Published - February 4, 2019
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
April 15,
2018
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.
5.
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.
6.
In accordance with OSA 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.
7.
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 OSA Registrant
Book.
8.
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. 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.
Such scenario will not affect the other normal promotion/relegation process of
other teams in the Division.
9.
All divisions shall be for teams of competitively registered players
10. 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.
11. 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.
12.
Notwithstanding rule 1.11, 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. Goals for / goals against nor results of head-to-head league games, shall
apply. 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). 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).
13. 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 1.13b 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 1.13b applies).
13b. Any team winning
promotion from their respective division were 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.
13c. 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.
14. 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.
15. In the event that the season needs to be adjusted and / or shorten 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.
15a. 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.
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.
15b 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. Separate changing facilities must be provided for each of the teams
and for the game officials. The changing facilities must have cold and hot
running water.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Each section will
consist of an appropriate number of teams to provide for competitive play and
reasonable travel distances. 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):
(a) Name, address and telephone number of their President, Secretary and Team
Contact person
(b) Name of their home playing fields and street address
(c)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.
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.
5.
COACH REGULATIONS
1a. Head 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.
1b. During any
match the coach on the game sheet must be present during the entire
match.
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.
6b. 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.
6c. The checking of player
cards/booklets and Ontario Soccer Team Roster – AIMS 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 – AIMS Report) showing the team they
are registered with, may not participate in the match and cannot be in the
technical bench area.
6d. Each team must use
supplied games sheets from the league.
6e. 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 – AIMS 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.
8b. 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, O.S.A. and C.S.A.
shall be honored 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 traveling 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.
REFEREES
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.
2b. 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.
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. 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.
13b. The club, team officials,
players and spectators must be respectful to league officials at all time.
Club, team officials, spectator or players threating 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 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.
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.
12. FEES,
FINES & BONDS
FEES:
Protest
Fee
$100
Initiation Fee ($300) and a Non-Refundable Bond ($300)
$600
Game Change Fee (Not applicable to Ontario Cup
changes)
$100
FINES:
Late Registration of Team (Acceptance at Discretion
of League
Executive)
$200
Noncompliance with 6b Team Benches – 1st
offence
$100
Noncompliance with 6b Team Benches – 2nd
offence
$250
Noncompliance with 6b Team Benches – 3rd
offence
$500
Delay
kick-off
$100
Abandon
Game
$500 Max
Abandon Game – 2nd
Offence
$750
Failure to attend Game with failure to provide
evidence of reason (24 hours’
Notice)
$400
Failure to report score or failure to report
within required
time
$50
Failure to properly complete and present signed
Game Sheet to
Referee
$100
Failure to provide Game Fee prior to the
game
$100
Charging more than the set admission
fee
$100
Forfeit of a
game
$400 Max
Unsatisfactory ground
conditions
$250
Failure to provide notice of double booking
$400
plus $500 bond
Failure to report poor or unplayable field
conditions
$250
Non-Attendance General, Annual or Special
Meeting
$100
Ineligible / Suspended Player, coach and/or team
official (Lost
Game)
$400
Ineligible / Suspended Player, coach and/or team
official (Won
Game)
$500
Ineligible / Suspended Player, coach and/or team
official (Tie
Game)
$300
Failure to notify League of Ontario Cup
Game
$50
Failure to notify opposing team of Ontario Cup
Game
$100
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
BONDS:
Abandon Game 2nd
Offense
$1,000
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.
