23 AUG 05
|
Constitution, By-laws and General
Rules 23 AUG 05 |
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I. NAME
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
ARTICLE III. AFFILIATIONS
ARTICLE IV. BOUNDARIES
ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE VI. PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
ARTICLE VII. JURISDICTION
ARTICLE VIII. GOVERNING BODY
ARTICLE IX. QUORUM OF TEAMS
ARTICLE X. EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE XI. POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE XII. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
ARTICLE XIII. ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETINGS
ARTICLE XIV. ORDER OF BUSINESS
ARTICLE XV. TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS
ARTICLE XVI. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XVII. DISSOLUTION
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
ARTICLE II. DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
ARTICLE III. DUTIES OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY
ARTICLE IV. DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF THE REGISTRAR
ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OF THE FIELD COORDINATOR
ARTICLE VII. DUTIES OF THE LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS
ARTICLE VIII. REMOVAL OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE IX. ABSENCES
ARTICLE X. ELECTIONS
ARTICLE XI. DISBURSEMENT PROCEDURES
Article XII. FUNCTION AND PROCEDURE OF THE DISCIPLINE AND PROTEST COMMITTEE
ARTICLE XIII. LEAGUE STRUCTURE
ARTICLE XIV. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
GENERAL RULES
SECTION I. PLAYING YEAR
SECTION II. LEAGUE STRUCTURE
SECTION III. DIVISIONS
SECTION IV. STANDINGS
SECTION V. REGISTRATION
SECTION VI. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION VII. TEAM REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION VIII. UNIFORMS
SECTION IX. POSTPONEMENT OF GAMES
SECTION X. FORFEITS
SECTION XI. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
SECTION XIII. AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL RULES.
ARTICLE I.
NAME
The name of the organization shall be the “Houston Women’s Soccer Association”
and shall be known as “HWSA” for all purposes hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE II.
PURPOSE
The purpose of HWSA shall be to promote and maintain a high quality of amateur
soccer competition for women, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation,
disability, color or creed.
ARTICLE III.
AFFILIATIONS
This Association shall be directly affiliated to and comply with the authority
of the Texas State Soccer Association South (TSSAS), the United States Amateur
Soccer Association (USASA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and
consequently with the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA)
and shall represent its members in the TSSAS.
ARTICLE IV.
BOUNDARIES
The boundaries of this Association shall be the area generally considered
Houston and the surrounding areas. This Article is not intended to grant
exclusive jurisdiction to women’s soccer within said boundaries.
ARTICLE V.
MEMBERSHIP
Any properly constituted team within the boundaries of this Association may
become a member of HWSA if all requirements for membership are met and HWSA
finds that such membership would be in the best interests of soccer.
A. “Properly constituted team” shall be defined by the current
season’s playing rules.
B. Each team in good standing shall at any Association general
meeting have one vote on any given issue brought before the membership.
C. Each team shall have an official team representative and an
alternate team representative. An Executive Officer may serve as an official
proxy for their team’s representative.
D. All teams not registered for membership in the previous playing
year must submit a non-refundable fee of $50.00.
ARTICLE VI.
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
A. Understand and obey the laws of the game.
B. Regard the laws of soccer as mutual agreements — the spirit or the
letter of which no one should try to evade or break.
C. Accept decisions of the officials without dissent.
D. Play the game fairly and honestly.
E. Show respect for opponents and officials.
F. Exercise discipline in controlling one’s temper and language.
Fighting, threatening behavior, abusive actions, profanity, pushing, and
striking are offenses that cannot and will not be tolerated by HWSA, whether
they occur before, during, or after the game.
ARTICLE VII.
JURISDICTION
This Association shall have jurisdiction over all teams, players, officials and
referees affiliated with HWSA. Each member team, player and coach shall adhere
to the Constitution, Bylaws and General Rules of HWSA and shall comply with its
authority.
ARTICLE VIII.
GOVERNING BODY
This Association shall be governed by its members. The governing body shall
consist of the Executive Board and the official representatives from each
team in good standing.
ARTICLE IX.
QUORUM OF TEAMS
Fifty percent (50%) of HWSA teams in good standing shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE X.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
A. The Executive Board shall consist of the following:
President Elected
at last fall meeting
Vice President Elected at
last spring meeting
Recording Secretary Elected at last
fall meeting
Treasurer Elected
at last spring meeting
Field Coordinator Elected at last
fall meeting
Registrar Elected
at last spring meeting
B. The above officers shall be elected by ballot by the team
representatives to serve for a one-year term. Their term of office shall begin
at the close of the general meeting at which they are elected. They may succeed
themselves in office. Only one elected position may be held by an individual.
C. The following are also members of the Executive Board:
League Commissioners appointed by the President
D. All unpaid members of the Executive Board have full voting
privileges.
ARTICLE XI.
POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
A. Interpret and enforce the rules of the TSSAS, USSF, FIFA, and the
Constitution, Bylaws, and General Rules of HWSA.
B. By a two-thirds vote of all officers, recommend to the voting
members that a team’s or player’s membership be revoked where its activities are
not in accordance with HWSA’s purpose as set forth in the Constitution
C. Hear and rule on appeals of decisions of the Disciplinary and
Protest Committee
D. Review complaints of a general nature regarding individual players
or teams
E. Approve all written contracts of HWSA
F. Represent HWSA at community and public functions
G. Fill any elected office which becomes vacant until the next
general meeting
ARTICLE XII.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
Executive Board meetings may be held at the discretion of the President at a
time and place specified by her (or him) or at the request of any three Board
members. Fifty percent (50%) of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE XIII.
ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETINGS
Association general meetings shall be held at least six times per playing year.
General meetings may be called by a majority of the Executive Board or by a
minimum of twenty percent (20%) of HWSA membership. A quorum must be present to
transact business. Each officer and team must be notified of each meeting.
ARTICLE XIV.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Roll Call
Approval of the minutes of the last meeting
Reports of Officers
Reports of Committees
Unfinished Business
New Business
Announcements
Adjournment
Votes may be accredited at the presiding officer’s discretion.
ARTICLE XV.
TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS
A majority of HWSA represented shall decide all questions except those involving
amendments to the Constitution, removal of officers (vote of no confidence), or
certain parliamentary procedures as dictated by Roberts’ Rules of Order Newly
Revised.
ARTICLE XVI.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
Amendments to the Constitution may be made at any general or special meeting by
an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership present,
provided that all the voting members have been given a written or electronic
copy of the proposed changes at least 21 days prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE XVII.
DISSOLUTION
In the event that HWSA is dissolved, its net assets shall be distributed to bona
fide non-profit organizations as directed by the Board. No part of such funds
shall inure, or be distributed, to the members of HWSA.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I.
DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
A. Preside at all Association meetings,
B. Appoint all committees, except as noted below,
C. Create new committees and disband old committees as needed,
D. Vote only to make or break a tie,
E. Serve as an ex-officio member of any committee.
ARTICLE II.
DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
A. Perform all duties of the President in her or his absence,
B. Succeed to the office of the President if that office becomes
vacant during the President’s term,
C. Serve as Chairman of the Disciplinary and Protest Committee,
D. Notify team representatives of game forfeitures and/or temporary
suspensions for violations of HWSA Constitution, Bylaws or General Rules which
specify such action,
E. Maintain necessary records of insurance claims.
ARTICLE III.
DUTIES OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY
A. Record the minutes of all HWSA meetings,
B. Maintain all records necessary for HWSA and its officers,
C. Distribute minutes of general meetings at or before the next
general meeting,
D. Attend to all correspondence, and
E. Serve notice to all teams representatives and officers relative
to the business of HWSA.
ARTICLE IV.
DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
A. Collect and have charge of all fees and monies of HWSA,
B. Keep a current, detailed account of income and expenditures of
HWSA,
C. Give a report at general meetings,
D. Submit a final status report of the entire fiscal year at the
first general meeting after the close of the playing year,
E. Prepare all necessary information for an external audit as
needed,
F. Pay all bills approved by the Executive Board,
G. Be responsible for filing all required forms with the Internal
Revenue Service regarding HWSA’s non-profit status, and
H. Serve as chairman of the Budget Committee.
ARTICLE V.
DUTIES OF THE REGISTRAR
The Registrar shall be responsible for the registration of all players and have
charge of all team rosters and player registrations.
ARTICLE VI.
DUTIES OF THE FIELD COORDINATOR
The field coordinator shall act as HWSA’s primary representative in securing and
maintaining fields for Association play. Executive Board approval will be
obtained before entering into binding agreements with field owners or lessees.
ARTICLE VII.
DUTIES OF THE LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS
A. Keep team standings within their respective leagues,
B. Create the season schedule, supervise play and advise players
within their leagues,
C. Serve as liaison between HWSA’s contracted referee assignor and
their respective leagues in order that suitable referees are scheduled for all
games, including makeup games,
D. Reschedule league games,
E. Accept protests and grievances, along with the appropriate fees,
from teams and players in their respective leagues,
F. Keep a permanent record of players receiving yellow and red cards
in their leagues,
G. Process travel permits for teams participating in non-TSSAS
sanctioned tournaments.
ARTICLE VIII.
REMOVAL OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
A. Any member of the Executive Board shall be required to resign her
or his office following a vote of no confidence,
B. The procedure for the removal of a member of the Executive Board
shall be as follows:
1. A petition of 20 percent (20%) of HWSA team
representatives must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board,
2. The Executive Board shall forward copies of the
petition to all official team representatives and the affected Board member
within ten (10) days of receipt,
3. All Association team representatives must be
given ten (10) days written or electronic notice of the vote on the pending
petition,
4. A vote of no confidence shall be taken at the
next regularly scheduled meeting, provided that the ten day notice requirement
has been met and a quorum is present. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all HWSA team
representatives present shall be required for removal,
5. Written or electronic notice of the outcome of
the vote shall be sent to the affected Board member within ten (10) days.
ARTICLE IX.
ABSENCES
A. BOARD MEMBERS.
Board members shall be allowed only two unexcused absences per term from any
regular or special Association meetings and Executive Board meetings. The
validity of any excuse shall be determined by the Executive Board. Upon the
third unexcused absence, the board member will be automatically removed from
office.
B. TEAM REPRESENTATIVES.
Each team must be represented at each Association general meeting. Teams not
represented must pay a ten dollar ($10.00) fine to HWSA before they may vote
again.
ARTICLE X.
ELECTIONS
All officers of HWSA except the league commissioners shall be elected by
majority vote of team representatives in good standing who are present at the
election meeting. Nominations from the floor will be accepted up until the time
of the election provided that the nominee has given her or his consent. In the
event of more than one candidate for an office, election for that office shall
be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE XI.
DISBURSEMENT PROCEDURES
All accounts belonging to HWSA shall be maintained with the double signature
requirement of any two Executive Board members and/or committee chairs. No funds
over the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be disbursed without prior
approval of HWSA team representatives. Expenditures approved in the HWSA budget
shall be exempt from this provision.
Article XII. FUNCTION AND PROCEDURE OF THE DISCIPLINARY AND PROTEST COMMITTEE
A. Composition
The Disciplinary and Protest Committee shall consist of not more than seven
members, all of whom shall be appointed by the Executive Board. The Vice
President, although not a member, shall serve as chairman. Members will serve
for a term of one year.
B. Duties
The committee shall decide the validity of any protests or grievances and impose
disciplinary sanctions as necessary.
C. Members
The members of the HWSA Disciplinary and Protest Committee may not belong to the
Executive Committee.
D. Restrictions
The members of the HWSA Disciplinary and Protest Committee may not sit on the
committee if the case being dealt with concerns themselves, players, officials,
or any other members of the club to which they belong.
E. Quorum
Meetings shall be conducted by the chairman. The committee is valid with a
quorum of at least two members, plus the chairman. In exceptional cases, the
chairman may, however, designate a member as his substitute, thus assigning his
powers to him.
F. Decisions
The committee shall take its decisions by a simple majority of votes of the
members present. No member may abstain from voting. If an equal number of votes
are recorded, the chairman shall have the deciding vote.
G. The committee may uphold, overturn, or amend a protest or
grievance that has been lodged. It shall not be bound by the petition from the
parties concerned. A decision may be amended to the disadvantage of the party
lodging the protest or grievance.
H. Entitlement to appeal
Any club, player, official or member directly affected by a decision of the
Disciplinary and Protest Committee shall be entitled to appeal. Any appeal must
be submitted to the HWSA Executive Board within ten days of notification of the
decision by the Disciplinary and Protest Committee. Appeals must be filed in
writing with the President of the HWSA and be accompanied by a fifty-dollar
appeal fee. The Executive Board shall affirm, revoke, or amend a decision of the
Disciplinary and Protest Committee. Decisions of the Executive Board may be
appealed to TSSAS and then through the USSF under their respective appeal and
protest policies and procedures.
I. Protest or Grievance – Definition
A protest is a formal expression of dissent related to the outcome of a game. A
grievance is a formal expression of dissent not related to the outcome of a
game. Both individuals and teams have the right to file protests and grievances.
J. Protest or Grievance – Basis
A game may only be protested for the following reasons; a referee’s breaking a
Law of the Game; a team playing an ineligible or suspended player; or a
suspended coach being present and coaching the team. No protest or grievance may
be made against the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play,
such decisions being final.
K. Protest or Grievance - Filing
In order to be considered, a protest shall be sent to the League Commissioner
and the HWSA Vice President by email, fax, or letter no later than three days
after the completion of the game in question. Grievances must be sent within ten
days of the completion of the game in question. This petition shall, in addition
to the request, contain a full report of the facts and the grounds upon which it
is based. The committee may, when requested in writing to do so, waive the time
limit for filing protests or grievances; but in no case shall it grant an
extension of more than ten days.
L. Protest or Grievance – Hearing
The committee shall conduct a hearing on the protest or grievance no later than
the next scheduled league meeting, subject to the notice requirements in Section
15, below.
M. Deposit
A protest shall be accompanied by a deposit of fifty dollars and a grievance
shall be accompanied by a deposit of twenty-five dollars. Failure to deposit
this amount shall render the protest or grievance void. If the protest or
grievance is upheld, the deposit shall be refunded. If the protest or grievance
is rejected or withdrawn, the deposit is forfeited.
N. Non-compliance
A protest or grievance which, in the chairman’s opinion, does not comply with
the provisions of these regulations shall be disregarded.
O. Documents
The committee shall, as a rule, reach its decision on the basis of the documents
and other means of evidence contained submitted with the protest or grievance
and at the hearing.
P. Notification to other party
If a protest or grievance is judged to be valid, the chairman shall notify the
other party implicated in the protest or grievance. When this party is notified,
the chairman shall give them a period of grace in which to state their case and
submit the items they consider necessary. If the other party fails to react
within the period prescribed, it shall be deemed to have renounced its rights to
participate in the hearing.
Q. Deliberations
The parties concerned shall not be entitled to attend the deliberations.
R. List of disciplinary measures
The committee shall take its decision in accordance with the list of
disciplinary measures passed by the Executive Committee as defined in Section
XIII of the General Rules.
S. Notifications of decisions
Any decisions taken by the committee shall be communicated in writing to the
parties concerned by the chairman. If the parties are present, they may be
informed of the decision orally but it shall be confirmed in writing without
delay. A decision shall come into force as soon as the parties concerned have
been notified in writing, unless otherwise stipulated in the committee’s
decision.
T. Publication of decisions
Decisions taken by the committee shall, except in special cases, be made public.
ARTICLE XIII.
LEAGUE STRUCTURE
The leagues of HWSA shall be comprised of divisions based on consideration of
talent, experience, geographical location and such other factors as HWSA
determines will promote equal levels of play. The Executive Board reserves the
right to place teams within the division structure prior to the start of each
playing season.
ARTICLE XIV.
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts’ Rules of Order, Newly
Revised shall govern HWSA in all cases to which they are applicable and
consistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order HWSA may adopt.
ARTICLE XV.
AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Amendments to these Bylaws may be made at any general or special meeting by an
affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership present, provided
that all the voting members have been given written or electronic copy of the
proposed changes twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting.
GENERAL RULES
SECTION I.
PLAYING YEAR
The playing year is from September 1 to August 31 of the following calendar
year. One or more playing seasons shall be organized in each playing year. The
duration, rules, and divisions for each season and league shall be governed by
HWSA and may vary between seasons.
SECTION II.
LEAGUE STRUCTURE
A. There may be an unlimited number of competitive leagues, each
with an unlimited number of divisions. Teams may play in the league of their
choice as long as they meet the requirements of that league. Leagues may be
formed and/or disbanded by HWSA to meet specific needs of the membership.
Requirements for additional leagues shall be approved by a majority of HWSA team
representatives.
1. Open Women’s League
a.
No age restrictions,
2. Masters Women’s League
a.
Teams must have a core of ten (10) players thirty (30) years or older at
least 15 days prior to the Over 30
Women’s State Cup competition during that playing year.
b.
Teams may have an unlimited number of players who are twenty-nine as of
January 1 that playing year, but these players will not be eligible for Over 30
State Cup unless they turn 30 before the first day of Over 30 State Cup
competition.
3. Coed League
a.
No age restrictions,
b.
No more than five (5) men on the field at any time, not including the
goalkeeper,
c.
Should any male field player receive a red card, the maximum number of
men allowed on the field shall be reduced by one for each red card received,
d.
Women’s goals will be scored as two (2) points, including penalty kicks
4. U23 Women’s League
a. A team must have a core of ten (10) players under twenty-three
(23) years of age as of August 31st of that playing year,
b. A team may have no more than two players twenty-three (23) years
or older as of August 31 of that playing year.
B. A player may register and play for an unlimited number of HWSA
teams at the same time provided that no two teams are in the same competitive
league.
SECTION III. DIVISIONS
A. The number of teams making up each division within a league shall be determined by the League Commissioner with the approval of the Executive Board based on the total number of teams registered for the current season.
B. The first point of order in scheduling shall be the relegation of the bottom team of each division to the next lower division, when available. The promotion of the top team from each division to the next higher division, when available, shall follow. In the event that there is an imbalance in the divisions after the relegation and promotion of the teams has taken place, the following order of importance shall be observed in adjusting the distribution of teams into divisions: 1) the effects of imbalance to every division, 2) the quality of play for each division, and 3) the number of games for each division.
C.
The placement of new teams entering HWSA shall be determined by:
1. A calculation of the combined individual experience,
2. Caliber of team skills (an exhibition game may be requested by the
Executive Board),
3. Discretion of the Executive Board.
SECTION IV. STANDINGS
A. Points to determine division standings are to be computed as
follows:
Win three (3) points
Tie one (1) point
Loss zero (0) points
B. Should a comparison of points result in a tie, the League
Commissioner shall determine place by:
1. Comparison of the tied teams’ records against each other (i.e.
wins, losses, ties), then
2. Comparison of the teams’ cumulative goal differential – total
goals scored minus total goals conceded – with the maximum goal differential in
any game, positive or negative, being capPed at three (3). C. Only
those games assigned within a team’s division or as scheduled between divisions
will count toward division standings. Each team in a given division will play a
like number of games for division standings.
SECTION V.
REGISTRATION
A. All players and teams officially registered with HWSA shall be
registered with TSSAS, a member of the USSF.
B. PLAYER REGISTRATION
1. A player will be considered officially registered with HWSA upon
completion of all required forms and submission of completed forms and required
playing fee to the Registrar.
2. A player must be officially registered with the Registrar at least
five days prior to playing in any official game.
3. Players may register with a team any time during the season
through the dates listed below. After this time no rosters may be changed except
under special circumstances. (Changes after this time require written approval
of the Executive Board.) The dates below apply to registration for Association
play only:
a.
Fall season: November 15
b.
Spring season: April 15
c.
Summer season: July 15
4. Players on a team which registers its players with HWSA for the
coming playing season and subsequently disbands will be refunded one half of
their registration fee if the Registrar is notified of their disbandment in
writing at least seven (7) days prior to the first Association scheduled
game and if they do not transfer to another team. No refund will be made after
this time. Players transferring to another team within two weeks will be treated
as transfer players rather than receiving the partial refund. The transfer fee
will be waived.
C. TEAM REGISTRATION
1. Each team shall submit a team registration form by the deadline
set by HWSA. Failure to meet this requirement may result in imposition of a late
registration fee or rejection of the team’s registration for the pending season,
at the Executive Board’s discretion.
2. A team may have no more than 25 players on its roster per season.
A team may suit up a maximum of 18 players per game.
D. COACHES
All coaches shall be considered members of HWSA and are subject
to all rules.
SECTION VI.
RELEASE AND TRANSFERS
A. All players are bound to their team for one playing year
(September 1 – August 31), except as provided below.
B. A player’s registration with a team may be terminated by mutual
consent of the team representative and the player. A player can appeal the
refusal of release to the League Commissioner.
C. A player who obtains a release shall be eligible to play for any
other team after:
1. Proper registration,
2. Eight day waiting period from the date on the
release form, and
3. Payment of TSSAS transfer fee.
SECTION VII.
HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
Unless fields
are secured by the Executive Board, all teams must have access to an acceptable
field for home games. Any fees due for the use of a field are the responsibility
of the home team. The home team shall be responsible for nets, stakes, corner
flags, game ball and proper field marking.
B.
In HWSA
leagues using fields secured by the Executive Board, the home team is listed
first on the official schedule.
C. In case of a jersey color conflict, the home team must change
shirts. Teams are expected to wear the jersey color listed on the league roster.
Failure to change when teams do not have contrasting colors, in the judgment of
the Referee, shall result in forfeiture of the game by the home team.
SECTION VIII.
TEAM REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
Be
responsible for their players’ eligibility. Playing an unregistered player shall
result in a forfeit of and $50 fine for all games in which such infractions
occur. Repeated infractions may result in increased fines and/or sanctions
against the team.
B.
Be
responsible for the submission of all necessary rosters, fees, fines, etc.,
called for in these General Rules. All fees and fines shall be payable to HWSA
by team or personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. A fine of
twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed for any returned check.
C. Represent their team at all general meetings and communicate the
business conducted to his/her team members. In the event that she or he is
unable to attend, she or he should arrange for a proxy.
D. Notify their team of the date, hour and location of each game.
E. Fill out a game report form with the names of all players and
their jersey numbers prior to the game. After the game, verify the score and
identity of scorers and verify that all information noted on the report (e.g.,
yellow and red cards, injuries) is complete and correct. Team representatives
must notify the appropriate league commissioner of the outcome of each game
within 48 hours of the completion of the game.
F. Be responsible for presenting valid USASA player cards for all
players to referee prior to the start of the game. In the event that the player
card is unavailable, a player may be allowed to take the field at the discretion
of the referee upon presentation of her or his driver’s license or other
official picture ID. Players playing without their player card shall be noted on
the game report for verification by the League Commissioner and/or Registrar.
G. Ensure that team members are familiar with and abide by the HWSA
Rules and FIFA Laws of the Game. Each team representative is responsible for
ensuring that all rules of competition are complied with by his/her players and
spectators and for the conduct and courtesy of his players and spectators.
H. Be responsible for maintaining order and respect for the authority
of the referee during games.
SECTION IX.
UNIFORMS
A. Uniforms for players are mandatory. Normal uniform consists of a
jersey, knee socks, shin guards, and soccer cleats, or training shoes. Soccer
cleats shall conform to the requirements of the USSF. Long pants, knit caps, and
gloves may be worn in cold weather. Final decision regarding the acceptability
of uniforms rests with the referee.
B. Goalkeepers may wear approved goalkeeper gloves. All goalkeepers
must wear a jersey which differs from both teams’ uniforms and that of the
referee.
C. All jerseys shall be numbered with the exception of the
goalkeeper. Numerals shall be at least eight (8) inches high. Each player shall
wear the same number throughout the game. All players on the same team must wear
substantially matching jerseys.
SECTION X.
POSTPONEMENT OF GAMES.
A. Games may only be postponed for the following reasons:
1. Inclement weather or unplayable field as determined by the referee
or the field owner/lessee,
2. USSF or TSSAS sanctioned tournaments,
B. If a regularly scheduled game has to be postponed for any of the
above reasons, the opposing team representative, League Commissioner, and the
Referee Assignor, as appropriate, shall be notified at the earliest date
possible. Failure to notify the League Commissioner or Referee Assignor may
result in a fine.
C. Once the referee arrives at the field, only the referee or the
field owner/lessee can decide if a game is to be called off because of weather,
dangerous playing conditions, or possible damage to the field.
D. If the game is called off by the referee or the field owner/lessee
at any time prior to having played 60 minutes, the game will be rescheduled and
replayed in its entirety. Each team is responsible for the referee fees for both
the rained out game and the rescheduled game, unless the rainout occurs in the
first twenty (20) minutes of play. In that instance, HWSA will pay the referees.
Any cards or fines incurred during the rained out game will remain on the
record.
E. If the game is called off by the referee or the field
owner/lessee after reaching or passing the 60th minute, the game will stand with
the score as it is at that time.
F. If no referee has arrived after twenty (20) minutes, the game
will be postponed and re-scheduled by the League Commissioner. If the referee
fails to show and both teams agree on a substitute referee, the game may be
played after the change is noted on the game report before play begins.
SECTION XI.
FORFEITS
A. The following situations shall warrant a game forfeiture with a
1-0 score:
1. Fielding an ineligible player or a player under suspension,
2. Failure to field a team with a minimum of seven (7) players within
ten (10) of the scheduled starting time as determined by the referee’s watch.
For the coed league, the gender rules still apply to the seven-person minimum.
B. In the event of a forfeit with both teams present at the field,
both teams must pay their portion of the referee fee.
C. In the event of a no-show forfeit (fewer than seven players
present), the forfeiting team will be charged the entire referee fee.
SECTION XII.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
A. Types of sanctions
1. Disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed on
teams are:
a. a caution
b. a censure
c. a fine
d. cancellation of a match (requiring a replay, if necessary)
e. deduction or cancellation of points
f. a win by forfeit, in which case a score of 1-0 will be given;
(however, if the goal difference already attained in the match is greater, it
shall be considered valid)
j. a ban from taking part in future competitions
These sanctions may be combined.
2. Disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed on
persons are:
a. a caution
b. a censure
c. a fine
d. suspension for a specified number of matches and/or a specified
period
e. a temporary or lifelong suspension from all official functions
These sanctions may be combined.
B. Implementation of sanctions
1. Principles
a. All the disciplinary sanctions contained in this list represent
minimum penalties. The Disciplinary and Protest Committee shall be empowered to
impose harsher sanctions if the gravity of the offense warrants it. The
Disciplinary and Protest Committee shall in any case ensure that the sanction
imposed be appropriate to the infringement committed.
b. Extenuating or aggravating circumstances shall be taken into
account.
c. Repetition of the offense shall automatically incur a harsher
penalty.
d. Refusal by a player to give his name to the referee shall always
be sanctioned by suspension from one other match (in the case of repetition: two
matches).
e. If any infringement is committed before kick-off or after the
match is over, the same sanctions shall apply as those for a similar
infringement committed during the match
f. Any suspension imposed on a player shall be served immediately.
C. Infringements or incidents at matches
1. Cautions (without expulsion) of a player by the
referee for:
a. foul play
b. dangerous play
c. criticism of the referee's or linesmen's decisions, protests etc.
d. disparaging remarks about referees, linesmen, other players, or
any other person present at the match
e. ill-mannered (incorrect) behavior
f. unethical (ungentlemanly) conduct
g. gamesmanship (time wasting, deliberate hand ball etc.)
h. temporarily leaving the field of play without notifying the
referee
i. other unsporting behavior (feigning, making rude gestures to the
public etc.)
j. for coed only; sliding tackles
Punishment: confirmation of the caution and imposition of a ten dollar fine.
Repetition: (even if it is not the same type of infraction): any player who
shall accumulate four cautions in a season will be suspended until the player
has appeared before the D&P Committee to justify further participation in the
league.
2. Expulsion by the referee for:
a. serious foul play
b. very dangerous play
c. violent conduct
d. persistent protests against decisions by the referee and linesmen
e. leaving the field of play in protest without notifying the
referee
f. repeated misconduct despite a previous caution by the referee
g. extremely unethical (ungentlemanly) conduct
h. repeated gamesmanship
i. insulting players, team officials or any other person present at
the match
j. other serious acts of unsporting behavior
Punishment: suspension for at least one match and a twenty-five dollar fine.
Repetition: (even if it is not the same type of infraction): suspension until
the player has appeared before the D&P Committee to justify further
participation in the league.
3. Expulsion of a player by the referee for insulting the referee
and/or linesmen
Punishment: suspension for at least two matches and a twenty-five dollar fine.
Repetition: suspension for at least four matches
and a fine.
4. Expulsion of a player by the referee for violence against another
player, team officials or any other person present at the match.
Punishment: suspension for at least three matches a twenty-five dollar fine,
additionally the player is suspended until the player has appeared before the
D&P Committee to justify further participation in the league.
Repetition: suspension for at least four matches
and a fine.
5. Expulsion of a player by the referee for serious violence against
another player, team official or any other person present at the match (brawl,
serious incident)
Punishment: suspension for at least seven matches and a twenty-five dollar fine,
additionally the player is suspended until the player has appeared before the
HWSA executive board to justify further participation in the league. A report
may be filed with TSSAS and USSF for possible further disciplinary action.
Repetition: suspension for a specified period (at least 12 months) and a fine.
6. Expulsion of a player by the referee for verbal abuse against the
referee and/or assistant referee
Punishment: suspension for at least seven matches and a fifty dollar fine,
additionally the player is suspended until the player has appeared before the
D&P Committee to justify further participation in the league. A report may be
filed with TSSAS and USSF for possible further disciplinary action.
Repetition: lifelong ban.
7. Expulsion of a player by the referee for threatening behavior
toward the referee and/or assistant referee
Punishment: suspension for at least fifteen matches and a fifty dollar fine,
additionally the player is suspended until the player has appeared before the
HWSA executive board to justify further participation in the league. A report
may be filed with TSSAS and USSF for possible further disciplinary action.
Repetition: lifelong ban.
8. Expulsion of a player by the referee for assault against the
referee and/or assistant referee
Punishment: lifelong suspension and a seventy-five dollar fine. Additionally, a
report may be filed with TSSAS and USSF for possible further disciplinary
action.
9. Fines must be paid to the treasurer by the next league meeting.
Failure to pay these fines shall result in the team’s forfeiture of all matches
scheduled until the fines have been paid.
10. In addition to HWSA measures, players and coaches are subject to
disciplinary measures of TSSAS. The DPC will address a history of persistent
serious offenses by a team, club, or player. The team, club, or player will be
counseled regarding HWSA’s standards regarding sportsmanship and advised that
continued unsporting behavior may result in fines, suspension, or banishment
from league play.
SECTION XIII.
PLAYING RULES
The rules of competition for HWSA shall be the latest edition of the Laws of the
Game and Universal Guide for Referees with USSF Supplement published by the
Federation Internationale de Football Association with the exceptions noted in
this and previous sections:
A. Substitutions
Free substitution with the consent of the referee:
By the team controlling the ball on a throw-in, or by either team on a goal
kick, at the start of the half, after a goal has been scored, and after play has
been stopped for injury. No substitutions may be made on a corner kick or
penalty kick, although a field player may change places with the goalkeeper with
the permission of the referee.
B. Slide Tackling (coed games only)
Slide tackling is not permitted at any time in coed league games, except for a
goalkeeper playing the ball within her/his box. Additionally, coed league
players may slide to control the ball (e.g., to keep it from going out of
bounds) as long as no other players are nearby and endangered in the judgment of
the referee.
C. Fair Play
A player should use skill, not physical size, to win the ball from another
player. To do so otherwise may be considered a cautionable offense (yellow
card).
SECTION XIV.
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL RULES.
Amendments to the General Rules may be made at any general or special meeting of
HWSA by a majority vote of team representatives present.