make-up game by calling both the Age Director and the opposing coach at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled make-up date. b) In cases where both coaches cannot agree on a make-up date, the Age Director will have the authority to set the date, time and place of the make-up game. c) Games played without the prior knowledge and consent of the Age Director should result in a forfeit to both teams. Games not made up before the last weekend of the season will be ruled a forfeit for one or both teams by the Age Director. 14. Holiday Weekend Games If the MYSL schedules games on a holiday weekend, they shall be played as scheduled with the exception of Easter Sunday and Memorial Day weekend games which shall be treated as rescheduled games according to Rule 11 (Rescheduling Games). Games must be rescheduled to be played prior to Memorial Day weekend. If teams want to play on Memorial Day weekend, they must inform the appropriate Age Director no later than the second weekend of the season, otherwise the game shall be rescheduled. The Age Director will only allow the game to be played on Memorial Day weekend if the league Referee Assignor determines that it is possible to schedule a USSF certified referee. Teams attending or wait-listed for a Memorial Day weekend tournament shall reschedule their games 15. Number of Players on a roster a) Team roster sizes for the fall or spring seasons must adhere to the following for the team to be sanctioned by MYSL: . U10: 8 minimum 12 maximum . U12: 11 minimum 15 maximum . U14, divisions 1 and 2: 14 minimum 18 maximum . U14, divisions 3,4 and 5 14 minimum 20 maximum b) Team roster sizes for the U16+ age groups for the spring season must adhere to the following for the team to be sanctioned by MYSL: . Team Roster- 14 minimum, 22 maximum i) Game roster sizes for the U16+ age groups for the spring season must adhere to the following to be acceptable to play in a league sanctioned game: . Game Roster- 7 minimum, 18 maximum c) Teams may be coed but, if coed, the team must be placed in a boys division. 16. Coaches/Supervision – a) Each team must have a designated head coach and may have up to two (2) assistant coaches. b) For each team, a registered coach or assistant coach must be present during the entire game. i) If no such coach is present, or if the coach is ejected or leaves the game for other reasons, the referee may accept another person, including a player, as the substitute coach. ii) The game will not be played or continued if the referee, at anytime, decides that no proper supervision is present. iii) If the referee abandons the game, a forfeit will be assessed at the discretion of the Age Director. 17. Certified Rosters and Identification Cards a) A certified roster shall be that roster approved by the appropriate Commissioner’s, have “Approved in the title and either stamped with the Commissioner’s signature or clearly marked with an alternative method which has been approved by the Board and communicated to league prior to the beginning of the season. Before the match, each coach will hand to the referee two copies of the team’s certified roster The referee shall write his name on and pass one copy of the team’s certified roster to the opposing coach. i) No handwritten player or coach information except uniform numbers is permitted on the certified roster. ii) Player’s names, uniform numbers and birthdates must appear on the game roster. iii) Coaches are encouraged to blank out player contact information (addresses & phone numbers) from game rosters. a) If either team fails to submit copies of the certified roster before the match, the referee will accept 2 copies of a “Game Roster” from the coach. Game rosters may be handwritten and must contain the following information: i) The Team Name, number and MYSL division ii) The names and phone numbers for the coaches iii) The name, birth date and uniform number for each player If the referee accepts a non-certified game roster from a coach, the game will be played and the results counted in the standings pending a review of the game roster by the appropriate commissioner. The referee must note in their game report that a non-certified game roster was used and must also send a copy of the game roster to the appropriate commissioner. The commissioner, in conjunction with the Age Director will review the validity of the game roster and validate the game results or issue a forfeit as appropriate if an ineligible player was used. c) During the Spring Season, each coach and assistant coach(s) will have in their possession an identification card for themselves and each player (U12 and above players only) properly stamped by the appropriate Commissioner. Identification cards shall be made available to the referee. d) During the Spring Season, a player without a valid passcard shall not be permitted to play until a valid passcard can be given to the referee, unless prior approval to play has been given by the appropriate Commissioner to the referee. e) In U10 passcards are required only for the coaches of each team, not for the players. Note that all players must appear on the certified roster. 18. Game Times a) Fall and Spring Seasons – General Rule: Girls play in the morning, Remove last line Boys play in the afternoon. The higher division teams play in the earlier time slots. Each town is responsible for scheduling its U10 home games. b) U12 and U14 recommended times REMOVE 18B all is encompassed in 18a . Saturday 9:00 a.m. . Saturday 10:30 a.m. . Saturday 12:00 p.m. . Saturday 1:30 p.m. . Saturday 3:00 p.m. . Saturday 4:30 p.m. c) Teams (Under-12 and Under-14) that must play home games at times REMOVE 18C other than those specified above shall request approval of their alternate game times from the Board of Directors or the appropriate committee prior to the start of the season. Approval will be granted only for field availability or referee utilization reasons. d) Note that fields should be scheduled back to back with the same age Make 18B groups (preferably with similar divisions) in order to make scheduling referees easier for the Referee Assignor. e) A team (Under-12 and Under-14) playing its home games at times Remove 18E other than those specified above must notify the AGE DIRECTOR and each VISITING COACH of the game time before the start of the season. f) Under-10 teams shall play their games on Saturday with the game times Remove 18f subject to scheduling by the individual club. Each VISITING COACH shall be given proper notice of the game time before the start of the season or as soon as possible thereafter (one week notice if possible). g) No change in game times is allowed without appropriate notice (one Make 18C week notice when possible) to the VISITING COACH and with the approval of the AGE DIRECTOR. h) Failure to comply with the provisions of the game time rules above Make 18 D shall result in a loss by forfeit for the home team. i) Under-16 and above teams (Spring Season only) shall play their games Make 18e in venues with the game times and locations determined by the League. j) Teams shall be present at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to game time Make 18f to allow the referee sufficient time to check the player identification cards, etc. Referees will be allowed to leave the field fifteen minutes after game time if one team cannot field seven (7) players. In this case, the Age Director shall assess a forfeit. 19. Duration of the Match a) The length of the match shall be determined by the age group: . Under 10 – divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each . Under 12 – divided into two (2) equal halves of thirty (30) minutes each. . Under 14 – divided into two (2) equal halves of thirty-five (35) minutes each. . Under 16 – divided into two (2) equal halves of forty (40) minutes each. . Under 18 – divided into two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes each. . Under 19 – divided into two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes each. b) The half-time interval shall be five (5) minutes. c) The allowance for time lost in either period is at the discretion of the referee. d) There will be no overtime in regular season matches. 20. Game Rules a) The FIFA Laws of the Game shall govern all games except as noted in the Middlesex modifications in Sub-sections 11v11, 8v8 & 6v6, of these rules. This includes, but is not limited to: . The Field of Play (Law 1) . The Ball (Law 2) . Number of Players (Law 3) . The Player’s Equipment (Law 4) . The Referee (Law 5) . The Assistant Referee (Law 6) . Duration of the Match (Law 7) . The Start and Restart of Play (Law 8) . The ball in and out of play (Law 9), . The method of scoring (Law 10), . Offside (Law 11), . Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12) . Free Kicks (Law 13), . Penalty Kicks (Law 14), . Throw-ins (Law 15), . Goal Kicks (Law 16), and . Corner Kicks (Law 17). 21. Coach and Fan Conduct (Zero Tolerance Policy) a) It is the responsibility of ALL coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players and spectators (supporters) in all matches. Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting, harassment, intimidation and other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated. A coach’s responsibility for referee support and spectator control includes the times prior to, during and after the game at the field and surrounding areas. Failure to do so will undermine the referee's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for players, the referee and all other participants and spectators. b) Therefore, the basic policy is that persons responsible for a team and spectators will not address the referee at all during the play of the game. Exceptions for persons responsible for a team (Coaches and Assistant Coaches) During the game: Responding to a referee initiating communication. Making Substitutions. Pointing out emergencies or safety issues. Exceptions for Spectators: During the game: Pointing out emergencies or safety issues. c) Coaches are highly encouraged to submit referee evaluations (good and bad) with-in 48 hours of the completion of the match – see MYSL rule 31. MYSL recommends that the referee deal with coach(es) and spectator(s) infractions in accordance with FIFA Law 5 of the Game. If the referee abandons the match, directs a person to leave the area, or issues a caution; the referee shall send a misconduct report for review – see MYSL Rule 29. MYSL asks that the information provided by the referee in the misconduct report be sufficient and detailed to determine follow-up actions required by the Commissioners, Age Directors and/or Sportsmanship Committee. 22. Ejections a) In the case of a player or coach ejection, the Removed taking card and sending card in. referee shall also submit a misconduct report to the Commissioner and other appropriate League Officials. i) An ejection not covered by Rule 23 will carry an automatic one (2) made suspention 2 game not 1 game suspension, unless the Commissioner imposes additional suspensions. ii) The suspension will start with the first game following the ejection. iii) The Commissioner will hold the identification card and the player Remove 22aiii (or parent) shall make arrangements to pickup his/her identification card. iv) If the Commissioner considers the offense to be of a more serious make 22aiii nature, he/she shall refer the matter to the Sportsmanship Committee who will hear the case of all parties concerned and decide upon appropriate action. b) Coaches or assistant coaches who are ejected from a game/dismissed from the match must leave the playing complex and may not in any way continue to coach. Failure to comply could result in permanent suspension from the MYSL. c) A coach, assistant coach or player who has been ejected or suspended may not return to any team in any capacity until such time as the suspension has been lifted. Failure to abide by this could result in permanent suspension from the MYSL. 23. Player/Coach Infractions a) Yellow Cards i) In the case of a player receiving a yellow card, the referee shall submit a misconduct report to the respective Commissioner and other appropriate League Officials immediately following the game. ii) The accumulation of yellow cards by any player in a specific season shall be subject to an additional suspension per the schedule below: Total Yellow Cards Additional Suspension 4 one (1) game 5 two (2) games 6 one (1) year from date of infraction b) Red Cards i) Any coach dismissed from a match, will be remnoved (receiving a red card) immediately suspended for two (2) games. Note: Per the Laws of the Game, coaches should will not be shown (given) cards in MYSL add the word will in front of the word not Games. ii) Any coach receiving a second suspension during the season will be suspended indefinitely. Said coach must appeal to the Commissioner and Sportsmanship Committee for reinstatement. iii) The Commissioner and Sportsmanship Committee will suspend any player receiving a second red card during a season indefinitely pending a hearing. c) Fighting i) In cases of fighting, a player shall be suspended for three (3) or more games and the coach may be suspended pending a review of the Commissioner and Sportsmanship Committee. A decision must be rendered prior to the next scheduled game. ii) In the event of players leaving the bench area to enter the field to participate in a fight, the coach and assistant coach must appear before the Board of Directors for a hearing to determine whether or not the team should be suspended for the remainder of the season. iii) If a player leaves the bench area to participate in a fight on the field and is ejected by the referee, he/she shall be suspended for three (3) or more games pending a review of the Commissioner and Sportsmanship Committee. iv) If a coach leaves the bench area to take part in a fight, the Commissioner and the Sportsmanship Committee may suspend him/her indefinitely pending a hearing. A decision must be rendered prior to the next scheduled game. d) Referee Assault i) Any player, coach or team official physically or verbally assaulting a referee will be suspended a minimum of one (1) year. If the incident is considered serious, the Commissioner and Sportsmanship Committee may impose an indefinite suspension. 24. Protests a) Protests relating to a specific game may only be made by a coach of a team playing in the game and only within the 48 hours following the game by notifying the Protest Officer by telephone. Any protest of a championship or playoff match must be initiated by notifying the referee or MYSL official at the field at the end of the match. b) Per the Laws of the Game (Law 5) Referee decisions concerning the facts of play are final and cannot be protested. c) Protests relating to goals, crossbars, or other field related issues will not be considered unless the objection has been lodged with the referee prior to the start of the match. The referee will require the responsible team to remove the cause of the objection, if this is possible, without unduly delaying the match. d) Protest Procedure i) A protest shall be in writing and must be received by the Protest Officer, with a non-refundable fee of $25, within three (3) days after the above stated telephone notification. The Protest Officer will render a decision and inform all parties involved within three (7) days of receiving the protest. 25. Appeals Procedure a) Any party affected by a decision may appeal that decision to the President via the Secretary. To be valid, the appeal shall be in writing and must be received by the Secretary, with a fee of $200, within three (3) days of receiving the decision that is being appealed. The President will appoint an Appeals Board within three days of receiving the appeal.. The Appeals Board will consist of at least 5 members, at least 2 of whom must be standing Board members. The Appeals Board will render a decision on the appeal within one (1) week of being appointed, if possible. However, if the Appeals Board deems it necessary to call a Special Board of Directors meeting regarding the appeal, the decision will be rendered within 24 hours following the specially called Board of Directors meeting. If the appeal is successful, the $200 will be refunded. b) If any party affected by the decision of the Appeals Board or Board of Directors Meeting is not satisfied, an appeal may be made to Mass Youth Soccer in accordance with the Mass Youth Soccer rules then in effect. c) The time limits specified above do not apply if time is of the essence (e.g., at the end of the season). In these cases, only such time limits are allowed that will guarantee timely completion of the appeal and of the competition. 26. Reporting Game Results a) The home and visiting team coaches and the match referee shall enter the results of each game on the Middlesex League websites (or call the Age Director if necessary within two (2) days of the completion of the match, to report the game results. b) The Age Director shall review the results posted on the websites and resolve any discrepancies. 27. Referee Administration a) Referees shall be assigned to MYSL matches consistent with Rule 28a & 28b b) Referees for regular season matches and the Commissioner’s Cup shall be paid the rates set by the Board. If assistant referees are assigned, they will be paid one-half (½) of the listed rates. c) Assistant referees shall be assigned to matches as stipulated in Rule 28. The rates of pay for MYSL referees shall be: . Under-10 $20.00 per game . Under-12 $30.00 per game . Under-14 $35.00 per game . Under-16/18/19 $60.00 per game d) During post-season playoff matches for U12 and above, referees and assistant referees shall be compensated according to the following schedule: Age Group Referee Assistant Referee U12 – U14 $40.00 / game $25.00 / game U16 – U19 $75.00 / game $40.00 / game e) If a match requires as assistant referee, as stipulated in Rule 30, and only one referee is assigned or appears for the match, the referee working the match shall receive one and one-half times the normal game fee. To receive the fee, the referee must have the home and visiting coach sign the back of the roster stating that there was only one referee prior to the start of the match. The rosters must then be mailed to the referee coordinator for verification. The normal game fee shall be CHAMPIONS AND TOURNAMENTS RULES 32. Division Champions (Spring Season only) a) A section champion will be the team that has the most points in the standings, at the end of the season, as determined by the Age Director. Points will be awarded as follows: . Win (or forfeit by an opponent) 3 points . Tie 1 point . Loss (or forfeit) 0 points b) Note: After a team has accumulated two (2) red cards for serious offenses, each further red card will result in that team losing one (1) point in the standings. Violent play and fighting will always be considered serious. For other offenses to be considered serious, the Commissioner must obtain the concurrence of at least three (3) impartial Board Members. c) If teams are tied in points, the following tie-breaker rules will be used, in order: . head to head competition (if still tied) . least goals allowed head to head (if still tied) . least goals allowed (if still tied) . tie-breaker game d) The Age Director will organize all tiebreaker and playoff games in order to determine a division champion. Tiebreaker and playoff games shall be played on neutral fields (whenever possible). e) The Age Director has complete authority in these matters and shall use his/her best judgment in complicated matters taking into account that tournament bound teams shall be determined at least three (3) days before the tournament starts. f) The MYSL will give an award to each player and coach of the Champion team of each Under-12 and above division. The MYSL will award a ribbon to each player and coach of the section winner of each Under-10 division. 33. Massachusetts Tournament of Champions a) Participants in the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions will follow the rules set by Mass Youth Soccer. Since this tournament may change from year to year, interested coaches may obtain the appropriate information from the Mass Youth Soccer office. 34. Championship Playoffs for Divisions 1 and 2 a) The MYSL will hold playoffs among the top finishers in each division for U12 through U19 in Divisions 1 and 2. The winners of these playoffs will represent the league in their respective age groups at MTOC. b) Additional teams may be included in the playoffs at the option of the Vice President of Development after consultation with the appropriate Age Director. 35. Commissioner’s Cup Tournament for Divisions 3 and 4 a) The MYSL will hold a Commissioner’s Cup Tournament for all division winners in Divisions 3, 4 and 5. b) Additional teams may be included at the option of the Vice President of Development after consultation with the appropriate Age Director. 36. Changes to the Rules of the MYSL a) The rules of the league may be altered or changed by a majority vote of the league’s Board of Directors at any regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting, provided that i) The content of the new rule and the old rule is presented to the board at least one week prior to the meeting at which it will be discussed. Middlesex Youth Soccer League Rules for 6v6 Soccer (U10) During a match, conformance will be with all FIFA Laws of the Game except as otherwise noted.. Law 1 – The Field of Play Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Length: minimum 45 yards maximum 65 yards (US Youth Soccer Association recommends 60 yds) Width: minimum 35 yards maximum 45 yards Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it. The Goal Area: A goal area is defined at each end of the field by two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line, six (6) yards from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend into the field of play for six (6) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Remove last line asking for a penalty mark in under 10 Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, ten (10) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of ten (10) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Flagposts: Conform to FIFA. The Corner Arc: A quarter circle with a radius of eighteen (18) inches from each corner flag will mark the corner arc. Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The maximum distance between the posts is twelve (12) feet and the maximum distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is six (6) feet. Beginning Fall 2009 18 foot wide goals are also acceptable. Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement. Law 2. The Ball A. Size. A size four (4) ball will be used for all under-10 matches. B. Replacement. The ball may not be changed or replaced during the match without the permission of the referee. Law 3. Number of Players - Conform to FIFA except: Players. A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than six (6) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start, or continue, if either team consists of fewer than four (4) players who are able to play. (US Youth Soccer recommends 5) Playing Time. Each player should play a minimum of 40% (20 minutes) of the total playing time. Substitutions. All substitutes should enter and leave the field at the halfway line. Players on the field may be replaced by a substitute under one of the following conditions: . both teams prior to any throw-in provided that the team in possession of the ball substitutes, and that the substitutes are located properly at the halfway line. . prior to a goal kick by either team, . after a goal by either team, . at half-time . at the time of a caution, the cautioned player may be substituted c) Substitutions may only be made with the referee’s consent and only if the substitute players are ready to enter the game. d) An injured player must be replaced if the referee stops the play for the injury. In such a case, the opposing team may have an equal substitution. Law 4 – The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA except: Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. . Jersey or shirt with a visible number . The HOME team must change shirts, or wear pinnies, if both teams are wearing the same or similar (in the referee’s opinion) color shirts. . Shin guards are to be made of a suitable material in order to provide a reasonable degree of protection and must be covered completely by the stockings during the match. . The footwear shall be soft soccer cleats or sneakers. . Each goalkeeper shall wear colors that distinguish him/her from the other players and the referee. The following articles are not to be worn or allowed during a match: . jewelry of any type . all casts (even if padded) . any other equipment the referee determines is dangerous Law 5 The Referee - Conform to FIFA except: a) A currently registered USSF referee shall be used for all matches (grade 9 and higher). b) Referees shall be assigned per MYSL administrative rules 27, 28, 29 30 and 31. c) Referees are encouraged to explain all infractions of the Laws of the Game to the offending player(s) as the progress of the match permits. Due to the age of the players, such explanations are viewed as a method to educate the younger player. d) Referees will be allowed to leave the field fifteen minutes after game time if one team cannot field 4 (four) players e) (U.S. Youth Soccer recommends 5 players) Law 6 Assistant Referees (Linesmen) Club Linesmen may be used at the discretion of the referee. take out the words if necessary The linesmen’s only responsibility shall be to indicate, to the referee, whether add last line the ball is out of play. It is encourage to use club linesman. Law 7 Duration of the Match Conform to FIFA except a) Periods of Play. The match shall be divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each. b) Half-Time. The half-time interval shall be five (5) minutes. c) The allowance for time lost in either period is at the discretion of the referee. d) There will be no overtime in regular season matches. Law 8 - Start of Play - Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. 1. Preliminaries. Prior to the beginning of play, the referee shall summons a captain(s) from each team to the center of the field for the coin toss. The visiting team shall call the coin toss. The team which wins the coin toss decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match. The other team takes the kick-off to start the match. The team which wins the coin toss takes the kick-off to start the second half of the match. 2. Kick-off. A kick-off is a way of starting (or restarting) play. All players shall be in their own half of the field. All players of the opposing team shall be at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. With the ball stationary on the center mark, the referee shall give a signal to start play. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. The kicker shall not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player. A goal may be scored on a kick-off. Law 9 Ball In and Out of Play – Conform to FIFA Out of Play. The ball is out of play when: It has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air, or play has been stopped by the referee. In Play. The ball in is play at all other times including when: it rebounds from a goal post, crossbar or corner flagpost and remain in the field of play; it rebounds off the referee when he/she is on the field of play. Law 10 Method of Scoring - Conform to FIFA A. Goal Scored. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. A goal may be scored on a kick-off. B. Winning Team. The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is a draw (tie). Law 11 Off-Side The off-side rule does not apply in an under-10 match. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct - Conform to FIFA except: 1) there are no penalty kicks. 2) there is no off-side. 3) Keeper distributions (punts, drop kicks and throws) may not travel in the air directly into the other penalty area. An Indirect free kick from midfield is awarded to the other team if this happens. Law 13 Free Kicks - Conform to FIFA except: All free kicks will conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game with the exception that an opponent must be eight (8) yards from the ball before the kick is allowed. Law 14 Penalty Kicks No penalty kicks shall be awarded to or taken by either team. All fouls committed inside the penalty area that would normally result in a penalty kick will be moved outside the penalty area to the point parallel to the goal line closest to where the foul was committed and a direct free kick awarded. Law 15 Throw-ins - Conform to FIFA All throw-ins will conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game. Law 16. Goal Kick - Conform to FIFA Law 17 Corner Kick – Conform to FIFA except: All corner kicks will conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game with the exception that an opponent must be eight (8) yards from the ball before the kick is allowed. Middlesex Youth Soccer League Rules for 8 v 8 Soccer (U12) During a match, conformance will be with all FIFA Laws of the Game except as otherwise noted: Law 1 – The Field of Play Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Length: minimum 70 yards maximum 80 yards Width: minimum 45 yards maximum 55 yards Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it. The Goal area: Conform to FIFA. A goal area is defined at each end of the field by two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line, six (6) yards from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend into the field of play for six yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, fourteen (14) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of fourteen (14) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made ten (10) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area. (Penalty area regardless of Goal Size: 34 yards wide x 14 yards deep). Flagposts: Conform to FIFA. The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA. Goals: Conform to FIFA (With exception Minimum: 6 ft tall x 18 ft wide - maximum: 7 x 21 acceptable) Law 2 – The Ball: Size four (4) will be used for all U12 matches. Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eight players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start or continue if either team consists of fewer than six players. Substitutions: Conform to FIFA except: a) In all age groups, an unlimited number of players may be substituted. Any substituted player may re-enter the match during subsequent substitutions. b) All substitutes should enter and leave the field at the halfway line. Players on the field may be replaced by a substitute under one of the following conditions: . Prior to any throw-in provided that the team in possession of the ball substitutes, and that the substitutes are located properly at the halfway line. . Prior to a goal kick by either team. . After a goal by either team. . At half-time . At the time of a caution, the cautioned player may be substituted. c) Substitutions may only be made with the referee’s consent and only if the substitute players are ready to enter the game. d) An injured player must be replaced if the referee stops the play. In such a case, the opposing team may have an equal substitution. Law 4 – The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA except: Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. a) Jersey or shirt must have a Unique visible number b) The HOME team must change shirts, or wear pinnies, if both teams are wearing the same or similar (in the referee’s opinion) color shirts. c) Shin guards are to be made of a suitable material in order to provide a reasonable degree of protection and must be covered completely by the stockings during the match. d) The footwear shall be soft soccer cleats or sneakers. e) Each goalkeeper shall wear colors that distinguish him/her from the other players and the referee. f) The following articles are not to be worn or allowed during a match: o jewelry of any type o all casts (even if padded) o any other equipment the referee determines is dangerous to the player or another player Law 5 – The Referee: Assigned per MYSL administrative rules 27-31 Referees will be allowed to leave the field fifteen minutes after game time if one team cannot field six (6) players Law 6 – The Assistant Referee: Use U.S.S.F. registered referees or club linesmen/women (Grade 9 or higher) Add last line assigned per MYSL Administrative rule 30. When using Club linesman they may only call out of play. It is encourage that all games be covered by at least club linesman. Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being divided into two (2) halves of thirty (30) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes. a) The allowance for time lost in either period is at the discretion of the referee. b) There will be no overtime in regular season matches. Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick- off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA. Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA. Law 11 – Offside: Conform to FIFA. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her penalty area into the opponents penalty area. Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball. Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is at ten yards and that players other than the kicker and defending goalkeeper are at least eight (8) yards from the penalty mark. Law 15 – The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA. Law 16 – The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA. Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least eight (8) yards away from the ball until it is in play. Middlesex Youth Soccer League Rules for 11 v 11 Soccer During a match, conformance will be with all FIFA Laws of the Game except as otherwise noted: Law 1 - The Field of Play: Conform to FIFA Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Length: minimum 100 yards maximum 130 yards Width: minimum 50 yards maximum 100 yards Flagposts: Conform to FIFA Goals: Conform to FIFA Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line and must have Nets attatched. All goals must be secured to the ground. Proper field markings, regulation corner flags and nets are mandatory and are the responsibility of the HOME team. If one or more of the above conditions are not met, the referee has the power to declare the field unplayable. If a postponement results, the Age Director shall be notified and shall make a decision regarding forfeit or replay. Law 2 - The Ball: Conform to FIFA A size five (5) ball will be used for all under-14 and above matches. Law 3 - Number of Players: Conform to FIFA A match is played by two teams each consisting of not more than eleven (11) players one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start, or continue, if either team consists of fewer than seven (7) players, including a goalkeeper, who are able to play. Substitutions: Conform to FIFA except: a) In all age groups, an unlimited number of players may be substituted. Any substituted player may re-enter the match during subsequent substitutions. b) All substitutes should enter and leave the field at the halfway line. Players on the field may be replaced by a substitute under one of the following conditions: o Prior to any throw-in provided that the team in possession of the ball substitutes, and that the substitutes are located properly at the halfway line. o Prior to a goal kick by either team. o After a goal by either team. o At half-time. o At the time of a caution, the cautioned player may be substituted. c) Substitutions may only be made with the referee’s consent and only if the substitute players are ready to enter the game. d) An injured player must be replaced if the referee stops the play or calls the coach out for treatment. In such a case, the opposing team may have an equal substitution. Law 4 - The Player’s Equipment: Conform to FIFA except: Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. The required equipment of a player is: a) a jersey or shirt with a unique visible number b) shorts c) stockings d) shin guards e) footwear g) The HOME team must change shirts, or wear pinnies, if both teams are wearing the same or similar (in referee’s opinion) color shirts. h) Shin guards are to be made of a suitable material in order to provide a reasonable degree of protection and must be covered entirely by the stockings during the match. i) The footwear shall be soft soccer cleats or sneakers. j) Each goalkeeper shall wear colors that distinguish him/her from the other players and from the referee. k) The following articles are not to be worn or allowed during a match: • jewelry of any type, • all casts (even if padded), or • any other equipment the referee determines is dangerous to the player or another player. Law 5 - Referees – Conform to FIFA Assigned per MYSL administrative rules 27-31. Referees will be allowed to leave the field fifteen minutes after game time if one team cannot field seven (7) players Law 6 - Assistant Referees (Linesmen) Conform to FIFA Use U.S.S.F. registered referees or club linesmen/women assigned per MYSL add last line Administrative rule 30. When using clib linesman they may only call out of play. It is encourage that all game be coverd by at least club linesman. Law 7 - Duration of the Match a) The length of the match shall be determined by the age group: Under-14 -divided into two (2) equal halves of thirty-five (35) minutes each. Under-16 -divided into two (2) equal halves of forty (40) minutes each. Under-18 -divided into two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes each. Under-19 -divided into two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes each. b) The half-time interval shall be five (5) minutes. c) The allowance for time lost in either period is at the discretion of the referee. d) There will be no overtime in regular season matches. Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA. Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA. Law 11 – Offside: Conform to FIFA. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA Law 15 – The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA. Law 16 – The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA. Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA . Field Dimension Information: U10 U12 Full Size Field Length Minimum 45 Yards 70 Yards 100 Yards Maximum 65 Yards 80 Yards 130 Yards Recommended 50 Yards 70 Yards 110 Yards Field Width Minimum 35 Yards 45 Yards 50 Yards Maximum 45 Yards 55 Yards 100 Yards Recommended 40 Yards 50 Yards 64 Yards Goal Area 6 x 16 Yards 6 x 18 Yards 6 x 20 Yards Penalty Area 10 x 24 Yards 14 x 34 Yards 18 x 44 Yards Penalty Spot None 10 Yards from Goal Line 12 Yards from Goal Line Penalty Arc None 8 Yard radius Outside Penalty Area 10 Yard radius Outside Penalty Area Center Circle 8 Yard Radius 8 Yard Radius 10 Yard Radius Goal Size 6 x 12 Feet * 6 x 18 Feet 8 x 24 Feet Corner Arcs 18 Inch Radius 1 yard Radius 1 Yard Radius Corner Flags Minimum 5 feet tall for all age groups Field Layout Notes Fields must be rectangular and Longer than they are wide Fields should be laid out so that spectators and other obstructions are at least 2 yards from the touchlines * Note: 6 x 18 Ft Goals are allowable for U10 play as of Fall 2009. If 18 Ft Goals are used; Goal and Penalty Area Widths will be 18 and 34 yards respectively. MYSL “Town’ Player Pass” The ‘Town Player Pass” pass concept is when a ‘Town uses a player from within their own ‘Town’ to play for another team in their town for a regular season league match. It is not the same as secondary rostering. Players are put on a roster, but the ‘Town’ is allowed to use other players from other teams within their own ‘Town’ for a league match. Using aTown Player Pass enables a team to temporarily add player(s) to an existing roster. It is for all age groups U10 – U19. Note that the League permits the use of the Town Player Pass, but individual Town organizations determine if they want to take advantage of it or not. The ‘Town Player Pass' allows towns and coaches: 1. The flexibility to reward players who are doing very well on a lower level team the opportunity to come up to the higher team and show how they fit in at that level 2. To give more players additional playing time - because we now have the flexibility to bring players up instead of being forced to maximize our rosters as a way to plan for those situations where players are off at other events (baseball, dance,....) 3. To reduce the number of players on the bench - this means players get more time on the field doing what they want to do, play the game. 4. Have more teams in the league - now I can have more evenly matched teams instead of trying to place a lesser skilled players on a higher roster to fill a spot. This can only make our players better because they will get more opportunities to play. Purpose: • Allow coaches more freedom to move players within their own ‘Town’. • Eliminate administrative paperwork for member ‘Town’s who wish to move players internally. • To give all ‘Town’s the ability to move players from within their own ‘Town’ so that they can reinforce squads by moving players from a younger age group or an equal or lower team. • To create a ‘Town’ mentality over a “team”. • To provide development opportunities for players by being allowed to experience “playing up”. Ii Logistics: • ‘Town’s will still roster teams with MYSL. • All players rostered to teams within the same ‘Town ’ are “‘Town’ pass” eligible. • There will be no secondary rostering (i.e. players appearing on 2 team rosters for a town simultaneously) • When a team needs player(s) for a match, they use a player(s) within their own ‘Town’. • A team having a league match may select up to 4 players from within their own ‘Town’ to play for that team. • The number of players on the sideline, however, may not exceed the maximum “game roster” roster size. iii. Game Day Procedure for ‘Town’ Pass: • Each coach will provide a ro