Grand Traverse Soccer League

Rules and Policies

Establishment

The following Rules, Regulations and Policies are the standing rules of the Grand Traverse Soccer League (GTSL). GTSL is a division of NorthStar Soccer Inc and a member league of Michigan State Youth Soccer (MYSA) which is a member of US Youth Soccer, which is a member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). USSF is the national association member for the United States of the international organization for soccer called FIFA or the Federation Internatiode Football Association.

Amendments

The rules, regulations and policies of this organization as now established and as hereafter amended may be altered, repealed or new rules, regulations and policies may be adopted at any time in lieu thereof by a majority of the board of directors then in office.

Pleas of Ignorance

A plea of ignorance to the bylaws and these rules, regulations and policies is not sufficient, and violators may expect appropriate action by the board of directors of this League.

Matters not provided for Any matters not provided for in these rules shall be determined by the GTSL board of directors.

Seasonal Year

The seasonal year of this League shall begin on August 1 and end on July 31 of the following calendar year.

Administration

Notice of Meetings

A complete regular meeting schedule shall be posted on the GTSL Club calendar located on the league website.

Budget

The annual budget for the fiscal year will be approved by the Board of Directors.

Refunds.

We understand that life happens, and there may be a time when you will need to drop from the program. If you drop prior to the start of the season or camp (first day of practice or game or camp whichever is earlier), We will gladly refund your registration fees less a $15.00 processing fee. After the season has started (first day of practice or game or camp whichever is earlier) there are no refunds.

Player Registration, and Team Affiliation Requirements

Age Limit Definition

Youth Player.

The term "youth player" shall mean an amateur player who has not attained his or her nineteenth (19th) birthday before the first day of August preceding the Seasonal Year in which he or she applies for registration.

Attaining Age Limit.

Players attaining the limited age for any age group on or after August 1 will be eligible to play for the full seasonal year 8/1 to 7/31.

Roster Limit

No roster may exceed the maximum roster limit for the specific age levels as dictated by MSYSA

Age Groups.

All member organizations, unless otherwise sanctioned by the board of directors, shall divide play among teams as listed below. Age divisions shall consist of players who on the first day of August preceding the current seasonal year, are:

Under 19 years Under 14 years Under 9 years

Under 18 years Under 13 years Under 8 years

Under 17 years Under 12 years Under 7 years

Under 16 years Under 11 years Under 6 years

Under 15 years Under 10 years Under 5 years

Legal Proof of Age.

A birth certificate, passport, driver's license, board of health records, certificate of naturalization, or alien registration card shall be sufficient for proof of age, except in those competitions which specifically state otherwise.

Maintaining Youth Eligibility

A. A youth player who has reached age 17 by August 1 of the seasonal year may be permitted to play an unlimited number of senior games without losing youth eligibility if the Youth Participation Forms are approved by GTSL/MSYSA.

B. Any youth playing for a senior club without GTSL/MSYSA approval shall be declared ineligible for youth games.

C. Any youth team using an ineligible player shall forfeit all games in which that player took part under the forfeiture provisions of Rule for Ineligible or Improperly Registered Player.

D. Reinstated Player. A reinstated player shall mean a player who has been reinstated to an amateur youth status.

Date of Registration.

A player is registered the moment the player and his/her parent or guardian (if the player is under 18 years of age) signs the member organization player registration form, submits online registration and has submitted GTSL player fees on line or to a responsible team/ lleague official.

Registration and Transfer Cut-off Dates.

The GTSL and MSYSA board of directors may set cut-off dates for player transfer for each playing season or seasonal year. Transfer and registration dates will be posted on the league calendar.

Proper Registration Procedure.

1. All players are required to submit a properly completed League player online registration form. The submittal of a league player registration form acknowledged by the player and his/her parent or guardian (if the player is under 18 years of age) and GTSL player fees binds that player to that team for the seasonal year unless granted a release. (see Player Release, Transfer, and Dual Registration”)

2. Each team shall be required to submit to the league officer various forms as may be required for the operation of the GTSL League and MSYSA and pay all dues, fees, or fines that may be levied by the League or MSYSA.

3. A registered player shall be committed to a team for a full seasonal year. Once registered and in the absence of mitigating circumstances, a player must remain with the same team until the completion of the spring session. Any attempt to induce a player to change teams for either the current or the following seasonal year prior to the end of the seasonal year shall be deemed poaching and in violation of the rules.

4. Payment is due at time of registration; on line by credit card or by mailing a check directly after registering on line. Players whose registrations are not paid in full will not be issued a player passcard, thus rendering them unsanctioned to play or practice until which time payment in full is recieved and pass card is issued.

Permission to Travel

Teams that wish to travel out of Michigan to play games must request permission from the MSYSA in accordance with procedures detailed in the US Youth Soccer Travel and Tournament Manual. The MSYSA/GTSL board of directors may establish additional requirements.

Permission to Host Foreign and Interstate Teams

Teams that wish to host teams from another state or another country must request permission from the MSYSA in accordance with procedures detailed in the US Youth Soccer Travel and Tournament Manual. The board of directors may establish additional requirements.

Team Play Level Progression

The team progression recognized by GTSL is as follows: Rec, Travel, Select, Premier, MRL, and Super Y. Teams/Clubs must have a history of playing success at their current level to be recommended to move to the next level. Single teams and new clubs will not reach the MRL and Super Y levels. These levels are for long standing successful clubs.

GTSL Recreational

Rec teams are formed by open registration with teams being filled in order of registration. Accommodations may be made to enable a coach’s child to be on that team, and geographic considerations may be considered. Players may be moved amongst teams to even out playing ability, but may not be moved to create a stronger team.

GTSL Travel

Travel teams are Rec teams, formed by open registration, that have chosen to play Rec teams from other area leagues outside their home league.

GTSL Select

GTSL Select teams are formed by official, organized, published, open tryouts with the results being based primarily on objective and measured examination of player skill.

The Grand Traverse Soccer League will sponsor a select team into a one of the MSYSA Select or Premier Leagues. This team is also then able to compete in any of the state, regional, or national tournaments it applies for entry into and is accepted.

What is required to be a GTSL Select team?

You must submit your intentions on becoming a select team to GTSL and state your age group offering and tryout date(s) no later than April 1st.

This must include:

Age group in which the team will play, sex (no co-ed select teams), date(s) of tryout(s).
Team’s Head Coach(s) copies of their licensing & current approved Risk Management card.
GTSL Select coaches must hold a USSF “E", or an NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma (Effective 2011 -2012)
GTSL Premier Level Coaches must hold a USSF National "D" or NSCAA National Diploma

Team formation:

Select teams will be formed via tryouts. These tryouts will be open to all players that meet the age and sex restrictions of that team. Selections will be made based on the results of measured and ranked activities in which players receive numerical scores based on their abilities in a variety of categories. Copies of these evaluation forms must be sent to the League office.

Age eligibility:

Players may play up a maximum of 2 age divisions. A team is restricted to the age division they may compete in (either league play or tournaments) by the age of the youngest member of that team. (i.e. a U14 team cannot play in a U15 age bracket if that team has a U12 player on its roster.)

League play:

It is your responsibility to research the requirements for entry into a particular league. Leagues throughout the state have a variety of requirements that must be met in order to play in their league. Requirements range from minimum coaching licenses for the team’s head coach to geographical restrictions on where games will be played. GTSL will not compile application paperwork nor will it guarantee acceptance into any league. GTSL will only sign when necessary completed applications for play in Select or Premier leagues.

All teams playing in league competition outside of GTSL are subject to that leagues promotion and relegation rules and requirements. Teams are also responsible for any additional league fees associated with their league(s) of choice.

GTSL sponsorship payments will only be made after satisfactory receipt of funds.

Teams without fields provided by a sponsoring association for practice and matches are required to use GTSL to negotiate any field usage agreements. All subsequent usage and administrative fees associated with a field usage agreement must be covered by the team.

Single Event Tournament Teams Rosters and Passcards

GTSL does allow for single specific event- Tourney teams rosters to be created providing the following;

All players and coaches that will be on the Tourney roster are currently registered GTSL players.

Cost is $15.00 per player and per coach

All Coaches must have a current MSYSA Risk Mgmt Card

Please send the following items and information;

Check made payable to GTSL
Ste #212 W 14th St Traverse City MI 49684
Full Name of players and current GTSL Team
Full Name of coaches and current GTSL Team
Tourney Team Name and Age
Tourney Attending and date of event
Name and address of where Tourney roster is to be mailed to.
GTSL will produce MSYSA Tourney Roster and passcards for the specific event.

Please allow 10 days for processing

NOTE : These rosters they are not valid for league play, they only have to align with the rules of tournaments they are participating in. You'll only need to abide by the roster rules of the tournament(s) for max roster size and player counts.

GTSL Tournament teams are teams formed via any player selection method (i.e. invitation, demonstrated skill levels, or expressed interest) for a specific event or tournament. A tournament roster will be created for a per player fee and per coach fee and is valid for that specific event only. This roster is not eligible for use in league play.

Insurance

Player’s Medical Insurance.

All players registered with the League shall be required to file medical insurance claims with their primary insurance company prior to filing medical claims with the State Association.

General Liability Insurance.

All members shall provide GTSL a list of fields used for games and

practices with the owner and the addresses which will be registered with MSYSA by a specified date and time as determined by the MSYSA board of directors.

Risk Management

The GTSL will follow the MSYSA program and procedures for RISK Mgmt to ensure the safety of its members. The Risk Management Program will meet certain minimum criteria established by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The program will include the use of an MSYSA Risk Management sponsored program employee/volunteer disclosure statement for all volunteers, employees, coaches and program administrators who are involved with any approved or sponsored program of GTSL or of an affirmed member organization.

Player Release, Transfer, Dual Registration

Voluntary Release

means the removal of a player from a team’s roster at the request of the player or parent/guardian. A voluntary release will be granted if:

a. The original team suspends operations for the remainder of the seasonal year or,

b. The player moves to a new address, a distance which in the opinion of the board of directors, would make it

impractical for him/her to continue with the original team or,

c. There are mitigating circumstances, which in the opinion of the board of directors justify a release.

Involuntary Release

means the removal of a player from a team’s roster at the request of team authorities. An involuntary release will not be granted if the parent/player signatures do not appear on the MSYSA Release Form and will be granted only if the player is unable to play for one of the following reasons:

a. The player has violated rules of this Association and has been suspended for a period greater than five (5) games or, b. The player is injured in such a manner that the player will not be able to participate for the remainder of the season or,

c. The player moves to a new address, a distance that in the opinion of the board of directors would make it impractical for him to continue with the original team and has demonstrated an inability to continue in participation on the soccer team.

In any of the above cases, where a player seeks a voluntary release or a member organization official seeks to involuntarily release a player, a MSYSA Player Release Form must be completed by the player and/or a member organization official and have the appropriate signatures. The form, with appropriate fees, must be submitted for approval to MSYSA.

Once a player is released from a team he/she is eligible to apply for a player transfer. Once the player transfer is approved, that player may register with another team in a MSYSA recognized member organization. However, obtaining a player release does not guarantee the player a roster spot on another MSYSA team, nor is player transfer guaranteed.

GTSL /MSYSA Player Transfers.

1. A player may apply for a player transfer once they have been granted a player release.

2. All player transfers must be approved by GTSL before MSYSA will consider approving the transfer. Application for a player transfer must be made to the MSYSA on the required Player Transfer form.

4. The new team must have a spot on their roster to accept the transfer player.

5. During any seasonal year a team may have no more than three (3) transfer players on their roster.

8. Player transfers will not be permitted by GTSL or MSYSA during the months of May, June, September and October.

GTSL Player Transfers.

1. A player may transfer teams once they have been granted a player release.

2. The current team and new team must approve the transfer before GTSL will consider approving the transfer. Application for a player transfer must be made in writing and include approvals from each teams coach.

3. Player transfers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Dual Rostering.

A player may register with up to two (2) teams per seasonal year. Cost is 40.00 per player, 20.00 MYSYA Fee and 20.00 GTSL Fee.

1. The MSYSA dual registration form must be completed with appropriate signatures and fees sent to GTSL before GTSL will consider approving the dual registration.

2. A player may not play for more than one (1) team in the same competition (meaning tournament, cup, etc). A player must play on the primary team in the MSYSA State Cup.

3. In all cases of dual rostering involving a Midwest Regional League team (MRL), the MRL team must be the primary team.

4. In all cases of dual rostering involving a Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP) team and a non-MRL team, the MSPSP team must be designated as the primary team.

5. In all cases of dual rostering involving a GTSL team the Premier/Select/ or travel team will always be the team that is designated as the primary team and thier schedule and commitments will always be primary.

6. An individual player may NOT dual roster on a MRL team and a MSPSP team. An individual player may NOT dual roster on a GTSL/MSPSP Premier team and a GTSL Select team.

7. If the coaches of the two (2) teams disagree on the designation of the primary team, the player may not play until the issue has been resolved via a decision from the GTSL directors.

8. A dual rostered player shall be issued two (2) US Youth Soccer passcards, one (1) for each team. Players are registered to those teams for the full duration of the soccer year 8/1 to 7/31.

9. Players must attend primay teams events as scheduled in order for thier dual rostering to stay valid. Players are not allowed to "choose" which team they will play for as the first condition of dual rostering dictates that the player is responsible for meeting all the obligations and attending the events of the primary team as thier first priority.

10. Any player who registers for a team without informing GTSL, MSYSA and the responsible team official that they already registered with another team shall forfeit all games for both teams for the time period that the player has not obtained the approved dual registration form from GTSL/MSYSA.

11. Dual registrations will not be permitted by GTSL/MSYSA during the months of May, June, September and October, unless a hardship case exists or upon review of the board of directors.

Poaching

Any club or team which, through its responsible officers or representatives,

A. Attempts at any time prior to June 15 of any seasonal year to induce a registered player (or their parent or guardian) of any team under the jurisdiction of this Association to leave their team before the end of the current season; or

B. Attempts at any time prior to June 15 of the seasonal year to induce the player to leave their team for the following seasonal year shall be deemed to have committed a poaching offense and shall be dealt with by the Grand Traverse Soccer League and or MSYSA board of Directors.

Tryouts

All MSYSA players for the fall and/or spring season of the seasonal year may not be held before June 15 of the preceding seasonal year. For high school age boys teams playing only in the spring session, tryouts may be held from June 15 until the start of high school practice and after the high school season ends in the fall. Leagues, clubs or teams affiliated through member organizations having tryouts prior to June 15 and/or charging any type of fee for tryouts are not eligible for any MSYSA sponsored events.

Registered players on high school age girl’s teams who play only during the fall season with GTSL, an MSYSA affiliated member organization, are expected to play in tournaments and cup games with the team to which they are rostered through June 30 of the seasonal year or until granted a proper transfer or release. If a fall season girls team disbands or suspends play for the spring season because a majority of the team is playing high school spring sports, those players wishing to play on another GTSL or MSYSA affiliated team in the spring season shall not be considered transfer players. All tryouts for teams for the GTSL must be announced on the web site.

Rules of Play

Rules of play for youth shall be the "Laws of the Game," as published by FIFA. Modifications, as permitted for local associations and youth soccer, shall be published. All contests sanctioned by this Association shall abide by the "Laws of the Game," and the modifications as published by this Association.

Modifications

Players U5 to U12 shall play by the Modified Rules for Small Sided Games as published by US Youth Soccer unless modified herein. Effective July 31, 2008

Field of Play

General Field Conditions.

The field of play shall be reasonably flat, grassy fields, free from structures which may endanger the players. The field must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. The home team will be responsible for the condition of the grounds, the proper field markings and proper equipment. Nets and corner flags are recommended. Goals are required to be properly installed. Moveable goals must be anchored. The game will not be permitted to start if the movable goals are not anchored. (Refer to documents: U.S. Consumers Product Safety Commission Guidelines for Movable Goal Safety available on our website at www.michiganyouthsoccer.org or at U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Field Dimensions.

The following indicates field dimensions by age group.

Age Field Size Length Width

U13- U19 Required 100-130 yards 50-100 yards

U11-U12 Recommended 70-78 yards 45-55 yards

U9-U10 Recommended 45-60 yards 35-45 yards

U7-U8 Recommended 25-35 yards 20-30 yards

Length of Games and Size of Ball

The length of games and the ball size shall be as follows:

Age Length of Game Over Time Periods Ball Size Half Time Periods

U17-U19 2 – 45 minute halves 2 – 15 minute halves Size 5 5 to 10 minutes

U15-U16 2 – 40 minute halves 2 – 15 minute halves Size 5 5 to 10 minutes

U13-U14 2 – 35 minute halves 2 – 10 minute halves Size 5 5 to 10 minutes

U11-U12 2 – 30 minute halves 2 – 10 minute halves Size 4 5 to 10 minutes

U9-U10 2 – 25 minute halves None Size 4 5 to 10 minutes

U7-U8 4 – 12 minute quarters None Size 3 2 minutes between quarters,

5 minute halves

U5-U6 4 – 8 minute quarters None Size 3 2 minutes between quarters,

5 minute halves

Substitutions

The number of substitutions shall be unlimited unless competition under MSYSA jurisdiction determines otherwise. Substitutes may not enter the field of play until receiving a signal to do so from the referee and must do so at the half line. Substitutions may be made by either team at the following times:

A. Prior to a throw-in, with the following exception: If the team taking the throw-in does not substitute then substitution is prohibited.

B. Prior to a goal kick.

C. After a goal is scored.

D. After an injury, when the referee stops play.

E. At half time.

F. After a Caution (a Yellow card), the carded player(s) may be substituted, and if substituted, the opposing team may substitute a like number of players.

Player Equipment

Player equipment shall consist of a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings, footwear and shin guards. Shin guards are mandatory. Shin guards are covered entirely by the stocking, are made of suitable material, and shall be properly sized to provide a reasonable degree of protection.

Uniforms

With the exception of the goalkeepers, opposing teams shall be differentiated from each other. Goalkeepers must wear colors that differentiate them from the field players.

Home Team Responsibilities

A. If both teams wear uniforms that are of the same or similar colors, the home team must effect a change to colors that are distinct from those of the opponent if requested by the referee.

B. The home team shall be responsible for the condition of the grounds, the proper field markings, and proper equipment. Goal nets and corner flags are recommended.

C. The home team shall be responsible for providing a game ball.

D. In the event the referee declares the condition of the grounds improper, the game is to be rescheduled. The home team will pay the referee fees for the cancelled game.

Player Passcards

A. If required all players shall present to the referee their player passcards before the start of the game. B. All passes are to be returned to the player or coach after the referee has completed the team check in.

C. Should a player misplace their card, the player shall be permitted to play in the game. However, the player shall be open to "Challenge" by the coach of the opposing team.

1. If a coach desires to challenge, the coach shall notify the referee and the opposing coach that the player is under "Challenge" (not to be confused with Protest) prior to the start of the game.

2. The player(s) being challenged shall give their name, signature, and date of birth to the referee, who shall note this information on his "Game Report." The referee shall make this information available to the coach making the challenge at the conclusion of the game.

3. The challenging coach shall then contact the League registrar for verification that the challenged player(s) is properly registered within 72 hours.

4. If the registrar's records show the player is properly registered, the matter is finished. If the player is not properly registered, the forfeiture provisions of Rule 4.10 Ineligible or Improperly Registered Player apply.

Ineligible or Improperly Registered Player

A. Any team playing a player, who is ineligible, whether accidentally, intentionally, or otherwise, shall forfeit the game(s) in which that player takes part and may face further disciplinary action by the League, or MSYSA’s board of directors, depending upon the nature of the violation.

B. In case of forfeiture, the score shall stand 3-0 against the forfeiting team.

Coaching from the Sidelines

Coaching from the sidelines, giving directions to one's own team on points of strategy and position, is permitted provided:

A. No mechanical devices are used;

B. Tone of voice is informative and not a harangue;

C. No coach or substitute or player is to be anywhere except on the sidelines between the top of the penalty area and the half field mark during the game.

Team Benches

Teams shall take opposite sidelines for their benches. Home teams have choice of preferred sidelines. Parents and spectators must take the same sidelines as their respective team, unless the facility prevents otherwise. It will be the responsibility of each team’s officials (coach, assistant coach or manager) to educate and see that their fans or spectators behave in a proper and respectful manner.

Misconduct

Coaches and other team officials shall be subject to all rules pertaining to misconduct contained herein and as published by the USSF, including cautions, ejections, and standard suspensions. Any coach or team official shall be held responsible for the actions of any individual(s) who violate these rules and who in the opinion of the disciplinary authority, is a supporter of that

team.

Miscellaneous

Activities.

Income

Except for employees or authorized contractors and subcontractors, no private individual, corporation, contributor, or member of this League may be granted or paid any income or interest from the assets or funds of this League.

Non Profit

The accomplishment of its purpose and exercise of its powers by the League shall be in conformity with the requirements of the Nonprofit Corporation Act, Mich. Comp. Laws Sect. 450.2108(2), (Mich. Stat. Ann. Sect. 21.197 (108)(2).

GTSL Division

GTSL as a Division of NorthStar Soccer, Inc shall maintain its tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.

Gifts.

The board of directors, the president, or any person expressly so authorized by the board of directors may accept gifts on behalf of the League for the general purposes of the League, but no conditional contribution, gift, bequest or devise and no contribution, gift, bequest or devise for a purpose more restricted than the general purposes of the League shall be finally accepted without prior approval of the board of directors.

Investments.

The League shall have the right to retain all or any part of any securities or other property acquired by it and to invest and reinvest any funds held in it, according to the judgment of the board of directors, without being restricted as to the class of investments to be made, provided that no action shall be taken on behalf of the League if that action is a prohibited transaction or would result in denial of tax exemption under Section 503 or 504 of the Internal Revenue Code or the Regulations there under as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.

Professional Status

Definition. Any player signing a "letter of intent," a professional contract, or playing with a professional team without the permission of the board of directors shall be declared a professional. Play with Professionals. Only the GTSL and MSYSA board of directors along with the Michigan High School Athletic Association may grant a youth amateur permission to play in benefit or exhibition games where professional players are involved.

Loss of Youth Status. No player who has signed a "letter of intent," a contract, or played in any game where professional players are involved without the permission of the board of directors will be permitted to be reinstated to a youth amateur status.

Discipline Policies

Types of Discipline

1. GTSL will follow the discipline policies as set by MSYSA and the USSF. All decisions made by the Discipline Committee will be binding unless overturned by a higher authority. Failure to abide by the decisions of the Committee, even if an appeal has been filed, shall be grounds for discipline by the League’s board of directors

Discipline and Appeal Filing Procedure

A. Types of Discipline and Appeals. The MSYSA discipline and appeals committee shall only hear appeals from decisions of lower authority, cases concerning referee assault, or matters referred by the board of directors.

Line of Authority.

The line of authority for an appeal is:

1. GTSL;

2. MSYSA discipline and appeals committee;

3. The line of authority as specified by the United States Soccer Federation.

Grounds for Appeal.

Appeals must be in writing, either on forms specified by the MSYSA or providing the

information requested on such forms, and describes in detail the grounds for the appeal.

Appeal Fee and Time Limit.

The written appeal must be mailed within ten (10) days of the receipt of a written

decision from a lower authority and must be accompanied by all supporting documents and by the $250.00 fee in the form of a money order or cashier's check.

Loss or Return of Fee.

The appeal fee paid by the prevailing party will be returned; however, the fee shall not be

returned if the appeal is denied.

Decline to Hear Appeal.

Authorities responsible for hearing appeals may decline a hearing if:

1. The appeal does not pertain to the original protest or the decision of a lower authority;

2. The appeal is filed by a party other than the original parties to the protest/appeal.

Timeliness of Response.

At all levels of the appeals process, if a decision is not reached within thirty (30) days of receipt of the written appeal, the party filing the appeal may submit the appeal to the next higher level and the appeal fee submitted will be applied to the next level.

Status of Decisions.

All decisions at all levels of the appeal process shall stand and be in full force and effect until changed by a higher authority. I. Ultimate State-level Authority. Decisions of the MSYSA discipline and appeals committee shall be binding unless the decisions are overturned by a higher authority. Failure to abide by decisions of the committee shall be grounds for disciplinary action by the MSYSA board of directors.

Disciplinary Rulings, and Minimum Punishments

(All Sections listed below are minimums)

A. Minimum Penalties. The league may choose to apply more stringent punishments than those listed below. Reasons for such actions include multiple infractions, persistent infractions by the same team, history of infractions. Certain infractions will be referred directly to the MSYSA board as per their policy.

B. Player Fighting. A player guilty of fighting before, during or after games shall receive a two-game (2) suspension.

C. Player Profanity. A player guilty of using profanity, either by word or sign, against another player, coach, spectator, or any member organization official shall receive a minimum two-game (2) suspension.

D. Player Threats. A player guilty of making threatening gestures against another player, coach, spectator, or any member organization official shall receive a minimum two-game (2) suspension. Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm. Such remarks as “I’ll get you after the game” or “You won’t get out of here in one piece” shall be deemed referee abuse. (See Appendix USSF Policy 531-9).

E. Player Striking Official. A player guilty of pushing or striking any coach, or any member organization official shall receive a minimum one-year (1) suspension.

F. Misconduct toward a Referee. Any player, coach, manager, or official committing some misconduct as defined by USSF Policy 531-9 shall be dealt with in accordance with that policy. Reporting procedures are included in the policy.

1. Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting on bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment.

2. Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: Using foul or abusive language toward a referee; spewing any beverage on a referee’s property; spitting at (but not on) the referee; or verbally threatening a referee.

3. Referee assault involves physical contact with the referee, or the referee’s uniform or personal property.

G. Coach Threats. Coaches or team officials who make threatening gestures or use threatening language to other players, coaches, or any member organization officials shall be disciplined according to the following schedule:

First Time:

Minimum two-game (2) suspension.

Second Time:

The offender shall appear before the GTSL and or MSYSA board of directors and be suspended for a minimum of four (4) games.

Third Time:

The offender will be suspended for not less than one (1) year.

H. Misconduct of Spectators. Any other individual who may be reasonably construed to be associated with a team, such as relatives and supporters, shall also be subject to the jurisdiction of this Association.

1. Assault or abuse of a referee by a spectator. If an individual who supports a team abuses or assaults a referee, such action shall be deemed loss of control by the coach and other team officials. Upon receipt of a report of an assault or abuse of a referee by a spectator, the chairperson of the discipline and appeals committee, or their designate, will form an ad hoc committee composed of the chairperson (or their designate) and two (2) individuals on the MSYSA board of directors who are not members of the member organization(s) involved in the case. The chairperson will perform a preliminary investigation and disclose the results of the investigation to the ad hoc committee. The ad hoc committee will determine if there is enough evidence to sustain a charge of assault or abuse. If not, no action will be taken. If there is enough evidence, a letter will be forwarded to the team informing them of the requirement to post a cash bond up to $1,000 with the MSYSA. After receiving written notification of the requirement for a bond, the team shall have forty-eight (48) hours to post the bond with MSYSA. Failure to remit that bond to this Association shall place that team temporarily under suspension and not in good standing. Any games missed or games played after the forty-eight (48) hour period but prior to the posting of said bond will be considered forfeit.

2. The matter will be referred to the discipline and appeals committee for a complete investigation and hearing. Said hearing will be conducted with the same procedures established for hearings conducted for assaults of referees by players, coaches or other team officials. After hearing all the evidence the discipline and appeals committee may return the bond if the charges prove untrue; may continue the bond for a period of time not less than one (1) year; may increase the amount of the bond to a maximum of twice the amount of the original bond; or may reduce the amount of the bond; depending on the severity of the offense.

3. If a second such offense occurs involving any supporter of the same team within a period of two (2) years, the amount of the bond shall be doubled. The original bond, if still in effect, will be forfeited.

4. If a third such offense occurs involving any supporter of the same team, the team shall be suspended from all competition under the auspices of the MSYSA. Provisions will be made to prevent the reforming of the same team members with a new team name.

5. The MSYSA shall return the bond at the end of the period determined by the discipline and appeals committee.

Misconduct Toward Game Officials -- USSF Policy 531-9

Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after the match, including travel to and from the match. Misconduct may occur also at later times when directly related to duties of a game official as a referee. GTSL follows the process and procedures as stated in USSF Policy 531-10 – Misconduct of Game Officials

Glossary

For the purpose of interpretation, these definitions are offered but are not meant as rules themselves.

1. Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Soccer’s world governing body is the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The delegates of the association of France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland signed the articles of foundation. In 1905 the English Football Association enrolled in FIFA along with Scotland, Wales and Ireland. FIFA is comprised of each country’s national soccer associations and is responsible for promoting and organizing the

game of soccer throughout the world. FIFA also determines the basic playing “Laws of the Game.” Those laws are available from the Federation in a special booklet. Today more than 150 million people throughout the world play soccer and in a given year up to 1 million referees officiate more than 20 million matches. FIFA governs all aspects of

the game.

2. United States Soccer Federation, Inc (USSF) United States Soccer Federation , Inc (USSF) is the national governing body for all levels of soccer in the United States. It was formed in 1913 and affiliated with FIFA the following year. U.S. Soccer is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as provided in the Amateur Sports Act of 1978. The constitution, rules, policies, and procedures of the Federation have evolved over a period of time to govern the game of soccer and protect the interests of all participants, players, officials, administrators, clubs, and member organizations, national states associations, and the Federation. Therefore, they must be accepted and observed by all members of the Federation until changed in accordance with the procedure provided.

3. United States Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (USYSA; U.S. Youth Soccer) United States Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (USYSA; US Youth Soccer) is the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). US Youth Soccer is a non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.

Beginning in 1974, US Youth Soccer has always been recognized as a leader in youth sports organizations. Through a democratic structure, the membership of US Youth Soccer is able to provide uniform rules and guidelines. These guidelines facilitate intra-state, inter-state and international play. The national administration of US Youth Soccer is conducted by a nine member board of directors consisting of a chairman, vice chairman, secretary, treasurer, and four regional directors, and a member at large. Each of these board members is elected into office by delegates from the 55 member State Associations. A tenth position that of past president is held by the past president for a single term of two years. The US Youth Soccer membership is divided into four regions, each with a director elected to the board of directors. The regions are essentially East (Region I), Midwest (Region II), South (Region III) and West (Region IV). Each State Association has a board of directors, elected by delegates from their member organizations, clubs or teams.

4. “National State Association” means an affiliated member association of US Youth Soccer representing all clubs, member organizations, teams, players, coaches, and administrators, within the territory assigned to the National State

Association by the USSF National Council. The administrative body within the territory determined by the National Council to carry out the Federation’s programs for amateur youth or amateur adult players or both.

5. “Amateur Sports Act” means the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act (chapter 2205 of title 36, United States Code).

6. “Appeal” means a procedure to be followed which provides that such matters be resolved on as low an organizational level as possible. This process is for disputes outside the decisions made by a referee on the field during the course of a match.

7. “MSYSA” means Michigan State Youth Soccer Association which is a National State Association. 8. “board of directors” or “Board” means the board of directors of MSYSA

9. “Club” means an organization that is a member (directly or indirectly) of MSYSA that has identifiable membership of youth soccer players on whose behalf the organization conducts or engages in youth soccer activities for one (1) or more soccer teams usually playing within a geographic area.

10. “District” means a geographical subdivision of the State of Michigan

11. “League” or “member organization” a structured group of 4 or more teams joined for the

purpose inter-team play under a common set of administrative rules.

12. “League team” means a team that participates in regularly scheduled member organization play.

13. “Protest” means a complaint about field or referee qualifications prior to the start of a game, or the misapplication of rules or procedures during a game.

14. “Standing Rules” means rules, regulations and policies of Michigan State Youth Soccer Association.

15. “Team” means a group of soccer players playing on the same side in soccer games.

16. “Youth player” means an individual who has not reached 19 years of age prior to August 1 immediately before the start of any seasonal year. A player who reaches 19 years of age during a seasonal year is allowed to complete that seasonal year. A player who reaches 19 years of age during August of one (1) seasonal year shall be allowed to complete all of the next seasonal year.

17. “USOC” means the United States Olympic Committee that is the corporation established under the Amateur Sports Act to oversee all amateur athletic activity in the United States.

18. A. “Game Officials” includes the following:

1. All currently registered USSF referees, assistant referees, 4th officials or others appointed to assist in officiating in a match.

2. Any non-licensed, non-registered person serving in an emergency capacity as a referee (See section 2 of Policy 531-8).

3. Any club assistant referee.

4. Any referee development program person performing any official function at a match

B. “Referee Development Program Person” includes any referee, referee administrator, referee assessor, referee instructor, referee assignor, or other person serving in such capacity in a line or supervisory position, including members of any referee committee appointed by the Federation, its Divisions, Affiliates or Associates, a State Association, or a competition, tournament or other appropriate authority.

Regional Divisions

Affiliated Leagues

Grand Traverse Soccer League

Rules and Policies