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ROWLETTYOUTHSOCCERASSOCIATION
Rules&Regulations
RevisedApril2016
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Under16:18max,14min
Under14:18max,14min
Under12:14max,11min
Under10:11max,8min
Under6-8:8max,5min
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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• Confrontingtherefereewithoutphysicallythreateningthereferee;
• Spittingonthegroundorintheairbutnotatthereferee;
• Throwingorkickinganitemasasignofdisrespectordissentbutwithoutthechanceofhittingthereferee;
• Re-enteringthefield.
Theseareonlysomeoftheexamplesofpossiblemisconductandarenotallinclusive,butapplyonlyinthefollowingsituations:
Ifaproceedingisbroughtagainstanindividualforrefereeassaultorabuseorboth,underFederationPolicy531-9;or
Iftheindividualisejectedfromagameand,aftertheejection,engagesinconductthatismisconductunderthispolicy.
Iftheindividualisfoundtohavecommittedmisconductunderthispolicy,heshallbesuspendedatleastthenextthree(3)scheduledgames.Thissuspensionisinadditiontoanyothersuspensionand/orfinethatmaybeimposedontheindividualbyanassociationorleague.
6.4.MisconductofRefereesWhenanyrefereeisallegedtohavecommittedmisconducttowardanyparticipantorspectatorofamatch,theStateExecutiveCommitteewillhearsuchallegationsandassesspunishmentconcerningtherefereeinregardtohisactivities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).