Published –April 30, 2023

Approved by WOSL Focus Group - November 15, 2022

WESTERN ONTARIO SOCCER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
RULE 1      LEAGUE STRUCTURE    
RULE 2      TEAM REGISTRATION    
RULE 3      TEAM REGULATIONS    
RULE 4      PLAYER REGULATIONS    
RULE 5      COACHING REGULATIONS    
RULE 6      GROUNDS    
RULE 7      GAMES & SCHEDULING    
RULE 8      REFEREES    
RULE 9      PROTEST    
RULE 10    CUPS & TOURNAMENTS    
RULE 11    OTHER MATTERS    
RULE 12    FEES, FINES & BONDS    

1.     LEAGUE STRUCTURE

1. The League shall consist of a Premier, First, Second, Third and Fourth Division. Other divisions may be formed in order to satisfy the numbers and quality of the member teams.
2. A maximum of two (2) teams from the same Club will be allowed to play in any division or section of a division in the League.
3. When there are two (2) teams from the same Club in any Division of the League then the first two League games of the season, for those two teams, shall be against each other, i.e. home & away basis. Should there need to be a third League game between the two teams i.e. In case of a shortage of teams in a division, then that game shall be the third game of the season. If any of the games between the two (2) teams is/are cancelled, then this must be rescheduled and played within two (2) weeks.
4. When there are two (2) teams from the same Club in any Division, then should it ever be proven that there was or strong evidence to suggest that there appeared to be any collusion between the two teams to affect the League standing of one or both teams, then the Club shall be expelled from the League. Such decision on whether to expel the Club shall be made by EMSA Council.
   1. In such circumstances, the affected Club may apply for re-instatement in subsequent seasons, but only at the rate of one team per season, and if allowed, such re-instatement shall be to the lowest division of the League at that time.
5. In accordance with OS Policies, when there are two (2) teams from the same Club in any Division of the League, then there shall be no player movement whatsoever between those two teams.
6. When there are two (2) teams from the same Club in any Division of the League, then both teams shall have distinct team names, and the team name to which a player is registered shall be clearly marked in each player’s OS Registrant Book or both team roster and platers card.
7. When there are two (2) teams from the same Club in any Division of the League, then should one of those teams be in a position to be relegated, but there are already two (2) teams from the same Club in the lower Division, then the team in the higher division shall still be relegated.
   1. To compensate, one of the teams, from the same Club, in the lower division shall be relegated to the next lowest division – irrespective of their League standing, unless that team is in a position to be promoted. It will be the Club’s decision to decide which teams are moved to which division, but the fact that there are two (2) Club teams in the lower division shall not stop a team being relegated.
   2. Such scenario will not affect the other normal promotion/relegation process of other teams in the Division.
8. All divisions shall be for teams of competitively registered players.
9. In all League games, three (3) points shall be awarded for a win, one (1) point for a tie and no points for a loss. The teams having the most points at the end of the season shall be declared the champions of their respective divisions.
10. In any division where the points are equal, the final position in the division standings shall be decided by subtracting the goals against from the goals for. The team with the highest goal difference shall take the higher position. If there is still a tie, the team with the better record in league games involving only the teams tied in the standings shall be the higher team.
11. Notwithstanding rule 1.10, for teams involved in a promotion or relegation position, if tied on points, then the higher position will be determined by a play-off game.
    1. Goals for / goals against, nor results of head-to-head league games, shall not apply.
    2. Play-Off Games shall consist of two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes each. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the teams shall play an additional thirty (30) minutes of overtime, equally divided into two (2) fifteen (15) minute periods. The first team to score during the overtime period shall be declared the winner (Golden Goal).
    3. If the game is tied at the end of overtime the game shall be decided by taking kicks from the penalty mark. The kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game as prescribed by FIFA (Current Edition).
12. Any team winning promotion from their respective division must be promoted, even if there is already another team from their Club in the higher division (unless rule 1.12b applies). Any team refusing to accept promotion (irrespective of division) shall be automatically relegated to the lowest division (4th) and the third placed team, in their division, shall be promoted in their place (unless rule 1.12b applies).
    1. Any team winning promotion from their respective division where there is already another team from their Club in the higher division, may send in a written request from their Club to the league by December 1st advising that the team would like to remain in their respective division for the upcoming season and not be promoted. If the request is accepted by the league this will in turn create a vacancy in the higher division for the upcoming season and the team making the request will remain in their respective division for the upcoming season. In such a case the WOSL executive shall decide how to fill the vacancy in the higher division, either by not relegating the second last team in the higher division or promoting the third placed team in the lower division, and so on.
    1. Any team being relegated from their respective division to a lower division where there is already another team from their Club, may send in a written request from their Club to the league by December 15th advising that the team in the lower division would like to be placed in the next lowest division for the upcoming season. If the request is accepted by the league this will in turn create a vacancy for the upcoming season. In such a case the WOSL executive shall decide how to fill the vacancy, either by not relegating the second last team in the division with the vacancy or promoting the third placed team in the lower division, and so on. 
13. Should a Club team be eligible for promotion to a higher division, but there are already two (2) teams from their Club in the higher division, then promotion will be denied, and the team shall remain in the lower division.In such circumstance, the team finishing third (3rd) in the lower division shall be promoted.
14. In the event that the season needs to be adjusted and / or shortened due to circumstances beyond one's control, a Force Majeure and/or an unforeseen event, the leagues executive reserve the full authority to decide whether there shall be no Promotion or Relegation at the end of Season. In the event of a vacancy the following Season in a division, the League may fill the position by promoting an additional team from the next lowest division.
15. PREMIER DIVISION: All games shall be played on a field as approved by the executive committee. The field must be enclosed by a minimum of a chain link fence with substantial posts and top railing not less than four (4’) feet in height. Separate changing facilities must be provided for each of the teams and for the game officials. The changing facilities must have showers with hot and cold running water.
    1. The Premier division will be comprised of not more than ten (10) teams. The team finishing first shall be declared the champion. At the end of the season, the bottom two (2) teams shall be relegated to the next lower division. In the event of a vacancy the League may fill the position by promoting an additional team from the next lowest division or retaining one of the teams being relegated. All other regulations contained in these Rules and Regulations shall apply.
    1. Premier teams must dress a minimum of 12 players for EVERY match. Failure to do so will result in an additional bond of $500. Should there be further occurrences of failure to dress the minimum of 12 players the $500 bond will be forfeited, and the original bond must be replenished.  The bond must be replenished prior to the next match. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit of the match and the team they are scheduled to play will be awarded the match with the score of 3-0 as per league rules.
16. FIRST DIVISION: All games shall be played on a field as approved by the executive committee.
    1. The First Division will be comprised of not more than ten (10) teams. The team finishing first will be declared the champion. At the end of the season, the teams finishing first and second shall be promoted to the Premier Division.  The bottom two (2) teams shall be relegated to the next lower division. In the event of a vacancy the League may fill the position by promoting an additional team from the next lowest division or retaining one of the teams being relegated. All other regulations contained in these Rules and Regulations shall apply.
17. SECOND DIVISION: All games shall be played on a field as approved by the executive committee.
    1. The Second Division shall be comprised of not more than ten (10) teams of competitive registered players.  The team finishing first will be declared the champion. At the end of the season, the teams finishing first and second shall be promoted to the First Division. The bottom two (2) teams shall be relegated to the next lower division. In the event of a vacancy the League may fill the position by promoting an additional team from the next lowest division or retaining one of the teams being relegated. All other regulations contained in these Rules and Regulations must apply.
18. THIRD DIVISION: All games shall be played on a field as approved by the executive committee.
    1. The Third Division shall be comprised of not more than ten (10) teams of competitive registered players.  The team finishing first will be declared the champion. At the end of the season, the teams finishing first and second shall be promoted to the Second Division. The bottom two (2) teams shall be relegated to the next lower division. In the event of a vacancy the League may fill the position by promoting an additional team from the next lowest division or retaining one of the teams being relegated. All other regulations contained in these Rules and Regulations must apply.
19. FOURTH DIVISION: All games shall be played on a field as approved by the executive committee.

1. Depending on the number of registered teams, the Fourth Division may be divided into two (2) geographical sections (sub-divisions/divisions) named East and West.
2. Depending on the number of registered teams, the Fourth Division may be divided into three (3) geographical sections (sub-divisions/divisions) named East, Central and West.
3. Depending on the number of registered teams, the Fourth Division may be divided into four (4) geographical sections (sub-divisions/divisions) named East, West, North and South.
4. Each section will consist of an appropriate number of teams to provide for competitive play and reasonable travel distances.
5. The Fourth division(s) will be comprised of not more than thirteen (13) teams each. Each division(s) will have an equal number of teams as far as the number of registered teams will permit. At the end of the season, should there be three or four sub-divisions, the teams finishing first in their respective sub-division shall participate in a playoff, and the top 2 teams after the playoff will be promoted to the Third division. Should there be two divisions, the teams finishing first in their respective sub-division shall be promoted to the Third division. Should there be only one Fourth division then the teams finishing first and second shall be promoted to the Third division. All other regulations contained in these Rules and Regulations shall apply.

2.    TEAM REGISTRATION

1. The deadline for the annual registration of teams shall be set as per Articles 6.2 of the WOSL Constitution. Each club shall provide the league with the following information for the team(s):
   1. Name, address and telephone number of their President, Secretary and Team Contact person.
   2. Name of their home playing fields and street address.
   3. List the official playing colour (Visiting teams must change at all times).
2. New applicants are not permitted to register with a name that is similar to any existing team.
3. Any application for membership not received by the Annual General Meeting may be refused or subject to disciplinary action as the Executive Committee may deem fitting. Applications that do not comply with 6.2 of the Constitution will only be accepted based on space and at the discretion of the league and will be subject to a $200 late fee. Teams registering late may be placed in the lowest available division. All Fines must be paid by November 30 or application will not be accepted.

3.    TEAM REGULATIONS

1. The league executive shall, upon written request, issue annually one (1) non-transferrable admission pass per club plus two (2) passes each team that a club registers in the League. These passes shall be honored at all divisions, cup and play-off games (except finals) played under the jurisdiction of the League.
2. Should a club’s team be found to have allowed an ineligible/suspended player, coach and/or team official to take part in a League/Cup/Playoff game, any game points or trophies obtained from all the games in which the ineligible/suspended player, coach and/or team official participated shall be taken from them and the club shall be fined as per Section 12. Should the team not win the game, the club shall be fined as per Section 12. The game will be awarded to the opposing team with a score of 3-0. In the event both teams have been found guilty of playing an ineligible player, the game will be declared default, and the score recorded as 0-0 and no points will be awarded to either team.
3. Second and Third offences as per EMSA constitution: Ineligible Player, coach and/or team official – Discipline by EMSA. Suspended Player is one who receives a red card or three (3) yellow cards.
4. Any team who has entered the Ontario Cup and has not notified the league or the opposing team of their upcoming game will be fined as per Section 12 for failing to notify the League and for failing to notify the opposing team.
5. All team officials, players and coaches must have a signed “Code of conduct” on file with the league.

4.    PLAYER REGULATIONS

1. In addition to players registered with them, and players with valid trial or temporary registration permits, teams may include players registered with a lower level team from within the same club. The number of players being used and not directly registered with the team may not exceed six (6) in any one game.
2. For games designated as Cup or Play-off competitions, teams shall not include players with temporary registration permits or trial permits for players registered to other clubs.
3. The transfer or deregistration of players surplus to a team’s requirements must be completed on or before July 31 of the current season.
4. New players may not be signed after August 30 of the current season.
5. a) Professional players or non-amateur players may not play for an amateur team. Players registered with amateur teams playing in Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 or for teams in other Level 4 Leagues may not take part in games under the jurisdiction of this League. Further no WOSL players can play more than three (3) games for a higher level league, should such a WOSL player play a fourth (4th) game in a higher level league then he shall immediately be ineligible to play in any further WOSL games (league or cup) for the remainder of the current season.

b) Players above that have played more that 3 matches for teams in any league placed by Ontario Soccer above the level of WOSL shall not be allowed to be deregistered back down to WOSL without the written consent of the league. Team must apply to the league for reinstatement. No players will be allowed to be reinstated after July 31 or the districts transfers date. 

5.    COACH REGULATIONS

1. Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers, Trainers and all other Team Officials must meet Ontario Soccer requirements, and have a valid EMSA Photo ID Card identifying them as such.
2. During any match the coach on the game sheet must be present during the entire match. A player may act as a coach, team official in the event a coach or team official is ejected from a match, or a coach or team official is not available at the start of the match.No match will be delayed at kick off.

6.    GROUNDS

1. At all grounds the field of play must be clearly marked and comply with FIFA Laws of the Game. Any match not played due to poor maintenance of the field and/or poor field markings will be rescheduled to the opposing teams field with all related costs to be paid by the original home team including the referees.  The date and time for the rescheduled match will be set by the league. Regulation goal nets and corner flags must be provided. The home team will be fined as per section 12.
2. The referee or a qualified groundskeeper shall be the judge as to the playing conditions of the field. Should the referee or the groundskeeper declare the field unfit for play, the game officials present shall be paid half the game fee and the full allowable travel expense. No protest regarding the referee’s decision on the fitness of the field of play will be entertained. Should there be a discrepancy between the opinion of the referee and qualified groundskeeper as to the conditions of the field, the matter will be brought to the attention of the league and could result in the game being rescheduled to the visiting teams field, with all related cost still being the responsibility of the original Home team.
3. The referee will notify the home team of any field problems, which need to be rectified before the kick-off.
4. A team reported for poor field conditions or a field that does not comply with Section 6.1 will be fined in accordance with Section 12.
5. A team wishing to relocate their home field shall submit their request in writing to the League for consideration. The move shall not become effective without the prior permission of the league.
6. Any team who has/had prior knowledge of poor field conditions and does make an attempt to notify the league and /or the opposing team shall be fine at per rule 12.

7.     GAMES, GAME SHEETS & SCHEDULING

1. All games shall be played under the laws of the Game as approved by the Ontario Soccer Association.
2. Prior to the start of the season, clubs with more than one (1) team playing in the League shall submit a list of players registered with each team. Changes or additions to these lists must be sent to the league within seven (7) days of the change or addition being made.
3. The home team shall be responsible for all the costs of playing the game and shall ensure that the game officials are paid the game fees and travel expenses prior to the start of the game. Monies collected at the gate shall be the property of the home team. In the event the League is paying the expenses for the game, then monies collected at the gate shall be retained by the League. The visiting team shall be responsible for its own expenses.
4. The home team must provide an approved game ball to the referee at least fifteen (15) minutes before kick-off time. For Cup and Playoff games both teams may be asked to supply the referee with a game ball.
5. All players must have such proof of registration and identification as approved by the Ontario Soccer Association or by the District Association.
6. Each team must complete a game sheet for each game. The game sheet must contain the full name and number of each player eligible to take part in the game. Only eighteen (18) players may participate in the game. Only those players whose names appear on the team sheet may take part in the game. The completed team sheets must be given to the referee at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the game. A player whose name appears on the game sheet shall be deemed to have played in the game. Only players and team officials whose name appear on the signed game sheet and hold a valid players card/book on hand are allowed to sit/stand in the designated area of the team’s bench. On fields were both players benches are on the same side of the field, only players, team officials, game officials and league officials are permitted on the side of the field where the benches are. Teams found not complying with be subject to fines located in section 12.  Spectators and all other individuals are required to view the game from the opposite side of the field. On fields were players benches are on opposite sides of the field, spectators must not sit/stand within 25 feet of the players benches. Spectators must not sit/stand within 25 feet of the goal nets.
   1. Under no circumstance may unauthorized players, team officials and/or spectators occupy the technical bench area. This area is only for players or team officials with valid player or team identification on hand and listed on the signed game sheet. (This includes players that are injured and/or not dressed to take part in the match). Team’s failure to follow will be subject to fines listed in section 12.
   2. The checking of player cards/booklets and Ontario Soccer Team Roster – SEOS Report must be completed 15 minutes prior to game time.  The referee must be notified of this procedure. Signed Game sheets must be prepared and ready for the checking of cards/booklets. A player or team official without a valid card/booklet and documentation (Ontario Soccer Team Roster – SEOS Report) showing the team they are registered with, may not participate in the match and cannot be in the technical bench area. 
   1. Each team must use supplied games sheets from the league.  
   1. Game Sheets, all 3 copies must be a system Generated Game Sheet and be provided 15 minutes prior to Kick Off.  Failure to do so will result in a Fine of $100 per occurrence.
7. Teams using players on a permit from other clubs must attach the permit to the team sheet that is handed to the referee. Players from lower level teams within the same club must be identified on the team sheet.
8. Prior to kick-off time, team officials from both teams may check the identification of the players from the opposing team that are present. Players arriving at a later time must show their Player Card and the Ontario Soccer Team Roster – SEOS Report to the opposing coach/manager prior to taking part in the game. Any protest regarding player eligibility must be made prior to the start of the game.
   
   
   1. If player’s cards/booklets were not checked prior to the match, then no protest will be considered by the league for ineligible players.
9. Any team found guilty of playing an ineligible/suspended player shall be fined in accordance with Section 12. The game shall be awarded to their opponents with a recorded score of 3-0. In the event both teams have been found guilty of playing an ineligible/suspended player, the game will be declared default, and the score recorded as 0-0 and no points will be awarded to either team.
10. All games must start promptly and not later than fifteen minutes after the scheduled time. Teams reported for delaying the scheduled kick-off shall be fined in accordance with Section 12.
11. Both teams shall report the result of the game through the league website by 10:00 am the next day. Failure to report within the stipulated time will result in a fine as per Section 12.
12. In the event that two (2) teams have jerseys of similar colour, the home team shall play in their official registered colours and the visiting team will change to an alternate jersey colour.
13. Admission passes issued by the League, District Association, OS and C.S.A. shall be honoured at all games under the jurisdiction of the League, unless otherwise stated (as per rule 3.1).
14. The home team shall provide a maximum of nineteen passes to players and officials of the opposing team.
15. The price of admission to games under the jurisdiction of the League will be as set at the Annual General Meeting.  Any team found guilty of charging more than the amount agreed upon at the Annual General Meeting shall be fined an amount as stated Section 12. Admission shall not exceed a maximum of $5.
16. Kick-off times shall be set before the start of the season. The home team shall notify the League on the Annual Membership Form of their desired kick-off times. The kick-off times shall be noted on the WOSL web site. No further notification will be necessary or made. For teams using venues that do not have external lighting, Kick-off times must allow for the full completion of the game 15 minutes before sunset. For visiting teams travelling more than 1 hour, the league may request the game be played on the weekend or kick-off later than 7:30 pm on a field equipped with external lighting.
17. Any team wishing to change the date, time and/or place of a game shall obtain agreement via e-mail through the league website, from their opponent. To initiate a Game Change Request, log into the league website and go to "My Team" and select "Request" under "Coach Options" and follow the instructions. The proposed change must contain full details for the rescheduling of the game. The details and approval by both teams must reach the League fourteen (14) days prior to the original date or the requested date of the change (whichever is earlier). The correct fee must accompany the change request. Failure to comply with any of the foregoing will result in the requested change being denied. The proposed date must not conflict with any dates blocked off by the league or surpass the official end of the season. Changes to Divisional Cup, League Cup and Playoff Games shall be at the discretion of the League.
18. A team requiring postponement due to Ontario Cup play that is scheduled for the same weekend (Saturday or Sunday), shall notify the League and the opposing team in writing via e-mail, at least five (5) days before the postponement or be fined as per Section 12. The team must within five (5) days of the postponement notify the league of the arrangements for rescheduling the game. The game must be played within Thirty (30) days of the original date or Section 7.21 will come into effect.
19. The home team, being party to the postponement due to unplayable ground conditions or other causes shall, within Five (5) days of the postponement, notify the league of the arrangements for replaying the game. No league games are to be scheduled within twenty-four (24) hours of any previously scheduled game unless agreed to by both teams or covered in Section 7.21. The game must be played within twenty (20) days of the original date, save and except games covered in Section 7.21.
20. Failure of either team to agree on a date, time and location of a replay as in section 7.19 shall require the League to set the replay. The game may be played on a neutral field in which case Section 7.22 will come into effect.
21. The date set for the end of the regular season and any games deemed necessary to be played after that date shall be at the discretion of the executive committee. Games scheduled for the last seven (7) days of the League schedule and not played due to field conditions, such games shall be played within five (5) days of the postponement. The decision of the League shall be binding on both teams. If necessary, Cup games may be scheduled the day before or after a League Game.
22. Expenses that are incurred resulting from the postponement and rescheduling of the game by the League shall be borne by the home team. Any claim for payment of expenses or compensation shall be approved by the home team. Any claim for payment of expenses or compensation shall be as approved by the Executive Committee whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
23. If a game is abandoned due to weather at the 70th minute of play the game will be considered final.  (excluding cups games)
    
    

8.    Referee

1. Referees and Referee Assistants appointed to games under the jurisdiction of the league shall be selected from the Official List of Referees published by the Ontario Soccer Association and verified by the Elgin-Middlesex Soccer Association
2. Referees and Referee Assistants shall, with the permission of the District Association, be appointed by the League. In the event that the appointed referee is unable to officiate or fails to arrive, the teams shall agree on some other person to officiate at the game. Complaints or protests against the selected person will not be accepted.
3. Games in the Premier, First and Second Division shall have a referee and two (2) assistant referees. If there is a shortage of officials, assistant referees are optional. Priority shall be given to all games having a referee. Other divisions shall have a referee only (unless approved by the league). Where assistant referees are not appointed, each team shall supply a suitable person to assist the referee.
4. The home team is responsible for the payment of the game official’s fees prior to kick-off. Failure to make payment when due may result in being fined an amount as set in Section 12.
5. The referee shall keep accurate records of goals scored, names of goal scorers and of any misconduct at the game. The referee shall submit the completed game sheets and any game reports to the League’s designated person at the address in the League’s Directory. Failure to do so will result in the referee being fined the amount of the game fee received. The fine will be paid to the League by the date specified in the notice.
6. Game officials may not ask for nor receive more than the set game fees and travel allowance.
7. Game officials failing to carry out their assignments without giving adequate notice of their inability to do so, may render them liable to a fine equal to the game fee that they would have received. The fine shall be paid to the Association by the date specified in the notice, who will then forward payment to the League.
8. Game officials shall not exchange appointments with other officials without the permission of the person making the appointments on behalf of the League.
9. Appointed referees shall not be an executive member or team player/official of either of the competing clubs/teams regardless of the League to which they belong (i.e. Masters. Industrial, etc.) As this poses a conflict of interest. In the event that the appointed referee is unable to officiate or fail to arrive, Section 8.2 shall come into effect.

9.    MISCONDUCT

1. Any team failing to show up for a scheduled game shall forfeit the game and be fined in accordance with the Published Rules, Fines and Bonds. The game will be awarded to the opposing team with a recorded score of 3–0. The defaulting team shall be responsible for any fees payable to the game officials and any other expenses as determined by the Executive Committee.
2. Any team defaulting two (2) games during the current season shall forfeit their performance bond and be required to post a further bond as determined by the Executive Committee.
   1. Any teams defaulting three (3) games during the current season shall be subject to suspension or termination by the league.
3. Any team forfeiting a game that directly and immediately affects the promotion, relegation, play-off or cup participation of any other team may pay a fine up to double the amount set out in Section 12 and may be suspended from the league for the next year as deemed fit by the executive after their review of the situation.
4. Should any team drop out, or have their membership terminated or be suspended from the League before the completion of the season, all of their games played will be declared null and void and removed from the League standings. The membership of the team will be terminated.
5. Any team suspended during the regular season by the League, the District Association or the Ontario Soccer Association shall forfeit all games scheduled during the period of suspension and said games will be awarded to their opponents with a 3-0 score.
6. Should any game not be completed (abandoned) for an occurrence of any kind of misconduct such as spectator problems, fights, threatening a Game Official or League Official assaults or a team leaving the field of play without the permission of the referee, the team shall be fined in accordance Section 12. The Executive Committee shall decide the disposition of the game.
7. All protests must be made in writing on Club Letterhead and received by the League Secretary via e-mail within seventy-two (72) hours of the end of the game. If the game in question being protested is a Cup, Tournament or Playoff Game, and (72) hours falls within (24) hours of the next round to be played, the League has the right to revise the time frame the protest must be submitted to ensure it is heard and a decision is made in sufficient time as to not impede the competition’s schedule. A copy of the protest must be sent within the same time frame to the party being protested against, via e-mail. The email address of the other party must be included in the CC line of the e-mail sent to the Secretary and the protest fee must still be presented at the EMSA Office. The board will take into consideration protest submitted after the deadline following the guidelines above. The notice must fully outline the reason the protest did not meet the guide above. It will be reviewed by the board.
8. The letter of protest to the League must be accompanied by acknowledgment that the correct protest fee will be delivered to the EMSA office within the time period required.
9. Protests not complying with the foregoing regulations will be declared out of order and will not be heard.
10. A protest, if in order, shall be heard within twenty-five (25) days of its’ receipt. All parties to a protest will be given ten (10) days written notice of the date, time and location of the hearing (this may be shortened by the league for protests relating to Cup, Tournament and Playoff games). In the interests of reaching a speedy decision, the parties may sign a waiver of such notice.
11. In the event that the protest is upheld, the protest fee shall be returned in full. If the protest fee is denied, the protest fee may be forfeit in whole or in part.
12. Any party not satisfied with the decision of the Hearing Panel shall have the right to appeal to the Elgin-Middlesex Soccer Association. Rights of Appeal information can be found within the Constitution of that Association. The decision of the League shall stay in effect until such time as the appeal is heard and the parties to the appeal have been notified of the result.
13. a) Any team failing to control players, officials or spectators may be required to attend a hearing. Team officials, club administrators or clubs found acting in a manner deemed to be detrimental to the league shall be fined, bonded and/or suspended.
    1. The club, team officials, players and spectators must be respectful to league officials at all time. Club, team officials, spectator or players threatening or using foul and abusive language towards league officials will be fined as per section 12 and/or called in for a hearing.  Payment of any such fines and sanctions (including Coaches and players) will be the  responsibility of the club.
14. Teams may be fined, bonded or both. Serious misconduct or multiple cases of misconduct, which fail to uphold the standards of the League, may result in loss of membership in the League. All parties to a discipline hearing will be given ten (10) days’ notice of the date, time and place/location of the hearing. In the interests of reaching a speedy decision, the parties may sign a waiver of such notice.
15. Decisions relating to discipline hearings shall be communicated in writing to the parties concerned within fifteen (15) days of the conclusion of the hearing.

10.    CUPS AND TOURNAMENTS

1. The names of the teams shall be placed in a container. The first name drawn shall be the home team, the second team drawn shall be their opponent. The draw shall continue in a like manner until all team’s names have been drawn. Should the draw be done in a different order, this must be declared to the members prior to the draw commencing, and an explanation of the order being used declared.
2. Games shall consist of two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes each. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the teams shall play an additional thirty (30) minutes of overtime, equally divided into two (2) fifteen (15) minute periods. The first team to score during the overtime period shall be declared the winner (Golden Goal). If the game is tied at the end of overtime the game shall be decided by taking kicks from the penalty mark. The kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game as prescribed by FIFA (Current Edition).

3. A player is not permitted to play for more than one (1) Divisional Cup, and not more than one team in any other cup competition. For clarity, a player may play for separate teams in cup competitions as follows:

   • One team in not more than one Divisional Cup; and
   • One team in the League Cup, though this team may be different from the team they played with in the Divisional Cup competition
4. In all games prior to the final game, the home team shall pay all expenses and shall keep any gate receipts, unless stated otherwise by the league. The away team shall be responsible for its’ own expenses. In some competitions the League may divide the expenses between both teams. For the final game, the League shall be responsible for collecting gate receipts. After paying all expenses, the League may divide the profits or loss one-third (1/3) to the League and one-third (1/3) to each of the teams. In all other cases of the field being arranged and paid for by the League, all gate receipts shall be retained by the League.
5. All Rules and Regulations shall pertain to all WOSL sanctioned tournaments and Cup Championships.

11.    OTHER MATTERS

1. The Executive Committee may add to these Rules and Regulations such rules as are required to ensure that all members are treated fairly and consistently and to uphold the standards of the League.
2. Such rules may not violate the rights of others as embedded in this Constitution and the Rules and Regulations.
3. All proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations may be amended upon retaining a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the teams in good standing after the amendment has been considered at two (2) consecutive meetings and providing the proposed amendment was introduced in the call for the meeting.
4. Throughout the season if your team's cautions and dismissals outpace the league average regarding dissent and/or foul & abusive language towards match officials your team will be brought in for notice. At that point after review...the board may or may not impose a fine/penalty for subsequent behaviour.

12.    FEES, FINES & BONDS – All fines in Cdn

              MAJOR FINES:

              Team officials, club administrators or clubs found acting in a manner deemed to be detrimental to the league shall               be fined, bonded and/or suspended.

              1st Offence                                                                   $500 to $1,000 plus 3-month suspension
              2nd Offence                                                                  $1,000 plus 1-3-year suspension and/or loss of membership

 
NOTE:  Teams in breach of any article prescribed in the constitution/rules are required to pay the respective fines/fees upon receipt of written notice of payment. Failure to comply with payment will result in double the fine. 
Note: EMAIL is the valid and accepted method of communication of WOSL. Including and communication of league matters and fines.  It is the responsibility of each club/team official and team contact to have a valid updated email contact and address and contact number to both the EMSA District and WOSL and must notify the league of any changes to emails etc.