RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES HARTLAND COMMUNITY SOCCER ASSOCIATION HARTLAND UNITED FC Article I. General.......................................................................................................................... 2 Article II. Program Definitions ..................................................................................................... 2 Article III. Player Registration ....................................................................................................... 2 Article IV. Conditions of Playing ................................................................................................... 3 Article V. Rules of the Games ....................................................................................................... 3 Article VI. Hartland Community Soccer Association Game Rules Exceptions to FIFA ............... 5 Article VII. Responsibilities of Coaches ...................................................................................... 6 Article VIII. Selection or Removal of a Coach: ............................................................................ 7 Article IX. Uniforms and Names: ................................................................................................... 8 Article X. Disciplinary Rulings and Minimum Punishment: ........................................................ 8 Article XI. Responsibilities of Players............................................................................................ 9 Article XII. Responsibilities of Parents ...................................................................................... 10 Article XIII. This Social Media Policy ........................................................................................ 10
Hartland Community Soccer Association Rules, Regulation and Policies 2018
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Article I.
General
Section 1.01 Establishment. The following Rules and Regulations are the standing rules of the Hartland Community Soccer association (HCSA), also known as Hartland United FC (HUFC) Section 1.02 Amendments. The rules and regulations of HCSA as now established and as hereafter amended may be altered, repealed or new rules and regulations may be adopted in lieu thereof as per the By Laws of HCSA Section 1.03 Any matters not provided for in these rules and regulations shall be determined by the HCSA Board of Directors and decisions so made shall be binding and final. Article II.
Program Definitions
Section 2.01 HCSA In-house: The in-house team is defined as any team playing all games within the Hartland community. This includes age groups U5 through U8. Section 2.02 Recreational Travel: The Recreational Travel team is defined as U9 through U19 non tryout teams in which the players are placed onto the teams by HCSA. Section 2.03 HCSA Select Teams: The select team is defined as any team holding an open tryout for players in a specific age group wishing to play in a league sanctioned by Michigan State Youth Soccer Association. Select also includes Premier. Article III.
Player Registration
Section 3.01
The seasonal year shall be from August 1 through July 31 of the following year.
(a) For In-House and Recreational Travel Teams The seasonal year will consist of two registration seasons; one in the fall and one in the spring of the following year. (b) For Select registration will be for the full seasonal year Section 3.02 Registration eligibility for all players shall be based on the player's birth year subject to US Soccer rules. HCSA reserves the right to modify player placement for in-house leagues. Section 3.03 A player desiring release from a team after submission of an official club roster must apply to the Board in writing after the conclusion of the fall season for approval prior to the transfer in order to join another team under the jurisdiction of the Club. Players may (in writing) request through HCSA placement on a new team between the fall and spring seasons only. Section 3.04 The age of all players must be registered with the Club on the official team roster and this registration is binding. At the registration players must present proof of age. Hartland Community Soccer Association Rules, Regulation and Policies 2018
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Section 3.05 Any player can be called upon to show proof of his or her legal age if so directed by the Board of Directors. Proof of legal age shall consist of birth certificate, baptismal papers, driver's license, passport or legal alien registration card. (a) Any coach, assistant coach, or player who knowingly alters any roster or causes any roster to be altered, or falsifies any birth date or causes any birth date to be falsified shall receive a ONE (1) YEAR suspension for the first offense. After serving the suspension the individual shall be on probation for not less than two (2) years thereafter. Any second offense of a similar nature, that person shall receive a SEVEN (7) YEAR suspension. Section 3.06 Major disciplinary action (suspension for more than a week) or player removal must be reported to the Board Representative or designee within 48 hours. Article IV.
Conditions of Playing
Section 4.01
No games can be changed unless done so by HCSA.
Section 4.02 Any team refusing or failing to play a game without complying with the Club rescheduling rules shall forfeit that game. Section 4.03
If a game is not played the full time period, the following rules apply:
(a) A game abandoned at or before half time, shall be declared void and must be rescheduled. (b) The outcome of a game abandoned in the second half, shall stand as played. Section 4.04 Each registered player must play at least 1/2 of each in-house or rec-travel scheduled game. For Select teams, the minimum playing time is 1/3 of each scheduled game unless said player or players are serving an enforced period of non-play by the coach and/or the Hartland Community Soccer Association for a disciplinary reason. Section 4.05
Any league game ending in a tie shall stand as played.
Section 4.06 HCSA shall be held responsible for the condition of the field. Field markings and proper equipment such as goal nets are considered necessary for a club sponsored game. Section 4.07 Verbal criticism of the referee during the game by coaches, spectators or players will not be allowed. Section 4.08
There is no smoking allowed.
Article V.
Rules of the Games
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Section 5.01 For Recreational Travel, Select, Tournament games or any other games played outside the direction or jurisdiction of HCSA, the rules of said organization shall take precedence over these rules. Section 5.02 HCSA LAWS OF THE GAME shall be the LAWS OF THE GAME as published by IFAB, except for those exceptions as specified within this policy statement under Article VI "Club Game Rules Exceptions to IFAB". Section 5.03 Officiating of all games played under the jurisdiction of the HCSA shall be done by USSF registered referees approved by the Club, except as authorized elsewhere in this policy statement. Section 5.04 If at all possible, referees shall not officiate at any game a relative is a coach or a player on any team in that division. Section 5.05 guidelines.
Officiating of all games shall be done by at least one referee according to MSYSA
Section 5.06 In all cases, the center referee for games must be at least two years older than the age group they are officiating. Section 5.07 When no assigned referee is available for a game, both coaches must agree on who shall officiate or the game shall be rescheduled. Section 5.08 Should a referee become incapacitated during the process of a game, from any cause that would prevent him/her from continuing, control of the game must be turned over to another properly registered USSF referee. In-house games may use another person mutually agreed upon by both coaches. Section 5.09 The referee shall be the sole judge of the field of play and the decisions rendered shall be deemed final. Section 5.10 Any disciplinary issues, Red cards or other rule violations issued by a referee must be reported to the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee or Referee Coordinator. Section 5.11 When a player or coach has been ejected from a game the referee shall not restart the game until the ejected individual has left the field to the satisfaction of the referee. Section 5.12 In cases where the condition of the field must be decided upon, only the referees ruling will be accepted. Section 5.13 All games shall start at the scheduled time. After a maximum of 15 minutes delay, the game shall be abandoned and the circumstances reported to the Club.
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Section 5.14 All players shall have clearly defined numbers on their shirts. Goalkeepers may be exempt from this ruling. Section 5.15 Goalkeepers and field referees shall wear colors that are distinct from their own team and the opposing team. Section 5.16 In the event that two opposing teams have similar colors, the home team must change colors to the satisfaction of the referee. Article VI.
Hartland Community Soccer Association Game Rules Exceptions to IFAB
Section 6.01 Under – 8 Age Division: Abide by the modified rules as developed by the MSYSA rules for the Under-8 Development Program. Section 6.02 Under-10 Age Division: Abide by the modified rules as developed by the MSYSA rules for the Under-10 Development Program. Section 6.03 Under–12 Age Division: Abide by the modified rules as developed by the MSYSA rules for the Under-12 Development Program. Section 6.04 Affiliated League Play: All HCSA club members shall abide by any and all .rules, which govern any affiliated league in which they participate. Section 6.05 Substitutions - All substitutions can be made only at the following times and under the following conditions for Under-6 and above age groups: (a) After a goal is scored. (b) Both teams may substitute prior to restating the game when a goal/kick has been awarded. (c) The team awarded the ball on a Throw-in may substitute prior to putting the ball in play (d) At halftime, referee notification is only required for a goalkeeper substitution at this time. (e) When play is stopped for an injured player or players if the coach and/or team office enter the field the player(s) must be substituted. The injured player(s) may be substituted and the opposing team can also substitute like number of players. (f) A goalkeeper may be substituted with a player from off the field or exchanged with a player already on the field at any of the aforementioned substitution times. In addition, the goalkeeper may be exchanged with a player already on the field when a penalty kick has been awarded against their team unless the required playing time has been met. (g) A player for whom a substitution has been made may return to the same game.
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Section 6.06 For Minimum number of players required to start a game, Refer to current league rules regarding min/max roster. Article VII.
Responsibilities of Coaches
Section 7.01 All Coaches and Assistant Coaches are required to maintain a current RISK management card. Section 7.02 Every coach of the Club is responsible for the actions of their players and assistant coaches and is required to take all possible precautions to prevent spectators from threatening or assaulting officials or players before, during, or at the conclusion of the game. Section 7.03 Coaches are expected to display at all times sportsmanship-like conduct while on the field of play. Continued unsportsmanlike conduct will require an appearance before the HCSA Disciplinary Committee. Section 7.04 Coaching from the sideline shall be conducted in constrained and reasonable manner and shall occur only between the penalty areas limited to own side of the field. No coach or substitute player shall be allowed beyond the penalty area except for U-5 and U-6. No coach, player or spectator shall be allowed behind either goal or at either end of the field while play is in progress. Section 7.05 If possible both teams must take the opposite side of the field from the spectators in all age groups. Only the team players and three coaches may be on that sideline with the exception of a coaching club officer. Subject to WSSL and MSYSA rules. Section 7.06 The coach shall be responsible, prior to the game, to check all players of the team to insure that no dangerous equipment, bracelets, necklaces or any accessories which might cause danger are being worn. Section 7.07 limited to:
Communicate To Players and Parents all necessary information including, but not
(a) Philosophy (b) Discipline and sportsmanship (c) Maps, schedules, etc. Section 7.08
Communicate To HCSA Board/Club:
(a) Inform the Board of intent to coach and fill out application to coach. (b) Inform the Board or representative designee of any major discipline problems or player removal. Hartland Community Soccer Association Rules, Regulation and Policies 2018
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Section 7.09
Registration of the Team with approved League:
(a) Provide league or representative designee with necessary items from players such as birth certificates, photos, contracts, medical releases, etc. (b) Provide league or representative designee with-necessary items such as maps, fees, scheduling information, field availability times (through field coordinator). Section 7.10
Equipment:
(a) Be sure that all players meet the current FIFA requirements for equipment including shoes, shin guards, jerseys, etc. (b) Appropriate game balls (c) All teams must have first aid supplies at practice and games. Section 7.11
Game Day:
(a) Confirm with the opposing Coach. (b) Provide game sheet, envelope, and everything else required by the league. Section 7.12
Tournaments:
(a) Tournament play is not required, but provides opportunities for more and varied competition. Choose from available tournaments. (b) Complete application providing all necessary information. (c) Arrange hotels if needed. (d) Acquire permission to travel (out of state) from MSYSA. Article VIII. Selection or Removal of a Coach: Section 8.01 The HCSA Board shall approve all teams head coaches. The HCSA Board reserves the right to appoint a new coach for an existing team if inappropriate behavior by the coach indicates that a change is in the best interest of the team. Section 8.02 If in the course of a coach's season, legitimate complaints from interested parties (i.e. parents, referees, league officials) are lodged with the HCSA; investigation of the coach may be required. This process will first require a warning to the coach. On the second occurrence, the board will then investigate all legitimate complaints. If deemed necessary, the coach will be removed. Investigations will be done by the Trustee responsible for coaches and will report to the board. Selection of a new coach is previously stated. Hartland Community Soccer Association Rules, Regulation and Policies 2018
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Article IX.
Uniforms and Names:
Section 9.01 Corporation sponsorship logos are not prohibited; however, approval from HCSA board is required. Section 9.02
All teams must wear club uniforms for all league games.
Article X.
Disciplinary Rulings and Minimum Punishment:
Section 10.01 In general, select teams are subject to the rules of their receptive leagues. The following punishments are minimums set by the HCSA and are not meant to be additional punishments imposed by the leagues unless the league punishment is less severe. It is the duty of the coaches to notify HCSA, team coordinator or league officials when any of the following are applicable. Failure to notify may result in further penalties against the coach. Section 10.02 Player Fighting: Players guilty of fighting before, during or after games shall receive a two-game (2) suspension. Section 10.03 Player Profanity: A player guilty of using profanity, either by word or sign, against another player, coach, spectator, referee, linesman, or any league official shall receive a two-game (2) suspension. Section 10.04 Player threats: A Player guilty of making threatening gestures against another player, coach, spectator, referee, linesman, or any league official shall receive a one-game (1) suspension. Section 10.05 Player Striking Official: A player guilty of pushing or striking any coach, referee, linesman, or any league official shall receive a one-year (1) suspension. Section 10.06 Player Ejection: Any player sent off the field by the referee shall receive a minimum one (1) game suspension. Section 10.07 Coach threats: Coaches or team officials who make threatening gestures or use threatening language to other players, coaches, league officials, referees or linesman shall be disciplined according to the following schedule: (a) First time:
Two game (2) suspension.
(b) Second time: The offender shall appear before the MSYSA Board and be suspended for four (4) games (c) Third time:
The offender will be suspended for not less than one (1) year.
Section 10.08 Coach Fights: Coaches or team officials who fight at any time shall be disciplined according to the following schedule: Hartland Community Soccer Association Rules, Regulation and Policies 2018
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(a) First time: The offender shall appear before the State Board and shall be suspended for a minimum of one (l) year. (b) Second Time: The offender shall be suspended for not less than three (3) years. Article XI.
Responsibilities of Players
Section 11.01 You will make every effort to attend all practices and games. Some conflicts are inevitable, but they should be rare. Section 11.02 If you are unable to attend a practice or game, you will let your coach know in advance. Section 11.03 You will show up for practices and games on time and with the proper uniform and equipment. Section 11.04 You will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, remembering that you are representing Hartland United FC. If you win, you can be happy and celebrate, but you may not speak or act boastfully. If you lose, you may be disappointed, but you may not act angrily. Section 11.05 You will treat the referees with respect. If you criticize a referee’s decision, you can expect to be removed from the game. Section 11.06 You will offer support and encouragement to your teammates. It is the coach’s job, not yours, to point out their mistakes. Section 11.07 You will try to improve your soccer skills by practicing on your own and with your friends as often as possible. Section 11.08 Uniforms and Equipment (a) Your uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks) must be worn at all games. (b) Shin guards and soccer shoes are required for games AND practices. These are available at most local sporting goods stores. Mouth guards, while not required, can be very useful in protecting against damage to teeth. (c) In cold weather, you may wear a long-sleeve shirt and/or long pants under your uniform (d) Bring a water bottle to games and practices. (e) Bring a soccer ball to every practice. Under 13’s and older use a size 5 ball; under 12’s and younger use a size 4 ball. (f) No jewelry is permitted. This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hard hair pieces and so on. If you wear glasses, safety glasses or sports goggles are recommended. Hartland Community Soccer Association Rules, Regulation and Policies 2018
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Article XII.
Responsibilities of Parents
Section 12.01 Playing your role in getting kids to and from practices Section 12.02 Help your child understand the commitment involved in playing for the HCSA. In particular, practices are not optional. Most of the learning and development takes place at practices, and we expect our players to attend. Occasional scheduling conflicts are expected and understood, but if your child has other planned activities which will keep her or him from attending a significant number of practices and games, you need to discuss the situation with your child and the coach. In some cases, such as a child wanting to participate in two or three after-school activities, choices may have to be made. Because we cannot accommodate all the players interested in our program, it is unfair to hold a roster spot for a youngster who does not fully participate. Players who do not attend at least 75% of their team’s practices and games will not be invited to return for the following season. Section 12.03 Please help our players learn good sportsmanship by setting a good example. Criticism of players, coaches, or officials does not belong on the field. If you have legitimate concerns, talk to your child’s coach in private at another time. Our league has a strong zero tolerance policy to protect referees from harassment or abuse. You may never address the referee during or after a game, nor may you do anything to convey criticism of a referee’s call. Being a referee is a lot harder than it looks, and even the most experienced referees will make mistakes. Most of our referees are youngsters, not much older than your children, and criticism or harassment from adults only serves to discourage them from continuing as referees. Coaches or parents who violate this policy may be asked to leave the game, and may be subject to other sanctions. Resist the impulse to “coach” your child from the sidelines with yelled instructions to “kick it” or “pass it” or “go to goal.” Your instructions only serve to distract and confuse the player. We are trying to teach our players to think for themselves on the field. The game is the best teacher! Only the coach may give instructions during games, and even that should be rare. Parents should limit themselves to “generic” cheering (“Good Effort”, “Go Hartland”, “Nice Ball”, “Great Defense”). Do not direct comments at specific players, especially those related to you! Article XIII. Social Media Policy Section 13.01 Social Media Policy applies to all executive directors, coaches, staff, volunteers and players. This Social Media Policy applies to all social media content posted by the above in their professional and personal lives. All HCSA persons shall abide by the following guidelines when using social media:
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(a) Be positive and respectful, and always take the high road. When disagreeing with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation online that is becoming antagonistic, ask the HCSA Board of Directors for advice on how to disengage from the dialogue in a polite and respectful manner. (b) Do not post content that would harm or damage your reputation or that of the HCSA. Remember that even while you are on your own personal time, you are a representative of the club, and people may interpret your online postings or social interactions as though they were official club statements. (c) Use good judgment when posting comments on any official HCSA sites. Bear in mind that your comments can create liability for the club. If you are unsure whether a comment is appropriate to post, do not post it. (d) Be smart about what you publish. Once something is posted, it exists online forever. Ask yourself, “Would I want to see this published in the newspaper or posted on a billboard tomorrow or ten years from now?” If the answer is “no,” do not post. (e) Encourage others to engage in positive interactions on social media. If you are concerned about any HCSA member’s use of social media, please bring your concerns to the attention to the Board of Directors. (f) Personally identifiable information (information, such as a name and date of birth and/or a street address which, when taken together, can identify a particular individual) should not be disclosed in any manner on social networking sites.
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