NYMWSL RULES, BY-LAWS AND CONSTITUTION (last revised as of August 2008)

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE

RULES AND REGULATIONS

PLAYERS ELIGIBILITY

SECTION I:

A. The League shall be open to teams consisting of women 18 years of age (by the start of the playing season) or older. Any woman below the age of 18 at the start of the playing season, who desires to play in the League, must obtain permission, which shall not be unreasonably withheld by the League Council and she must present a release form signed by herself and her parents or guardian in addition to the other required documents listed in 1B below.

B. All players and teams must be officially registered with the League and shall be subject to the jurisdiction of its Constitution, By-Laws and General Rules. In addition, all players shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Eastern New York State Amateur Soccer Association ("ENYSASA") and the United States Soccer Federation ("USSF"). In order to be officially registered, all players and teams must comply in full with the terms and conditions set forth below.

A player will be considered officially registered with the League and eligible to play upon the validation by the Registrar of her player's pass, which pass shall not be validated unless the player shall first submit to her team the following:

1. A duly executed USSF Amateur Registration Ad form as supplied by the ENYSASA;

2. An executed injury release form as supplied by the ENYSASA;

3. The fee for the above pass;

4. A minor's release and League Council approval, if appropriate.

The above shall be submitted be each team to the Registrar at a reasonable time and place set by the Registrar.

C. Each player must have a validated USSF player's pass in order to play in each official League game.

D. A player who is registered with a non USSF/ENYSASA League is eligible to be registered in both NYMWSL and such other League.

E. To be eligible for League Championship or Play-off games, a player must be registered with the club no later than April 15th. As per ENYSASA rules, the same applies to State Cup semi-finals and finals.

F. All coaches shall be considered members of this League and are subject to the provisions of the Constitution, By-laws and General Rules, as though they were players. They must be officially registered with a supervisor pass.

G. In order for a club/team to register any player above the 23 originally registered, a simultaneous deactivation/registration must occur. The new player passes will be issued only upon the return of the deactivated player’s pass.

CLUB AFFILIATION

SECTION II

A. All players are registered with their respective clubs for a period of one (1) soccer playing year as defined in Section IV. Re-registration is required for a new soccer playing year.

B. A player's registration with a club may be terminated during the playing season or championship play-off games, only by the mutual consent of the club, as expressed through its club secretary, and the player. Notification of such termination must be in writing, on a Player Amateur Release form supplied by the ENYSASA, signed by the club secretary and the player. The original shall be given to the player, which copy she must present to the coach or club manager of any future club on which she desires to play.

C. A player who obtains a release in accordance with Section II(B) above during the playing season shall be eligible to play for any other eligible club after:

1. Completion of new registration, as set forth above in Section I; and

2. The expiration of two (2) game waiting period; after compliance with the requirements in paragraph II(B); unless, both clubs, and the player, agree to a waiver of the two (2) game waiting period.

EXCEPTION:

If a player changes her residence during the playing season and would experience hardship in attending the practices of her club, that player may transfer to a club more conveniently located upon the completion of the release procedure and proper registration. The requirement of a two (2) game waiting period will be waived.

3. The player has paid any outstanding fees owed to the departing club for the reasonable cost of registration, insurance and deactivation. (A player is not required to pay costs and fees to a departing club after the end of the annual playing season, if such costs and fees have not been collected and/or been made known to the player and the League council prior to the end of the playing season.)

D. In the event that a player requests a release and her club refuses such a request, the player may petition the League Council for a hearing to show why she should be given such release. The League Council may grant the request for such release, at its discretion.

CLUB - ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION

SECTION III:

The League shall be open to clubs consisting of eligible players as defined in Section I, which clubs shall comply with the following prerequisites by a date set by the League Council prior to the start of the playing year in order to register for play during that season:

A. Each club shall submit three (3) typed, alphabetized rosters to the Registrar by the date set by the League Council as indicated above. One copy shall be retained by the League Registrar, one copy shall be given to the League Secretary and one copy shall be given to the Publicity Officer. Each roster shall have a maximum of twenty-three (23) players and a minimum of thirteen (13) players. Any club may amend its roster by submitting an amended roster to the Registrar in triplicate.

B. Each club shall have paid its registration fee and all other outstanding fees or penalties by the date set by the Registrar as indicated above.

C. All new (first year) teams must meet the following criteria:

1. Provide a field for each week (both home & away games) of league play in order to be accepted into the League and in perpetuity for as long as said team continues to play in the League. The Games Commissioner shall determine the acceptability of all fields in accordance with the FIFA rules. The appropriate fees for the use of playing fields will be paid by the League Treasurer as long as the cost of the field is consistent with recent fees paid for other league fields (otherwise a fair amount will be agreed upon by the League and such team).

2. Pay a performance bond of $300 on or before September 1^st preceding the team’s first soccer season. At the end of said team’s first complete season, provided there are no forfeits or league violations, the League Council may authorize the release of half of said bond.

3. Pay all fees, including but not limited to State and League dues, registration fees, player fees, etc, on or before September 1^st preceding the team’s first season.

D. The official registration forms shall be purchased from the League Registrar and the appropriate registration fee(s) paid to the League Registrar/Treasurer.

LEAGUE STRUCTURE

SECTION IV

A. When there are 9 teams or less, the League will remain as one division.

B. When there are 10 teams or more, the League will be divided into A and B divisions. Teams will be placed based on the previous year's standings. If there are an uneven number of teams the B division will have the odd number of teams. (Emphasis added).

C. Promotion/Relegation:

1. First place team from B division switches with the last place team from A division when the League has 19 or less teams.

2. First and second place teams from B division switch with last and second to last place teams from A division when the League has 20 teams or more.

 

3. Above 20 teams the League may create a third division, which would require a new scheduling and promotion/relegation framework.

4. If a lower division team finishes in a position such that it is promoted, it shall be obligated to accept its promotion to the higher division. However, should such team feel that promotion would constitute an undue hardship; it shall have the right to appeal and make its case to the League for an exemption from promotion for that season. The League shall hear and vote upon such appeal, provided that the team that is to be relegated from the higher division agrees to remain in the higher division. A team shall not be eligible to submit an appeal for exemption if they have applied for an exemption in the previous 3 years. If a team is granted an exemption after appeal it shall forfeit all prizes and/or- prize money associated with winning the division.

5. The rationale for Promotion/Relegation shall be to reward the teams that have excelled in the lower division(s). To that end, if the League’s acceptance of a new team(s) during the off-season should necessitate an additional team(s) being added to the higher division(s) in order to re-balance the divisions, such re-balancing should be accomplished by promoting one or more successful lower division teams

6. The League reserves the right to review the composition of each division and, in the best interest of the League, restructure each division when the League loses or adds teams in either division (i.e. 1,2, or 3 teams in either division may be promoted/relegated or placed in a new division as determined by the “best interest of the League”)

D. Ranking:

1. Total game points.

2. If ties after 1 Head to head competition.

3. If ties after 2 a one game playoff.

If there are more than two teams tied, playoff games will be determined by a draw. With an odd number of teams, one team will have a bye with even numbers there will be a semi-final and a final, also determined by a draw.

E. All new teams must start in the lowest division.

F. Player Transfers:

1. Any player who changes teams must deactivate and re-register, and pay all necessary fees – currently the equivalent of a deactivation fee and a player registration fee.

2. Any player who changes teams may use a player loan pass only if both teams belong to the same club and are in different divisions.

3. Loans are only permitted for players moving from a lower division to a higher division.

4. A maximum of 2 players may be loaned per game. The registrar must pre-approve the loan and the opposing team must be notified before the game.

5. A player may only be loaned twice per season. A third loan of such player will require de-activation and registration with the borrowing team.

6. The loan fee is $30.00 (and/or equal to registration fee) per player/per game.

G. Games will be played both within and outside division unless there are more than 14 teams. [Above 20 teams the League may create a third division, which would require a new scheduling framework.]

# of Teams	# of Teams A/B Division	# of Games w/ each team inside division	# of Games w/ each Team Outside division	Total A Games	Total B Games
10	5/5	3	1	17	17
11	6/5	2/3	1	15	18
12	6/6	2	1	16	16
13	6/7	2	1	17	18
14	7/7	2	1	19	19
15	8/7	2/3	0	14**	18
16	8/8	2	0	14**	14**
17	8/9	2	0	14**	16
18	9/9	2	0	16	16
19	10/9	2	0	18	16
20	10/10	2	0	18	18

**if 14 games, League Cup may be added

 

GAME RULES

SECTION V

A. All rules and regulations herein shall be read in accordance with USSF (FIFA) and ENYSASA rules and regulations

B. The soccer playing year for the League will be determined each year by the League Council.

C. All games will be played under the USSF (FIFA) Laws of the Game. In addition, the following rules will apply:

1. The Field of Play:

(a) Each designated home team will be responsible for two (2) goal nets, four corner flags, three (3) game balls and the proper lining of the field, which should be no less than 100 yds in length and 50 yds in width as per FIFA rules. If a team with its own field is not able to find a regulation size field, the League, as per FIFA rules, will approve reasonable variations to the above mentioned measurements, such measurements must be approved by the Games Commissioner prior to the game. Each team will put up and take down one (1) net except on fields not managed by the League, in which case such team will be responsible for setting up the entire field and not responsible for any setting up when playing away. Definition of League managed field: When NYMWSL arranges, applies, pays or holds the permit for the use of the field and/or owns all field equipment. All home teams throughout the day are responsible for touching up the field before each game starts. Failure to do so, as noted on the referee report, will carry a fine of $20.00.

(b) The field must be ready for play by the scheduled game time as determined by the referee.

(c) Subject to terms of Section V, Paragraph C4b2, failure to comply with (a) and (b) of this paragraph will result in the home team forfeiting the game. This is in accordance with the State regulations.

(d) All Teams are expected to play the last game of the League Season by the third weekend in June.

(e) Unless it will cause an undue hardship to the League, all regular season and make-up games must be played within the third week after the originally scheduled game, including weeknights, Saturdays, or double headers on Sunday. The first week, the teams have one week to figure it out amongst themselves, then the games commissioner has two weeks to assign it.

2. The Number of Players:

(a) Each team can dress eighteen (18) players. Substitutions are unlimited (in and out), but will be made during stoppage of play and upon notification of the referee.

(b) A team must have a minimum of seven (7) players on the field within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled starting time. If within said thirty (30) minutes, a team is able to start the game with the minimum prescribed players the game must be commenced. If, due to the above circumstances, the game begins more than fifteen (15) minutes later than the original start time, the team, which was previously short players, will also be responsible for the full referee fee provided the opposing team is ready to start the game according to NYMWSL rules within fifteen (15) minutes of the original start time.

3. Uniforms:

(a) Matching uniforms for players are mandatory for all league games. Team colors must be registered with the Games Commissioner in advance of registration and all teams must own two (2) different color sets of uniforms. The Executive board has the right to reject the proposed uniform color.

(b) If a League officer witnesses a team disregarding the uniform rules (2) or more players on the field of play without matching jerseys or the proper color of shorts and/or socks), said officer shall inform the team manager or coach that a report shall be made to the League. At the third such reporting of a team, a fine of $50 shall be imposed, with an additional $50 being imposed for each subsequent offense.

(c) Each uniform shall consist of a jersey, shorts, knee socks and soccer cleats or training shoes. The wearing of shin guards is mandatory. Each player's jersey shall be numbered with at least six inch (6") numeral on the back.

(d) All goalkeepers must wear a jersey color which contrasts with the uniforms of both teams. Goalkeepers may wear gloves.

(e) Jewelry and all items of apparel that are hazardous to players are not to be worn on the field, subject to the discretion of the referee.

(f) Each captain shall wear an armband of contrasting color to her uniform.

(g) During official League games, if there is a conflict in uniform color, it is the responsibility of the away team to chance. During Cup play please check the rules for the competition.

4. Scheduling, Postponement and Cancellation of Games:

(a) All league games must be played as scheduled by the Games Commissioner. Kickoffs may be scheduled between 9:00am and 9:00pm. League games may not be postponed or rescheduled except on the grounds of extreme hardship or necessity or as otherwise may be provided for herein. If a team must postpone or reschedule a game, it must get the permission of the Games Commissioner (Primary) and the President, Vice President or League Commissioner (Secondary). If any of the Secondary officers are members of one of the teams in question, they cannot grant permission to postpone or reschedule the game without the approval of a neutral Secondary officer. If the postponement is not approved and the team does not play, that team forfeits the game and will be subject to the appropriate penalties and fines. Make up games must be played on the date and field designated by the Games Commissioner (unless both teams can agree and make arrangements for a date and field prior to the date scheduled by the Games Commissioner). Any team that does not comply must forfeit the game and will be subject to all penalties and fines.

(b) For teams that have a home field outside of the jurisdiction of the NYMWSL Games Commissioner:

1) If, due to weather conditions, said home team’s field(s) are closed by the governing authority of that park/field (whoever has recognized jurisdiction), the game shall be rescheduled. However, the manager of said home team must immediately contact the NYMWSL Games Commissioner (Primary) and League President, Vice President or League Commissioner (Secondary) to notify them of the field closing and to obtain temporary approval for postponement or rescheduling of the game subject to said home team providing evidence satisfactory to the NYMWSL Games Commissioner that said field is and/or was closed by the field’s governing authority for the date and time of the scheduled game. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, written communication from the field’s governing authority. Any rescheduling will be handled in the same way it is handled when the Games Commissioner of NYMWSL closes the fields under her jurisdiction. All parties, including the original home team, (in conjunction with the Games Commissioner) shall make every effort to secure an alternate field to play the game as originally scheduled. If any of the Secondary officers are members of one of the teams in question, they cannot grant permission to postpone or reschedule the game without the approval of a neutral Secondary officer. If said home team fails to comply with the above requirements and does not play the game, the postponement or reschedule may be rejected or denied, and said home team forfeits the game and will be subject to the appropriate penalties and fines.

2) If, due to circumstances beyond the control of said home team, its field(s) are unavailable, the game may be rescheduled. However, the manager of said home team must immediately contact the NYMWSL Games Commissioner (Primary) and League President, Vice President or League Commissioner (Secondary) to notify them of the circumstances and to obtain temporary approval for postponement or rescheduling of the game subject to said home team providing evidence satisfactory to the NYMWSL Games Commissioner that said field is and/or was unavailable due to circumstances beyond the control of said home team for the date and time of the scheduled game. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, written communication from the field’s governing authority. Any rescheduling will be handled in the same way it is handled when the Games Commissioner of NYMWSL closes the fields under her jurisdiction. If no evidence is provided prior to the scheduled event, the result is a forfeit by the home team (or the team providing the field). If the field is being used by other teams during the scheduled game time, both teams are required to wait at least 30 minutes until the field becomes available and are encouraged to make every effort to play even beyond the required 30 minute wait time. After at least a 30 minute wait, if the field is still not available, both teams shall notify the Games Commissioner and the home team shall forfeit the game unless sufficient and satisfactory evidence is provided in accordance with the above procedures.

(c) Once the referee arrives at the field, only the referee can decide if a game is to be canceled or postponed because of weather or field conditions.

(d) Subject to terms of Section V, Paragraph C4b2 and Paragraph C4l, if the game is called off by the referee at any time prior to the 76th minute of play due to weather or field conditions, the game will be re-scheduled and replayed in its entirety. If the game is called off by the referee after the 76th minute of play the score will stand at the time that the game is ended. If the game is abandoned as a result of misconduct, the game will be subject to the Protest Procedures set forth in Section VII.

(e) If the appointed referee fails to appear for the game, the Captains (or designated individuals) of the competing teams shall make every effort to agree upon another/neutral referee for the game (this person need not be officially registered). The neutral referee shall have all the powers and authority of an official referee and will be paid the regular referee fee, unless he/she declines the payment or referee fee. In such cases, the home team and referee (so agreed upon) shall furnish the Games Commissioner with a complete report, the players rosters and the final score within 48 hours of the completion of the game. He/she can penalize players with red or yellow cards and will be paid the regular referee fee, unless he/she declines to get paid. In such cases, the home team and the referee (so agreed upon) shall furnish the Games Commissioner with a complete report, the players' rosters and the final score within forty-eight (48) hours of the completion of the game. (this report shall contain full particulars about the game.) If the captains (or designated individuals) of the competing teams do not agree with each other after fair deliberation (approximately 10 minutes), then the following rule applies:

(f) Both teams must properly file for and request a reschedule, by forwarding a check for $75.00 (postmarked within three (3) business days of the game), to the Games Commissioner. Both teams must play on the make up date designated by the games Commissioner. Then the $75.00 fee will be refunded. No penalty will be imposed on either team.

(g) If only one team makes the properly filed request within the three (3) business days, then that team shall receive the three points (a 3:0 score), and their fee will be refunded. The other team will receive a forfeit (a 0:3 score) and a $75 FINE.

(h) If both teams fail to file for a reschedule they will receive a forfeit of the two (2) points and the game will not be rescheduled. Each team will be fined $75.00.

(i) In accordance with FIFA rules, only one person may referee a game. Once the game has started, if the game is being called by a mutually agreed upon Referee and the official Referee arrives, the already designated Referee will finish the game.

(j)

(1) If a team fails to appear at the field, without prior notification, for a league or cup game, they will pay $75 to the League ($50 go to the opposing team) and the full referee fee. Two points will be deducted from their standings. They will also be immediately suspended pending a hearing. If they give prior notification by noon on Friday, they will be fined forty-five dollars and two (2) points deducted from their standings. At this point they will be on notice and any future forfeit of any kind will result in an immediate suspension pending a hearing. Forfeits are cumulative over the course of the entire fall/spring season. If such suspension occurs, teams scheduled to play such team will automatically win the game by a score of 3:0.

(2) If a team knows in advance that they will forfeit, they must notify the Games Commissioner and the Manager or Coach of the opposing team and make arrangements to cancel the referee. If the Games Commissioner cannot be reached, then the President must be contacted. Leaving a message is unacceptable; the forfeiting team must communicate directly with at least one officer mentioned above. If the game is forfeited when it is too late to contact the referee, the forfeiting team must make arrangements to send someone to the field to pay the referee fee. The team that does show up is not responsible for this fee.

(k) A club or team using an unregistered player, or a registered player without a pass, will be subject to game forfeiture and all related penalties and fees ($75.00 and 2 points deducted from standings). If playing on a winning team, the game will be awarded to the opposing team with a score of 3:0. In case players of both teams are not registered or playing without a pass, both clubs will be subject to game forfeiture and all related penalties and fees ($75.00 and point deduction from standings). Both clubs lose the game by a score of 3:0. This forfeiture counts as a cumulative forfeit in the three-forfeit rule.

(l) Games shall under no circumstances be broken-off or terminated or shortened to less than 45 minute halves by one of the participating teams. If a team breaks off a game without permission of the referee, said team shall be penalized by losing the game 3:0. The offending team shall pay a seventy five ($75) fine and be responsible for the full referee fee.

(m)

(1) All teams must produce player's and coaches passes for referee inspection prior to the beginning of each game. The following rule regarding player’s passes will be enforced at the discretion of the State assigned referee. However, the game may be played so long as the team produces the passes for referee inspection at the conclusion of the game. If the passes are not presented by the games end, that team forfeits and is subject to all penalties and fees. This forfeiture does not count as a cumulative forfeit in the three forfeit rule. As per ENYSSA Rules, teams that do not use “official” ENYSSA issued line-up sheets will be fined $20 per game.

(2) Coaches from other teams can lend their pass. This coach must be present for the entire game unless an emergency or extreme hardship should occur.

(n) If a game has been played in its entirety, and afterwards, it is determined one of the teams broke a league rule and must forfeit as a result, then the opposing tam wins the game 3:0, and the forfeiting team is subject to all penalties and fees. This forfeiture does not count as a cumulative forfeit in the three forfeit rule. However, if the opposing team had won the game by a score higher than 3:0, then that team must keep the original score of the game.

5. Coaches:

(a) Coach registration - The coach of each team must be officially registered with the League with a supervisor pass in accordance with Section I of these General Rules and Regulations.

(b) Coaches must exhibit sportsmanlike behavior. During a game they are physically limited to the non-playing side of a touch line. They cannot enter the field of play without the referee's permission and cannot interfere or interrupt the game in any way. They are permitted to give polite instructions and encouragement to their players. They must show courtesy toward referees and League Officials.

SCORING POINTS AND TEAM STANDINGS

SECTION VI

A. Points to determine League standing shall be allocated as follows:

WIN 3 points

TIE 1 point

LOSS 0 points

FORFEIT -2 points

B. In the event of a tie in the final standings, the Games Commissioner will determine the standings by the following criteria:

1. Total game points.

2. Playoff games for teams tied for 1^st and 2^nd place in each division and for teams tied for last only in Division A.

3. For all other ties, the tie will be broken by head to head competition, then goal differential, then goals scored, then goals against.

C. No ties are permitted in play-off or championship games. If a play-off or championship games ends in a tie, two (2) equal overtime periods will be played. Total length of an overtime period will be thirty (30) minutes, comprised of two fifteen (15) minute halves. If at the overtime period, the score is still tied, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks in accordance with FIFA rules.

PENALTIES FOR MISCONDUCT

SECTION VII

A. PENALTIES:

The following are the penalties for players, coaches, assistant coaches and team managers:

YELLOW CARD PENALTIES

 

ONE YELLOW CARD: Caution

TWO YELLOW CARDS IN ONE GAME: Equal one red card (ejection field and game being played.) Any suspension from subsequent games will be based on the referee’s report and the discretion of the League Commissioner.

If a player or coach accumulates three yellow cards during a playing season, she/he will be suspended for one game. Yellow cards given in games when a red card was issued to that player are not to be counted.

RED CARD PENALTIES

CAUSE SUSPENSION* (determined by the League Commissioner)

Rough Play Up to one game

Insulting an opponent Up to one game

Assaulting an opponent Minimum two games

Insulting the referee Up to two games

Assaulting the referee Minimum two games

*All suspensions are in addition to the game in which the penalty was given. All Red Card suspensions carry at least a one game suspension. The player will be suspended from her team's next State sanctioned game or games (i.e. NYMWSL, STATE CUP or NATIONAL CUP).

If the disciplinary committee levies a fine against a player or a team, the fine must be paid in full prior to the team resuming the League play. If payment is not made the team will not resume play.

Coaching Staff ejections: If any member of the coaching staff/team management is ejected from the game, they must leave the park premises.

No yellow or red cards will be accumulated and the coach/manager will be allowed to be present at the next game as long as the ejection is not the result of violent conduct (in which case the League Commissioner will decide the penalty).

Teams will be notified of potential suspensions or disciplinary actions when the League Commissioner has the authority to issue the appropriate penalties and fees regardless of whether a formal protest has been registered.

RULE VIOLATION

If a team breaks a rule and it comes to the attention of the League Commissioner, the League Commissioner has the authority to issue the appropriate penalties and fees regardless of whether a formal protest has been registered.

B. PROTESTS:

1. A protest is the procedure for challenging the validity of a game for a violation of a League or FIFA rule.

2. All protests must be submitted by the team representative to the League Commissioner and the opposing team representative, confirmed in writing, within forty-eight (48) hours of the complained of event or upon receiving notice of the violation, not to exceed one calendar month from the date of the event. The letter of protest must cite the rule(s) that was violated and therefore contests the validity of the game.

3. The League Commissioner, or a member of the Disciplinary Committee (so designated), will obtain a copy of the referee's report of the game that is under protest.

4. When a protest is received by the Committee and a meeting is scheduled by the Committee to meet on the matter, the Committee shall inform all team representatives and parties involved, of the date and time of said meeting. Each team and / or party involved may have 1 or 2 representatives present at the Committee meeting, to testify and / or answer questions.

5. The Disciplinary Committee may initiate a protest based solely on the Referee's report.

6. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee will stand as final, without the right of appeal, in the last regularly scheduled game and in all play-off games.

7. The Disciplinary Committee will notify the League President and Team Representatives of the game under protests by overnight mail, facsimile or e-mail within forty-eight (48) hours of the decision of the Committee

8. The Disciplinary Committee shall adopt whatever procedure necessary for a full and fair disposition of the protest. Such procedure shall insure the right of the person or team which is the subject of the protest to respond to said protest. The Disciplinary Committee may caution, censure, suspend, and / or levy a fine against a League member or team. It may also dismiss the protest.

C. GRIEVANCES:

1. A grievance is a written complaint regarding the misconduct of a League member or team.

2. It is a tenet of this League to promote sportsman like conduct and fair play. Therefore, any League member may submit a written complaint to the Disciplinary Committee regarding the misconduct of another League member or team on or off the field. The complaint shall be filed within seven (7) days of the occurrence complained of and the results/decision must be reported by the League Commissioner at the next League Meeting.

3. The Disciplinary Committee shall adopt whatever procedure necessary for a full and fair disposition of the complaint. Such procedure shall insure the right of the person or team which is the subject of the complaint to respond to said complaint. The Disciplinary Committee may caution, censure, suspend, levy a fine against or take other action they deem appropriate against a League member or team. It may also dismiss the complaint.

D. APPEALS:

1. The following appeals procedure applies to both the appeal of a decision of the Disciplinary Committee in regard to a protest or a grievance.

2. All appeals must be submitted, in writing, by the appealing party to the League Commissioner. All appeals must be accompanied by a fifty dollar ($50.00) fee which shall be returned if the appeal is successful and may be returned by a vote of the League Council if the appeal is unsuccessful. The appeal must state the reasons the decision is being appealed. At the next regularly scheduled or specially convened meeting of the League Council, the League Commissioner shall inform the League Council of the circumstances which led to the decision being appealed, and the reason for the decision of the Committee. The appeal will be read to the League Council. The League Council will vote by majority to affirm or disaffirm the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. Members of the teams which are the subject of the decision and members of the Protest and Disciplinary Committee who participated in the decision must abstain from voting.

RULE CHANGES

SECTION VIII

A. Rule changes will be voted on and approved by the League Council only at the Annual Meeting of the New York Metropolitan Women's Soccer League.

B. The rule changes that are voted in and approved at the Annual Meeting will take effect at the beginning of the League's following/Fall soccer season.

C. The text of any proposed rule changes shall be suggested and circulated to the League Council/Member during the soccer season and prior to the League Council's vote at the Annual Meeting.

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I: PRESIDENT

The President of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Committee.

- Serve for a term of one year

- Preside at all League meetings

- Appoint and disband, in her sole discretion, any and all special committees necessary to execute League business

- Replace individual committee members

- In the event of a tie, make the deciding vote

- Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees

ARTICLE II: VICE PRESIDENT

The Vice President of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Perform all duties of the President in her absence

- Succeed to the office of the President if that office becomes vacant during the President's term

- Serve as Select Team Committee Chairperson

- Coordinate recruitment and correspondence with potential new teams.

- Serve as mentor to new teams in the League.

ARTICLE III: SECRETARY

The Secretary of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Record the minutes of all League Council meetings

- Keep the records of the League

- Maintain all records necessary for the League and update them monthly

- Revise Constitution, Rules and By-Laws when changes are made at the Annual meeting and distribute new copies to all members before the beginning of the Fall season.

- Attend to all correspondence

- Serve written notices to all team representatives relative to the business of the League

ARTICLE IV: TREASURER

The Treasurer of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Collect all fees, moneys and have charge of all money and financial matters of the League

- Present all bills at the monthly meetings for approval for payment or ratification by the League Council

- Pay all bills properly passed upon by the League Council

- Present a budget for anticipated annual League expenses for approval by the League Council at the first meeting of the Council following the annual meeting.

- Keep a detailed account of income and expenditures of the League which shall be available to the President at any time.

- Give reports at Regular Meetings and written reports at the Annual Meeting.

- Send report by email on monthly basis.

ARTICLE V: LEAGUE COMMISSIONER

The League Commissioner of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Be responsible for the supervision of all play

- Notify the Team Representative of the team or teams in question, of the decisions of the Disciplinary and Protest Committee concerning forfeitures, suspensions and any other League Constitution, By-Laws or Game Rules and the name of people who were present and voted, including the tie breaker.

- Serve as Chairperson to the Disciplinary and Protest Committee

- Responsible for sanctioning players who receive yellow and red cards.

ARTICLE VI: GAMES COMMISSIONER

The Games Commissioner of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Be responsible for scheduling games and obtaining field permits for regularly scheduled, playoff and tournament games sponsored by the League

- May, with the concurrence of the President or League Commissioner, grant postponements or cancellation of any League game on the grounds of extreme hardship or necessity

- Notify the Team Representative(s) of the team(s) in question and the Referee Commissioner of the postponements, cancellation or forfeitures of League games, including scheduled playoffs and tournament games scheduled by the League

- Shall determine the acceptability of all fields in accordance with FIFA rules

- Be responsible for maintenance and inventory of all League field equipment (i.e. flags, nets, lining machines, supply of lime)

- Schedule games based on criteria established by the League Council in a fair and unbiased manner so as to balance field access for all teams.

- Assign preferential field location to home teams only based on the Home Field Seniority List established by the League Council.

ARTICLE VII: TRUSTEE

The Trustee of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Serve in an advisory capacity in recognition of their dedication and willingness to maintain a high quality of soccer competition for women.

The number of Trustees in combination with all other League elected officials shall not equal or outnumber the number of votes held by the team representatives on the League Council

ARTICLE VIII: REGISTRAR

The Registrar of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year

- Be responsible for the administration involved in registering, activating and deactivating players

- Be responsible for maintaining all team rosters

- Hold all passes of deactivated players

- Compare passes with team rosters from time to time

- Be accountable to the League Council

- In situations when the Registrar is unavailable due to an emergency, he/she has the authority to appoint an alternate Registrar in Manhattan and must notify the League of this appointment.

- Keep an accurate, up to date record of player loans for A and B Division teams, as well as an accurate accounting of player movement (loans, activations and deactivations) for clubs with A and B teams.

ARTICLE IX: REFEREE COMMISSIONER

The Referee Commissioner of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year.

- Shall be responsible for obtaining referees for all regularly scheduled, playoff and tournament games sponsored by the League

- Serve as a liaison to all referee regulatory bodies.

- Serve on the Disciplinary and Protest Committee.

- Responsible for keeping track of red and yellow cards and communicating these to the League Commissioner and to the team representatives.

- Responsible for keeping track of injuries for insurance purposes

- Responsible to notify the state assignor of any cancellation game due to weather conditions at any time.

- Responsible to notify the state assignor of any forfeit by Friday.

ARTICLE X: EASTERN NEW YORK STATE AMATEUR SOCCER ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

The League's Eastern New York State Amateur Soccer Association (ENYSASA) Representative shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year.

- Represent the League in all functions involving the ENYSASA

- Report back to the League Council on a regular basis

- Delegate his/her responsibility to an alternate in his/her absence.

ARTICLE XI: PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

The Public Relations Officer of the League shall:

- Be an elected official and a voting member of the League Council

- Serve for a term of one year.

- Be Chairperson of any special Fundraising Committee (created by the President)

- Initiate correspondence for fundraising and community relations purposes, when appropriate

- Report to the League Council any and all moneys collected as a result of special Fundraising Committee activities, or fundraising correspondence

- Present a financial report at the League Annual Meeting of the previous year’s fundraising efforts.

- Be responsible for keeping track of League scores and standings every week and if possible report them to any available soccer publications

- Represent the League in all other capacities with any Soccer publications

- Communicate with other media for the benefit of the League.

- Be responsible for appointing a staff and coordinating the publication of no less than three Newsletters per year.

- Must forward all communications to the League to all clubs/teams at least twice a month. All new players information must be forwarded to all clubs every Monday.

- Must respond to all communications on behalf of the League.

ARTICLE XII: CLUB/TEAM REPRESENTATIVE(S)

The Club/Team Representative to the League shall

- Be elected or appointed by her team.

- Shall be a voting member, who shall exercise one vote on the League Council.

- Serve for a term of one year.

- Represent her team in all League business.

- Delegate her responsibility to an alternate in her absence.

- Report back to her team on a regular basis.

- Notify the Games Commissioner and Publicity Officer of the results of League Games within 24 hours of the games' completion.

- Two people represent their team, they have the option of splitting their vote.

- An undesignated team representative may attend and vote in a League meeting only if she/he has notified the Secretary or President that she/he will attend, prior to the start of the scheduled meeting.

- If a team representative is not present at a League meeting, he/she is responsible for contacting the Secretary, President, or the Vice President (in that order) within one (1) week of the meeting to obtain an update of all business discussed.

- If the team does not have a minimum of seven players and must forfeit the game, the team representative must notify the referee commissioner by email as evidence and by telephone call no later than 6pm Friday.

ARTICLE XIII: ALTERNATE TEAM REPRESENTATIVE

The Alternate Team Representative to the League shall:

- Be elected or appointed by her team.

- Serve for a term of one year.

- Perform all duties of the Team Representative in her absence

ARTICLE XIV: MEMBER:

A Member of the League shall:

- Include all elected officials and registered players of the League and all League team coaches

- Be responsible for acting in accordance with the League By-Laws, Certificate of Incorporation, General Rules and Regulations and all League Council decisions.

ARTICLE XV: LEAGUE COUNCIL

The League Council shall:

- Consist of elected officials and Trustees, each of whom are entitled to one vote, and all Club/Team Representatives, each of whom are entitled to one or two votes (see Article XIII)

- Serve as the NYMWSL's Board of Directors.

- Hold an Annual Meeting in accordance with the Constitution.

- Elect by secret ballot the President and all voting League officers at the Annual Meeting.

- Transact all business of the League.

- Have the power to enforce the laws of the game, rules of the ENYSASA, USSF, FIFA and the League Constitution, By-Laws, General Rules and Regulations.

- Hear appeals to confirm or veto the decisions of the Disciplinary and Protest Committee.

- Have the authority to call a special election at the next monthly meeting to fill any elected office except that of the President, Team Representative and Alternate Team Representative which becomes vacant.

- Be called at the discretion of the President at a time and place appointed by her or at the request of any three League Council members.

ARTICLE XVI: REMOVAL

Any member of the League Council shall be required to resign following a vote of no confidence in her ability to remain in office. One third of the League voting members must petition for such a vote. The petition must be submitted in writing to the League Council, which will in turn, review the petition and forward copies of the same to all voting members within five (5) days of receipt of such petition. The vote of no confidence must be passed by a three quarters (3/4) majority of all League members present and voting, after all League members have been given fifteen (15) days written notice of such pending petition. A quorum must be present.

ARTICLE XVII: QUORUM

A majority of the votes of the League Council shall constitute a Quorum at League meetings and a majority of votes represented shall decide all questions except those involving amendments to the League Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations and or the removal of officers. Amendments to the Constitution, Rules and Regulations and/or By-Laws may be made at the Annual Meeting in July by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the voting membership present, provided all voting members have been given ten (10) days written notice of the meeting and a written copy of the proposed changes. A quorum must be present. Removal of officers shall be in accordance with Article XVII.

ARTICLE XVIII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES

The following Standing Executive Committees shall be formed:

A. Disciplinary and Protest Committee shall:

- Be chaired by League Commissioner

- Be composed of the League Commissioner, a minimum of one Trustee of the League, the Referee Commissioner and two members of the League appointed and confirmed by the League Council. However, no two persons on the Committee may be from the same team except the League Commissioner and the Referee Commissioner.

- Hear all valid and duly processed protests and grievances

- Disqualify all interested members of the Committee from hearing that case.

- The president shall not vote, but the president must be present to make sure the committee members do not violate any rules and regulations.

- The teams involved in the protest must be notified of the members who participated in the Protest Committee

- The League Commissioner shall be responsible for recording the proceedings of each hearing and shall vote only in the case of a tie.

- If all Committee members are interested members and therefore disqualified, then by an ad hoc committee to be formed by, first, the President, or if she is interested, the Vice President.

- The Disciplinary Committee members in an appeal shall be different than those who voted in the original protest.

B. Select Team Committee shall:

- Be chaired by the Vice President

- Be composed of the Treasurer, the Games Commissioner, three registered members of the League and the appointed coach after he/she is selected by the previously named members. No two persons on the Committee may be from the same team, except for the appointed League Officers and the appointed coach.

- Appoint a coach and select a team no later than the first week of Spring Season.

- Research possible tournaments in which such team can represent the League.

- Present a budget for the League's approval by no later than the March meeting.

Coach eligibility:

1. A NYMWSL Coach or

2. A new coach recruited specifically for this team whose sole responsibility will be the Select team.

The team:

- Will consist of no more than 18 players (2 goal keepers and 16 field players).

- Must represent the best that NYMWSL has to offer. If players who try out do not meet standards required to compete against select or top teams from other Leagues or States, the Committee has the right to put the team on hold until such players try out. Players will not automatically make the team because not enough people tried out.

- Will meet for practice or scrimmages at least once every two months and at least twice before a tournament.

- Will compete in at least two tournaments per year (outside of our League), which do not conflict with regularly scheduled League Games, in addition to the ENYSASA Select Tournament ( assuming that the Select Team Budget gets approved by the League in March).

Tryouts:

Players will be selected as follows:

1. When registered, players will be asked if they are interested in trying out. They will fill out a form, and the appointed coach will watch them during League games.

2. The appointed coach will observe League games and invite players to try out.

3. NYMWSL Coaches can recommend players to the appointed Select Team Coach

4. Open tryouts will be held is necessary.

The Select Team has priority over any NYMWSL Team who registers to play at the same tournaments. Both teams are allowed to compete at the same tournaments, but Select Team players must play with the Select Team. League Teams have the option to go without these players.

ARTICLE XIX: AUDIT

The League Council shall present at the Annual Meeting a financial report as required pursuant to the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law Section 519.

ARTICLE XX: RESIGNATION OF A TEAM

Resignation of a team from this League shall not be accepted unless the team is in good standing.

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the NEW YORK METROPOLITAN WOMEN'S SOCCER LEAGUE (NYMWSL), and it will be known as the "League" for all purposes hereinafter set forth. It was founded on March 27, 1978, under the name New York Women's Soccer League. The founder teams were the Meteors, Super F., New York Women's Soccer Club, H.B. Kickers and the Hurricanes. The headquarters of this League shall be within the five boroughs of New York City and all general meetings shall be held there.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this League shall be to promote and maintain a high quality of amateur (ENYSASA) soccer competition for women, especially in the Northeastern United States.

ARTICLE III: AFFILIATION

This League shall be directly affiliated to and comply with the authority of the Eastern New York State Amateur Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation, and shall represent all its members in both the Eastern New York State Amateur Soccer Association and in the United States Soccer Federation.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Any properly constituted team/club, as defined below, may become a member of the League if all requirements for membership are met, and the League through a majority decision of the Executive Committee, find that such membership would be in the best interest of the League and soccer in general. All applications for membership shall be sent to the Registrar accompanied by team name, name, address and telephone number of the team manager and a $150.00 deposit on team cost for the coming season, which shall be refunded if the team's application is not approved. All new teams will also be required to post a bond for an additional $150.00 once they are accepted in the League. Such bond will be refunded at the end of the season only if the team has not forfeited any games during the year.

a. A properly constituted team shall be defined by the GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS.

b. Each member team/club in good standing shall at any League General Meeting have two (2) votes on any given issue brought before the membership at the meeting.

c. New Teams/clubs must deposit a $150.00 fee in the League's Treasury on or before the Annual Meeting. No deposit is necessary for new additional teams belonging to an existing club.

d. A member team/club not on the playing schedule for the current season will be considered inactive. Inactive teams may remain in the League as associated members upon payment of a $100.00 expense fee per year. Each such team shall have no voting power. No additional guarantee fees shall be required from inactive teams.

e. Teams/clubs which transfer their membership from other leagues to this League shall be required to present a written release by their former league.

f. In case two member teams/clubs merge to form one new team/club, the merged team/club shall be responsible for all obligations incurred to the League under these rules by both old teams.

ARTICLE V: JURISDICTION

This League shall have jurisdiction over all member club/teams, fields, players and coaches affiliated within. Each member club/team and player, and coach will adhere to the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of this League and will comply with its authority.

ARTICLE VI: VOTING

The League shall be governed by the teams constituting the members. Each team shall be represented by two duly appointed delegates, which shall be listed as the Official representatives on the team roster. Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote. In order for a team to get two votes, both delegates must be present. Delegates will only be entitled to vote on behalf of their team. A delegate may be changed only by the submission of written notification signed by a majority of the team players. A list of official delegates will be retained by the Secretary of NYMWSL and only the listed delegates will be entitled to cast votes for their team. The official delegates may designate a substitute by giving prior oral or written notice to any member of the Executive Board as defined below. No delegate will be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one (1) team.

ARTICLE VII: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND BOARD

A. The Executive Officers shall constitute the Executive Board. The Executive Officers shall be elected for a term of one (1) year and may succeed themselves in office. All offices may be held by anyone who is currently or previously affiliated with a NYMWSL team (ie player, coach, manager). Elections will be held at the Annual meeting in July. The Executive Board, whose duty shall be to transact the business of this League, shall consist of:

- President

- Vice President

- Secretary

- Treasurer

- League Commissioner

- Games Commissioner

- Trustee(s)

- Registrar

- Referee Commissioner

- ENYSASA Representative

- Public Relations Officer