MYSL Rules and Regulations

MYSL Rules and Regulations

Coaches’ Information Fall 2008

[preliminary version 06/25/08]

ALL TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE, THROUGH THEIR COACHES AND MANAGERS, FOR KNOWING THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND FOR HAVING A COPY AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE AT ALL COMPETITIONS.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COACH TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THESE RULES TO ALL ASSISTANT COACHES, PARENTS, AND PLAYERS.

I. General Rules and Regulations

1. Our purpose is to promote, teach and play soccer; to be flexible; to develop the abilities of our players; and, above all, to advance good sportsmanship. Enjoy the game, leave it on the field. MYSL teams compete outdoors over two sessions, a Fall and Spring session, combined they make up a seasonal year.

2. The MYSL will continue the small-sided format for our younger age groups. Clubs and leagues that sponsor teams in these age groups are required to provide the appropriate-size marked fields with the proper goals. The MYSL playing grid for each age group should be considered part of these rules.

3. All teams are expected to play their complete schedule unless extenuating circumstances cause a cancellation. In that case, the Commissioner must be informed and, unless approved by the Commissioner, the teams should reschedule (see section II paragraph H below).

4. Players in the MYSL should play a minimum of one-half of each game. Coaches are required to inform parents of disciplinary issues prior to sitting the player out and should inform the Commissioner if a problem is anticipated.

5. The MYSL allows a Team unlimited one-for-one substitution of its players in all age groups upon the Team’s possession throw-ins or if the opposing team substitutes upon it's possession throw-in. Either team may substitute on a goal kick, at half-time, when a goal is scored, and for its injuries.

6. Coaching is to take place from the sidelines between the center line and the penalty area line. The home team has their choice of sideline, or end of the field in the cases where only one side of a field is available.

7. All family, friends, relatives and team officials must remain on the team’s side or end of the field, and the coach is responsible for their unacceptable behavior.

8. Teams who fail to have a representative at scheduling will be fined $50. Teams who fail to pick up their packets at Distribution will be fined $25, and they must make arrangements with the League Secretary for subsequent packet pickup.

II. Postponements and Forfeits

A. The Commissioner must be notified by e-mail of all games that are not played as scheduled, specifying the game number and reason for cancellation.

B. Games scheduled without notification and approval of the Commissioner will not count in the standings and will result in possible disciplinary action.

C. Request for a Game Change must be submitted in writing a week in advance of the scheduled match. The coaches must mutually agree to the change and the form must be accompanied by a $25 check payable to the MYSL. Rescheduling fee is not required due to weather or field playability cancellations.

D. Teams who cause forfeits will not be eligible for trophies or consideration for assignment to the state scheduling league.

E. Coaches will be equally responsible for referee fees if the Commissioner and referee schedulers are not notified of a cancellation.

F. Referees shall be paid one-half their fee for matches that are canceled due to weather or if the field is determined to be unplayable by the referee prior to the start of the game.

G. Once a game has been started, the officials receive their full fee. If the first half has been completed the score will stand. If the match is called prior to the completion of the first half, it must be rescheduled.

H. Coaches must make every effort to reschedule the game within seven (7) days of the cancellation. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the Home team will provide the Commissioner with three (3) dates and the game will be set by the Commissioner.

I. Forfeits will be awarded after a review of the facts and then only by the Commissioner. The coaches will be informed, the team causing the forfeit will be fined $100, and the club affiliating the team will be required to post a $400 performance bond for the next season.

J. In case of a tornado watch or warning issued by the national weather service for the area in which a game is scheduled to be played, all games will be canceled until the watch or warning is lifted.

III. Red cards, yellow cards and points

1. Players and coaches who are issued red cards must sit out the remainder of the game in which the card was issued and the number of games indicated on the lineup sheet.

2. Players or coaches receiving a second red card in a season must contact the Commissioner. The review with the Commissioner may result in a hearing with the Disciplinary Board.

3. There is no fine for the first red card issued to a team. The second red will result in a $20 fine, the third a $40 fine, the fourth $60, etc.

4. Coaches may be carded or ejected for failure to control their sidelines or their players.

5. Suspensions MUST be served during the team’s next MYSL game(s). A player red carded during the last game of the season is required to sit out their suspension the following season.

6. Players who receive three (3) yellow cards during a seasonal year must sit out the next game. All players/coaches sitting out suspensions must be noted on the front of the line-up sheet of the games they are sitting out.

7. Players who are cautioned MUST be substituted immediately and MUST sit out until the team’s next opportunity to substitute.

IV. Protests and appeals

1. All protests must be submitted to the Commissioner in writing with 72 hours of the incident giving cause for the protest. The protest must be signed and accompanied by the $100 fee.

2. The line of authority for all protests and appeals shall be to the League Commissioner, League Disciplinary Board, League Executive Board, District Appeals Committee, MSYSA Appeals Committee and finally to the line of authority of the specified U.S. Youth Soccer.

3. The Commissioner shall render a decision within the time limit specified in our by-laws and all appeals must be filed within the time designated in the by-laws.

4. The protest fee will be returned if the protest is upheld. The fee to file an appeal will be returned if the Commissioner is overruled and so on down the line.

5. Judgment calls by the officials shall not be grounds for a protest, and as stated in the “Laws of the Game,” their decisions relative to the playability of a field and activities on and off the field from the time they arrive until they leave the area shall not be challenged.

6. Only Violations of the League rules and regulations, its by-laws, and misapplication of the laws of the game shall be considered appropriate subjects for protests.

V. Passcards

A. Player and coach passcards must not be tampered with in any way. Teams/clubs will be assessed a fee of $100 to replace a set of passcards and individual passcards will be replaced for $10 each. No replacement cards will be issued until the fee is paid.

B. It is the responsibility of team managers to check opponent’s passcards prior to the start of each game. Players who arrive late must check in with the referee and present their passcard prior to playing in the match.

C. Check-in should begin approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff and every effort should be made to start the game on time.

D. Players who do not have passcards must print their name and birth date and sign the back of the white original lineup sheet. It should be noted that the player did not have a passcard next to his name on the front of the game sheet.

E. Teams may use Club Passcards in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the MYSL CLUB PASSCARD RULES (see the web site) which are incorporated and made part of these rules.

F. Managers who fail to check passcards prior to the start of a game may not challenge the eligibility of any player after the game is started. Player eligibility shall not be grounds for a protest if the manager failed to check passcards.

VI. MYSL Referee Information

1. Pay only the officials who report for the game. Do not pay the full fee if only one or two officials report. The attached schedule is for all MYSL games. Should a local referee association require additional fees, payment of these fees is the HOME team’s responsibility.

2. Referee assignments for U-12 centers and all officials for U-13 and up will be certified referee schedulers from the local referee’s association. The HOME team is responsible for the assignment of certified assistant referees (AR) for the U-12 age group and all officials for U-11 and younger age groups.

3. ARs are not required for U-9 and U-10 games, but they are suggested and highly recommended. Every effort should be made to provide ARs for U-11 and up matches, and consistent failure to do so may result in moving matches to fields where certified officials are available on a consistent basis.

4. Every effort should be made to play all games as scheduled. If the referee fails to report, the senior AR should whistle the game. If no referees report, U-9, U-10 and U-11 games can be officiated by a previously certified parent or sibling or officiating can be shared by the coaches as a last resort.

5. The HOME team is responsible for alternate jerseys in case of a conflict.

6. The referee MUST CHECK “Risk Management Cards” for all team officials. Individuals not in possession of a “Risk Management Card” must provide picture identification, print their name and sign the back of the white original lineup sheet. This failure to have proper certification must be noted on the front of the lineup sheet and the opposing team coach must be notified.

7. If, upon investigation, it is found that any individual directly involved with a team is not Risk Management-certified, the offending team will be immediately suspended, all games in which the ineligible officials were involved will be forfeited, and the individual will be automatically MYSL disqualified for a period of one year. If properly certified individuals cannot be found to direct the team, the team can no longer participate in the MYSL.

8. Failure by the referee to verify Risk Management clearance will be grounds for discipline. The first occurrence will result in a written warning, the second another written warning along with a $50 fine, and the third violation will result in suspension from officiating MYSL matches for a seasonal year and the USSF will be notified.

9. All formal referee complaints must be made in writing with the coach’s phone number and his signature or the signature of his designated representative. Complaints should be mailed to the Commissioner who will pass them along to the association responsible for the assignment. ALL formal complaints will be addressed through the following steps: First, the official will be observed and assessed by a senior official. Second, if a problem is found, the official will be trained and their assignments modified to accommodate their level of competence. Finally, if the referee cannot perform up to an acceptable level, they will no longer be eligible to officiate MYSL games. The coach will be notified by the referee association of the action taken.

VII. Reporting and team standings

A. The WINNING TEAM MUST report the game score to the MYSL STATISTICIAN within 48 hours of the end of their game. HOME teams will report the score for tied games. Scores should be submitted electronically via e-mail: myslstat@comcast.net. Include game number, age division, winning team name and score, losing team name and score. For questions please e-mail or call 248-601-1853.

B. Points will be awarded for games played to determine team standings. Three (3) points will be awarded for a winning game. One (1) point will be awarded for tied games. The following criteria will be used to resolve first and second place ties:

● Head-to-head competition in league play.

● Goal differential in head-to-head competition (goals for vs. goals against).

● Most wins.

● Goal differential in league play (goals for vs. goals against). Maximum three (3) per game.

● Total goals scored.

C. Divisions with six or more teams will be awarded first and second place trophies. Divisions with five (5) or fewer teams will receive first place trophies only.

VIII. Field Maintenance is the responsibility of the HOME team. Accurate and clearly marked fields with proper cutting are of vital importance. Goal posts should be properly painted. Nets, corner flags, and suitable game ball are also the responsibility of the HOME team. All fields should be policed for litter before and after every game by both teams! An improperly marked or unmarked field is grounds for protest, at the discretion of the Commissioner. The game may be canceled at the discretion of the Referee.

IX. Parental Harassment and Bad Language are unacceptable. Please control your sidelines and make the games more enjoyable for everyone. League/Clubs and coaches will be held responsible for the conduct of their spectators on the sidelines. Leagues/Clubs, teams, coaches, players and/or parents who continue to violate this rule will be observed by the Commissioner or his representative and will face possible ineligibility from future registration, forfeiture of games and/or awards, and other disciplinary actions as deemed necessary.

Notes: (1) Coaches, please verify game dates and times with the opposing coach several days before scheduled matches.

(2) We have teams that travel long distances to participate in our League. Please show some courtesy and verify field conditions when the possibility exists that the field may be unplayable. Please notify the opposing coach and allow the coach ample time to contact his/her team. If it is possible, contact the scheduled Referees about the field condition. And don’t forget to notify the MYSL Commissioner promptly if the game cannot be played. When in doubt about the playing conditions, both teams must show up and wait for the Referee to make the decision.

X. U-9 & U-10 (6v6) Rule Modifications

In addition to the regulations contained in these rules and regulations and the associated MYSL playing grid, the following rules and regulations will apply to the U-9 and U-10 age groups:

1. The offside rule is not enforced.

2. No goal kicks – game is restarted with goalkeeper possession and goalkeeper can throw, kick, punt, or dribble the ball back into play.

3. The pass-back rule is not enforced.

4. When the ball crosses a sideline, the game is restarted with a throw-in from the spot where it crossed the sideline.

5. The goalkeeper after handling the ball may not punt the ball over the halfway line. For example, if a goalkeeper kicks the ball, it must bounce at least once before crossing the halfway line. However, the goalkeeper would be permitted to kick the ball across the halfway line if it is not picked up or handled first. Please Note, by definition ALL drop kicks by the goalkeeper would be considered a violation of this rule. Violation of this rule will result in awarding a throw-in (in order to move the game along) to the opposing team of the offending goalkeeper at the nearest intersection of halfway line and sideline. A goalkeeper may not directly receive and handle a throw-in.

6. All players must be eight yards from the player taking any restart.

7. All free kicks are indirect, (except penalty kicks) with opponents at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.

8. For U-9 and U-10, the following field markings will apply: a halfway line across the field; four corner arcs with two-foot radius; the goal area will be sixteen yards wide and six yards into the field of play joined by a line parallel to the goal line; the penalty box should be 10 yards by 24 yards into the field of play joined by a line parallel to the goal line.

9. The start of play shall be a kick-off from a center mark and all opponent players must be eight yards from this mark on their side of the field. A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

10. Corner kicks will be taken and, in the absence of field markings, the ball should placed within two feet of the corner. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

11. Penalty kicks may be awarded in accordance with FIFA laws of the game and will be taken eight yards from the goal line, at a mark or place which is approximately the center of the goal.

U-11 & U-12 (8v8) Rules and Regulations

In addition to the regulations contained in these rules and regulations contained here and on the associated MYSL playing grid, the following rules and regulations will apply to the U-11 & U-12 age groups:

1. The offside rule is enforced.

2. Goal kicks – FIFA rules.

3. The pass-back rule is enforced.

4. When the ball crosses a sideline, the game is restarted with a throw-in from the spot where it crossed the sideline.

5. All players must be eight yards from the player taking any restart.

6. Fouls & Misconduct restarts may be direct or indirect. FIFA laws apply.

7. For U-11 & U-12, the following field markings will apply: a halfway line across the field; four corner arcs with two-foot radius; the goal area will be nineteen yards wide and six yards into the field of play joined by a line parallel to the goal line; the penalty box should be 14 yards by 35 yards into the field of play joined by a line parallel to the goal line.

8. The start of play shall be from a center mark and all opponent players must be eight yards from this mark on their side of the field. A goal may be scored directly.

9. Corner kicks will be taken and, in the absence of field markings, the ball should be placed within two feet of the corner. A goal may be scored directly.

10. Penalty kicks will be taken ten yards from the goal line, at a mark or place which is approximately the center of the goal.

X. MYSL Referee Fees

MYSL REFEREE FEES FALL 2008*

Game

Time

Age

Group

Center/Line/Line

One Referee

Alone

50 Min.

U-9

$17 (Center only)

$17

50 Min.

U-10

$17 (Center only)

$17

60 Min.

U-11

$25/15/15

$27

60 Min.

U-12

$25/15/15

$30

70 Min.

U-13

$35/25/25

$40

70 Min.

U-14

$35/25/25

$45

80 Min.

U-15

$45/30/30

$55

80 Min.

U-16

$45/30/30

$55

80 Min.

U-17

$50/35/35

$70

80 Min.

U-19

$50/35/35

$70

* The HOME TEAM pays the referee fees.

Coaches , Managers and Referees - Please Note, The above fees and rules and regulations are to be used for all MYSL competitions, superceding any local league/club rules and regulations. Any questions should be directed to the MYSL Commissioner.