TCWSL SOCCER

Tri-County Women’s Soccer League
(T-CWSL)
Rules and Regulations

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Player Membership:

a) Membership in the league is open to women of ages eighteen (18) and over who do not participate on a high school, PAGSL, or similar junior level team.

b) Only TCWSL registered players will be allowed to play in TCWSL sponsored games and events.

c) Eligibility for membership is conditional upon any operative rules of the league.

d) The admission of underage players will be determined on a case by case basis, by the Board of Directors. All papers and releases required by the state organization (EPSA) must be signed and filed with the state organization (EPSA) before the underage player may play in any TCWSL game or event.

e) No player shall play for more than one club in any one season. Players must be properly registered with their club, team and the TCWSL before they may play a game.

f) The only exception to (1f) will occur when we develop an Open and an Over-30 division, which would allow players to register for up to two teams from different divisions. (example: a player may register for both an Open division team and an Over-30 team.)

2. Club or Team Membership:

a) Membership in this league shall be in one of two classes, PROVISIONAL and FULL. All newly accepted clubs shall be deemed provisional members of TCWSL for one year from the date of their acceptance in to the league. At the expiration of the one year period, a vote shall be taken at the next council meeting, to admit such club to full membership.

b) All clubs having met this requirement and in good standing with the league shall be deemed full members of the league, with applicable voting rights.

B. REGISTRATION

1. Player Registration:

a) All players MUST be properly registered with Tri-County Women’s Soccer League before they may play in any TCWSL game or event.

b) All players MUST complete and sign an original, state-approved, waiver/insurance form.

c) Team representative must submit correct forms and fees to the Registrar at least two (2) days before player is eligible to play in a TCWSL game or event.

d) Registrar must confirm receipt of such materials, to the team representative, before player may play in a TCWSL game or event. Facsimile of the state form is NOT acceptable.

e) No player may play for more than ONE club during any one season.

f) Player registrations will be accepted up until two (2) weeks prior to the end of the regular season. Players must play in at least two(2) regular season games to be eligible to play in playoffs or championship games. Only properly registered players will be eligible for playoffs and championship games.

g) All other forms and fees will be a “CLUB “ matter. This includes fees paid to the various clubs, by the players, to cover costs of uniforms, referee fees, field usage, transportation, mailings, and team outings. Issues concerning individual refunds or returned checks within the club, will not be considered by TCWSL.

2. Team Registration:

a) Any club or team may apply for provisional membership in the League. Application for membership in the league must be submitted in writing, by the club or team representative, to the President of the league. A statement of such information as the Board of Directors may require shall be submitted along with the letter of application for membership.

b) Acceptance will be contingent upon the receipt of all necessary documents and fees required by the league (TCWSL) and the state association (EPSA).

c) Registration Procedures:

1. All recreational team registrations are due no later than August 25th, for the start of the Fall season. All materials must be in to the state office by the September 1st deadline.

2. All Spring registrations must be completed at least one week prior to the start of the spring season.

3. All paperwork must be included, i.e., registration forms with signatures, Request for a Certificate of Insurance, League Remittance Form, a current roster, special waivers, if needed, and the proper fees.

4. Teams may roster up to twenty-two (22) players on a team.

5. Teams may register with a minimum of eleven (11) players.

6. Placement of teams in a particular division will be based on the recommendations of the Board of Directors.

C. UNIFORMS AND SPONSORS

1. Uniform Selection- Team uniform color selection and changes must be approved in advance by the President and the Games Commissioner. When teams elect to change the color of their team jerseys, they must request permission from the Games Commissioner to ensure that there will be minimal color conflict. Existing team colors will not be adopted by newly formed teams within their divisions.

2. Uniform Requirements- Players must have permanent numbers on the back of their team jerseys. A permanent number is defined as one that is silk-screened or iron-on only.

a) Players with the same shirt number as another teammate may play at the referees discretion.

b) Uniformity in team shirts, such as coloring and pattern is required.

c) Uniformity in team shorts and socks is highly advisable and subject to referees discretion.

d) Visible apparel under shorts may be of a different length, but a similar color to the basic color of the shorts.

3. Uniform Conflicts- In the event of a color conflict, the Visiting team shall wear its own color and the Home team will make appropriate adjustments.( Pinnies are acceptable, if approved by the referees). It is recommended that all teams invest in alternate jerseys when possible.

4. Uniform Sponsors- Commercial sponsors of teams are permitted to participate in the financial support of the team by purchase of uniforms, equipment, and tournament fees. Commercial logo designs shall be in “good taste” and approved by the Board of Directors. Sponsors are not vested any rights by any action on their behalf in the management, administration, or other operation of the TCWSL.

D. DIVISIONS AND TEAM PLACEMENT

1. Division Composition- TCWSL currently has two divisions: FIRST DIVISION and SECOND DIVISION. Distribution of teams across divisions will be will be determined each season by the Board based primarily on the wishes of the team, but reserves the right to assign teams based on number of teams registering, previous season standings, and striving for an even number of teams in each division.

2. Team reorganization- In the case of team reorganization, for whatever reason, the group that has the majority of team players (at least 7), from the previous season will retain the team divisional standings. The remaining players may petition the Board for team admission.

3. Format- First Division:

a) Length of games- all scheduled games shall consist of two 45-minute halves with a ten-minute (10) rest at the half.

b) No first division player may play in a second division game.

d) SLIDE TACKLES will be allowed in the First Division only.

Second Division:

a) Length of games- all scheduled games shall consist of two 45-minute halves with a ten-minute (10) rest at halftime.

b) No Second Division players may play in First Division games.

c) SLIDE TACKLES are allowed.

Third Division:

a.) Length of games – all scheduled games shall consist of two 45-minutes halves with a ten minute (10) rest at halftime

b.) no Third Division players may play in Second Division games

c.) SLIDE TACKLES are not allowed. The will result in an indirect free kick

Select Teams:

a) TCWSL select teams will be chosen by a competition committee designated by the Board of Directors. Select teams will represent TCWSL and will wear the colors of the Tri-County Women's Soccer League at all sponsored games and events.

b) Clubs and teams may also represent the League, with the permission of the Board.

E. REFEREES

1. Referee Requisites- Officially scheduled referees may not be husbands, life partners, coaches of teams within that division, or anyone related to a team member of the game being played.

2. Referee No-Show--If the designated officials are late or absent, it will be the responsibility of the competing teams to select a mutually acceptable individual to be the referee. In this case, “Referee Requisites” do not apply. Once agreed, the final result will stand. If no agreement can be made, then the teams may request permission to reschedule the game.

3. If only one of the designated referees is present, the game shall proceed, and the Games Commissioner shall be notified as soon as possible of the absence of the other referees. The game must begin within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled starting time or field availability.

4. Every effort must be made to play the scheduled game, as there is no guarantee that the game can or will be rescheduled.

F. PROTESTS

1. Valid Protest: A team may protest a game (to be replayed) only for the misapplication of the rules by a referee, not for judgment calls. Protests may also be filed for another team's disregard of the league’s rules. Protests will be heard by the Grievance/Protest Committee.

2. Protest Procedure: Protests must be submitted in writing and postmarked or delivered to the Games Commissioner within 72 hours of the game. The referee and the opposing team should be advised at the game of the possibility of a protest.

3. Protest decisions shall not be made by those involved in the protest.

G. POSTPONEMENTS

1. Game Cancellations: In the case of adverse weather or field conditions, the Games Commissioner and/or the President will cancel or postpone games as appropriate to the situation. Team representatives should coordinate all information with their club representative when possible.

a.) In the event a scheduled field is deemed unplayable, the home team will be responsible for securing an alternate time and field for the postponed game. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit and accompanying fines.

b.) If the guest team fails to accommodate the home team's reasonably rescheduled game they will be assessed the forfeit and accompanying fines.

2. Once the referees have taken the field, only the referees or an official representative from the local township, club or field owner or school district, may call off the game. If the game is called off after the second half has begun, the game will be considered a complete game.

3. TEAMS MAY NOT mutually agree to postpone or cancel a game. If this occurs, the two teams will be fined. (See FINES)

4. Any team that does not play a regularly scheduled game will forfeit that game, with the exception that the team gives at least one (1) week notice to the Games Commissioner and the President. The officers shall notify the referee assignor of any changes in the schedule.

5. Schedule Changes: Special requests for scheduling will not be accepted after the schedule is set. Team representatives should attend the council meetings with their special requests for the season.

H. GAME RULES

1. Except as herein provided, FIFA Laws of the Game shall apply to each and every game played within the jurisdiction of this League.

a) Up to seven (7) substitutes may be used in any TCWSL sponsored game or event

b) Dangerous Medical Devices: No player may participate in a game while wearing an exposed cast or other dangerous medical device. All casts and metal braces must be fully padded and covered. Exposed metal or plastic will not be allowed. All decisions are at the referees discretion.

c) SHINGUARDS ARE MANDATORY.

d) Coaches and/or spectators will not be permitted behind the goal area. Coaching is only permitted from your own sidelines. Coaches will be held responsible for the conduct of their spectators through the referee decision.

e) Inappropriate Conduct: Conduct NOT to be tolerated by Team Players, Coaches, and/or Spectators including;

1. abusive, foul or degrading language.

2. physical threats or assault

3. behavior induced by alcohol or other controlled substances.

4. encouragement of poor sportsmanship, including harassment of less skilled players.

5. harassment of referees.

6. entering or leaving the field of play except for substitution/injury.

7. disputing and/or attempting to influence the referee’s decision.

Should any of the above behavior be reported, the Board will investigate and take appropriate action, which may include expulsion from TCWSL.

f) Reporting Red and Yellow Cards: All cautions and ejection's must be reported by the team representative to the Games Commissioner. If a team representative fails to report a caution before the team’s next game, the team may forfeit its next game. Failure to report a red card before the team’s next game may result in a TWO (2) game forfeiture: the game in which the red card was issued and the next scheduled game. Remember, an official is not required to actually show a card. A warning or verbal communication of any kind is sufficient under FIFA rules. If in doubt, after the game ask the referee if a card was issued.

1. Red card penalty: Red cards result in immediate expulsion from the game. Anyone receiving a red card will also be ineligible to play in the next game. The penalty for a red card received during the last game of the season will carry over to the first game of the next Fall/Spring season. Anyone receiving three red cards will be brought up before the Board of Directors and will be ineligible for the remaining season and the next season.

2. Yellow card penalty: Any player receiving three yellow cards in a season will be considered to have received the equivalent of a red card and will be ineligible to play in the next scheduled game

g) Substitutions: All substitutions are at the referee’s discretion, as according to the laws of the game.

h) Goaltending: as per FIFA Laws of the Game.

i) NO SLIDE TACKLES permitted in Third Division.

I. DIVISIONAL STANDINGS

1. Division standings are based on a point system, determined by the following:

a) Three (3) points for a win

b) One (1) point for a tie

c) Zero (0) points for a loss

d) Minus one (-1) for a forfeiture

e) Bonus points will be awarded one for each goal scored, up to three goals

f) Tie breakers will be determined as follows: Head-to-Head Competition, Bonus Points, Total Goals scored against team with a tie, and Forfeiture Penalty.

J. FORFEITURE

1. Immediate Forfeiture may be declared when a team fails to field seven (7) players within fifteen (15) minutes after scheduled game time or field availability or fails to maintain seven (7) players throughout the game.

2. Immediate forfeiture will be declared if a team leaves the playing field and fails to complete a game in progress.

3. Forfeiture may be declared under the following conditions:

a) Participation of a non-registered or ineligible player in a game

b) Failure to report yellow or red cards

c) Failure to play regularly scheduled games

4. Forfeiture Appeal: In the event of extenuating circumstances, teams may appeal a forfeited game. All appeals must be received in writing, postmarked or delivered to the Games Commissioner within 72 hours of the game in question. The Board of Directors will determine whether or not the appeal is warranted.

K. FINES

Teams may be fined for a variety of reasons, by the Board of Directors.

1. Teams may be fined for failure to play a regular scheduled game as indicated in the forfeiture rules.( $90.00). Extra fines and sanctions may be imposed on teams with more than one forfeiture. Three forfeitures in one season will be grounds for expulsion from the league.

2. Teams will be fined five (5) dollars for failure to call /e-mail in their scores before their next scheduled game

3. Teams may be fined for failure to send a team representative to all council meeting and/or the TCWSL annual meeting, held in February of each year. ($25.00)

4. Teams may be fined for failure to report red/yellow cards. ($25.00)

5. All fines must be paid before teams will be allowed to play in the next season. This applies to Fall/Spring only.

APPENDIX A. DUTIES OF TEAM REPRESENTATIVES

1. Serves as team manager and liaison between TCWSL Board of Directors and team members. Communicates rules, policies, game schedules, field locations, special events and weather decisions to team members. Reports team concerns, games scores, forfeits and injuries to appropriate officers.

2. Compiles a current Team Roster and makes three copies available on game day to the referee for distribution to the opposing team.

3. Ensures alternate jerseys or pinnies are available in the case of a color conflict.

4. Ensures that field duties are completed. Home team supplies corner flags.

5. Mails in referee evaluations to the state office, EPSA.

6. Reports referee no-shows to Games Commissioner.

7. Team representative is responsible for these duties, but is encouraged to coordinate these duties with other players on her team.