WestSuburbanSoccerLeague

NEW AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 2009

ENFORCEMENT OF FINES FOR GRAVE AND SEVERE VIOLATIONS

Well, as a commissioner, I am sorry that it has to come to it, but in spite of trying to fix things last year, a (thankfully) small minority of team are not able to self discipline their players which led to incidents.  This leads to a situation where we have to do something different. Failure to act would only lead to #1: not been able to secure good referees, #2: probable collapse of the league or folding the league in ISSL (which actually have much tougher fine systems)

Effective immediately, the league will enforce fines for grave and severe incidents and red cards.

The type of events leading to fines is not directly linked to red card although in most cases a red card should be issued or have been issued when such incident occurs. It is also important to note that most red cards will not lead to fines: only the incidents that fall into that category. Red cards are regulated by the normal FIFA rules and examples of red cards which will NOT lead to fines include: voluntary hand balls, 2 yellows (unless the yellow also falls into a “fineable event category”, foul by the last defender and any foul not falling into the “fineable event” category.

Please understand the “spirit” of establishing that enforcement: it is to eliminate the grave abuses that rarely occur.

Fineable events

These are events that can occur prior, during or after the games that lead to fines levied against the offending team. While the fine will be caused by an individual team member or associate, it is not a player fine but a TEAM fine and it is the team’s captain duty to decide how he wants to enforce it within his team.

Category 1 Events - Base fine $50.00

These are the most severe events that can occur and I hope will never occur: it is for outrageous violation and violence. This includes, but is not limited to:

·         Physical altercation with a referee. Any physical contact with a ref falls into that category.

·         Severe physical altercation with another player.  This includes brawls after a fouls was called and continued violence after an altercation was identified.

·         Any severe incident that is deemed to fall into category #1 by the referee, referee coordinator or commissioner.

These events are severe and fineable but are not as outrageous as to fall into category #1 events.  This includes, but is not limited to:

·         Verbal abuse at a referee (but no physical contact as these would fall in cat #1).

·         One time violent and malicious act against an opponent leading to a red card.

·         Any severe and repeated violation that leads to red card and that is reported by the ref as a fineable event.

Reporting

Any red card and/or fineable event must be reported by the referee AND BOTH team captain to the commissioner and include the name of the players involved and a description of the events.

Appeal

Escrow

All team are required to pay $100 as escrow payment toward the possible fines before the season starts.  If a team incurs a fine, it is its responsibility to send the money necessary to restore the escrow account as soon as feasible.  Any team whose escrow account is depleted may be suspended from the league.  Any money left over from escrow will be refunded to the team captain or carried over the following season (this is be the team captain’s decision).  All interest earned by the escrow $$ in the interest paying bank account (0.05% per year) will go for a down payment toward the purchase of a Sneaker candy bar for the commissioner.

·         Home team supplies the referee. The referee coordinator is Dick Quathamer at 847/488-9956. His address is 38W160 Tipi Lane, Elgin, Illinois 60123. The home team should confirm the referee assigned for the game. The referee coordinator will provide the referee’s assigned with a list of the team coordinators.

·         Both teams are to split the referee fees, which will be $60 per game. If there is a “no show” on behalf of the teams, the referee is to be compensated.

·         Players must be at least 35 years old. It is up to each team coordinator to enforce the age requirement. As a courtesy, and in the “spirit” of good sportsmanship, team coordinators should advise the opposing team of players under 35 (born after 12/31/1973)  prior to the beginning of the game. Players must bring a form of identification to each game. If there is a question about age, it should be discussed and resolved between the team coordinators.  The rule is “NO ID – NO PLAY!”.  Note: If a team is short players, persons from the opposing team should be offered a spot to play on the team that is short players. This should be done prior to allowing any under age players to participate.

§  If the League Coordinator receives a complaint about underage players, one warning will be issued to the Team Coordinator in violation of the age rule. If another complaint is received, the team violating the age rule will no longer be allowed to participate in the league.

§  Shin-guards are required.

·         Games will be played on Saturdays at 4:00pm (Beginning in October, games will begin at 3:00pm, as indicated on the schedule).  The clock for each game starts 10 minutes after the scheduled game time. Games can be canceled depending on the weather conditions... please remember to let everyone know... especially the referee coordinator.  Exceptions: Games with home teams #2 and #11 will start at 6:00pm; games with home team #10 start at 6:00pm; games with home team #12 will start at 3:00pm.

Note 1: If a game is going to be cancelled, because of weather or other conditions, it should be cancelled prior to 1:00pm. Please inform the referee or referee coordinator.  Team coordinators should “touch base” early in the week to confirm the game is still on…. Let’s try to avoid last minute cancellations. Please be sure to let the referee coordinator know of any schedule changes.

Games will be 45-minute halves and USSF/FIFA rules will apply Two exceptions; 1) Free substitutions, and 2) No slide tackles. Note: If there is a conflict in jersey colors, the home team is responsible for switching colors. No league standings are kept.

·         Team coordinators shall designate a “captain” for the day. This is the person who communicates with the referee.

·         If the referee does not show up, the game can be rescheduled or the teams can be split up and the game played without a referee.

§  Conduct on the field is everyone’s responsibility. If a player receives a yellow card, he/she shall not play in the game for a minimum of 5 minutes. If necessary, the team shall play short until the 5-minute time period is up. If a player receives a red card, they are to leave the game site and are prohibited from playing the next scheduled game. Team coordinators shall notify the league coordinator of any player whose conduct is not within the expectations of this league.  

§  If any players are involved in a “physical altercation” that results in a “red card” and removal from the game, those involved in the altercation will prohibited from playing in the next five (5) games. Referees shall report these instances to the referee coordinator and league coordinator for follow-up.