League Rules
League Rules , Constitution and By Laws (updated as of July 2018)
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.
Per USSF Policy 601-5, Section 6, a player may register with the gender team with which the player identifies, and confirmation sufficient for guaranteeing access shall be satisfied by documentation or evidence that shows the stated gender is sincerely held, and part of a person’s core identity. Documentation satisfying the herein stated standard includes, but is not limited to, government-issued documentation or documentation prepared by a health care provider, counselor, or other qualified professional not related to the player.
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:
The above shall be submitted by each team to the Registrar at a reasonable time and place set by the Registrar. Or an alternative to the above, an online registration process may be acceptable under terms and procedures established by NYMWSL, ENYSSA and/or USSF.
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 the week of the second-to-last game of the season. Players must be registered by May 15th in order to compete in State Cup semi finals/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 or loan any player above the 30 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:
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. A players that is deactivated during the Fall season (due to injury, travel, medical or other reasons deemed valid by the League), may be re-registered with the same team in the Spring for one third of the registration fee.
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 thirty (30) 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:
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:
D. All new teams must start in the lowest division.
E. Player Transfers:
ENYSASA and League roster deadlines shall apply to all player loans, transfers and registrations. A player transfer is defined as the deactivation and subsequent re-registration of the same player with a different team.
F. 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, four (4) 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. Visiting team shall also provide four (4) game balls to be used only after home team balls are no longer available. 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. The home team will be responsible for field setup (nets, lines, corner flags, etc). Failure to do so, as noted on the referee report, will carry a fine as identified in Appendix I.
(b) The field must be ready for play by the scheduled game time as determined by the referee. Add that a team cannot decide to change their home field for no reason. Once a game is assigned a field at the beginning of the season, it should not change unless there is a hardship (the League will decide if hardship is valid) and must give the other team 7 days notice minimum. Teams with own fields must submit their field (with a permit) before the final schedule is published, otherwise, the Games Commissioner has the right to use any unused League fields for those games.
(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 fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled starting time. If within said fifteen (15) 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 two (2) or more players on a team disregarding the uniform rules, said officer shall inform the team manager or coach that a report shall be made to the League. At the first such reporting of a team, a $10 fine shall be imposed, and will double it with each subsequent offense ($10, then $20, then $40, then $80 and so on)
(c) Each uniform shall consist of a jersey, shorts, knee socks and soccer cleats or training shoes. Jersey tops, shorts and socks must be substantially similar in color and style. 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 or playoff games, if there is a conflict in uniform color, it is the responsibility of the away team to change. During non-league games (ie State Cup or National Cup), please check the rules for the competition. The away team must contact the home team before the game to confirm in writing which color they are wearing. If the home team wears a different color than the one they reported and there is a conflict, the away team shall not be penalized.
4. Scheduling, Postponement and Cancellation of Games:
(j)
(1) If a team fails to appear at the field, without prior notification, for a league or cup game, they will pay a Forfeit – Level 2 fine (as per Appendix 1) to the League ($100 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 6 pm on Saturday, they will pay an Early Forfeit Fee (as per Appendix 1) 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 a Forfeit – Level 1 fine and have 2 points deducted from their point 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 a Forfeit – Level 1 fine and have 2 points deducted from their point 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 be subject to a Forfeit – Level 1 fine and be responsible for the full referee fee.
(m)
(1) All teams must produce players’ and coaches’ passes for referee inspection prior to the beginning of each game. If a team cannot provide their player passes within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled start time, the game shall be recorded as a forfeit and subject to all applicable penalties and fees. League Council, at its sole discretion, may grant an exception to this rule for circumstances of extreme hardship. However, teams must petition in writing for said exception within the first twenty-four 24 hours of game time and be prepared to provide adequate evidence. As per ENYSASA Rules, teams that do not list all participating players on an “official” ENYSASA issued line-up form (or an approved equivalent) and submit to the referee will be fined for each occurrence as per Appendix I.
(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 said rule specifies the game must be forfeited, then the opposing team 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 and submit a valid state coaching pass to the referee prior to the start of the match. 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
1ST FORFEIT -2 points
2ND FORFEIT -3 points
B. In the event of a point tie in the final standings, the Games Commissioner will determine the standings by the following criteria:
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. At end of regulation time, should time constraints or field circumstances warrant, both teams may mutually agree to skip overtime and go straight to penalty kicks to determine the winner as per above.
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 NYMWSL sanctioned game or games. Rules, sanctions and/or suspensions for non-league competitions shall be governed by the jurisdictional authority responsible for said competition (i.e. 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:
C. GRIEVANCES:
D. APPEALS:
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.
APPENDIX 1 – Schedule of Dues, Bonds, Fees, Fines & Awards
Including but not limited to the following items:
DUES:
Annual Dues (ENYSASA) |
$100.00 |
Annual Dues – Active Teams (NYMWSL) |
$100.00 |
Annual Dues – Inactive Teams (NYMWSL) |
$100.00 1st year $300.00 2nd year $500.00 3rd year and beyond |
BONDS:
New Team Performance Bond |
$300.00 (half refundable after conditions above are fulfilled) |
All bond money shall be held by the League on account until all commitments are fulfilled, then only the principal shall be released to the respective team. Any accrued interest shall be retained by the League. Should a team forfeit its bond for any reason, the value of said bond shall be retained by the League as liquidated damages.
FEES:
State Cup Fee |
$50.00 |
National Amateur Cup |
TBD |
Registration per Player |
$30.00 |
Player Pass |
$5.00 |
Deactivation Fee |
$4.00 |
Loan Fee |
$15.00 / Player per Game |
Lineup Sheet Fee |
$2.00 |
Coach Pass Fee |
$5.00 |
Referee Fee (Div A) |
$65.00 |
Referee Fee (Div B) |
$60.00 |
Assistant Referee |
$40.00 each |
Appeal Fee (NYMWSL) |
$75.00 |
Appeal Fee (ENYSASA) |
$250.00 (non-refundable) |
FINES:
Missed League Meeting (Failure to Appear – without notice) |
$10.00 ($50 for annual meeting) (Incremental increase of $10 for every subsequent meeting within a season) |
Forfeit – Level 1 (Notice by 6:00p of Prior Evening) |
$100.00 + Full Referee Fee |
Forfeit – Level 2 (No Advance Notice) |
$200.00 + Full Referee Fee ($100 goes to attending team) |
Failure to Use ENYSASA Lineup Form (1st offense) |
$100.00 |
Failure to Use ENYSASA Lineup Form (2nd offense) |
Forfeit – subject to all fines, penalties and rules in this regard |
Intentional Use of Unregistered Player |
$200.00 |
Use of Eligible Players Without A Pass |
$50.00 |
Violation of Uniform Rule |
First offense $10, 2nd $20, 3rd $40 (keep doubling) |
Failing to Use Alternative Uniform |
$100.00 |
Returned/Bounced Check Charge |
$50.00 |
Failure of Teams to comply with game day responsibilities (GAME RULES – SECTION V – C. – 1.) |
$50.00 |
AWARDS:
|
A Division |
B Division |
Regular Season – 1st Place |
$500 + Trophy |
$400 + Trophy |
Regular Season – 2nd Place |
$300 + Trophy |
$250 + Trophy |
Regular Season – 3rd Place |
$200 + Trophy |
$150 + Trophy |
The League will reimburse teams up to $100 for transportation costs to teams who travel to a far away field and the game is forfeited. Teams must provide receipts in order to
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.
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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 Annual Dues – Inactive Teams as identified in Appendix 1 of NYMWSL Rules and Regulations. 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
B. In order for a NYMWSL Member to run for President, such Member must have served a minimum of one term as a member of the League Council.
ARTICLE VIII: ANNUAL MEETINGS
The Annual meeting of the League shall be held on the second Monday of each July. Attendance is mandatory for each member team subject to a $50 fine for failure to appear. The order of business shall be as follows:
- Roll call and vote accreditation
- Reading of the Minutes of last Annual meeting
- Unfinished business
- Reports of Chairman of Standing Committees
- Report of Auditing Committee
- Amendments to Constitution, Rules and Regulations, and By-Laws
- Discharge of past Executive Board
- Election of new Officers - Secret Ballot
- New Business
- Adjournment
ARTICLE IX: REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular League Meetings shall be held on the second Monday of the following months: August, September, February and March. However, unscheduled meetings may be called from time to time by the League Council to discuss or conduct such business matters as may become necessary. Attendance is mandatory for each member team subject to fine(s) for failure to appear. Fine(s) for failure to appear shall be assessed in accordance with Appendix 1 of NYMWSL Rules and Regulations. A quorum as defined below must be present to transact business. The order of business shall be as follows:
- Roll call and vote accreditation
- Approval of minutes of prior meeting
- Presentation of reports
- Old Business
- New Business
- Adjournment
A meeting of the Executive Officers shall be held on the second Monday of the following months: October, November, April, May and June. Attendance is not mandatory. Meetings may be attended by representatives of any NYMWSL team provided the League President is informed in advance and the meeting is not declared a closed meeting. Official League business may be transacted at Executive Officer Meetings, however permanent policy changes must be ratified and approved by a quorum at the next League Meeting. Executive Officer Meetings shall keep recorded minutes to be distributed at the next League Meeting, with the exception of closed meeting minutes, which shall be distributed at such time as deemed appropriate by a vote of the Executive Officers.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution 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 the 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.
ARTICLE XI: QUORUM
Fifty (50%) percent of the League voting members, in good standing, shall constitute a quorum.
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. Omitted Intentionally
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.
ARTICLE XXI: SELECT TEAM
Purpose:
First – to encourage sportsmanship and unity throughout the League by providing an opportunity for registered League players from different teams to compete together at a higher level.
Second – to promote the League by showcasing the League’s talent and competitiveness.
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 at such time as becomes necessary.
- 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).
- Shall endeavor to 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.
- Shall endeavor to meet for practice or scrimmages at least once every two months and at least twice before a tournament.
- Shall endeavor to 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:
All players registered with the League are eligible and will be selected as follows:
1. Registered League players may be asked if they are interested in trying out. They may fill out a form, and the appointed coach may watch them during League and/or State Cup games.
2. The appointed coach may observe League and/or State Cup games to identify and invite players to try out.
3. NYMWSL Coaches can recommend players to the appointed Select Team Coach
4. Open tryouts will be held as 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.
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
B. In order for a NYMWSL player to run for President, such player must have served a minimum of one term as a member of the League Council.
ARTICLE VIII: ANNUAL MEETINGS
The Annual meeting of the League shall be held on the second Monday of each July. Attendance is mandatory for each member team subject to a $50 fine for failure to appear. The order of business shall be as follows:
- Roll call and vote accreditation
- Reading of the Minutes of last Annual meeting
- Unfinished business
- Reports of Chairman of Standing Committees
- Report of Auditing Committee
- Amendments to Constitution, Rules and Regulations, and By-Laws
- Discharge of past Executive Board
- Election of new Officers - Secret Ballot
- New Business
- Adjournment
ARTICLE IX: REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular League Meetings shall be held on the second Monday of the following months: August, September, February and March. However, unscheduled meetings may be called from time to time by the League Council to discuss or conduct such business matters as may become necessary. Attendance is mandatory for each member team subject to a $25 fine for failure to appear. A quorum as defined below must be present to transact business. The order of business shall be as follows:
- Roll call and vote accreditation
- Approval of minutes of prior meeting
- Presentation of reports
- Old Business
- New Business
- Adjournment
A meeting of the Executive Officers shall be held on the second Monday of the following months: October, November, April, May and June. Attendance is not mandatory. Meetings may be attended by representatives of any NYMWSL team provided the League President is informed in advance and the meeting is not declared a closed meeting. Official League business may be transacted at Executive Officer Meetings, however permanent policy changes must be ratified and approved by a quorum at the next League Meeting. Executive Officer Meetings shall keep recorded minutes to be distributed at the next League Meeting, with the exception of closed meeting minutes, which shall be distributed at such time as deemed appropriate by a vote of the Executive Officers.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution 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 the 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.
ARTICLE XI: QUORUM
Fifty (50%) percent of the League voting members, in good standing, shall constitute a quorum.