SAYSA Rules and Regulations

2011-2012

Chapter 1.0 General

1.1 The SAYSA Board of Directors herein issue rules and regulations consistent with the SAYSA Constitution and By-laws, to supplement those of PA West, USYSA, and FIFA current laws of the game. In the even these rules conflict with those of PA West or the USYSA, the regional and national rules will supersede.

1.2 All soccer matches, practices and associated SAYSA activities will be conducted in a manner where courtesy, common sense and good sportsmanship prevail.

1.3 A claim of ignorance of these rules will not be satisfactory grounds for the waiving of such rules and regulations.

1.4 All tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited at all SAYSA sanctioned or sponsored activities. Those found guilty of violations of this rule will be subject to expulsion for one playing season. Upon report to the Board of such activities the involved party will immediately be suspended from all SAYSA activities until formal action is taken by the Appeals and Discipline Committee (ADC) as defined in the By-laws.

Chapter 2.0 Player Conduct and Ethics

2.1 All players are expected to demonstrate the qualities of good sportsmanship, courtesy, and common sense.

2.2 Malicious conduct, vandalism, foul or abusive or profane language, and violence or unnecessary aggression towards players, referees, or coaches will not be tolerated. It is expected that players will treat each other, the coaches and referees with courtesy and respected. Repeated, or flagrant, or potentially harmful infractions will result in immediate suspension until formal action is taken by the ADC. Those found in violation of such infractions will be subject to expulsion for one playing season.

2.3 SAYSA rules will comply with those of PA West regarding misconduct, including but not limited to the following:

A: one red card in a season: one game suspension for the next played league game.

B: two red cards in a season: three game suspension for the next three played league games.

C: three red cards in a season: Expulsion from SAYSA indefinitely. The player must appear before the PA West and SAYSA Board of reinstatement

Chapter 3.0 Coaching Staff Conduct and Ethics

3.1 As a role model for the youth, the coaches and adult staff should always demonstrate by example the qualities of good sportsmanship, courtesy, and common sense that are expected of the players. Coaches are to make a commitment to teach soccer skill and teamwork equally to all players they are responsible to. Additionally Coaches should maintain a sense of fairness to their players, being mindful of importance to the young developing player of equal treatment and playing time.

3.2 Malicious conduct, vandalism, foul or abusive or profane language, and violence or unnecessary aggression towards players, referees, or coaches will not be tolerated. Coaches will not make any player the subject of malicious verbal harassment or intentional embarrassment. Repeated, or flagrant, or potentially harmful infractions will result in immediate suspension until formal action is taken by the ADC. Those found in violation of such infractions will be subject to expulsion for one playing season.

3.3 Any adult reported to show any form of physical aggression toward a player will immediately be suspended. If the ADC finds that behavior did occur, the penalty will be permanent expulsion.

3.4 It will be the responsibility of the coach or manager to maintain proper conduct of the spectators for or from their respective team.

3.5 No coach or spectator is to incite, in any manner, disruptive behavior at matches or practices.

3.6 All PA West rules regarding coach rostering and conduct will be adhered to for all travel teams.

Chapter 4.0 Board and Committee Conduct and Ethics

In addition to all of the issues discussed in Chapters 1, 2 and 3, the Board and Committee members are to promote personal and institutional honesty and integrity in all matters related to governing SAYSA.

4.1 The President will assure that SAYSA remains in compliance with the PA West policy including but not limited to: meeting attendances, updates to the Constitution, By-laws, and Rules and Regulations.

4.2 The Board will assure that timely financial and property audits are performed and recorded.

Chapter 5.0 Use of SAYSA Property

The Board must issue written permission for the use of SAYSA supplies or property that does not involve planned or scheduled program activities.

Chapter 6.0 SAYSA finances and Fundraising

6.1 All efforts by SAYSA members to solicit donations of money, equipment, goods, or property on behalf of the club must be presented to and approved by the Board prior to the institution of these efforts.

6.2 The Board may accept donations of items, supplies, or property on behalf of SAYSA. If there is doubt or dispute of the value of such a donation, the board will determine a reasonable market value for said item, and issue a receipt of donation for the determined amount to the donor.

6.3 The Board has the right to refuse to pay reimbursement for supplies, services, or material, if the item was purchased without prior approval or request be the Board.

6.4 The Board may authorize a member to purchase an item for SAYSA, with subsequent reimbursement to the purchaser after the item is appropriately delivered. A sales receipt is to be kept for SAYSA records, and will be required for reimbursement of the purchase.

Chapter 7.0 Shenango Valley United Travel Division

7.1 Player eligibility will be determined by current PA West and USYSA rules and competition.

7.2 All players and members must apply for membership in the SAYSA in accordance with the SAYSA Constitution, By-laws, and Rules and Regulations and those of PA West and the USYSA. The SAYSA will determine and collect player and membership fees in accordance with the aforementioned articles. Players from Ohio may apply for membership in compliance with Ohio North, PA West and USYSA policy.

7.3 The SAYSA Board will be responsible for providing each team a practice and competition site, and practice and game equipment.

7.4 Each player must provide their own practice ball, game uniform, shin guards, and boots. Equipment will be in accordance with SAYSA, PA West, and USYSA policy. The Board must approve all travel team uniforms before any supplies are ordered if different from the standard club jersey.

7.5 Players will purchase a standard club jersey to be used in matches. The purchase fee should be set by the Board so as not to exceed the club’s costs. Players will provide black trunks for the matches. The SAYSA will provide black socks for each player.

7.6 The SAYSA Director of Coaching will recruit appropriate coaches for each team. All coaches must be approved by the Board in accordance with all SAYSA policies.

7.7 The field manager will schedule home Sunday travel matches in such a manner that no visiting team should have to leave their respective communities prior to noon, unless at that team’s request. Likewise home Sunday travel team matches will not begin prior to noon.

7.8 The Referee Administrator will assure that appropriate referees supervise each home match in a safe manner in accordance with the PA West youth rules of competition.

7.9 Players will be assigned to teams in their age groups. Special consideration to play up an age group will be considered by the Board on a case by case basis, after consulting with the coach of the team in question and the director of coaching.

7.10 The Board reserves the right to accept or deny membership to a pre-existing team from a non-affiliated agency.

7.11 For teams playing at a higher level than division2/B: After consultation with the board, the coach may restrict the roster by requiring tryouts, player referral by another coach, or special recognition (i.e. league all star status.)

Chapter 8.0

8.1 SAYSA will promote and support youth instructional soccer programs in Hermitage, Sharon and the Sharpsville area communities through a recreational division called Shenango Valley Soccer. These divisions will be known as Hermitage Youth Soccer, Sharon Youth Soccer and Sharpsville Youth Soccer.

8.2 The player age range will be 5-12 years of age.

8.3 The SAYSA members from each community will be responsible for recommending a Community Coordinator for their respective programs for each seasonal year. The Board will review potential candidates and appoint the most appropriate person to the position.

8.4 The Community Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting players, coaches and volunteers, with the guidance and assistance of the Board.

8.5 The Board will be responsible for training prospective coaches and assuring their credentials, criminal background checks and certificates.

8.6 The Board will be responsible for providing each community division a practice site and practice equipment.

8.7 The Board will set policy regarding competition times, location, and format, and provide the necessary fields, equipment and referees.

8.8 All players and members must apply for membership in the SAYSA in accordance with the SAYSA Constitution, By-laws, and Rules and Regulations and those of PA West and the USYSA. The SAYSA will determine and collect player and membership fees in accordance with the aforementioned articles.

8.9 The SASYA will promote the current USYSA small sided game training and competition format, to the best of its ability.

Chapter 9.0 Renewal of SAYSA Rules and Regulations

9.1 These rules will remain in effect from seasonal year to seasonal year unless specifically modified or discontinued by the board.