RULES AND REGULATIONS OF CAPITAL AREA SOCCER LEAGUE

(Revised 7/11/2004)   New Rules or changed Rules are in red.

A. PURPOSES AND GOVERNANCE.

The purposes and governance of Capital Area Soccer League, a Michigan nonprofit corporation (CASL), are set forth in CASL’s Bylaws.

B. GENERAL RULES.

1. CASL Website. CASL currently maintains a website at www.caslsoccer.org where it will publish changes to these Rules and Regulations, forms, and other information for players, coaches and other team personnel, parents, referees and fans. References to the CASL website shall mean www.caslsoccer.org or any other website operated by CASL.

2. Insurance. All players registered by CASL shall be required to have in effect a medical insurance program as approved by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). Cost for this coverage is included in the team registration fee. Should there be a need for an insurance claim, the claimant (guardian if player is under 18 years of age) will notify the insurance company through MSYSA at 1-800-811-2727 or as MSYSA may otherwise direct.

3. Emergency Procedures. All teams should have available the location of the nearest telephone and the phone number of the nearest Emergency Services to their home field. In addition, all coaches MUST carry the CASL Medical Release (notarized) and Medical History forms to all games and practices.

4. Sportsmanship. All players, coaches, parents, fans, and referees will show good sportsmanship. Each team shall be responsible for the conduct of its coaches, managers, players, parents, and fans. It is the responsibility of each team to insure that its actions on or off the field do not bring disrespect upon this league.

5. Playing Time Requirements. Minimum playing time per player shall be 1/3 of the game, unless the player is subject to reasonable team discipline or injury, WHICH SHALL BE NOTED ON THE CASL OFFICIAL GAME ROSTER by the coach before the game begins.

6. Age Limits. The term "youth" shall mean any amateur player who has not attained his or her 19th birthday before the first day of August of the seasonal year in which they apply for registration. Players attaining the limiting age for any group on or after August 1st will be eligible to play for the remainder of the seasonal year. All teams, unless otherwise approved by the CASL Board of Directors, shall divide play in the following age groupings:

Open, Under 16 years, Under 14 years, Under 13 years, Under 12 years, Under 11 years, Under 10 years, and Under 9 years

7. Proof of Age. Any Player can be called upon to prove his/her legal age to the CASL Board of Directors. A birth certificate, Adoption Certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization shall be sufficient for proof of age.

8. Clinics and Tournaments. MSYSA is to be notified of all tournaments entered out of state. A Permission to Travel Form must be completed and sent to the MSYSA Registrar for travel approval. All GUEST players to play with CASL affiliated teams must fill out and submit the Guest Roster application to MSYSA at least 8 days prior to the tournament. These forms can be obtained by contacting MSYSA or visiting the website, currently www.msysa.net.

9. Player Scholarships. Subject to the limits and conditions set forth below, CASL will provide player scholarships to all players in need of financial assistance providing that the following be submitted to the CASL Treasurer (in written form):

• Proof of need- a written request stating the reason(s) for needing financial help submitted by the player, the player’s guardian or coach of the team.
• The total funds requested is not to exceed $100.00 per season for a community select team player, OR $200.00 per season for a Premier Program player.

CASL will provide up to $5,000.00 per season total funds for such requests and will base all requests upon funds available per season. A maximum of three (3) scholarships will be provided to players on any one (1) team (per season).

10. Coach Scholarships. Subject to the limits and conditions set forth below, CASL will provide coaching scholarships to those coaches of CASL teams who obtain a USSF E, D, C, B, or A coaching license. The coach must be coaching a CASL affiliated team currently (in the seasonal year the licensing course is taken) or intending to coach a CASL affiliated team in the following seasonal year and have been approved to coach that team in CASL. Funds available will not exceed $5,000.00 per season for such scholarships. The maximum scholarship per coach per calendar year will not exceed 50% of the cost of obtaining any E or D license OR $500.00 maximum for a C, B or A license. Application for scholarship must be received from the coach with a copy of the license, and be in written form submitted to the CASL Treasurer.  

11. Field Grants. Communities are responsible for providing their own game fields. Any attendant expenses are the responsibility of the community and/or team. Matching fund grants are available through CASL up to $500.00 per year per community for field improvement, although not for routine maintenance (mowing, lining, etc).

12. Other Matters. Any matters not provided for in these rules and regulations shall be determined by the CASL Board of Directors and decisions so made shall be binding.

C. TEAM FORMATION.

1. Guidelines for Player Eligibility. CASL was established to provide the maximum number of players the opportunity to play soccer in a competitive level in a community context. Community is defined as the school district a player resides in or attends school. The exception to this is that private and/or parochial schools are considered school districts themselves, and teams can be formed for players attending private and/or parochial schools; otherwise, the player must try out for the community team where he/she resides. Teams shall be formed within the school district boundaries or from the student body of the parochial school attended and in accordance with the CASL team formation rules.

2. Team Formation and Organization. For teams playing is 6 v 6 divisions, up to two (2) teams per community are permitted.  Where as CASL recommends that the 2 teams be equally split, it is up to the community to determine how the teams are split.  For teams playing in 8 v 8 divisions, up to two (2) teams per community are permitted.  Where as CASL recommends that the 2 teams be equally split, it is up to the community to determine how the teams are split.  For teams playing in 11 v 11 divisions,generally, only one (1) team from a school district or community (i.e.; Dewitt, East Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, Grand Ledge, Holt, Haslett, Mason, Williamston, etc.) will be approved in each age division. The CASL Board of Directors must approve additional teams. Coaches wishing to form a second team should request instructions from the CASL Board of Directors on how to proceed.

3. Tryouts. Except for teams in any Recreational Program sponsored by or affiliated with CASL, communities MUST conduct open tryouts for team selection. Unless otherwise RESTRICTED by MSYSA or the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP), tryouts may be conducted at any time after June 15^th and  prior to July 15^th for fall team formation and prior to February 15^th for spring teams. Notice for team open tryouts must be given to all schools in the community where players of the applicable age attend, as well as taking other reasonable measures (e.g. newspaper notice) to ensure that players in the community are aware of the tryouts.  All tryouts dates and times must be submitted to the CASL Publicity Director for posting on the CASL website.  In striving for impartiality and fairness, coaches are encouraged to include evaluators not associated with the team who are familiar with the demands of select team play, such as other current or former CASL coaches, former CASL players, or CASL or other community Board members, etc.

4. Special Circumstances. Players who reside in a community that has no age appropriate team may try out for an age appropriate team in another community. Players may play up one (1) age division. If a player is cut from his/her age appropriate team, only then may the player be eligible to tryout for either the age appropriate team or one (1) age division above his/her age in a non-resident community team.

If in the subsequent year(s) the player’s home community forms an age appropriate team, the player is expected to try out for their home community team. If there is no team in a player’s home community or that player goes through the tryout and is cut from the home community team(s), the player is free to try out for other age appropriate teams outside his/her home community, providing that the nonresident community can take additional players. The commitment outside one’s home community is for the entire seasonal year (fall/spring). The next seasonal year the player must return to their home community for team tryouts.

5. Conditions. The following conditions must be met in selecting players for a CASL formed team:

• For teams playing in 11 v 11 divisions, a minimum of thirteen (13) players registered with CASL.
• For teams playing in 8 v 8 divisions, a minimum of ten (10) players registered with CASL.
• For teams playing in 6 v 6 divisions, a minimum of eight (8) players registered with CASL
• At least 51% of all rostered players MUST be age appropriate. The appropriate age is determined by the calendar years of birth dates between August 1^st through July 31^st of that birth year.
• Up to 49% of a team’s rostered players may only be one (1) year younger than the age division the team as registered as (e.g., a U12 player is not eligible to be placed on a U14 team).
• A player playing on a team one (1) year above the player’s age must be consented to by the coach, the player, and the player’s parents or guardians.
• For U-16 and OPEN division teams only, the following rule applies: Except with prior approval from the CASL Board of Directors, a U-14 age eligible player may play on a team in the U-16 or Open division only if the player will be attending high school during the season that the U-16 or Open division team will be playing.
• For Open division teams only, the following rule applies: Except with prior approval from the CASL Board of Directors, a player is eligible to play on a team in the Open division only if (i) the player is eligible to play in an age division between (and including) U-15 through U-19; AND (ii) the player is U14 age eligible and will be attending high school during the season that the Open division team will be playing.
• Coaches cannot cut age appropriate home community players and place non-resident players on their team. A coach can take players from a non-resident community only to fill their roster.
• Communities form CASL teams. All players MUST tryout in their home community. The only exceptions are when no age appropriate team is formed in the player’s home community, or the player has obtained a signed release form either the home community coach or representative.
• For teams playing in 11 v 11 divisions, a maximum of eighteen (18) players is permitted.
• For teams playing in 8 v 8 divisions, a maximum of fourteen (14) players is permitted.
• For teams playing in 6 v 6 divisions, a maximum of eleven (11) players is permitted.

D. COACHES.

1. Code of Ethics for Coaches. Individuals intending to coach teams sponsored by or affiliated with CASL must sign the Code of Ethics for Coaches (see CASL website for document). The coach should also note that parents/guardians of players on their team might also be asked to complete forms that evaluate their coaching behavior. If the CASL Board of Directors determines that the behavior of the coach is inappropriate, the coach will be notified. The coach may be called before the CASL Board of Directors for review and will be subject to disciplinary action.

2. Coach Licenses. All CASL coaches MUST obtain at least a USSF E license within one (1) year of coaching any CASL team. Coaches not following this rule or obtaining this license will be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the CASL Board of Directors.

3. Risk Management Cards. All coaches and team managers must apply for and receive a risk management card form MSYSA.  Applications can be obtained from MSYSA’s website, currently www.msysa.net.

E. TEAM AND PLAYER REGISTRATION.

1. Team and Player Registration Forms. The following items must be submitted to the appropriate CASL Registrar by July 15^th for fall team formation, and February 15^th for spring team formation:

• Team Application.

• League registration fee made out to CASL in an amount determined by the CASL Board of Directors and posted on the CASL website in the team registration information.
• Game scheduling Availability form.
• Tryout roster showing players chosen and cut and all appropriate information completed.
• Player Application for all players to be placed on the team roster.
• Proof of age for each player placed on the team (i.e., prior year’s pass card, birth certificate, Adoption Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization) (Please note: HOSPITAL certificates with footprints are NOT acceptable).
• Proof of high school attendance for all U-14 age eligible players to be placed on the roster for teams registering to play in the U-16 or Open divisions.
• Application for each coach, assistant coach, and manager placed on the roster.
• Code of Ethics form signed by each coach, assistant coach, and manager to be placed on the roster.
• Copy of USSF coaching license for head coach and/or other team officials.
• Completed application for RISK MANAGEMENT CARD; or copy of Risk Management card for all team officials (i.e.; head coach, assistant coach, manager).

The team officials collect and retain the following items:

• A photograph of each player and team official on the team roster (to be placed on the players’ pass cards and the team officials’ pass cards).
• Notarized CASL Medical release and Medical History for each player on team roster.

2. Player Registration on a Team. Any player registered to a team is bound to that team for the entire seasonal (Fall/Spring) year. Exceptions to this rule are: the team of original registration suspends operation; the player moves to a new location, a distance that would make it impractical for continuing with the original team; or the current team coach gives the player a release. In all cases the CASL Board of Directors must be notified of and approve the change.

3. Dual Registration. Subject to further RESTRICTION by MSYSA or MSPSP, dual registration shall be governed by the CASL Bylaws, which currently provide that CASL shall permit a maximum of 3 dual registered players on any CASL select-travel team, and that the dual registered player must be from the community of the CASL select-travel team.  All dual registered players must have the approval of both the primary and secondary team coach.  It is the responsibility of the player to fill out the state dual registration form and submitted to the state for approval.

F. ROSTER.

1. Team Roster. Teams playing in 11 v 11 divisions may carry a maximum of eighteen (18) players and a minimum of thirteen (13) players. Teams playing in 8 v 8 divisions may carry a maximum of fourteen (14) players and a minimum of ten (10) players.  Teams playing in 6 v 6 divisions may carry a maximum of eleven (11) players and a minimum of eight (8) players.

G. RULES AND GAME PROCEDURES.

1. Game Report Rosters. Official CASL Game Report Rosters must be filled out by the team coach prior to the start of each game, complete with names and numbers of all players. Game Report Rosters along with team player's, coach's and team manager's pass cards are to be presented to the referees prior to the start of each game. In addition, the home coach is to include a stamped envelope addressed to the CASL Publicity Director. At the completion of the game, the referee should sign the sheets, make any appropriate comments and mail both teams game report roster (top white copies) to the CASL Publicity Director in the envelope provided by the home team. The second (yellow copy) of the Game report roster should be returned to the respective team coach. Coaches are encouraged to contact the GLASRA Referee Liaison with any concerns, complaints and/or positive feedback on any referee (GLASRA’s current website is www.glasra.org).

2. Pass Cards. The registrar shall issue a valid registration pass card to all eligible players and team personnel. Coaches shall affix a 1" X 1" picture of the player or team official, obtain the player's or team official’s signature, and laminate the pass card (as to render it tamper proof). All player and team personnel pass cards shall be surrendered to the referee before the start of each league game. Players with pass cards that do not meet the above standard will be deemed ineligible to play. All pass cards are to be returned to the coach at the conclusion of each game unless a player has been ejected.

3. Player not in Possession of Pass Card. If a player is not in possession of a pass card, the player or the player's coach shall notify the referee prior to the start of the game. The player(s) shall print their name(s) and birth date(s), and provide their signature(s), on the Game Report card.

4. Team Bench. Teams shall take the same side of the field for their bench with each team taking one-half of the field. Home teams shall choose their one-half of the field. Only players, two registered coaches and a team manager or trainer will be allowed on the team bench side of the field. Parents, fans, and other spectators will stay on the opposite side of the field. No one is allowed to be in the end zones (behind goal lines). All players, coaches, and spectators must maintain a one (1) yard setback from the sidelines during game play.

5. Rules of Play. Rules of play shall be the laws of the game as published by FIFA. All contests sanctioned by this league abide by the "Laws of the Game" and the modifications as published by CASL in these RULES and GUIDELINES.

The number of field players, length of games, ball size, circumference and weight:

Number of Field Players, Game Length, Ball Size, and Ball Weight

U-19: 11 v 11, Two 45 min. Halves #5 27-28" 14-16 oz.

U-16: 11 v 11, Two 40 min. Halves #5 27-28" 14-16 oz.

U-14: 11 v 11, Two 35 min. Halves #5 27-28" 14-16 oz.

U-13: 11 v 11, Two 35 min. Halves #5 27-28" 14-16oz.

U-12: 8 v 8, Two 30 min. Halves #4 25-26" 11-13 oz.

U-11: 8 v 8, Two 30 min. Halves #4 25-26" 11-13oz.

U-10: 6 v 6, Two 25 min. Halves #4 25-26" 11-13 oz.

U-9: 6 v 6, Two 25 min. Halves #4 25-26” 11-13 oz.

6. Grace Period. A fifteen (15) minute grace period will be allowed for all games before start. Any team not ready to play after the grace period has expired shall forfeit the game.

7. Official Game. Two halves of play shall constitute an official game unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the team coaches. In the event a game must be suspended because of conditions, which make it impossible to continue play, the game shall be declared an official game if one complete half or more of the game has been played. If less than one half of the game has been played, the game must be rescheduled and played in it's entirety. (See scheduling guideline) If the game has to be rescheduled, the teams must pay the referees for both the original (aborted) game and the rescheduled game when played. At LEAST ONE certified USSF referee MUST be present for a game to be deemed official. "Club Linesman" can be used in case of shortages of referees. Teams are not obligated to pay "club" linesman, nor does the team pay for the third official by surrendering funds for the full three-referee crew to be split amongst the officials that work the game. It is advisable that coaches, assistant coaches and managers/trainers not be considered as a referee (center) for their own team’s match.

8. Coaching from the Sidelines. A team's coach and up to two (2) other team officials MUST be able to present signed, pictured and laminated team pass cards to the referee prior to each game. Coaches/assistants and managers/trainers are permitted to give their own team points of strategy and position. The coaching tone of voice is to be informative, positive and not a harangue. No team personnel may use voice amplifying devices or noisemakers of any kind.

9. Player Substitutions. Substitutions of players during the game, from the centerline of the field, may be with the consent of the referee at the following times:

1. Prior to a throw-in that team’s favor.
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team.
3. After a goal by either team, when play has been stopped.
4. At half time.
5. After an injury, a bench player may be substituted for the injured player. The other team may substitute like number of player(s). Substitution can occur only after the referee stops the play and acknowledges the injury.
6. After a caution (yellow card) has been administered, the cautioned player may be replaced by a bench player if the request to substitute is brought to the attention of the referee before the game has been restarted.  If the player is substituted for, the other team may substitute one player.

10. Referee payment:  If the referees show up for a game, they get paid.  If the game is called due to weather or field conditions related to weather, both teams are required to pay the referees.  If the game is called due to unsafe field conditions, unrelated to the weather, both teams should pay the referees and submit requests to CASL for reimbursement.  If one team fails to show up for a game, the team that did show up should pay the referees their half of the payment, and submit a request to CASL for reimbursement.  If a team shows up but is unable to field a team, they are required to pay the entire referee fee.

H. DISCIPLINE.

1. Disciplinary Authority Concerning Persons. The CASL Board of Directors has authority to bar completely, suspend, or otherwise discipline, any player, coach, team manager, team assistant, player parent, member of the CASL Board of Directors, Committee member, CASL team, Premier Program team sponsored by, affiliated with or representing CASL, or Recreational Program team sponsored by, affiliated with or representing CASL for unacceptable behavior or conduct either in carrying out the duties of their position or while holding the aforementioned offices and/or positions. The CASL Board of Directors has the ultimate authority to determine if any discipline needs to be issued on any or all issues concerning players, team officials or referees affiliated with CASL.

2. Coaches Responsibility. Each coach is responsible for the conduct of his assistants, players, parents, and fans, and shall ensure that they abide by all applicable rules, including tournament and inter-league rules, as well as CASL and MSYSA rules.

3. Minimum Punishments. All rules and minimum punishments stated below will be followed UNLESS MSYSA RULES are stricter than the CASL rules:

1. ANY player guilty of FIGHTING before, during or after games shall receive a two (2) game suspension.
2. ANY player guilty of USING PROFANITY, offensive, insulting, or abusive language, either by word or sign, against other players, coaches, spectators, referees, or any league official shall receive a two (2) game suspension.
3. ANY player guilty of (ejected for) VIOLENT CONDUCT or SERIOUS FOUL PLAY shall receive a two (2) game suspension.
4. ANY player guilty of (ejected for) a Foul that denies obvious goal scoring opportunity shall receive a two (2) game suspension.
5. ANY player guilty of (ejected for) a second cautionable offense shall receive a one (1) game suspension.
6. ANY player guilty of making THREATENING GESTURES against other players, coaches, spectators, referees, or any league official shall receive a one (1) game suspension.
7. ANY player guilty of PUSHING OR STRIKING any coach, referee, or official shall receive a one (1) year suspension.
8. Coaches or team officials who make threatening gestures or use threatening language to other players, coaches league officials or referees shall be disciplined according to the following: First time - two (2) game suspension; Second time - four (4) game suspension and the offender shall appear before the MSYSA Board; Third time - Life suspension from CASL.
9. Coaches or team officials who fight at any time (prior to a game start, during a game or after the game has concluded) shall be disciplined according to the following: First time offense- minimum one (1) year suspension; second offense - life suspension from CASL.
10. Players or coaches who receive three (3) yellow cards during a season will receive a one (1) game suspension. This suspension is to be served in the game immediately following the issuance of the third yellow card. Failure of the coach to follow this procedure will result in an additional game suspension.
11. Any team that has a player or a coach ejected from a game (including 2 cautions) will be required to pay a $25.00 fine to CASL for the first offense and a $50.00 fine for each subsequent ejection. The fine must be paid before the player or coaches pass card is returned. Any player or coach who participates in a game without a valid pass card under this rule shall cause his/her team to forfeit each game that he/she participates in and be subject to disciplinary procedures deemed by the CASL Board of Directors.
12. Any team that has accumulated 5 ejections (red cards) for players or team officials in one season MUST appear before the CASL Board of Directors and are subject to discipline as determined by the CASL Board of Directors. Upon getting a 5^th ejection, CASL coaches must contact the CASL President within 48 hours to schedule a team appearance to the CASL Board of Directors. Failure to contact the CASL President shall result in forfeiture of games and/or affiliation with CASL as determined by the CASL Board of Directors.
13. Suspension received at the end of a season will carry over and be served at the beginning of the following season.
14. ANY coach, team manager, team official or player who knowingly alters any team roster, player pass card, or causes any team roster or player pass card issued by CASL to be altered or affixes or causes to be affixed to any CASL issued pass card a photograph of any person other than the person named on the pass card or falsifies any player’s birth date or causes any birth date to be falsified can receive up to a SEVEN (7) YEAR suspension from CASL as determined by the CASL Board of Directors.
15. ANY coach, player or team official who knowingly changes teams within a given seasonal obligation or quits a team to join another team without following proper procedure, is considered to be poaching or participating in poaching activity. The CASL Board of Directors will determine this activity and discipline will be sanctioned under the determination of the CASL Board of Directors.
16. ANY player who does not pay his/her financial obligations for any CASL affiliated team, (community select or Premier Program) that player will not be allowed to continue to play for any other CASL affiliated team; discipline for that player will be determined by the CASL Board of Directors.
17. All suspensions shall be in addition to the game during which the infraction occurs. If the infraction occurs prior to the start of the game, the suspension shall be in addition to that game. Any player or team official who has been ejected from the game shall remain on the bench but not able to participate in the actions of the entire game. It is recommended that the player remove his/her jersey as not to be confused with substituted players for the remaining portions of the game.
18. In the event of serious or consistent inappropriate behavior on the part of any team, the CASL Board of Directors, or disciplinary committee thereof, reserves the right to take disciplinary action, up to and including suspension of the offending team from CASL.
19. Any team that forfeits a game will be required to pay the entire referee fee for that game as well as a $10.00 fine to CASL.  If a team fails to submit payment of the fine prior to the end of the season, the fine will be doubled and that team will not be allowed to register for the next season until the fine and referee fees are paid and will be subject to all late fees if the fine is paid after the registration deadline.

4. Poaching. Any person or any club or team which, through its responsible officers or representatives:

1. Attempts at any time prior to June 15 of any seasonal year to induce a registered player (or their parent or guardian) of any team sponsored by, affiliated with or representing CASL or any of its programs, to leave his/her team before the end of the current season; or
2. Attempts at any time prior to June 15 of the seasonal year to induce the player to leave their team for the following seasonal year;

shall be deemed to have committed a poaching offense.  The CASL Board of Directors may deal with the offense and punishment if the person, club or team committing the offense is sponsored by, affiliated with or representing CASL or any of its programs. The CASL Board of Directors may also report any poaching offense to MSYSA or MSPSP.

I. PROTESTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES.

1. Protests. Should any person or team want to protest or appeal any decision, the line of communication shall be as follows:

1. The CASL President and the CASL Chairperson of the Discipline and Appeals Committee.
2. MSYSA Board.

a. In the determination of any discipline or protest, MSYSA rules will take precedence over CASL rules and regulations if, and only if, so required by MSYSA.

b. Only violations of the CASL Bylaws, CASL rules and regulations, and misapplication of the law(s) shall be proper subjects for protest.

c. The referee's judgment related to the conduct of the game and prerogatives granted to him by the "Laws of the Game" published by F.I.F.A. -- SHALL NOT BE CHALLENGED.

d. Protests and appeals are to be written and sent to the CASL President and the Chairperson of the CASL Discipline and Appeals Committee within five (5) calendar days following the date of the match or league disciplinary problem being protested. The protest or appeal shall be accompanied with a $25.00 fee. If the decision by the person protesting or appealing is not upheld, the fee will be turned over to the CASL Treasurer.

e. The CASL President and the Chairperson of the CASL Discipline and Appeals Committee will then meet to determine the appropriate action.

f. The Chairperson of the CASL Discipline and Appeals Committee can, with or without pre-investigation, according to the severity of the complaint, call for a hearing on the complaint or appeal as determined by the CASL Board of Directors.

g. The CASL Discipline and Appeals Committee shall follow the policies and procedures of CASL; the concepts of due process; and provide a fair, swift, and just hearing to all protests, appeals or disciplinary procedures, and find just resolution.

h. Suspensions, all disciplinary actions and recommendations, or dismissal of charges will take effect following the ruling of the CASL Discipline and Appeals Committee. Affected parties are to be notified by the Chairperson of the CASL Discipline and Appeals Committee within a 48-hour period of said hearing and/or decision.  

i. Pleas of ignorance to these rules and regulations are not sufficient, and violators may expect appropriate action by the CASL Board of Directors. The CASL Board of Directors will determine ANY matters not provided for in these rules and the decision will stand final.

J. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT.

1. Uniforms. A minimum uniform consists of a shirt with a clearly visible distinct number and matching team color. Team colors should include matching shirt, short, and sock. Both socks shall be the same color with a single predominant color, but not necessarily the color of the shirt, and must cover the shin guards. Additional clothing may be worn under the official uniform as designated by FIFA. Goalies must wear jerseys of a color clearly different from either team color and referee jersey. When the colors worn by teams are similar, the HOME team must effect a change of colors, which will be distinct from those of the opponent.

2. Equipment. SHIN GUARDS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL PLAYERS. Regulation soccer shoes, (cleats) gym shoes or sneakers are permissible in all CASL competition. Referees will check cleats to be sure no metal parts are exposed. Jewelry worn is permissible upon the discretion of the referee only. The player may be required to remove jewelry or tape it according to the referee instructions. Players with any type of HARD cast (large or small, padded or unpadded) will not be allowed to play. Players with SOFT splints (air) may play at the discretion of the referee. Approval to play must be given by the referee prior to the start of the match. Subject to the approval of the referee, braces may be worn if the hinges are covered and all exposed hard plastic or metal parts do not have any sharp or protruding edges; it is recommended that a padded cover be worn over any brace.

K. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES.

1. Field Conditions. The home team provides the field, game ball, nets and corner flags. The home team is responsible for the condition of the field and for having proper markings and equipment. Fields should be clearly marked, policed of dangerous objects, free of potholes, ruts, etc., mowed to height normal for lawns. Nets and corner flags should be installed. Goals must be anchored, to protect against tip-overs. Minimum field dimensions are 20 x 40 for divisions playing 6v6, 40 x 70 yards for divisions playing 8v8, and 60 x 100 yards for all other age groups. If a game cannot be played because of poor field conditions directly related to the above items, the game may be rescheduled at the discretion of the CASL Operations Director; otherwise the HOME team will forfeit the game. In either case, the HOME team will be directly responsible for the referee fees for the unplayed game.  In either case, the community responsible for the field will be directly responsible for the referee fees for the unplayed game.

L. SCHEDULES AND CANCELLATIONS.

1. Scheduling. Coaches must submit a list of possible schedule conflict dates (see FORMS for Availability Sheet) as part of the team registration process before both the fall and spring seasons. The CASL Schedule Director then drafts and compiles tentative schedules for league competition. The tentative schedules are then delivered to all registered coaches at the seasonal coaches meeting. The Coaches have up to 5 (five) days following the coaches meeting to check their schedule and make any requests for adjustments at the discretion of the CASL Schedule Director before the schedules are turned over to the GLASRA Referee Scheduler.

2. Rescheduling. Once the referees are assigned for the games, little or no rescheduling should take place. All rescheduling of games MUST be done at LEAST 1 (one) week in advance of the scheduled game in question.

The Coach who initiates the rescheduling of a game is responsible to:

• Contact the opposing team's coach to see if they are willing to reschedule and arrive at a tentative alternate date, time and/or field.
• Contact the CASL Schedule Director to request a change and inform the CASL Schedule Director of the change.
• Re-contact the opposing coach once the CASL Schedule Director has confirmed the game rescheduling.
• Forward a $10 re-rescheduling fee to the CASL Schedule Director for the first rescheduled game in a season (each team) or a $25 fee for each additional rescheduled game (per team). If the CASL Schedule Director does not receive the fees within 10 days following the playing of the rescheduled game(s) the game(s) will be considered a forfeit by the team initiating the rescheduling.
• It is up to the discretion of the CASL Schedule Director to allow any game changes that are not made within the 1-week guideline. Teams that do not adhere to the 1-week guideline are subject to forfeiture of that game. If the game cannot be rescheduled, the team who initiates the change MUST either play the game as originally scheduled or forfeit.

It is the responsibility of the CASL Schedule Director to:

• Contact the Referee Scheduler and ask that the referees be rescheduled.
• Confirm to both teams that the rescheduled game can or will be rescheduled.

3. Minimum Number of Players. For 11 v 11 divisions a minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team for play. A game cannot begin or continue if one or both teams cannot field seven eligible players.  For 8 v 8 divisions a minimum of six (6) players constitutes a team for play.  A game cannot begin or continue if one or both teams cannot field six eligible players.  For 6 v 6 divisions a minimum of five (5) players constitutes a team for play.  A game cannot begin or continue if one or both teams cannot field five eligible players.

4. Games-Cancellations-Postponements. Soccer games are seldom canceled. Each team must report to the field scheduled unless notified by the CASL Schedule Director that the game has been canceled prior to the game start time.

Upon arrival at the field, the game may be called only by the referee. A game must be called under following conditions: danger to players (such as lightning hail etc.) or poor field/game conditions (excessive water on the field, improperly anchored goal posts, strong winds, darkness). Any time a weather siren is sounded the game is to be suspended immediately, and the referee must instruct coaches and players to seek shelter. Likewise, any time the referee sees lightning or hears thunder, the game is to be suspended immediately, and the referee must instruct coaches and players to seek shelter. The game is not to be restarted until a period of 30 minutes has passed without lightning or thunder.  A game may be suspended for a maximum of 45 minutes,  At such time the game will be called. Coaches should also apply these guidelines in canceling and restarting practices.

The only reason a home coach/community may cancel a game is for the protection of a home field. Notification should be made to the referees and opposing team at least two (2) hours in advance of the game. Failure to make good faith effort in notification will result in a $45 fine to the home team.

Upon agreement of cancellation of a game, the home team must notify the CASL Schedule Director within 72 hours and make a request for a time and place for the rescheduled game. Failure of the home team to notify the Schedule Director within 72 hours or to make a good faith effort to reschedule the game will result in forfeiture of the game.

M. STANDINGS AND SCORE REPORTING.

1. League Standings. Standings will be computed at the end of the regular season play on the following points basis: Win - 3 points; Tie - 1 point; Loss - 0 points; Forfeit – (-1) point. No play-off games will be scheduled. Any team with a forfeit game will not be allowed to WIN the division championship. In case of ties in point standings the following will be used to determine the division winner:

1. Winner of head to head competition; provided, that if two teams are tied and they did not play each other during the regular season, they will be declared co-champions.
2. Team with most wins.
3. Highest goal difference goals for minus goals against, up to a maximum of a 4-goal difference per game.
4. Least number of goals scored against actual goal count.
5. Penalty point- Deduct 2 points for each red card received during regular season play.

2. Score Reporting. The Coach of the winning team or in case of a tie, the home team Coach, shall notify the The CASL Publicity Director via e-mail whom will then post the standings to the website, currently WWW.CASLSOCCER.ORG.