ROWLETT YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Rules & Regulations … · ROWLETT YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Rules & Regulations Revised April 2016. RYSA Rules & Regulations Revised April 2016 Page

RYSARules&Regulations RevisedApril2016 Page1of29

ROWLETTYOUTHSOCCERASSOCIATION

Rules&Regulations

RevisedApril2016


TableofContents1.INTRODUCTION&STATEMENTOFPOLICY.................................................................................4

1.1.Purpose.............................................................................................................................................4

1.2.Authority...........................................................................................................................................4

1.3.CodeofEthics/Conduct....................................................................................................................4

1.4.Application........................................................................................................................................4

2.SOCCERYEAR..............................................................................................................................5

3.COMMUNICATION......................................................................................................................5

3.1.GeneralCoachesMeeting.................................................................................................................5

3.2.DirectorAgeGroupMeetings...........................................................................................................6

3.3.TeamMeetings.................................................................................................................................6

4.ELIGIBILITYREQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................7

4.1.Player................................................................................................................................................7

4.1.2.PlayerRegistration.........................................................................................................................8

4.1.3.AgeVerification.............................................................................................................................8

4.1.4.Releases.........................................................................................................................................8

4.1.5.RegistrationFees...........................................................................................................................9

4.1.6.TeamAdministration...................................................................................................................10

4.1.7.Registration..................................................................................................................................11

4.2.Team...............................................................................................................................................12

5.Game/PracticeParticipationandAdministration.....................................................................14

5.1.PracticeSessions.............................................................................................................................14

5.2.Games.............................................................................................................................................15

5.3.PostponedGames...........................................................................................................................16

5.4.GameReports.................................................................................................................................17

5.5.Standings........................................................................................................................................17

5.7.LeagueDivision...............................................................................................................................19

5.8.Facilities..........................................................................................................................................19

5.9.RefereeFees...................................................................................................................................20

6.ConductExpectations...............................................................................................................20


6.1.Conduct...........................................................................................................................................20

6.2.Misconduct.....................................................................................................................................20

6.3.MisconductataReferee.................................................................................................................22

6.4.MisconductofReferees..................................................................................................................23

7.Authority...................................................................................................................................23

7.1.General...........................................................................................................................................23

7.2.AppellateProcedures.....................................................................................................................24

7.3.AppealsandDisciplinaryCommittee..............................................................................................25

7.4.A&DAppellateProcedures:............................................................................................................27

7.5.Violations........................................................................................................................................27

7.6.Suspension......................................................................................................................................28

7.7.GameProtest..................................................................................................................................28

8.Amendments............................................................................................................................29


1.INTRODUCTION&STATEMENTOFPOLICY

1.1.PurposeTheRowlettYouthSoccerAssociation(hereinafterreferredtoas“RYSA”)hasbeenformedtocreateandmaintainasoccerprogramfortheresidentsofRowlett,TX.Thisprogramisprovidedinordertoorganizeacompetitiveactivitytofosterandpromotegoodsportsmanship,cleanandhealthyfun,developmentofathleticskills,andfellowshipamongplayers,coachesandspectators.

1.2.AuthorityRYSAisamemberingoodstandingoftheNorthTexasStateSoccerAssociation(NTSSA);whichinturn,isaffiliatedwiththeUnitedStatesSoccerFederation(USSF)andFederationInternationaledeFootballAssociation(FIFA),theofficialsoccergoverningbodiesoftheUSAandtheworld,respectively.Assuch,RYSAistheofficialRowlettsoccerprogramrecognizedbytheentireworld,andhasbeengivenjurisdictionoverorganizedsoccerwithintheprescribedphysicalboundaries.Allteams(coachesandplayers)andparents,bytheactofformingteams,submittingcontractsandrosters,andpaymentoffees,agreetoacceptandtoabidebytheBylaws,Rules&Regulations,alldecisionsoftheBoardofDirectors(hereinafterreferredtoasthe"Board")andNTSSA.

1.3.CodeofEthics/ConductAllplayers,coaches,assistantcoaches,teammanagersandparentsareexpectedtoconductthemselvesinamannerthatsupportsthepurposeofRYSAonandoffthefield.Intheeventofconflictordisagreement,allplayers,coaches,andparentsareadvisedtopursueanysuchproblemsthroughtheestablishedRYSAguidelines.Anycaseofsignificantorcontinuedactivity,whichcausesdisruptiontotheoverallpurpose,shallbedealtwithbyRYSAtotheextentnecessarytoremoveoreliminatesuchdisruption(s).AnyBoardmembersservinginanothercapacitysuchasaCoach,Manager,orRefereecannotenacttheirroleorpositionofauthorityontheboardforanyconflictordisagreementdirectlyinvolvingtheteam(s),player(s),orgame(s)/match(es)towhichtheyserveorattendexceptwhennootherBoardmember(s)orRefereeofficial(s)areavailabletoimmediatelyinterveneoreffectivelyremedythesituation.IntheeventofsuchoccurrencetheBoardmustbegivenafull,detailedreportforreviewanddisciplinaryaction,ifwarranted.ThevotingmembershipofRYSAismadeupofthecoachofeachregisteredTeam.OnlythisgroupmayvoteonchangestoRYSABylaws,Rules&Regulationsand/orformembersoftheBoard.

1.4.ApplicationTheRYSARules&Regulationsaredesignedspecificallyfortheyouthplay.


2.SOCCERYEAR

2.1.TheSoccerYearshallbeginAugust1standendonthefollowingJuly31st.

2.2.Theactualplayingyearwillconsistofafallandspringseason.

2.3.Eachplayingseasonwillconsistof(10)gamesforU8andaboveand(8)gamesforU6.

2.4.TheseasonplayingdateswillbesetbytheBoardwithconsiderationofholidays,otherorganizedsports,andweather.

3.COMMUNICATIONRYSArequiresthatallparticipantsnotonlyreceiveallpertinentinformationabouttheprogrambutalsohaveadequateandcontinuingopportunitytohavetheirinputstothesoccerassociation.Inordertodevelopandmaintaintwo-waycommunication,organizationalmeetingsarerequiredtobeheldeachplayingseason.

3.1.GeneralCoachesMeeting

3.1.1.TheBoard,neartheconclusionofeachsoccerseason,willscheduleaGeneralCoachesMeeting.

3.1.2.Eachteamisrequiredtoprovidearosteredrepresentativeinordertovoteforanyrulechanges,Boardelectionsandgeneralassociationbusiness.

3.1.3.TheBoardSecretarywillrecordtheattendanceoftheteamsandnotifytheappropriateAgeGroupDirectoroftheteamsfailingtoattend.

3.1.4.Theagendaofthemeetingwillbeasfollows:

• Reviewofminutesfromthelastmeeting.

• RegistrationIssues.

• RulesorBylawschangesorupdates.

• Administrativeproceduresorresponsibilities.

• Questionsorproblemssuggestedbytheteamrepresentatives.


3.2.DirectorAgeGroupMeetings

3.2.1.EachAgeGroupDirectorisrequiredtoconductamandatorymeetingforallofthecoaches/teamsrepresentativesbeforetheplayingseasonbegins.TheAgeGroupDirectorshallsubmitareportoftheagendaandtheattendeestotheBoard.

3.2.2.TheagendaoftheAgeGroupDirector’smeetingwillbeasfollows:

• Division,organization,numberofteams,andteamcolors.

• Policyanddivisionstructures.

• Fieldmaintenanceandequipmentpolicy.

• Trophypolicyandpostseasontournamentprocedures(ifapplicable).

• Registration,RYSARules&Regulations,withspecialemphasisonanyrevisionsorpotentialproblemareas.

• Playingtime,50%ofgameunlessdisciplinaryreasons.

• AnyquestionsorproblemsbroughtoutbytheteamrepresentativeforactionbytheBoard.

3.3.TeamMeetings

3.3.1.Eachteamisrequiredtoconductapre-seasonteammeetingwithatleastoneoftheparentsorguardiansofeachplayerinattendance.

3.3.2.Theagendaofthemeetingmustcoverthefollowingtopics:

• NTSSA/RYSAparticipantconductandregulations.

• ReviewtheRYSARulesandRegulationsforadditionalunderstandingofthegame.

• Teamruleswithemphasisonpracticeschedules,teamsupport,notificationprocedures,andrequiredequipment.

• Schedules,feesandpostseasonplans.

• Reviewregistrationproceduresforthenextschedule.Ifaplayerisassignedtoateamtheywillremainamemberofthatteam.Thereisnoreasontoregisterintheplayerpoolunlessassignmenttoanotherteam(forwhateverreason)isdesired.

• AnyquestionsorproblemsbroughtoutbytheparentsforactionorconsiderationbytheBoard.

• Playingtime,50%ofgameunlessdisciplinaryreasons.


4.ELIGIBILITYREQUIREMENTS

4.1.Players

4.1.1.AgeParameters

4.1.1.1.Theplayer’sagewillbedeterminedbytheageoftheplayerasofJuly31January1oftheofthecurrentsocceryear.Allagedivisionswillbeconfinedtobirthyearclassifications.

4.1.1.2.PlayersmustparticipateintheirrespectiveagebracketbasedonthefollowingNTSSAagebreakdownasfollows:

Under4(3yr.old)

Under5(4yr.old)Under12(10/11yr.old)

Under6(5yr.old) Under14(12/13yr.old)

Under8(6/7yr.old) Under16(14/15yr.old)

Under10(8/9yr.old) Under19(16-18yr.old)

4.1.1.4.PlayerswhohavenotattainedtheproperagetobeeligiblefortheUnder12agebracketwillnotplayorpracticeonacompetitiveteamorinacompetitivetournamentperNTSSArules.

4.1.1.5.AplayerwithadvancedabilitymayplayinthenextagebracketwithpermissionofthereceivingandreleasingAgeGroupDirectors.Properprocedureforthistypeofrequestisinwriting,signedbyaparentorguardian.

4.1.1.6.AplayermayreturntotheproperagelevelprovidedthattheparentwouldsubmitawrittenrequesttotheRYSARegistrar.TheRYSARegistrarwillobtainpermissionfromthereceivingandreleasingAgeGroupDirectors.

4.1.1.7.AplayerwithsignificantmentalorphysicaldeficienciesmaypetitionNTSSAExecutiveCommitteetoplayinadivisiononeagegrouplowerthanhisactualageindicates.However,suchplayermustbeofphysicalsizesoasnottogainanundueadvantageovertheotherplayersintheyoungerdivision.TheplayerpetitionsRYSAfirstandthenifapproved,RYSAforwardsdocumentationtotheNTSSAExecutiveCommittee.Threeweeksprocessingtimeisrequired.REQUIREDDOCUMENTATION:

• Aletterfromtheparentandaletterfromthedoctor.

• Aletterofapproval,fromRYSA,whichisfiledwiththeNTSSARecreationalDirectorandtheNTSSABoard.


4.1.2.PlayerRegistration

4.1.2.1.AllplayerregistrationdocumentationmustbecompleteandsubmittedtotheRYSARegistrarwithin48hourspriortothefirstregularseasongame.

4.1.2.2.EachplayermustcompleteaRYSAPlayerRegistrationFormeitheronline,bymail,orinperson.

4.1.2.3.Aplayerisregisteredwhentheparentsignstheregistrationform,paystheappropriateassociationfees,meetstheageverificationrequirements,andhasareleasefromtheirhomeassociationifnotlivinginCityofRowlett(perrule4.1.4).

4.1.2.4.PlayersaddedaftertheseasonstartsmustbeapprovedbytheRYSAboardoracommitteeformedtoactinthiscapacity.Playersmaynotbeaddedtoanyteamafterthe2ndweekendoftheseason,exceptinthecasewhereateamdropsbelowtheminimumrostercount.(Definedas“5pmofthesecond(2nd)Saturday”ofagedivision.)AbsolutelyNOrosterchangeswillbeallowedafterOctober13oftheFallSeason,orApril13oftheSpringSeason.

4.1.3.AgeVerification

4.1.3.1.Aplayershallberequiredtopresentproofofagewhenregisteringforthefirsttimeintheassociation.Proofofageshallconsistofabirthcertificate,orbirthregistrationissuedbyanappropriategovernmentagency,BureauofHealthrecords,passport,alienregistrationcardissuedbytheU.S.Government,acertificateissuedbytheImmigrationandNaturalizationServiceattestingtoage,oracertificateofanAmericancitizenbornabroadissuedbytheappropriategovernmentagency.Hospital,baptismalorreligiouscertificateswillnotbeaccepted.

4.1.3.2.Nofurtherproofofageshallberequiredsolongasacontinuousseason-toseasonregisteredstatusismaintained,unlessproofofageisagainrequiredbytheboard.

4.1.4.Releases

4.1.4.1PlayersmustregistertoplaysoccerwithaMemberAssociation.Uponrequest,noMemberAssociationispermittedtodenyaPlayerReleasetoanindividualplayer.NofeemaybeassociatedwithanapprovedPlayerReleaseunlesssuchplayerisbeingreleasedoutsideofNorthTexasSoccer.OnlythereceivingMemberAssociationwillregistertheplayer.AMemberAssociationmaynotactivelyrecruitplayersfromoutsideoftheirdefinedterritory.

AplayermustobtainareleasefromtheirMemberAssociationunderthefollowcriteria:

4.1.4.2.Ifaplayerjoinsacompetitiveteam.


4.1.4.3.OnceaplayerhasbeenreleasedtoplayonacompetitiveteamoutsidetheRYSAjurisdiction,thenthatreleaseisvalidaslongastheplayerplaysinacompetitivesoccerleague.Thisreleaseisvoidediftheplayerreturnstoplayinarecreationalleague.

4.1.4.4.Playersrequestingtoplayinatournamentwithanotherteam.

4.1.4.5.Playersrequestingparticipationinclinicsduringtheseasonmustalsocompleteandsubmitacoach’srelease.

4.1.5.RegistrationFees

4.1.5.1.Paymentofallfeesisrequiredwithin48hourspriortothestartofscheduledplayeachseason(ascitedinrule4.1.2.1).

4.1.5.2.Theregistrationfeeisbrokendownintothefollowingcostcenters:

§ NTSSAregistrationfees

§ Insurancepremiums

§ Securitybackgroundchecksforallvolunteersworkingwiththechildren

§ Refereefees

§ Trophies/Awards

§ Cityimposedfees

§ Officesupportexpenses

4.1.5.3.Eachplayerwhoisnotproperlyregisteredwillforfeitallgamesinwhichtheteamorplayerparticipated.Thecoachandplayer(s)shallberequiredtoappearbeforetheA&DCommittee.AviolationofthisruleshallresultintheoffendingCoach,AssistantCoach,TeamManagerorplayerbeingsuspendedforaminimumofoneyearfromallsoccer-relatedactivities.

4.1.5.4.Eachplayermustberegisteredwithonlyoneteamatatime.Theonlyexceptionisforplayerswhomayalsobemembersofofficialschoolteams.

4.1.5.5.Refundspriortothestartoftheseasonmustberequestedinwritingfromtheparent/guardianoftheplayerrequestingtherefund,directedtotheRYSAOffice.Norefundwillbeconsiderediftheplayerrequestsarefundaftertheofficialstartdateoftheseasonregardlessiftheplayerparticipatedornot.

4.1.6.TeamAdministration

4.1.6.1.EachRYSAvolunteerCoach,AssistantCoach,andTeamManagerisrequiredtopromoteandupholdthepurposeandgoalsoftheAssociationassetforthintheBylaws.


4.1.6.2.Acoach'sinvitationmaybewithdrawnifhe/shedoesnotpromoteandupholdtherulesofRYSAortheLawsoftheGame.Anythree(3)membersoftheAssociationmaypetitiontheA&Dcommitteetoreviewacoach'sinvitation.ThereviewwillbeconductedpertheA&DCommitteeguidelines.

4.1.6.3.HeadCoachesmustattendtheappropriatecoachingclinictoobtaintherequiredcoachingcertificationwithinoneyearofthestartofaseasonforthehighestdivisionforwhichtheyareregisteredtocoach.Thepurposeoftheclinicsistointroducemodernsoccercoachingmethods,raisethelevelofplaywithinRYSA,andprovideforthedevelopmentoftheplayerstotheirfullpotential.Thefollowingcoachingcertificationsarerecommendedasageappropriate:

• U4thruU8:U6/U8YouthModule

• U10:U10/U12YouthModuleorU12Module

• U12:U12Module

• U10thruU13&above:NationalESchool

• U14andup:NationalDSchool(*NationalEisaprerequisitetoNationalDSchoolenrollment)

4.1.6.4.TheCoach,AssistantCoachorTeamManagermustbepresentwithandresponsiblefortheteamandspectatorsduringanygame.Otherwise,theteammustforfeit.

4.1.6.5.TheCoach,AssistantCoachorTeamManagershouldrefrainfromexcessiveinstructingfromthesidelines.Thiswillpromoteplayerthinkingandcommunicatingduringthegame.

4.1.6.6.Paidcoachesarenotpermittedforthepurposesofcoachingarecreationalteam.

4.1.6.7.Allcoaches,assistantcoachesandmanagers,whosenameappearsontheroster,arerequiredtoobtainaRYSAIDcard.AnindividualisconsideredtoberosteredpersonnelwhentheyhavecompletedandsubmittedaRiskManagementformtotheassociation,alongwithhavingtheirnameappearontherosteroranysubsequentAdd/Transfer/Deleteforms(whichmustbesignedbythecoachandregistrar).AnypersonwhodoesnotprovideaRiskManagementformordoesnotappearontherosterwillnotbeissuedacard.AnypersonwhoprovidesanIDcard,butisnotarosteredteamrepresentative,willnotbepermittedinthecoaches’box,norwilltheybeallowedtofunctionasthecoachofthatgame.RosteredpersonnelwhohavebeenejectedwillsurrendertheirIDcardstotheofficialuponrequest.SurrenderedIdcard(s)willbereturned,pendingtheresultsofanA&Dhearing.FailuretosurrenderIdcarduponrequestwillresultinsuspensionuntilsuchtimethecardissurrenderedtoaRYSAofficial,nolessthanonegame.


4.1.6.8.Onecard,perrosteredindividual,perteamwillbeissued,uponthatperson’sentryintotheassociation.AfterthefirstsocceryearthatanIDcardhasbeenissued,avalidationstampwillbeprovidedbytheassociationtomaintainthecard’svalidity.IfanIDcardislostorbecomesdamagedbeyondrecognition,areplacementfeeof$5willbeassessedtotheindividualneedingthereplacement.Replacementsneededduetoassociationerrororoccurasaresultofadded/changedcoachingresponsibilitieswillnotbeassessedafee.

4.1.6.9.IDcardswillbeissuedatregistrationorothertimes/dates/sitesidentifiedbytheBoard.

4.1.7.Registration

4.1.7.1.EachCoach,AssistantCoachorTeamManagerofateammustregisterwithNTSSAeachsocceryear.

4.1.7.2.EachCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagermustprovideacopyofavalidphotoI.D.plusacompletedNTSSACoach/Referee/VolunteerStaffApplication.Thesedocumentsmustbesubmittedwiththeteampaperworkatthetimeofregistration.Teamregistrationwillberefusedwithouttheproperdocumentation.

4.1.7.3.Anyindividualofferingorparticipatinginindividual/teampracticesortrainingsessions,soccercamps,skillcamps,and/orsimilaractivitiesinvolvingRYSAplayers,mustberegistered.

4.1.7.4.TheregistrarwillnotacceptfullteamregistrationsafterthelastregistrationdateestablishedbytheBoard.

4.1.7.5.IntheeventthatanyteamrepresentativepaysanyfeetoRYSAwithinsufficientfundsthereplacementfundsintheformofcash,moneyorderorcashier’scheckmustbesubmittedtotheRYSATreasurer.Replacementfundsmustbeaccompaniedwithanadditional$25inordertocoverprocessingexpense.

4.1.8.Players-at-Large(Non-RosteredPlayers)areplayerswhoarenotregisteredinanyassociationinNTSSA,butwhowanttoparticipateinNorthTexassanctionedeventsasguestplayers,mayregisterwiththeirhomeassociationasaplayer-at-large.PlayersmustabidebyRYSAguidelinesforregistration,includingcompletingandsubmittingarecreationalmembershipformandprovidingproofofageverification.FeeswillincludetheamountsetforthbyNTSSAforinsurance,plusanyadministrativefeestheboarddeterminesisappropriate.

4.2.1.TeamSizeTheAgeGroupDirectorshallutilizethefollowingGuidelinesforteamsize:

Max,Min

Under19:18max,14min


Under16:18max,14min

Under14:18max,14min

Under12:14max,11min

Under10:11max,8min

Under6-8:8max,5min


4.2.2.TeamFormation

4.2.2.1.AteamfromoutsideRYSAapplyingtoplaywithinRYSAmustfollowRYSAteamformationrulesandreceiveapprovaloftheBoard.

4.2.2.2.TheformationofteamsandthesolicitationofcoachesandnewplayersaretheresponsibilityofRYSAOfficersandDirectors.

4.2.2.3.EachplayerwhohasplayedthemostrecentseasoninRYSAisconsideredareturningplayer.Ifaplayerdoesnotmeetthisrequirementhe/sheisconsideredanewplayer.

4.2.2.4.AllnewortransferplayerswillbeplacedintheRYSAplayerpool.Teamswillbeformedbyateamformationcommitteethatwillconsistof3votingmembersand1non-votingmember.The4membersshallbe:Agegroupdirectorforthespecificdivision,aboardmember,aneutralRYSAmembervolunteer,andtheRYSAregistrar.Thevotingcommitteememberswillnothaveahouseholdmemberinthedivisionformingteams.ThecommitteeisunderthejurisdictionoftheRYSARegistrar.Theteamformationcommitteewilluseage,gender,andteamsizeascriteriainassigningplayerstoteams.Thefinaldeterminationwillbebytheteamformationcommitteeusingoneormoreofthefollowingmethods:

A. SchoolDistrictAssignedSchool

B. Address

C. Lottery

4.2.2.5.Playerswhomisseduptoone(1)yearmaybeeligibletoreturntotheirpriorteamofrecordprovidedthat:1)theyenterthepool,2)thereisspaceontherequestedteam,3)theDirectorwillcontacttheCoachbeforeallocationofplayer(s).

4.2.2.6.U5,U6,U7,&U8playersmayinviteafriend,fromthesameassociation,whohasneverregisteredinanyassociation,tojoinhis/herexistingteamwiththepermissionoftheboard.

4.2.2.7.Anewplayermayrefusetheinitialteamassignmentandbeplacedbackinthebottomoftheplayerpooliftherearemorethanthree(3)teamsinthedivision.Iftheplayerrefusesasecondtimeoriftherearelessthanthree(3)teamsthenthatplayerwillbedisqualifiedfromplacementfortherestoftheseason.Theplayerwillbegivenarefundminusthecustomaryadminfee.Areturningplayermayopttonotreturntohisteamofrecordiftherearemorethanthree(3)teamsinthatdivision.Iftherearemorethanthree(3)teamsthatplayerwillbeplacedintheplayerpoolandassignedperteamformationprocedures.Iftherearelessthanthree(3)teams,thisplayerwillnotbeplacedwithoutapprovalofteamformationcommittee.


4.2.2.8.IfanindividualbecomestheheadcoachofanewteamformedbyRYSAinthecurrentseason,thecoachmayrequesttheirchildberosteredtothenewteamthathe/sheiscoaching.

4.2.2.9.Ifanindividualrequeststheirchildbetransferredtoareturningteamtheyarecoaching,theymusthavebeentheheadcoachofrecordforthepreviousoutdoorplayingseason,oraskedtobetheheadcoachofthereturningteambyamajorityvoteoftheBoard.

4.2.2.10.EachCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagermustcontactallrosteredplayersstilleligibletoplayontheteamswithinthe1stweekoftheplayerpoolcommencement.Thiswilladvisetheplayersthattheteamisgoingtoparticipateagainthisseason,andwhoisreturning/notreturningtoplay.

4.2.2.11.TheCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagershallinformtheirAgeGroupDirectoroftheplayerstatusoftheirteam.

4.2.2.12.EachCoachmustacceptalleligiblereturningplayersunlesshecanshowampleproofthattheplayerisadisciplinaryproblemanddisruptivetotheteam.UndernocircumstanceshallanycoachattempttodismissaplayerwithoutRYSAapproval.

4.2.2.13.EachCoachmayapproachtheBoardtoremoveaplayerperthefollowing:

•TheCoachmustsubmitawrittenrequesttotheA&DChairman.

•TheA&DChairmanshallinvestigate/interviewallinterestedpartiesanddecidesiftherequestistobegranted.

•TheA&DChairmandecisionmaybeappealedinwritingtotheA&DCommittee.TheA&DCommitteeshalladdresstheissuewithinseven(7)workingdays.

4.2.2.14."Playerdismissal"shallbedefinedasincludingthefailureorrefusalofanycoachtoinviteornotifyapriorseasonplayerwhentheteamisbeingreestablishedforanewseason.

4.2.2.15.Intheeventthatateamisgoingtotakeaseasonofffromplayingandintendtoreturntheirentireroster,theymustinformtheirAgeGroupDirectorandRYSARegistrarofintenttoreturnthefollowingseason,inwriting,priortothecompletionofthecurrentseason.

5.Game/PracticeParticipationandAdministration

5.1.PracticeSessions

5.1.1.Playersmaynotparticipateinmorethantwo(2)practicesessionsperweekexceptasauthorizedbytheAgeGroupDirector.


5.1.2.Allpracticesessionsshallbelimitedtoone(1)hourofphysicalactivityperpractice.

5.1.3.TheU5,U6,&U8shallbelimitedtomaximumofforty-five(45)minutesofphysicalactivityperpractice.

5.1.4.Coaches,AssistantCoaches,orTeamManagersmaynotengageinanyspecialtrainingsessionswithindividualsorpartialteamsinadditiontotheabovespecifiedpracticesessions.TheonlyexceptionshallbeinthecaseofaparentworkingindividuallywithhisownchildorthecaseofspecialclinicsafterreceivingDirector'spermission.

5.2.Games

5.2.1.Eachplayerhasequalopportunitytodeveloptheirabilitiesandskills,learnteamworkandsportsmanship;RYSArequiresthateachRYSAPlayerbeplayedaminimumof50%ineverygame,exceptforillness,injuryordisciplinaryreasons.Inthosecases,thecoachmustnotifytheplayer,theparentsoftheplayer,andtheopposingcoachpriortothebeginningofthegamethattheminimumtimehasbeenreduced.

5.2.2.EachCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagermustinformtheplayer’slegalguardiansconcerningthemandatoryplayingtimestatementontheregistrationformsbeforethelegalguardians’signtheregistrationform.

5.2.3.EachCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagermustfillouttheGameReporttoprovideexplanationforanycasewhereaplayerdidnotparticipateaccordingtothisrule.

5.2.4.RYSAstronglysupportstheminimumplayingtimeasrequiredbytherulesofNTSSA.ParentsofplayerswhoarenotgivenminimumplayingtimeandaplausibleexplanationmaycontacttheAgeGroupDirector.Acceptablecontactwouldbeinwrittenform.

5.2.5.IfthesituationisnotresolvedwiththeAgeGroupDirector,thentheparentneedstonotify,inwriting,theBoardincareoftheA&DChairman.

5.2.6.FailureofaCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagertoabidebythisruleconstitutesgroundsforsuspension.AnA&DhearingmustbeheldpriortorevocationofRYSA’sinvitationtoaparticipatingcoachintheAssociation.

5.2.7.Inyouthrecreationaltournaments,eachplayerisrequiredtoplayaminimumof50%ofeachgame,includingovertime.Allplayersonateammustbeinvitedtoeachtournamentinwhichtheteamparticipates.

5.2.8.IntheeventofuniformcolorconflicttheHometeamwillberequiredtochangetoanalternatejerseycolor.IntheeventtheHometeamrefusesorisunabletocomplywiththisrequirementthegamewillbeconsideredaforfeitwithcorrespondingpointsawardedtothevisitingteam.Therefereedoesnothavetheauthoritytoforcethevisitingteamtouseanalternatecoloredjersey.


5.2.9.AgeGroupDirectorswillberesponsibleforcreatingteamschedules.

5.2.9.1.Eachteamwillbegiventheopportunity,beforeschedulesarecreated,torequest2blackoutdatesonwhichtheirteamswillnotbescheduledtoplaygames.

5.2.9.2.ActionwillbetakentopreventscheduleconflictsforteamswhoseHeadCoachhasmultipleteamswithinRYSA.Takingintoconsiderationthetimeitwilltakeforthecoachtochangefieldsinthecaseofaninter-leagueawaygame.

5.2.9.3.ActionwillbetakenwhencreatinggameschedulestoavoidschedulinggamesthatwillpreventconflictswithRYSAleagueevents.ToallowasmanyRYSAplayersandtheirfamiliestoattendtheeventwithoutcompromise.

5.2.9.3.Onceteamschedulesarepublishedtheyshallstandwithoutchangeforthedurationoftheseason,unlessthescheduledgamemeetstherequirementstopostponesaidgameasstatedinRulessection5.3.

5.2.9.4.IfateamisunabletoplaytheirscheduledgameforreasonsthatdonotmeetthosestatedinRulessection5.3,thegameshallbeforfeited.

5.2.9.5.Whenschedulingthesecondroundofhead-to-headgamesforadivisionthathasinter-leagueteams,allRYSAteamsshallbescheduledtoplayallotherRYSAteamsasecondtimebeforetheyarescheduledtoplayanyInter-leagueteamasecondtime.Thisistoonlybeaccomplishedusinganautomatedsystemwithfilterstoinsurerandomness.

5.3.PostponedGames

5.3.1.Weather

5.3.1.1.TheRYSAFieldsandEquipmentDirectorhasbeengivenresponsibilityandauthoritytocontrolaccesstotheplayingfieldsintheeventofinclementweather.

5.3.1.2.Coachescancallthe"RainOutNumber"orrefertoRYSAwebsiteforthestatusofthegame.Parentsarerequestedtocontacttheircoachorcheckthewebsite,andtonotcalltheRainOutNumber.

5.3.1.3.Therefereehasfinalauthoritytopostponeaspecificgameduetothreateningweatherorpoorfieldconditions.IfgamesarepostponeddotothreateningweathereitherbytherefereeoranRYSAboardmemberthefieldsaretobeconsideredcloseduntilfurthernotice.

5.3.1.4.Agamecalledbecauseofweatherpriortothefifth(5th)minuteofthesecond(2nd)halfshallbereplayedandbothteamswillstartscorelessinthemakeupgame.Refereesshalladheretothetimeallocatedforhalftimeandpunctuallystartthesecond(2nd)half.

5.3.1.5.Agamepostponedduetoweatherafterfive(5)minutesofthesecond(2nd)halfshallstandasanofficialgame.


5.3.1.6.ChampionshipplayoffsandCupTournamentfinalswillbereplayedregardlessofelapsedtime(exceptasnoted).IfcircumstancesdictatethataChampionshipplayofforCupTournamentfinalgamecannotberescheduled;thewinnershallbedeterminedbytheflipofacoin.

5.3.2.Referee“No-Show”

5.3.2.1.Agameshallbeconsideredpostponediftherefereeisnotatthefieldwithinthirty(30)minutesofthescheduledgametimeunlessitisknownthathe/sheisheldupbyanearliergamestillinprogress.ThehometeamshallnotifytheAgeGroupDirectorwhoreschedulesthegame.

5.3.3.RYSAEvents

5.3.3.1.ARYSAEventshallbedefinedasanyeventpromotedandscheduledbyRYSAfortheinvolvementofRYSAplayers.RYSAseasongamesandtournamentsshallbedefinedasaRYSAEvent.Eventsthatarepromotionsforotherorganizationsthatincludeoneormoreofthefollowing:theytakeplaceonRYSAfields,theyincludeRYSApersonneloverseeingaspectsoftheevent,ortheyareorganizedbyRYSAfortheinclusionofallregisteredRYSAplayers,shallbeconsideredaRYSASpecialEvent.

5.3.3.2InsituationswhereplayersandteamsareinvolvedinRYSAeventsthatconflict,aheadcoachmayrequestthatgamepostponementtoresolvetheconflict.Theopposingheadcoachhastoapproveofthereschedule.

5.3.4.AbandonmentbyReferee-FinaldispositionandscoreshallbedecidedbyanA&DCommittee.

5.4.GameReports

5.4.1.Gamereportsaretheofficialrecordsofanygameplayedandassuch,shallconstitutetheinformationofrecordinanygameappealorA&Dhearing.

5.4.2.Gamereportsshallincludethefollowing:

• Gameparticulars(teams,score,date,time,etc.).

• Arealisticrefereeappraisal.

• Areferee(s)signature

5.4.3.AnyCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagerhavingseriousobjectionstotheperformanceofarefereemayregisteraformalcomplaintwiththeBoard.Thecomplaintmustbeinwriting,statingallgameparticulars(teams,field,day,time,etc.)andreportspecificinstancesofrefereeperformanceorimpropriety.Generalizationorpersonalityconflictswillnotbeaddressed.Suchcomplaintsmustbesubmittedwithin72hoursofthegameinquestion.

5.5.Standings


5.5.1.LeaguestandingswillnotbekeptfortheU4,U5,U6,andU8.

5.5.2.Thestandingsofallgameswillbebasedongameresultsthathavebeenpostedviathewebsite.

5.5.2.1Ifscoresarenotenteredwithinthe72hoursafteragameisplayed,RYSAhastherighttodeduct1pointperdayfromtheteam’spointtotal.

5.5.3.RYSAwillutilizethefollowingmethodindeterminingtheLeaguestandings:GamePoints:RYSAwilluseathree(3)pointscoringsystem.Ateamreceivesthree(3)pointsforawin,one(1)pointforatie,andzero(0)pointsforaloss.Iftwo(2)teamsaretiedattheendoftheregularseason,thefirsttiebreakerisheadtoheadcompetition.Ifatiestillremains,thetwoteamsshallhaveaplay-offgametodecidethewinner.Intheeventmorethantwo(2)teamsaretied,thoseteamsinvolvedshallplayaround-robintypetournament.Eachteamplayingallotherteamsinvolved.Theteamwiththebestrecordinthistournamentshallbedeclaredthewinner.

5.5.4.Ifateamforfeitsagame,itshallberecordedasa3-0"win"fortheotherteam.

5.5.5.Ifateamdropsfromthedivisionduringaseason,allremaininggamesforthatteamwillberecordedasforfeits.

5.5.6.Ateamthatforfeitsagameduetonon-appearancemustpaytherefereefeespriortothenextscheduledleaguegame.IftheforfeitingteamhasnotnotifiedtheAgeGroupDirector,verbally,24hourspriortothatscheduledgameoftheirintenttoforfeit,afineof$25willbeappliedinadditiontotherefereefees.

5.5.7.Ateamthatforfeitsthree(3)ormoregamesinasocceryearmaybedisbandedatRYSAdiscretion.

5.6.Trophies

5.6.1.RYSAwillprovideparticipationtrophiestoeachplayerintheU4/U5/U6/U8teamstorecognizetheplayer.

5.6.2.RYSAshallprovideplacementtrophiesforthoseteamsinthetop50%nottoexceedmorethanthreeplacesoftheirdivisionintheunder10andabovedivisions.

5.6.3.Intheeventoftiesintheleaguestandings.Theofficialtie-breakerprocedureisasfollows:

5.6.3.1.Head-to-HeadCompetition:Ifonegamewasplayedbetweenthetwoteams,thewinnerclaimsthehigherpositioninthestandings.Iftheytied,orsplittwogames,then:

5.6.3.2.Win-lossrecordfortheseasonbasedonpoints:Three(3)pointsaregivenforawin,one(1)foratie,andzero(0)pointsforaloss.Theteamwiththebetterwin-lossrecordisthewinner.Intheeventofequalrecords,then:

5.6.3.3.Fewestnumberofdisciplinarypoints:(e.g.fromyellowcards,redcards).Iftiedthen:


5.6.3.4.Play-offorCoinFlip:

5.6.3.4.1.Iftheteamsaretiedforfirstplace(only),aplay-offgametodeterminethewinnerwillbescheduledbytheDirector.

5.6.3.4.2.Iftheteamsarestilltiedattheendofregulationplay,bothteamsshallplaytwo(2)ten(10)minuteovertimeswithatwo(2)minuteintervalbetweenperiods.

5.6.3.4.3.Ifbothteamsarestilltiedafterovertime,thebothteamswillparticipateinashootoutwithfive(5)playerstakenfromtheplayerslastonthefieldattheendofovertimefromeachteam.

5.6.3.4.4.Ifstilltiedaftertheshootout,thoseplayerswhoscoredintheshootoutshallconductanotherround.

5.6.3.4.5.Ifstilltied,bothteamsshallbeawardedfirst(1st)placetrophies.

5.6.3.4.6.Iftheteamsaretiedforanyotherpositioninstandings,thetieshallbebrokenwithacoinflip.ThecoinflipwillbeconductedbytheAgeGroupDirectorwithbothcoachespresent.IfthecoinflipcannotbeconductedbytheAgeGroupDirectorbecauseofunavailabilityofthecoachesaftertwo(2)attemptstogetthecoachestogether,thenthecoinflipwillbeconductedatthenextscheduledboardmeeting.ThecoinflipwillbeconductedbytheageDirectorandthePresidentandVicePresidentofOperationsofRYSAortheiractiverepresentative.

5.7.LeagueDivision

5.7.1.Anyagegroupdivisionconsistingofalargenumberofteamsmaychoosetoformsubdivisionsforeaseofscheduling,separatingteamsofwidelydivergentskilllevels,etc.SuchapracticeisstrictlyattheoptionoftheDirector.

5.7.2.SeasonclosingceremoniesmaybeheldonRYSAfieldsifapprovedbytheAgeGroupDirector.

5.8.Facilities

5.8.1.RYSAhasanagreementwiththeRowlettParksandRecreationDepartmentfortheusageoftheRowlettCommunityPark(RCP)soccercomplex.

5.8.2.PracticesessionsarenotallowedattheCommunityParkfieldswithouttheexpressedauthorizationoftheBoardorwrittennoticeoftheAgeGroupDirector.Violationofthisruleissubjecttoa$50fine,whichmustbepaidpriortotheteam’snextscheduledgame.Whenfieldconditionsandusagerequirementswarrant,theBoardmaychoosetopermitexhibitionorpracticegamesonRYSAfields.Thesegameswillrequirebothteamstobeinfulluniformsandtheuseofalicensedrefereeinuniform.Therefereepayistheresponsibilityoftheteams.AuserfeecanbeassessedfortheuseofthefieldsatthediscretionoftheBoard.


5.8.3.Team/Coach/SpectatorSeating

• Thehometeam,coachesandplayersshalloccupytheplayerbenchoftheirchoice,thevisitingteamshalloccupytheoppositeplayerbench.Onlyrosteredplayersandcoachesareallowedonthissideofthefield.Eachteam’sspectatorsshalloccupythebleachers/spectatorareadirectlyacrossthefieldfromtheirteam.

5.8.4.Allspectatorsandcoachesmustremainontheirrespectivesidesofthefield.Coachesandplayersmustremainone(1)yardbehindthetouchline.Spectatorsmustremainbehindthespectatorduringthegame.

5.8.5.EachCoach,AssistantCoach,orTeamManagerisresponsiblefortheproperdispositionoftrashonhisorhersideofthefieldattheendofthegame.

5.9.RefereeFees

5.9.1.Refereefeesmustbepaidpriortoeachgame.Inthecaseofrescheduledgamesthatoccurduetoweatherpostponement(asitpertainstorule5.3.1.),theassociationisresponsibleforrefereefees.

5.9.2.Intheeventafullrefereecrewdoesnotofficiateagame,refereefeeswillbepaidtotheofficial(s)present.

6.ConductExpectations

6.1.Conduct

6.1.1.ConductoftheCoaches,AssistantCoaches,TeamManagers,players,parentsorspectatorsisrequiredtobeofhighcaliberwhensuchindividualsareparticipatinginNTSSAorRYSAsponsoredevents,eitherdirectlyorindirectly.

6.1.2.Anymisconductincluding,butnotlimitedtoprofanity,abusivelanguage,and/orobscenegesturesshallbedealtwithinadecisivemannerinaccordancewithRYSAregulations,NTSSARulesandRegulations3.11RuleXI"Discipline"and/ortheCityofRowlett,asmaybeappropriate.

6.2.Misconduct

6.2.1.RYSACoaches,AssistantCoaches,TeamManagers,players,andspectatorsareexpectedtoactandteachinsportsmanlikeandethicalmanner.

6.2.2.Coaches,AssistantCoaches,TeamManagers,(registeredornot),parentsorspectatorsifdeterminedtobedisruptive,maybeejectedfromthefieldsbyamemberoftheBoard.Inaddition,intheabsenceofamemberoftheRYSAboard,theheadrefereemayinsistontheremovalofthedisruptivepartypriortoresumingthegame.Iftherequestforremovalfromthefieldbytheheadrefereeisnothonored,oriftheejectedpersonreturnstothefieldwhiletherefereeisstillvicinity,theoffendingteamwillforfeitthegameanditwillresultina3–0loss.


6.2.3.AnyCoach,AssistantCoach,TeamManager,player,orspectatorsuspectedofunsportsmanlikeorunethicalconductmustappearbeforetheRYSAA&DCommittee.Iffoundguilty,theindividual(s)maybereprimanded,restrictedfromcoaching,orsuspendedforsomespecifiedperiodornumberofgames,dependingontheseverityoftheincident.

6.2.4.Cautionsto,orejectionsof,Coaches,AssistantCoaches,TeamManagers,players,orspectatorsissuedbytherefereeshallbedealtwithinthefollowingmannerasaminimum:

6.2.4.1.Cautions(YellowCard):Theaccumulationofthree(3)cautionsinanyyearshallrequireaonegamesuspension;thatbeingthenextscheduledgameactuallyplayedbytheteam.Suspensionswillbecarriedforwardtothenextseasonifnecessary.Noappealshallbeallowedunderthissystem.

6.2.4.2.Ejection(RedCard):Automaticone(1)gamesuspension,thatbeingthenextscheduledgameactuallyplayedbytheteam.Suspensionswillbecarriedforwardtothenextplayingseasonifnecessary.Noappealshallbeallowedunderthissystem.

6.2.5.Violentconductbyacoach,assistantcoach(registeredornot)orteammanagermayresultinadditionalpenaltiesuptoandincludinglifetimesuspension.

6.2.6.EachRYSACoach,AssistantCoach,TeamManagerisresponsiblefortheconductoftheirplayersandspectators.Therefereeshallhavetheauthoritytocautionand/orsendoffthecoachfromthefieldforthemisconductofthespectatorsassociatedwiththeteam.Ifhe/sheisunabletodoso,he/sheistoimmediatelynotifytheRYSAAgeGroupDirectorsothatappropriateactioncanbetakentowardtheidentifiableplayerorspectator,orifunidentifiable,towardstheteamitself,RYSAwillforwardareporttotheStateA&DCommitteeforreviewandfurtheractionif,itiswarranted.

6.2.7.Misconductinvolvinganyparticipant(player,coach,parent/spectator)ofStatesponsoredgames,asopposedtoRYSAleagueplay,willbereportedtotheTournamentofficialsoftheStateCupandGamesCommitteeandwillbeforwardedtotheStateA&DCommitteeimmediatelyaftertheoccurrenceforappropriatedisciplinaryaction.

6.2.8.NTSSAhasexclusivejurisdictionoverassaultorabuseofofficials,bothrefereeandlinesmen,inanycompetitionbytheStateorRYSA.Thisjurisdictionincludes:

6.2.8.1.AllUSSFregisteredreferees(adultandyouth).

6.2.8.2.Anynon-licensedpersonservinginanyemergencycapacityasagameofficial.

6.2.8.3.Anycoach,parentorjuniorlinesmanservingasagameofficial.


6.2.9.Ifthereisanassault/abuseofanygameofficialbyanyperson,includingplayers,coaches,managersorspectators;areportoftheallegedassault/abusewillbesubmittedtotheappropriateStateCommissionerandtheExecutiveVicePresident,A&DCommitteeChairman,OlympicDevelopmentProgramChairmanandtheChairmanoftheStateRefereeCommittee.Thissubcommittee,chairedbytheappropriatecommissioner,shallreviewandinvestigatethereport(s)assubmitted,anduponproperinvestigationshalldeterminetheseriousnessoftheallegedassault/abusereport(s)inatimelymanner.

6.2.10.Refereeassaultincludesbutisnotlimitedtothefollowingactscommitteduponareferee:hitting,punching,choking,spittingatoron,grabbingbodily,runningintothereferee;theactofkickingorthrowinganyobjectatarefereethatcouldinflictinjury;damagingthereferee'suniformorpersonalproperty,i.e.car,equipment,etc.

6.2.11.Refereeabuseisaverbalstatementorphysicalactthatimpliesorthreatensphysicalharmtoarefereeorthereferee’spropertyorequipment.Abuseincludes,butisnotlimitedtothefollowingactscommitteduponareferee;usingfoulorabusivelanguagetowardareferee;spewinganybeverageonareferee'spersonalproperty;orverballythreateningareferee.Verbalthreatsareremarksthatcarrytheimpliedordirectthreatofphysicalharm.Suchremarksas,"I'llgetyouafterthegame"or"Youwon'tgetoutofhereinonepiece",shallbedeemedrefereeabuse.

6.3.MisconductataReferee

6.3.1.ShouldtheNorthTexassubcommittee,asnotedinparagraph3.11.7-2oftheNTSSARulesandRegulations,determinetheactionasmisconductatarefereebutlessthanabuseorassault,itshallimposenotlessthanathree(3)gamesuspension.Aformalhearingwillnotbeheldunlessitisrequested.

6.3.2.Misconductatarefereemeanspersistentstatementsorphysicalactsdirectedtowardarefereeduringorafteragame,thatdonotconstituterefereeassaultorabuseasprovidedunderFederationPolicy531-9,butthatmistreattherefereeorareinappropriateorunacceptablestatementsoracts,andmayincludethefollowing:

• Excessiveincidencesoffoulorabusivelanguageatthereferee;

• Statementsthatdiminishtheauthorityofthereferee;Statementsoractsthatservetointimidatewithoutthreateningphysicalharmtothereferee.

Examplesofmisconductthatariseunderthedescriptionaboveincludethefollowing:


• Confrontingtherefereewithoutphysicallythreateningthereferee;

• Spittingonthegroundorintheairbutnotatthereferee;

• Throwingorkickinganitemasasignofdisrespectordissentbutwithoutthechanceofhittingthereferee;

• Re-enteringthefield.

Theseareonlysomeoftheexamplesofpossiblemisconductandarenotallinclusive,butapplyonlyinthefollowingsituations:

Ifaproceedingisbroughtagainstanindividualforrefereeassaultorabuseorboth,underFederationPolicy531-9;or

Iftheindividualisejectedfromagameand,aftertheejection,engagesinconductthatismisconductunderthispolicy.

Iftheindividualisfoundtohavecommittedmisconductunderthispolicy,heshallbesuspendedatleastthenextthree(3)scheduledgames.Thissuspensionisinadditiontoanyothersuspensionand/orfinethatmaybeimposedontheindividualbyanassociationorleague.

6.4.MisconductofRefereesWhenanyrefereeisallegedtohavecommittedmisconducttowardanyparticipantorspectatorofamatch,theStateExecutiveCommitteewillhearsuchallegationsandassesspunishmentconcerningtherefereeinregardtohisactivities.


7.Authority

7.1.General

7.1.1.AllmembersandparticipantsinyouthandadultsoccerwithinthejurisdictionoftheNorthTexasSoccerAssociationhaverequestedtoparticipateinourprograms.Therefore,theseparticipantshaveagreedtoabidebytheArticlesofIncorporation,Bylaws,RulesandRegulationsofNTSSA,RYSA,aswellasthoseoftheUnitedStatesSoccerFederationanditsrespectiveYouthandSeniorDivisions.TheNTSSAArticlesofIncorporationandBylawsprovidethatithasjurisdictionoverallMemberAssociations,players,coaches,teammanagers,administratorsandrefereeswhochoosetoaffiliate.

7.1.2.RYSAhasbeendirectedtoformtheirownAppealsandDisciplinaryCommitteesandtoholdhearings-withthePartieshavingtherighttobepresent.TheA&Dcommitteewillreviewallcardreportsandmisconductbyplayers,coaches,assistantcoaches,parentsandspectators.TheA&Dcommitteewillcallhearingsatitsdiscretion.Hearingswillnormallybeheldfortheejectionofaplayer,thecautionorejectionofacoach/assistantcoachandanymisconductbyaparentorspectator.AllMemberPlayingAssociationsarerequiredtofurnishtheNTSSAStateOfficewithamaintainedup-to-datelistoftheirA&DChairmanandCommitteemembersandtoincludetheiraddressesandphonenumbers.

7.1.3.RYSAwillnothesitatetodenyteams,coaches,managers,teamrepresentativesorplayerswithinitsjurisdictiontheprivilegeoffurtherparticipationinallorselectedsocceractivitieswithinitsjurisdictionforrepeatedoffensesandforseriousoffensesconsideredtobringthegameintodisrepute.Aprobationperiodand/orothersanctionsmayberenderedtoteams,coaches,managers,teamrepresentativesorplayersforviolationofthisrule.

7.1.4.RYSAdoesholdtheteamandcoachjointlyresponsiblefortheconductofhisorherplayers,parentsandspectators.

7.2.AppellateProcedures

7.2.1.AllthoseunderthejurisdictionofNTSSAareremindedthattheymustexhaustallappellateproceduresofRYSAonallmattersnotcoveredbytheseRulesbeforetheStateAssociationcanacquirejurisdictiontoheartheappealunderitsrules.

7.2.2.RYSAmaysetrulesofhearingsandmayrestrictthenumberofwitnesses,andtimeallottedtoeach,solongasfairhearingsareheld.Itmayalsodeterminewhetheritwantstoallowclosedoropenhearings.

7.2.3.RYSAanditscommitteeswillrefusetohearanyappealwhenanypersonisthreateningalawsuit.Theappealwillbepassedtothenexthigherforum,whichwouldhearit.Thisisasporttowhichwearegivingfreelyofourtime,andnoneofusneedstotakethetroubleandexpensetoappearincourt.


7.2.4.Toallowtheuseoftaperecorderscourtreportersandthepresenceofattorneysathearingsisoptional.

7.2.5.ShouldanyaggrievedpartyresorttothecourtswithoutexhaustingallavenuesofappealincludingthroughtotheUSSF,theStateAssociationmay,atitsdiscretion,suspendsuchpersonorrefusetoacceptfurtherregistrationinsocceractivitieswithinitsjurisdiction.

7.2.6.Anappealofdecisions,pursuantto3.11(RuleXI),madebyRYSA,afterRYSAappealprocedureshavebeenexhausted,willbemadetotheStateA&DCommitteeinaccordancewithproceduresestablishedbythissection.

7.2.7.AnappealofdecisionsmadebytheStateA&DCommitteewillbemadetotheStateExecutiveCommitteeinaccordancewithproceduresestablishedinthissection.

7.2.8.AnappealofdecisionspresentedtotheNTSSAwillbeinwritingandmadetotheGeneralManagerofNTSSAwithinfive(5)daysofreceiptofwrittennoticeofthelowerlevelauthority'sdecision(s).Fees,asspecified,willbeincashorcertifiedcheckandwillaccompanythewrittennoticeofappeal.

7.2.9.Filingfeesforappealswill,undernocircumstances,bewaived.Feeswillberefundedtotheappealingpartyonlyifthepreviousdecisionisoverruled.

7.3.AppealsandDisciplinaryCommittee

7.3.1.NTSSAhasurgedallmembersassociationsandtheircommitteestoREFUSEtohearanyprotestorappealwhenanypersonisthreateninglawsuit.ThematterwillbedirectedtoNTSSA.Theuseoftaperecorders,courtreportersandthepresenceofattorneyatRYSAandNTSSAwillnotbepermitted.

7.3.2.TheAppealsandDisciplinaryCommitteeisresponsiblefortheinvestigating,hearinganddisposingofinanequitablemanner,allmattersthatarecontrarytotheBylawsandRulesoftheAssociation.Allplayers,coaches,assistantcoaches,teammanagers,parents,spectators,administrators,andotherswhoareregisteredinRYSAand/orparticipateinsocceractivitieswithinthejurisdictionofRowlettYouthSoccerAssociationshallabidebytheBylawsandRulesofRowlettYouthSoccerAssociation,andwillbesubjecttothedecisionsmadebytheRYSAA&DCommittee.

7.3.3.Uponreceiptofwrittennotification,theA&DCommitteeshallconductaconfidentialinvestigationofquestioninganypersonwithfirst-handknowledgeofthefacts.Theinvestigationmustincludeaninterviewwiththeaccusedunlessitcanbedeterminednofurtheraction,includingthepreferringofthecharge(s)isnecessaryorwarranted.Fortheprotectionofpartieswhomaybeinnocent,theinvestigationwillavoidrevealingdetailsasmuchaspossible.

7.3.4.Ifnecessary,theCommitteewillpreparethecharge(s)thatwillbebroughtagainsttheaccusedandthespecifications(s)thatwillbeaddressedbytheCommittee.


7.3.4.1.Thecharge(s)setsforththe"offense"ofwhichtheaccusedisallegedtobeguilty.

7.3.4.2.Thespecification(s)states"what"theaccusedisallegedtohavedone.

7.3.4.3.NotificationoftheCharge(s).

7.3.5.Theaccusedistobenotifiedbymailwithaletternotifyingthemofthedate,hour,andplaceoftheA&Dhearing,containinganexactcopyofthecharge(s)andspecification(s)andthestatement"Andisherebycitedtoappear"atthismeeting.TheCommitteechairmanshallretainacopyofthisnotification.AcopyofthisnotificationshallbemailedtothedivisionDirector.

7.3.6.TheProcedureoftheA&Dhearingwillbeasfollows:

7.3.6.1.ThehearingwillbecalledtoorderbytheChairman.

7.3.6.2.TheChairmanwillreadthecharge(s)andspecification(s).

7.3.6.3.TheChairmanwillprovidecopiesofalldocumentstoallparticipants.

7.3.6.4.TheChairmanwilladviseallparticipantsofthedecorumofthehearinganditshallbemaintained.

7.3.6.5.TheChairmanwillinformtheparticipantsofthetimeallottedforeachphaseofthehearingandwillcallupon.

7.3.6.6.TheAppellant's,makingcharge,openingstatement.

7.3.6.7.TheAppellee's,beingcharged,openingstatement.

7.3.6.8.TheAppellantforpresentationofargument,callingofwitnessesandcrossexaminationofAppelleethroughtheChairman.

7.3.6.9.TheAppelleeforpresentationofargument,callingofwitnessesandcrossexaminationofAppellantthroughtheChairman.

7.3.6.10.TheCommitteemembersforcross-examinationoftheAppelleeandAppellant.

7.3.6.11.TheAppellantforaclosingstatement.

7.3.6.12.TheAppelleeforaclosingstatement.

7.3.7.TheChairmanthenstatesthequestiononthefindingsastotheguiltoftheAppelleeasprescribedinthecharge(s)andspecification(s)aspreferredagainsttheAppellee.

7.3.8.Thecharge(s)andspecifications(s)canbeamendedtoconformtofactsbroughtoutinthehearing,butnotinsuchawayastofindtheAppelleeguiltyofacharge(s)forwhichhehasnotbeentried.


7.3.9.EachoftheSpecifications,andthenthecharge,isread,openedtodebate,andvotedonseparately.IftheAppelleeisfoundguiltyofoneormoreofthespecificationsbutnotofthecharge,alesserchargeshouldbemovedandvotedon.

7.3.10.IftheAppelleeisfoundguilty,theChairmanannouncesthatthenextitemofbusinessisthedeterminationofthepenalty.

7.3.11.ACommitteemembershallmakethedeterminationofthepenaltyintheformofamotion.ThismotionisdebatableandamendablebyotherCommitteemembers.TheCommitteemembersshalltakeaVoteonthismotionforpenaltyandtheChairmanshallrecordtheresultsofthevote.

7.3.12.IftheAppelleeisfoundguiltyofaviolationthatstatesaspecificpenaltytobeimposed,theCommitteemayenforcetheprescribedpenaltyand/oradditionalpenaltiesthattheCommitteefeelsarewarrantedbasedupontheseverityoftheviolationasrevealedintheCommitteehearing.

7.3.13.IftheAppelleeisfoundnotguilty,theChairmanshallrecordthefindingsandtheAppelleeshallbedeclaredso.

7.4.A&DAppellateProcedures:

7.4.1.AnycoachorplayermayappealanA&DCommitteefindingtotheBoardbythefollowing:

7.4.1.1.FileawrittennoticewiththeRYSAregistrarwithinfive(5)calendardaysofthereceiptofwrittennotificationoftheA&DCommitteeruling.

7.4.1.2.Includea$50.00depositwhichwillberefundedonlyiftheBoardoverturnstherulingbytheA&DCommittee.

7.4.2.Uponreceiptofthewrittennotice,theboardshallschedulethetimeandplaceofthehearingfortheappealoftheA&Druling.TheBoardshallimmediatelynotifythefollowing:

7.4.2.1.Thecoachoftheteamorindividual(s)againstorforwhomtheappealisfiled.

7.4.2.2.TheChairmanandmembersoftheA&DCommittee,noneofwhichwillhaveavoteintheappellateprocedureorbepresentduringcloseddeliberation.

7.4.3.AnycoachorplayermayappealafindingoftheBoardtotheAppealsandDisciplinaryCommitteeofNTSSAasprescribedbyNTSSARules.

7.5.Violations

7.5.1.UponwrittenreceiptofanallegedviolationoftheBylawsand/orrulestheA&DCommitteeproceduresshallbefollowed.


7.5.2.Acoach,player,spectator,BoardMember,oranyothermemberoftheAssociationthatisfoundguiltyofviolatingtherulesand/orBylawsofNTSSAorRYSAshallbepenalizedtheprescribedpenalty,ifstated,and/oranyadditionalpenaltyimposedbytheA&DCommittee.

7.6.Suspension

7.6.1.Suspensionmustbeservedevenifcarriedovertothenextseason.Aplayerorcoachundersuspensionwhochoosestonotparticipateinaseasonmustfulfillthatsuspensionintheseasoninwhichhereturnstoactiveparticipation.

7.6.2.RYSArequiresthatasuspendedcoachmaynotappearatthesoccercomplexwhileundersuspension.

7.6.3.Players:RYSArequiresthatasuspendedplayermayappearatthesoccercomplexonlysolongasheisnotwearinganypartofhisuniform.

7.6.4.Team:Ateammustforfeitanygamethatacoachorplayerparticipatesinifthecoachorplayerisundersuspension.TheviolationofthesuspensionwillbesubmittedtotheA&DCommitteeforfurtheraction.

7.7.GameProtest

7.7.1.Thereareonlytwoacceptablecausesfortheprotestingofagameafterithasbeenplayed.Theyare:

7.7.1.1.Ateamknowinglyplaysanunregistered,ineligibleorsuspendedplayer.

7.7.1.2.TherehasbeenanobviouserrormadeintheLawsoftheGamebythereferee,andtherefereeadmitsit.

7.7.2.Noprotestsareallowedwhicharebasedonrefereejudgmentdecisions(NTSSAandUSSFrules).

7.7.3.Aprotestmaybelodgedwiththerefereeregardingthegrounds,goalpostorotherappurtenancesofthegameprovidedsuchprotestislodgedbeforethegamebegins.

7.7.4.Therefereemayrequirethehometeamtoremovethecauseoftheobjection.

7.7.5.Iftheobjectionremains,thecoachmaywriteabriefprotestandsubmitittotherefereepriortofieldinghisteam.

7.7.6.Attheconclusionofthegame,therefereeshallnotethefactofthepre-gameprotestonthegamereport,signthewrittenprotest,returningittothecoach.

7.7.7.ThecoachmustformallysubmittheprotestinwritingtoRYSAevenifhisteamwonthematch.


7.7.8.Acoachmayremovehisteamfromthefieldofplaybeforetimehasexpiredbyinformingtherefereeofhisintentionduringastoppageinthegame.AcoachwhodoesremovehisteamfromthefieldautomaticallyforfeitsthegameandmustsubmitawrittenreportofreasonforabandoningthegametotheA&DCommitteewithinseven(7)days.

7.7.9.Aprotestcanbemadeifthereisavalidreasonfortheprotest.Leavingthefieldofplaywithoutnotifyingtherefereeisacautionableoffense.

7.7.10.Allprotestsofagameduetoplayerorrefereeerrorsmustbe:

7.7.10.1.Madeinwriting

7.7.10.2.SubmittedtoaRYSAOfficerwithinfive(5)calendardays.

7.7.10.3.ProtestwillnotbeallowedintheUnder5,6,7,8and9leagues.

7.7.10.4.Accompaniedbyafeeof$50.00

7.7.11.Iftheprotestisupheld,thefeewillbereturnedandtheA&DCommitteehearingtheprotestwilldecideifthegameshouldbereplayedbasedontheeffectoftheerrorontheoutcomeofthegame.

8.Amendments

8.1.Byamajorityvoteofthememberspresentandvotingatanymeetingdulycalledforthatpurpose,providingnoticeofthemeetingandtheproposedamendmentshavebeengiventothemembersatleastten(10)dayspriortothemeeting.

8.2.Byatwo-thirds(2/3)voteofthememberspresentandvotingatanyregularmeetingofthemembersprovidedthatamajorityofthetotalmembershipispresentandthatnoticeofthemeetinghasbeengivenatleastten(10)dayspriortothemeeting.

8.3.Amendmentsshallbecomeeffectiveuponadoption.

8.4.RulechangesadoptedbyNTSSAshallbeincludedinRYSArulesbyareviewoftheBoardofDirectors(doesnotrequireavoteofthemembers).

ROWLETT YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Rules & Regulations … · ROWLETT YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Rules & Regulations Revised April 2016. RYSA Rules & Regulations Revised April 2016 Page

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