Metro Youth Soccer League

Last Updated November 12, 2003

I.	MEMBERSHIP
	A)	Requirements: Clubs must have:
		1)	At least one (1) team in each age group U9/10, U11/12, U13/14; and/or one (1) team in each age group U19/18/17, U16/15. Must submit rosters on request.
		2)	A suitable playing field which will be inspected by a League representative, prior to recommendation for vote into the League.
		3)	A performance bond in the sum of $200.00, which shall be refunded if club is not approved for membership.
		4)	Proof of insurance meeting the minimum coverage requirements imposed by the N.J.S.Y.S.A., or agreement to buy insurance through the League, unless liability or medical or both insurances are included with the player passes, making it mandatory for all affiliated teams.
		5)	Affidavit advising the League that the club is not suspended or awaiting suspension proceedings by any League in the State.
		6)	Letter of intent to abide by the League Constitution and By-laws, and to pay all registration fees, if accepted for membership in the League.
	B)	If all requirements are met, the Executive Board will recommend to the Board of Directors that a vote be taken to accept new club into the League. Two weeks prior notice must be given to all members.
	C)	A two-thirds vote of the majority of clubs in the League will be necessary for approval of new members into the League.
	D)	A club approved for membership shall submit to the Secretary the name, address, and telephone number of a delegate and an alternate who will represent that club at all meetings and be the means of communication with the League. The club must also submit the name of two candidates for a referee school or that of a licensed referee willing to officiate games in the League.
	E)	As an emergency measure, the Executive Board may admit a club or a team for one seasonal year, with no voting rights and a signed agreement to adhere to the League Constitution and By-Laws.
	F)	A club wishing to withdraw from the League must do so at the AGM. Clubs who terminate their membership after the AGM shall pay a penalty of $500 per team.

II.	REGISTRATION
	A)	Fees:
		1)	All clubs will pay a registration fee as approved by the Board of Directors yearly.
		2)	There shall be an annual surcharge per club, to provide monies to fund the League Select Program.
		3)	An additional fee for player passes will be imposed per team, amount to be determined based on the charges set by the N.J.S.Y.S.A.
		4)	All monies for U8 through U14 are due as of September 1, or each year and delinquent clubs will be declared not in good standing as of October 1, and shall be subject to punitive action and/or suspension.
		5)	All monies for U15 through U19 are due by December 1, and delinquent clubs shall be declared not in good standing as of January 15, and subject to punitive action and/or suspension.
	B)	Team Profile—A 'team profile' shall be completed and presented to Registrar for each team to be registered. Registrar shall not issue passes to non-complying teams. Fields other than those described in profile (and not approved by the League) shall not be deemed suitable for play until certified as such by the League.
	C)	Insurance—Liability or medical insurance or both must be bought with the player passes when so mandated by the N.J.S.Y.S.A., the National Association, or the League. In the absence of such mandate, all clubs not purchasing insurance through the League must furnish proof of liability and medical insurance before their teams will be permitted to play. Limits of coverage shall be as set by the N.J.S.Y.S.A.

III.	PLAYER REGISTRATION
	A)	All players must be registered with parent organization, the League, and the U.S.Y.S.A.
	B)	All new players are required to submit a U.S.Y.S.A. registration form, one recent photograph (less than two (2) years old), an original proof of age, and a copy of it. The previous player pass is sufficient for renewals.
	C)	Each club shall be responsible for proper registration of players. Delivery of the completed registration material to the Registrar and acceptance of the player passes binds the players to that team and the team to the club it is registered with.
	D)	Clubs must supply Registrar with a complete and up-to-date roster form of registered players for each of their teams. Once the official roster has been presented, an 'additional/release form' must be filled out for each new player signed or released.
	E)	A carded Metro player with a secondary pass cannot play on another Metro League team. The only exception at this time is a Metro girl on an established Metro girls' team can play on an established boys' Metro team.
	F)	No player can be released by his/her club without cause (e.g., quit the team; relocated too far; health reasons; disciplinary problems; etc.) and a release form has to be presented to the Registrar.
	G)	Players wishing their release from their present club, unless the club has suspended operation, should request it from the club they are affiliated with (for an amicable release) or, if denied, from the Registrar (unfriendly release). The Registrar will make the appropriate determination for each case. Player may have to sit out three (3) games or pay a $75.00 fee.
	H)	Original passes of released players must be returned to the Registrar.
	I)	No team shall be allowed to register with less than eleven (11) players on its roster.
	J)	Teams may register new players up to a maximum of twenty-one (21) per seasonal year. A maximum of eighteen (18) players may be on the active roster at any one time in divisions U11 thru U19; a maximum of fourteen (14) players may be on the active roster at any one time in divisions U8 thru U10.
	K)	No transferred or new players can be signed up if a team has less than three (3) games left in the season. These restrictions do not apply to games outside the league.
	L)	Only registered players will be eligible to participate in games scheduled by the League.

IV.	PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
	A)	League divisional age groupings are as defined by the U.S.Y.S.A. and the N.J.S.Y.S.A., with August 1st of the competition year being regarded as the cutoff date. Age limits:
		U19 U18 U17 U16 U15 U14	under 19 under 18 under 17 under 16 under 15 under 14	U13 U12 U11 U10 U9 U8	under 13 under 12 under 11 under 10 under 9 under 8
	B)	Players may NOT play up to a higher Division without having first been released from their current team and recarded on the new one. This is a state rule.
	C)	Players may participate in only one League game on any given day; exception will be made for players on teams participating in tournaments or tie-breaker games. For clubs having more than one team in each Division, players may not cross over from one team to another.

V.	CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES
	A)	Fields—The home club will provide suitable fields, marked and cleared of debris. Goalposts, nets and corner flags must be provided. The home club will have choice of touchline for its team(s) and spectators. Visiting teams shall be on the opposite side. No one shall be allowed behind the goal line. Clubs reported three (3) times for violation of this By-law will be fined $50.00.
	B)	Field conditions
		1)	The day of the game the home club delegate will check the conditions of the field. If it is unplayable, the Games Chairman and the Referee Assignor must be notified at least three hours before game time to 'consider' cancellation of the game or reversing home field, if opponent's field is available and playable. If so decided, League officials will notify all clubs involved. Otherwise, both teams must appear as scheduled, also the referee. The decision on field conditions will then be the referee's.
		2)	Clubs that are not allowed by city ordinance to play on their field within 24 hours of inclement weather must switch the game to the opponent's field, if available and playable.
	C)	Referee fees
		1)	Home clubs are responsible for referee fees. Payment of such fees may either be through the League Treasurer or directly to the referee as per decision of the Board of Directors, who shall set fees at beginning of each seasonal year.
		2)	Club(s) requesting a three-man system will have to pay the additional fees at the end of the game.
	D)	Referee school—Each club is expected to supply at least one referee to the League per seasonal year, or two candidates for referee school.
	E)	Behavior of coaches and spectators
		1)	All coaches must hold a coaching license (F grade minimum) or sign up for a coaching school during the seasonal year. All coaches must attend a preseason orientation meeting.
		2)	All coaches must register each year; no individual may act in the capacity of team manager or coach without presenting a current valid pass to the referee. In an emergency, the referee shall accept a legally valid I.D. card or document. No game shall be played without an adult in charge of the team.
		3)	A club whose coach refuses to complete a game and withdraws his/her team from the pitch for reasons deemed not sufficient justification for such act, shall be fined $100.00 and shall forfeit the game.
	F)	Notification of number of teams—A club that enters a team for an upcoming season and withdraws that team after the Games Chairman makes the season schedule will forfeit its bond. A new bond must be posted for the club to be in good standing.

VI.	TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
	A)	Number of players—A team must have a minimum of (7) players on the field to start a game, if not, it shall be reported to the League Arbitrator for action and forfeit of the game. No team shall be allowed to continue to play when reduced to less than seven (7) players on the field.
	B)	Starting time
		1)	The visiting team will be allowed a 30-minute starting time grace period. The home team will be allowed 15 minutes. Any team violating its allotted grace period shall be reported to the League Arbitrator for action and forfeit of the game.
		2)	In the event that neither team appears to a scheduled game, and, in the opinion of the referee, the grounds are playable, each team shall be reported to the League Arbitrator for action and possible forfeit.
	C)	Game balls—Each team must have at least one game ball ready at game time. Referee will pick the best one to start the game with. Sizes are specified in the rules of the game. The use of a ball of different size than required will not be reason for protest.
	D)	Captain—Each team must have a captain, wearing a distinguishing armband, who will represent the team at coin toss and receive directions from the referee during the game.
	E)	Uniforms—When two teams have similar color uniforms, the home team must have alternate uniforms available (T-shirts, vests, etc. will be acceptable).
	F)	Linesmen—Unless neutral linesmen are provided by the League, teams must designate one 'club linesman' each to signal when the ball is in touch and in whose possession it shall be.

VII.	FINES
	The League reserves the right to levy fines on member organizations for infringements and violations of the rules and By-Laws. Fines should be set by the Executive Board. Fines collected shall go toward the Select Team Program.
	A)	Forfeits
		1)	A team that does not show up for a scheduled game will be fined $50.00. The team will also forfeit the game. The fine will be reduced to $25.00 if the League has been informed of the team's inability to show up for a game.
		2)	A team which refuses to complete a game and withdraws from the field shall forfeit the game, and the parent club shall be fined the sum of $100.00.
		3)	Any team forfeiting two (2) games or refusing to make up two (2) postponed games will not be allowed to participate in post-season playoffs and League cups unless legitimate reasons were give (and accepted by Games Chairman).
	B)	Suspension—If a team does not show up for three (3) games in a season, it will be suspended from the League and the club will forfeit its bond, besides being assessed the fines for forfeiting each game. A team so suspended may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
	C)	Poaching—Any team which, through its coaches or officers, attempts to induce a player registered with another club to leave the team before the end of the current season shall be subject to a one year probation period and a fine of $100.00. The offending club or official shall be suspended for the remainder of the season. The offending player shall also be suspended for the rest of the season and his/her new club will forfeit all games in which the illegal player has participated. The burden of proof shall be on the club seeking redress.
	D)	Payment of Fines—All fines are due in 30 days from receipt of League notification. Delinquent clubs will not be allowed to participate in any League function and will forfeit its next scheduled game(s). Hardship cases will be reviewed by the Executive Board and its recommendations will be reported to the B.O.D. In an appeal case, any fines due are to be attached to the appeal letter.

VIII.	REFEREES
	Referees must be licensed and carry a current U.S.S.F. registration card. This card must be available upon request of either coach prior to the game. Referees certified by an authority other than the U.S.S.F. must be approved by the Assignor.
	A)	The Referee Assignor assigns referees to all the League games.
	B)	A referee assigned to officiate a game may not be affiliated in any capacity with the participating clubs' soccer program.
	C)	All referees will file reports on the games they officiate.
	D)	Referees will follow F.I.F.A. rules of play as modified by agreement of the League.
	E)	Referees shall instruct linesmen of their duties. Shall strive to have games started on time, as scheduled.
	F)	In the event no referee appears, the two opposing coaches must make mutually satisfactory arrangements for one person to officiate the game. The game is to be played and will be official. Referee reports will be filed as usual per regulations.
		All referees must be suitably attired and equipped. The F.I.F.A. uniform is mandatory.
	G)	Referee fees will be set by the League.
	H)	The Arbitrator shall instruct the Treasurer to hold payments to referees whose reports are incomplete, equivocal, missing passes of ejected players or coaches or mailed later than 48 hours after completion of the game(s).
	I)	A Referee Assessor may be assigned by the Referee Assignor, in which case compensation shall come from the League. If the Assessor is requested by a club, said club will be responsible for the cost of this service.

IX.	PROTEST AND APPEALS
	A)	All protests must be mailed to the Arbitrator from the delegate of the protesting club with a $25.00 fee payable to the League; fine will be returned if the protest is upheld. Protests must be postmarked within forty-eight (48) hours of the completion of the game in question. Reason(s) for protests must be specified.
	B)	All protests must have a hearing before final League standings and playoff berths are assigned or championship games are played.
	C)	Appeals of decisions of the Games Conduct Committee shall be submitted in writing to the President by the delegate of the appealing club, postmarked within fourteen (14) days of receipt of notification of the G.C.C. decision, accompanied by a $50.00 filing fee, refundable, and any fines that may be due. Reasons for the appeal must be specific.
	D)	All appeals must have a hearing before final League standings and playoff berths are assigned or championship games are played.

X.	COMMITTEES
	A)	Games Conduct Committee
		1)	Will act upon input from referee game reports, filed protests, game abandonment, severe breach of club and team responsibilities, and player challenges.
		2)	Must take appropriate action in a timely manner so that no player shall be prevented from playing due to inaction of the Committee.
		3)	Members of the Committee shall be: the Arbitrator as Chairman, the Treasurer, and the Referee Assignor (as a non-voting member). Two alternates shall also be appointed.
		4)	Disciplinary actions to be taken for violation of player responsibilities:
			a)	The Arbitrator shall keep an account of all yellow cards (= cautions) issued and inform the clubs when any of their players have reached the maximum allowed (four) and are being assessed a one game suspension.
			b)	Players will sit out one game for every two yellow cards they receive after the initial four.
			c)	A red card will cost a player to miss the next scheduled game; a minimum of two games if card was issued for violent conduct.
			d)	Coaches shall be fined: 1-- $10.00 for first caution; fine is doubled for each subsequent caution. 2-- $50.00 for first ejection; fine is doubled for each subsequent ejection.
		5)	Disciplinary actions to be taken for violation of club responsibilities:
				No corner flags Improper roster Improper uniforms No nets on goalposts Improper field markings Fan and spectator misbehavior Failure to call in score of the home game(s) Failure to inspect field conditions before game.
			a)	First offense: a letter of warning
			b)	Second offense: a $25.00 fine
			c)	Third offense: mandatory appearance at a G.C.C. hearing
			d)	Clubs reported by the referee for fan and spectator misbehavior may have their home field suspended for one or more playing days as determined by the G.C.C. based on the gravity of the incidents.
			e)	Penalties may be assessed up to and including suspension from the League and all affiliated soccer. Such suspension shall be reported to the N.J.S.Y.S.A.
			f)	No club can be suspended without having a hearing scheduled.
		6)	Any member of the Conduct Committee shall abstain from voting in cases that involve his/her club.
		7)	Rulings of the G.C.C. shall go into effect upon written notification to the club in question with copy to the Executive Board and shall be entered into the minutes of the monthly Board of Directors meeting.
		8)	Appeals of rulings of the G.C.C. shall be mailed by the appealing club's delegate to the Appeals Committee postmarked no later than 14 days from the date of receipt of notification.
	B)	Appeals Committee—will entertain any appeals that may arise from a Conduct Committee decision.
		1)	The Appeals Committee shall consist of the following members: President as Chairman, Vice-President, Registrar, and the Chairman of the 'Fair Play' Committee. Two alternates will also be appointed.
		2)	Any member of the Appeals Committee whose parent organization is involved in a dispute under consideration will disqualify himself/herself from the case in question.
		3)	Appeals of the Appeals Committee decisions must be submitted to the New Jersey State Youth Soccer Association.
		4)	If the appeal is successful, Committee will refund all fees and fines paid.
	C)	Fair Play Committee
		1)	Chairman shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the B.O.D., shall observe and report on games at the request of the Arbitrator.
		2)	All members of the B.O.D. shall make themselves available, in turn, to serve on this Committee.
		3)	The Games Conduct and Appeals committees may act on reports from the Fair Play Committee.
	D)	Select Program Committee
		1)	Shall be charged with the running of the Olympic Development and the League Select programs.
		2)	Members of the Committee shall be a chairman and all the select team coaches as appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Board with the final approval of the B.O.D.
		3)	Chairman will research and propose a schedule of games and tournaments for all the teams.
		4)	Executive Board will have the power to approve tournaments and fees.
		5)	Rosters of all the teams shall be submitted to the Executive Board before any games are played.
		6)	Only players presently registered with clubs affiliated with the League and in good standing shall be allowed to participate in League Select Program.
		7)	All fees must be paid before rosters are finalized and uniforms are issued.
		8)	Clubs shall refrain from entering teams in same tournaments as League.

XI.	FUNDS
	The Treasurer shall maintain at least two (2) bank accounts (and such other accounts as directed by the Executive Board). The two (2) accounts required under these By-Laws shall be:
	A)	A checking account for the purpose of paying current expenses. The checking account need only to have the signature of one officer for withdrawals. Monies held in the checking account shall not exceed the projected amount needed to meet the expenses for the current month.
	B)	An interest bearing account for the holding of longer term funds on deposit. This account shall require the signature of the President and the Treasurer for withdrawals. An alternate officer shall be designated to sign checks if either of the aforementioned officers should not be available.

XII.	SCHEDULE RATIFICATION & CHANGES
	Schedules of games to be played in the seasonal year shall be ratified by the Board of Directors.
	A)	Schedule ratification will take place at least 30 days prior to the start of the season.
	B)	The Games Chairman must provide copies of the tentative schedule to all delegates 30 days prior to the date set to ratify the schedule.
	C)	At the conclusion of the time allotted by the President for schedule changes, a motion shall be entertained to ratify the schedule. A majority of votes of the delegates present voting in the affirmative shall be necessary to ratify the schedule.
	D)	Requests for changes after ratification may be made only with the approval of the Games Chairman and the Referee Assignor and the consent of both clubs involved. Time must be adhered to as per schedule. If either or both teams fail to appear, penalties will be assessed pursuant to these By-Laws.
	E)	Clubs entering the State Cup must notify the Games Chairman in writing, and must make arrangements to play their scheduled games on the off day (Saturday or Sunday) and be willing to play any postponed game(s) within seven (7) days of the original date. State Cup games take precedence over League games.
	F)	It is the responsibility of the Games Chairman to notify the Referee Assignor the proposed day and time of a game to be rescheduled for approval and scheduling referees.
	G)	All postponed games shall be rescheduled for the first open date on the schedule, and shall be played on the day and time as per originally scheduled. Games Chairman has the authority to reschedule all make-up games with the approval of the Referee Assignor following consultation with the clubs involved.
	H)	All scheduled changes (including postponements, time and date changes, playing sites, forfeits, etc.) shall go into effect only after notification is given to clubs involved by the Games Chairman or, in his absence, the Referee Assignor.
	I)	Clubs that are not allowed by City Ordinance to play on their field within 24 hours of inclement weather must switch the game to the opponent's field, if available and playable.

XIII.	RULES OF THE GAME
	All League games shall be played under the rules set by F.I.F.A. and modified by the N.J.S.Y.S.A. for youth competition.
	A)	Length of games

AGE GROUP
U17, U18, U19
U15, U16
U13, U14
U11, U12
U9, U10
U8

TIME
2x45 min halves
2x40 min halves
2x35 min halves
2x35 min halves
2x30 min halves
2x30 min halves

OVERTIME
2x15 min halves
2x15 min halves
2x10 min halves
2x10 min halves
2x5 min halves
2x5 min halves

BALL
#5
#5
#5
#4
#4
#3

B)	Overtime periods will not be played except in Cup or playoff games.
C)	Complete overtime periods will be played (no 'sudden death').
D)	In Cup or playoff games, if score is still tied after overtime periods, F.I.F.A. current penalty kick rules will apply in order to determine a winner.
E)	There will be a break of no more than five minutes between quarters and at halftime of at least five minutes and not in excess of ten minutes.
F)	The goaltender shall adhere to the current F.I.F.A. rules: must wear uniform different in color than any of the other players on the pitch.
G)	Teams in all Divisions will change sides at halftime.
H)	Corner kicks in U8 shall be taken from the intersection of the goal line and the 18-yard line (penalty box).
I)	Teams will be allowed unlimited substitutions. Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:
	1)	Prior to own throw-in
	2)	Prior to a goal kick by either team
	3)	After a goal by either team
	4)	At half time by either team
	5)	After an injury
	6)	After a goalie's ejection
J)	A player ejected from a game (red carded) cannot be substituted for (see I.6).
K)	Passes
	1)	Coaches passes, team rosters and players' passes must be presented to the referee before the start of the game.
	2)	No player will be allowed to play if not in possession of a valid player pass.
	3)	In emergency cases, team passes may be presented before the start of the second half of a scheduled game.
L)	The referee shall forward the passes of ejected players along with a report of the game and a detailed explanation of the cause of the ejection to the Arbitrator within 48 hours. The Arbitrator will notify club of ejected player of the length of his suspension, if it falls within the guidelines for automatic suspension. In more sever cases, the Arbitrator shall convene the Games Conduct Committee.
M)	Abandoned Games
	1)	Games abandoned because of inclement weather shall be replayed in their entirety.
	2)	Abandonment of a game may be for reasons of unruly behavior by players, coaches, spectators, when the referee, in his judgment, feels that the game cannot be completed with guaranteed safety for all parties involved, at which time he shall order the abandonment of the game.
	3)	The referee shall strive to identify the team/club responsible for the abandonment and so specify in the game report. The results of games abandoned for above reasons shall be decided at a hearing of the G.C.C.
N)	Tie Breakers: The following procedure will be used to break any ties in Division standings:
	1)	Head to Head competition (does not apply in ties among more than 2 teams);
	2)	Least goals allowed
	3)	Team with most shutouts
	4)	If time permits, a game; if no time available, a shootout will be held.

XIV.	LEAGUE EQUIPMENT
	A)	All equipment owned by the League shall be inventoried and listed as assets of the League. It will be the responsibility of the Treasurer to keep the inventory list.
	B)	No equipment shall be purchased without getting at least three (3) cost estimates (for items of $250.00 or more) and Executive Board approval.
	C)	Anyone entrusted with League property shall be responsible for it, and the club they are affiliated with shall be responsible in the event of a loss.

XV.	AMENDMENTS
	A)	Amendments to these By-Laws will only be allowed at the A.G.M.
	B)	All proposed By-Laws amendments must be submitted to the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the A.G.M. All member organizations will be sent a copy prior to the A.G.M.
	C)	The approval of any amendment to these By-Laws shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast.
	D)	All approved amendments become effective with the closing of the A.G.M.