NMCSL By-laws: Revised 8/2007

NMCSL By-Laws

1    PURPOSE

     1.1     The purpose of the Northern Mid-Cities Soccer League (NMCSL) shall be to coordinate and promote inter-association play for recreational youth soccer.

2   MEMBERSHIP

2.1             The league is comprised of the following associations:

(BAYFA) Birdville Area Youth Futbol Association

(BESA) Bedford-Euless Soccer Association

(CSA) Colleyville Soccer Association

(CYSA) Coppell Youth Soccer Association

(EMSA) Eagle Mountain Soccer Association

(GLASA) Greater Lewisville Area Soccer Association

(GSSA) Grapevine Southlake Soccer Association

(HUSA) Hurst United Soccer Association

(KSA) Keller Soccer Association

(LCSA) Lake Cities Soccer Association

(NFWASA) North Fort Worth Alliance Soccer Association

(TCRSA) Trophy Club Roanoke Soccer Association

2.2             By a quorum (two-thirds) vote of member associations present, other associations may be invited to play in NMCSL, to participate with the same rights and privileges as the above member associations. 

2.3             Member associations or invited associations may be placed on probation or removed from playing league by majority vote of member associations present at meeting, as deemed necessary.

2.4             Member associations may withdraw from the Council (ref. section 4.1) prior to the scheduling meeting by providing such notice in writing to the council.

3        REGISTRATION

3.1             The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), North Texas Sate Soccer Association (NTSSA) administration rules, and the sponsoring associations By-Laws apply unless otherwise noted herein.

3.2             Registration

3.2.1      All players must be registered through their home associations.

3.2.2      Teams must be members in good standing of their home associations.

3.2.3      Recreational teams must be formed in accordance with their home association by-laws and NTSSA by-laws.

3.3             Releases

3.3.1      Each member association will abide by the NTSSA published by-laws governing the requirement of player release.  Each association will maintain these release forms for each soccer year.

3.3.2      Registrar or authorized officer of member associations must be present at scheduling meetings to sign player releases or that association will not have any games scheduled at that time.

4         LEAGUE COUNCIL

4.1             Northern Mid-Cities Soccer League; hereafter referred to as NMCSL. A council shall be formed to administer the NMCSL. A council shall govern the NMCSL with each member association entitled to one (1) representative and one (1) vote appointed by the member association and serving at its discretion. Representative present at council meetings will be empowered to vote for their association.  Each member association shall have one vote and must be present to cast their vote (no Proxy votes).

4.2             The NMCSL council will meet on a regular basis.  Meetings can be called by the chairperson or by a simple majority of the council members notifying the chairperson either by phone or in writing of the need for a meeting.  Each member association president must be notified, in writing, of upcoming meetings with a minimum of ten (10) days notice.

4.3             The league council shall have the authority to make decisions on playing rules that are not specifically addressed in these by laws.

4.4             All votes of the council require a simple majority vote of a quorum (two-thirds) of the council.

5         LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION

5.1             A chairperson, vice-chairperson, webmaster and secretary shall provide administration for the league council and shall be elected at the first meeting in July every year by the council members present and serve for one (1) year, July 1 through June 30.

5.2             Chairperson – Responsible for the overall administration of the NMCSL and is empowered to take whatever prudent and reasonable action is necessary to accomplish this purpose with concurrence of majority council representatives at the next scheduled meeting. The chairperson is instructed to seek prior consent via telephone or in writing with member associations on controversial issues. Chairperson is responsible for publication of league schedules for fall and spring.

5.3             Vice Chairperson – Serve as Chairperson of the NMCSL appeals and disciplinary (A&D) committee in accordance with NTSSA by-laws. Receive reports of misconduct from member association’s referees, maintain and report to member associations and NTSSA of teams misconduct points. Assist the chairperson in the accomplishment of his/her duties. Serve as chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.

5.4             Secretary – Notify other members of meetings, keep minutes of all Council meetings and maintain telephone and address lists (council members, presidents of member associations, and participating coaches.

5.5             Webmaster – Maintain NMCSL website that includes association contact information.  Chair and facilitate scheduling including the maintenance of the on-line scheduling tool.

6        SPONSORING ASSOCIATION

6.1             The Bedford-Euless Soccer Association, one of the member associations, will sponsor the NMCSL.

6.2             The sponsoring association will not be entitled to any additional votes, representatives or authority over the NMCSL.

 7        BY-LAW CHANGES

7.1             By-Law Changes – changes to these by-laws must be submitted in writing by any member association representative.

7.2             By-law Acceptance – acceptance of these by-laws will be by quorum (two-thirds) vote of the ‘voting members’ present with at least one (1) month prior notice to allow comments by the member associations.

8        NMCSL League Rules

8.1             Purpose:  To establish league rules as part of the Northern Mid-cities League by-laws.

8.2             Game Protest

8.2.1      Protests shall be handled according to the NMCSL League Rules with the right to appeal to the NMCSL A&D.

8.2.2      Appeals may be made to NTSSA according to their rules.

8.2.3      Only written protest received by the chairperson, vice-chairperson or secretary within five (5) days of the conclusion of the game will be considered.  A written protest must be accompanied by a $75.00 cashier’s check or money order (made out to BESA), which will be refunded if the protest is upheld.  If the protest is not upheld the money is turned over to the sponsoring association.

8.2.3.1           There are only two acceptable causes for the protesting of a game after it has been played.

1.      A team knowingly plays an unregistered, ineligible or suspended player.

2.      There has been an obvious error made in the application of the laws of the game that directly affects the outcome of the match and the referee admits it.

8.2.3.2           No protest can even be entertained if they are based on judgment decisions made by the referee during play.  A game cannot be protested because a coach, or both for that matter, thinks the referee was incompetent.

8.3             Disciplinary Matters:

8.3.1      NMCSL A&D Committee

8.3.1.1           The NMCSL appeals and disciplinary (A&D) committee shall consists of a minimum of four (4) representatives:

8.3.1.2           In the event that the vice-chairperson’s league is involved the council chairperson will appoint an alternate A&D chairperson from the council representatives of the leagues.

1.      NMCSL Vice-chairperson, who votes only in the case of a tie.

2.      Three (3) representatives, chosen in accordance with 8.3.1.4, from member associations not involved in the matter before the A&D committee.

8.3.1.3           A registered referee may be invited in an advisory capacity if the A&D committee chairperson wishes.

8.3.1.4           At each scheduling meeting, each member association will provide two representative names to the NMCSL vice-chairperson to form the NMCSL A&D pool.

8.3.2      A&D Hearings

8.3.2.1           A hearing that results from a player receiving an accumulation of yellow cards or a red card that warrants a hearing will be handled by the playing association for the player in question.

8.3.2.2           For written complaints resulting in a hearing that involves teams from one association, the member association will have jurisdiction over the hearing. 

8.3.2.3           For written complaints resulting in a hearing that involves teams from different associations, NMCSL will hold jurisdiction over the hearing. 

8.3.2.3.1                NMCSL may elect, with concurrence of both associations, to allow either association to chair the hearing.

8.3.2.3.2                If concurrence of both associations is not received, NMCSL will convene the hearing.

8.3.2.3.3                NMCSL will investigate any complaints made to it and determine whether a hearing is necessary. 

8.3.2.4           NMCSL must receive written notification of all scheduled hearings regardless of which association chairs the hearing. 

8.3.2.5           NMCSL must receive written notification on the findings of the hearing.

8.3.2.6           The chain of appeals process for hearings is as follows:

8.3.2.6.1                If the member association hears the complaint, the appeals process shall be to the NMCSL.

8.3.2.6.2                If the complaint is heard by NMCSL, the appeals process shall be to North Texas.

8.3.2.6.3                All hearings must be conducted in accordance with NTSSA A&D procedures and by-laws.

8.3.2.7           The offending association will pay all fees incurred.  Actual receipts will accompany request.

1.       

8.3.2.8           The A & D chairperson shall notify the parties involved not less than 7 days prior to the A&D hearing in writing by certified mail return receipt.

8.3.2.9           NMCSL endorses and supports the policy regarding violence, misconduct, and appeals of NTSSA.  For hearings heard by the NMCSL A&D:

1.     The player or coach cautioned or ejected has the right to appear before the A&D committee. The committee shall base its decisions primarily upon the official’s written report to the committee.

2.     Only the coach or manager may represent a team at an A&D committee hearing. The coach is responsible for the behavior of his/her spectators and players. The A&D committee may at its discretion, hear other interested parties.

3.     The A&D committee shall make every effort to hold a hearing on any matter coming to its attention within ten (10) days of receipt of the official’s written report.

4.     Ejection of a coach or player requires automatic suspension for the next game played.

5.     FIFA rules allow the referee to issue cautions and ejections before, during, and after the game. State and national rules stipulate that any instances of alleged referee assault be refereed directly to NTSSA.

6.     NTSSA rule XII – Discipline shall be enforced and followed in all matters. 

8.3.3      Ineligible Players

8.3.3.1           If it is suspected at any time during the playing season that an ineligible player has participated in a league game, a meeting of the NMCSL A&D will be called.  The A&D Chairperson will determine if the player in question was eligible or not.

8.3.3.2           If it is determined that the player was ineligible, all games in which that player participated will be forfeited.  His/her home association if applicable may, also discipline the coach of the team.

8.3.3.3           All disciplinary action shall be in accordance with North Texas guidelines.

8.4             PLAYING RULES:

8.4.1      FIFA playing rules are applicable, with the exceptions provided for by USYSA, NTSSA, and these playing rules.

8.4.2      Officials

8.4.2.1           Referees will be assigned and paid by the local association.

8.4.2.2           Licensed United States Soccer Federation Officials are required.

8.4.2.3           In emergency situations, North Texas rules shall apply.

8.4.3      Standings and Scoring Policy

8.4.3.1           Standings are calculated on the following point system:

WIN 6 points

TIE 3 points

LOSS 0 points

FORFEIT 9 points

GOALS 1 point for each goal scored up to a maximum of 3 goals per game.

CLARIFICATION FOR COACHES:

If you lose a game but have scored goals you will receive points, up o a maximum of 3 goals per game. i.e. a team loses by a score of 4 to 3. The winning team will receive 9 points. The losing team will receive 3 points. Games not reported will be scored as a loss with no goals scored.

8.4.3.2           Keeping with the spirit of the game, if a team is ahead by 6 goals, they are strongly recommended to stop scoring and change the attention of the team to passing, using the opposite (weaker) foot, etc.  If a team continues to “run up” the score past a differential of 6, the coach will be referred to their home association. 

8.4.4      Length of Games

              Age Group          Game Length

8.4.4.1           U9 – U10:           50 minutes, 25 minute halves

8.4.4.2           U11 – U12:         60 minutes, 30 minute halves

8.4.4.3           U13 – U14:         70 minutes, 35 minute halves

8.4.4.4           U15 – U16:         80 minutes, 40 minute halves

8.4.4.5           U17-U19:           90 minutes, 45 minute halves 

8.4.5      Game Ball

8.4.5.1           To provide uniformity stitched balls only will be used as game balls.

8.4.5.2           Each team will present the referee with a ball and the referee will choose which shall be used as the game ball.

8.4.6      Substitutions

8.4.6.1           In NMCSL competition, substitutes will be allowed according to the USYSA Rules regarding ‘substitutions’.

1.      Substitutions shall be unlimited.

2.      Substitutions can be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:

a.      Prior to a throw-in, throwing team only

b.      Prior to a goal kick by either team

c.      After an injury by either team when the referee stops play

d.      Half time

e.      A player may be substituted after receiving a caution and before play has been restarted.

f.       After a goal is scored.

8.4.7      No substitution is allowed for a player ordered from the field of play (ejected) by the referee.

8.4.8      No player shall leave the field of play without consent of the referee

8.4.9      Nets

8.4.9.1           Host association is responsible for providing nets and corner flags. Each team will put up and take down one net if required.

8.4.10  Players and Spectators

8.4.10.1      Teams shall follow the rules of the host association for field position (home team is listed first on schedule).

8.4.11  All coaches, spectators, and players will stay within 10 yards of the halfway line and 5 feet back of touchline.

8.4.12  Uniform

8.4.12.1      Home team coaches are responsible for making sure that jersey colors do not conflict.  The referee is the final judge of color conflict.

8.4.12.2      All players are required to have proper uniforms, including numbers.  Players without numbers will not be allowed on the playing field.

8.4.12.3      EXCEPTIONS:  a team shall be permitted to play without numbers (i.e. Tee shirts) if color conflict exists, provided that they have with them their numbered jerseys.

8.4.12.4      At the beginning of each season it is understood that member associations may have problems with new uniform delivery and consideration should be given by referees. 

8.4.13  Clean Up

8.4.13.1      Each team must pick up its trash after the game.

8.4.14  Game and Misconduct Report

8.4.14.1      Both teams must give game and Misconduct Reports to the referee prior to the start of the game.

8.4.14.2      Each team is responsible for mailing their respective copy of the game report, signed by the referees, to their respective home association  within 72 hours of the completion of the game.

8.4.14.3      The referee is responsible for submitting all misconduct reports to the NMCSL A&D chairperson within 48 hours of the completion of the game.

8.4.14.4      Players requiring to sit out a game (red card, accumulation of yellow cards, etc.) must present themselves to the referee at the game in question.  The coach must complete a sit-out verification form, have it signed by the referee, and mail it to the NMCSL A&D chairperson.

8.4.15  Slide Tackling

8.4.15.1      Slide Tackling in U8 and below is not allowed in any NMCSL games.

8.5             Foul Weather Procedures

8.5.1      In case of foul or inclement weather, the game field association shall make the decision if the games are to be played.

8.5.2      Each member association will provide a ‘rain out telephone number’ preferably with a recording. A list of these numbers will be provided to the coaches at the beginning of each season.

8.5.3      It is the coaches' responsibility for contacting the rain out number and notifying their team.

8.5.4      After arrival but prior to the start of the game the hosting association has the authority to cancel or postpone games.

8.5.5      Ten minutes prior to the game the referee becomes the sole authority to determine if the game will be played, based upon field and weather conditions.

8.5.6      Games suspended due to weather and or field conditions after the start of the second half of play will be considered full games.

8.6             Forfeits

8.6.1      Number of players by age group:

8.6.1.1           U8 – Maximum of 5, 1 of which is a goalie, minimum 4, 1 goalie

8.6.1.2           U9 – Maximum of 7, 1 of which is a goalie, minimum of 5, 1 goalie

8.6.1.3           U10 – Maximum of 8, 1 of which is a goalie, minimum of 6, 1 goalie

8.6.1.4           U11 and up – Maximum of 11, 1 of which is a goalie, minimum of 7, 1 goalie

8.6.2      Teams not able to field the minimum number of players as defined in 8.6.1 within 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time or at anytime during the game, shall forfeit the game.  The opposing team is not required to play short.

8.6.3      The schedulers or the NMCSL Council shall only declare forfeits. 

8.7             Scheduling of games and reschedules.

8.7.1      Each team will be afforded 3 requests to be submitted to their home association no less than one week prior to the NMCSL scheduling meeting.

8.7.2      During the season games will not be rescheduled except for reasons of weather.

8.7.3      Any request for a reschedule will be submitted in writing to their home association for consideration.  The NMCSL reschedule committee will determine the validity of the request and make a decision accordingly.

8.8             Referee No-Show

8.8.1      If both teams (U9 and above) are at the field to play a match and the referee does not show, the game will be rescheduled at the ‘visitors’ home field with the ‘original home team’ responsible for paying the referee(s) at that rescheduled game.  Schedulers of the teams involved shall do rescheduling of game.

8.8.2      If both teams (U8 and below) are at the field to play a match and the referee does not show, each coach will referee half of the game.  The game will not be rescheduled because of no referee.

8.9             Misconduct of Spectators

8.9.1      Each team is responsible for the conduct of its’ spectators, the coach, assistant coach, or team manager is expected to control his/her spectators.

8.9.2      The harassment of players on the opposing team, verbal communication, physical force, or physical sign language will not be tolerated.

8.9.3      Any violation of the rule will be dealt with by NTSSA per their by-laws.

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