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The West Coast Soccer Association Constitution
Articles and By-Laws (Adopted August 2008) NAME The name of the organization shall be the: California College Club Soccer League of the WEST COAST SOCCER ASSOCIATION PURPOSE The purposes of the League are to promote, foster and develop the game of soccer and to take all such steps as deemed necessary or advisable for preventing infringements of the laws of the game or other improper methods or practices in the game, for protecting it from abuses, and to guard the interests of the teams of the League. The League shall be affiliated with and under the jurisdiction of the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association and subject to the rules and regulations of those bodies. BYLAWS California College Club Soccer League of the WEST COAST SOCCER ASSOCIATION Article 1 - AFFILIATION & MEMBERSHIP1(a) Membership shall be comprised of properly constituted teams affiliated with the state of California.1(b) Existing teams in good standing, duly notified, shall be eligible for membership renewal upon application and payment of annual membership fees. 1(c) Membership fees are to accompany the application which shall be in writing in a form specified by the Executive and be in the hands of the Secretary no later than the established deadline. This deadline will be established annually. 1(d) Applications for new teams shall be examined and evaluated by the Executive who shall establish entry fees, payment deadlines and take whatever steps necessary to ascertain the suitability of applicants before their acceptance by the League as new teams. Applicants may be required to appear in person before the Executive and the League to make an oral presentation on their application. 1(e) The form and content of membership application shall be decided by the Executive and shall include a listing of all officers, complete with addresses and telephone numbers, sponsor, team name, team colors and any other information that may be required for registration purposes. 1(f) Applicants shall be duly notified of the entry fees, payment deadlines and shall receive a refund if their application is not accepted. 1(g) Fees, bonds, performance guarantees, payment deadlines, registration procedures shall be set by the Executive. 1(h) A team who has been dismissed from the League for any reason must make application for membership and is responsible for any outstanding debts. Article 2 - MEETINGS2a) The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held at the termination of the League schedule each year at a time and place to be determined by the Executive. 2(b) Elections shall be held at the Annual General Meeting. The President and Secretary shall be elected for a two year period, in even numbered years. The Vice-President and two Directors (Director of Competition and Director of Communications) shall be elected for a two year period, in odd numbered years. 2(c) A Special General Meeting of the League shall be held at the discretion of the President, providing all teams have been duly notified. 2(d) A quorum shall be one half of the League membership. 2(e) Each team must be represented at all League meetings by one duly accredited delegate who shall have full power to act for his team and his actions shall be considered binding to his team. 2(f) Voting by proxy is permitted. 2(g) Each member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to one vote. 2(h) Voting on all subjects at all meetings shall be by the accredited delegates by a show of hands, except by specific request of one of the teams and with the approval of the President. 2(i) The President shall not vote except to break a tie. 2(i) A team who is not represented at a League meeting shall be subject to a fine (financial or otherwise). The amount of fine and severity of the punishment will be determined by the Executive Board. 2(j) In addition to the Annual General Meeting, the President will call an additional two General Meetings during the year. Under normal circumstances, one will take place prior to the commencement of play in each season and a second meeting will occur during the month of December. 2(k) A team that fails to attend at least one of three scheduled meetings in a season will forfeit their bond and position in the League and will have to reapply for entry into the League. 2(l) At all League meetings, unless the President shall otherwise direct, the order of business shall be:
2(m) The conduct of meetings shall be governed, as practicable, by Robert's Rules of Order. Article 3 - EXECUTIVE3(a) The business of the League shall be conducted by an Executive of 5 members who shall be elected for term of two years and the immediate past-president. The immediate past-president shall be an ex- officio member of the Executive and shall have a voice but no vote at all meetings of the League and the Executive. 3(b) Additional officers, if deemed necessary, may be elected by a majority vote at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting. Positions shall be created by the President and Vice President. Directors elected by the membership shall have full voting privileges on all Executive committees. 3(c) A Director of Competition shall be appointed by the Executive Board. 3(d) A Director of Communications shall be appointed by the Executive Board. 3(e) Any member of the Executive Board may be removed from office on a motion supported by four-fifths of the League membership. 3(f) Any member of the Executive Board who discusses a case with any third party before it has been heard by the League Disciplinary Committee shall be asked to resign his position on the Executive. 3(g) Any member of the Executive Board who is thought to be in a conflict of interest situation, shall excuse himself. 3(h) In the event that an Executive office becomes vacant for any reason, it shall be filled at a Special General Meeting of the League. 3(i) A Director desirous of accepting nomination to a different board position shall first resign from his / her present position. 3(j) Committees may be formed at the discretion of the Executive to fulfill commitments outside the duties currently established by the Executive (see Article 5). Article 4 - POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD4(a) The Executive Board or its appointee shall be responsible recording all match results. 4(b) The Executive Board shall appoint two (2) financial examiners who shall review the books of the League and report to the member clubs at the Annual General Meeting. 4(c) The Executive Board shall meet on a regular basis as decided by the President or by a majority vote of the Executive Board. 4(d) The Executive Board may appoint representatives as required or deemed advisable to act on its behalf and in its stead. In all instances, a verbal or written report is to be submitted to the Executive Board. 4(e) The Executive Board shall decide what team colors are official and no change may be made without the permission of the Executive Board. A change of team name must be approved through application to the Executive Board. 4(f) The Executive Board shall decide the composition of the League and the divisional structure, the number of divisions and the number of teams in each division. The Executive Board is empowered to expel any team from the League for defaulting two (2) games in a season. 4(g) The Executive Board has the right to: (i) deal with violations of the laws of the game, constitution, bylaws, rules, regulations and schedules of the League; (ii) summon any team official or player to inquire into any violation, offence, infraction, violent conduct, serious foul play, ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct, or any other action that might be against the best interest of the League or that might bring the League or the game into disrepute; and (iii) suspend a team, team official, or player pending a hearing or a decision by the Executive Board; and (iv) in the event of any team official, or player being proven to the satisfaction of the Executive Board of having been guilty of any offence under the constitution, bylaws, rules, regulations and schedules of the League or any of its committees and any misconduct thereto, to suspend, fine, remove from the League, or deal with in such a manner as they think fit; (v) order a team, team official or player to pay all expenses incurred in hearing the case. 4(h) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the constitution according to intent, the Executive Board may make rules & regulations that are not inconsistent with the constitution respecting: a) Membershipb) Member responsibilities c) Committees d) The scale and payment of fees; the prescribing of forms and content for applications, registrations, transfers, permits, memberships and disciplinary citations. e) Determination of any defaulted, disputed, protested and unfinished games. f) Standards for equipment and uniforms. g) Divisional alignment h) Prizes and awards. The qualification, selection, appointment and capacity of honorary teams and all-stars or selects. i) The payment of expenses incurred by the executives, committees, teams, team officials, match officials, coaches and / or players while attending League business. j) Revenues from any source derived directly or indirectly from any game or competition scheduled or permitted by the League. This includes ticket sales, gate receipts, prizes, lotteries, raffles, contests or any media production or advertising. k) Media advertising or publication (including television and radio broadcasts) of any game or competition, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly involving any team, team official, player or affiliate of the League. Any use of the name “California Collegiate Soccer League” or “West Coast Soccer Association” or of its teams, sponsors, officers, players or affiliates. l) Discipline of teams, team officials and registered players (including fines, bonds, performance guarantees and suspensions); the regulation and conduct of disciplinary proceedings. m) Affiliation of the League with other organizations n) Conduct of meetings, elections and other League business o) League History, statistical reports & records p) Specific items not covered under the constitution & bylaws but which may be required to carry out the objects of the League. Article 5 - DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE 5(a) The President shall: (i) supervise the affairs of the League; (ii) preside at all League meetings; (iii) ensure that the Constitution is strictly upheld; (iv) call General Meetings when necessary; (v) in the case of a tie in voting, cast the deciding vote; (vi) be an ex-officio member of all committees; (vii) appoint at least one other member of the Executive as a signing authority; (viii) ensure that no funds may be withdrawn from League accounts without at least two signatures; and perform any other related duties. 5(b) The Vice-President shall: (i) assist the President in the conduct of his duties; (ii) in the absence of the President perform all of the functions associated with that position; (iii) perform any other related duties. 5(c) The Director of Communication shall: (i) keep minutes of all League meetings; (ii) handle all general correspondence; (iii) provide notice of all meetings; (iv) prepare an annual report; (v) keep an accurate record of all teams and their officers; (vi) process arrangements for cup competitions, as necessary, as directed by the Executive; (vii) perform other related duties. 5(d) The Director of Competition shall: (i) maintain a complete and accurate account of receipts and disbursements; (ii) deposit all monies and valuables in a financial institution selected by the President; (iii) prepare a financial statement for all League General Meetings; (iv) ensure up-to-date books, records, ledgers and statements of account are available to the Executive or financial examiners upon request; (v) perform other related duties. 5(e) The Registrar shall: (i) prepare and enforce all registration information and guidelines; (ii) be responsible for all team registrations; (iii) be responsible for the proper registration of all players; (v) perform other related duties. Article 6 - COMMITTEES6(a) The President and Executive Board may appoint committees to deal with specific matters. 6(b) In order to deal with matters requiring immediate attention the President or Executive Board may call an Emergency Meeting where at least one quarter of the League teams will constitute an Emergency Committee of the League. 6(c) An Emergency Committee of the League may conduct its business as it may see fit and proper. A record of its' work shall be preserved in writing. Any decision of such committee shall be immediately operative but shall be submitted thereafter for approval of the League. 6(d) The Executive Board shall deal with the discipline of teams, team officials, and registered players. The Executive shall be privileged to hear any or all cases and may serve on the committee from time to time as requested by the President, but shall always have the option to disqualify themselves from serving on the committee. The Disciplinary Committee shall keep a complete record of its activities and decisions and report as required to the League Members and to the NIRSA if needed. 6(e) The Executive Board shall appoint a Collector of League results. This person will report results to NIRSA. Article 7 - AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS7(a) Amendments, additions or deletions to the Constitution or Bylaws may be made at the Annual General Meeting by a majority of the League membership. 7(b) Teams may submit proposed amendments, additions or deletions in writing to the League Secretary thirty days prior to the meeting. 7(c) A copy of the proposed amendments, additions or deletions shall be posted at least seven days prior to the meeting. Article 8- LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONSSection 1 - MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES 1(a) Every member is responsible to the League for the action of its officers, players and supporters and is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators and affiliates of the club from threatening or assaulting game officials, team officers or players before, during and upon completion of games. 1(b) No officer, team official, player, referee, assistant referee shall bet on any soccer match, and the league teams are required to prevent betting and the use of objectionable language. Any team officer, team official, player or spectator may be removed from the park or ground in case of a breach of this rule. Additional penalties may be handed down by the Executive Board if involvement by the club in question can be found. 1(c) Every member must ensure that their team is represented at all League scheduled meetings. 1(d) A team responsible for the defaulting of a game shall be charged with all expenses incurred in the preparation of such game and may be fined. The amount of fine will be determined by the Executive Board. 1(e) Field preparation is the responsibility of the home team; this is to include properly secured goal nets and corner flags on a post not less than five feet high with a rounded (non-pointed) top. Field markings in accordance with F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game. 1(f) If there is a conflict of team colors, the home team will be required to change. 1(g) Each team is responsible for making its own travel arrangements including reservations, fares, hotel/motel accommodation and meals. 1(h) Each team shall be responsible to ensure that every player is properly dressed and equipped in accordance with F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game. The normal dress of a soccer player is a shirt, shorts, stockings and shoes. Shin guards are mandatory and must be completely covered by the stockings at all times. Every player must be identifiable by means of a number on his uniform, the minimum requirement for which shall be a number of contrasting color and at least eight (8) inches in height, of proportionate width, permanently affixed and appearing on the back of the player’s shirt. Players are not to share a shirt and duplicate numbers are not allowed. Teams are expected to do everything possible to make the game attractive from the spectator’s point of view. 1(i) The home team must supply a first class ball for every home game. The visiting team must also supply a first class game ball as a spare, if and when required. 1(j) Match Reports, in duplicate, shall be properly completed showing the full names of all registered players. Match Reports can be found online at the League website. Match Reports are to be handed to the referee and the opposing team before the commencement of the game. 1(k) It is the responsibility of the home team to inspect their field on game day. The home team shall be liable for traveling costs for the visiting team and game official’s fee should the game be postponed by the referee due to unplayable field conditions. Amount of fine to be determined by the Executive Board. Teams must attend the grounds and await the decision of the referee as to the fitness of the playing area, unless they have been previously notified by the League. Whereby both teams shall agree to a change of venue and/or kick-off time, no further changes will be made unless agreed to by both teams. Teams making such decisions must inform the League. 1(l) The home club is responsible for providing and paying for the 3 officials. Officials must be Collegiate-level referees. Any visiting club can request a forfeit where there are 2 or less officials of sufficient certification. However, the game will not be automatically deemed a forfeit. The opposing club must call for the forfeit before their next league match by notifying the Executive Board. Section 2 - GAMES 2(a) Duration of all games shall be ninety (90) minutes unless agreed by both teams prior to the game. Extra time, when scheduled, shall be two fifteen minute halves. A team must field a minimum of seven (7) properly dressed players to start the game. Any team failing to field the minimum number of players fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the game and shall be liable for all expenses incurred. Amount to be determined by the Executive Board. 2(b) Should any game not be completed, the League Executive Board shall have discretionary power to either: (i) determine the outcome of the match or (ii) schedule the game to be replayed. 2(c) Games shall be credited in the League standings as: i) three (3) points for a win, and ii) one point for a draw. 2(d) At the completion of the schedule, promotion / relegation between First Division and Second Division will be: i - Promotion....... Winner of Second Division North and South Conferences ii - Relegation...... Bottom two teams in the First Division The team having the highest number of points in each of the divisions of the League shall be declared the winner in the respective division. In the event of a tie in points, the position of the teams will be determined in the following order: (i) record against the other team or teams; or, if still tied (ii) goals differential (max. +/- 4 goals is recorded); or, if still tied, followed by total goals, followed by fewest goals. If stilled tied then: (iii) penalty kicks between the team or teams. 2(e) In the event that a team defaults one of its games to the other team or teams, then the defaulting team will receive the lower position. 2(f) There being a maximum of three points in any one game, in a circumstance where a team forfeits its right to the points in that game, the forfeited points shall be awarded to the opposing team. 2(g) The record of a team who resigns or is expelled from the League before completing one half of its schedule shall be expunged. A team who resigns or is expelled after completing one half of its schedule will forfeit the points for all remaining games on its schedule. 2(h) A suspended team will forfeit any games missed during the suspension, at the discretion of the executive 2(i) All games will normally be scheduled Friday evenings, Saturdays or Sundays. Kick-off times are variable: preferred scheduled times include 10 AM, 12 noon or 2:15 PM. From time to time, teams will be scheduled to play games on other days of the week. Whenever possible, two weeks notice will be given if a change of schedule occurs. 2(j) Only one team from any school can be represented in the First Division and at the California Championship Tournament. If a school’s first team is relegated to the Second Division from regular season play and their respective Second Division team is first in their division for Fall Season Play, the Second Division team from that university can be given a bid to the California Championship Tournament and also a team from that university will be represented in the Premier Division the next year. 2(k) California Championship Tournament participants include the top 6 First Division teams with the top team from the Second Division-North and the top team from the Second Division-South attending the 8-team Regional Tournament. If needed, a playoff game will occur between the tournament host team and the sixth place premier team on the day before the tournament. 2(l) Every club should play each division member club, once per league season. Time and date must be confirmed with both the opposing club and league, and put on the web page. Teams should alternate sites, every other year; playing home one year, then away the next year. Failure to arrive for a scheduled and confirmed game shall result in a forfeit, with the forfeiting club recording a loss and the opposing club recording a win. Any changes to game dates, times, or locations must be disclosed to both the league and opposing club in a timely and appropriate manner. All games must be played between the league's official season start and end dates, which will be determined by the league each season and shall start not before any club's first week of classes nor end during or after the beginning of any club's school's final examination period. Section 3 - PLAYERS 3(a) Each player on the roster must be an enrolled student at the club's university, and each player must provide an official student ID card from their university. Players that fail to provide an official ID card, or any player not on the club's roster, shall not be allowed to participate in the game. If a player not on a club's roster, or without an ID card, participates in a game, the game may be declared a forfeit at the opposing club's discretion, with the opposing club being awarded the forfeit victory. The opposing club must call for the forfeit before their next league match by notifying all other member club's representatives. Section 4 - SUBSTITUTES 4(a). Unlimited substitutions may be used in all League, Cup and League playoff games. 4(b) The player substituted for shall be permitted to take further part in the game. A player cannot be substituted for another player who is sent off (red card) the field by the referee. 4(c) Substitutions can only be made during a stoppage of play and with the permission of the referee. The referee shall signal to the substitute to enter the field of play. The player must report directly to the referee or assistant referee. If required, a substitution slip showing the team name as well as the names and numbers of the players entering and leaving the game must be presented to the referee. 4(d) A player who is sent off (Red Card) while playing on an inter-club single game permit shall be suspended from his original team. He is suspended from all further play (for any team) until his suspension is served. Section 5 - DISCIPLINE 5(a) Disciplinary procedures for the League shall be in accordance with the guidelines published by the US Soccer Association. 5(b) In all cases, the respondent shall have the right to appear when the case is heard and offer a full answer or defense to any charges against him. Should the respondent be unable to attend the scheduled hearing he may, instead, send a letter to the secretary of the Discipline Committee stating his inability to attend and giving his answer or defense. Any appeal of a decision of the Disciplinary Committee is to be directed to the WCSA. 5(c) Players or team officials reported for misconduct may be allowed to continue to participate in all soccer activities until their case is dealt with, except (i) Players sent off the field of play (red card) will be automatically suspended for one (1) game. It is the responsible of the team representative to contact the Executive Board of the red card immediately. Team will be notified by the disciplinary committee when a player must serve his suspension for accumulated cautions via suspended list on the WCSA website. 5(d) Players or team officials reported for violent conduct or for assault on a game official shall stand suspended from all soccer activities until their case is dealt with. 5(e) All cases of players sent off (red card) the field of play as well as all players and team officials reported for misconduct shall be dealt with within ten (10) days of the incident. Failure to report either in person or by mail will cause the respondent to remain suspended until the case is heard. Section 6 - PROTESTS 6(a) All protests of matches must be in writing and filed in triplicate with the League Secretary within forty-eight (48) hours of the conclusion of the game in question. The protest must contain the particulars and grounds on which the protest(s) are founded6(b) The League Secretary shall send one copy of the protest to the team against whom the protest was lodged. 6(c) In dealing with any protest, the ExecutiveBoard may take into consideration the possession by the protesting team of any information which, if properly used, might have prevented the protest. 6(d) Any team proven by protest to have used an ineligible or suspended player in a game shall be subject to a fine, disciplinary action, or both and shall forfeit the points from that game and may be expelled from the League for the balance of the season. 6(e) Notwithstanding any protest, a team proven to have used an ineligible or suspended player shall be subject to a fine, disciplinary action, or both, and shall forfeit the points from that game and may be expelled from the League for the balance of the season. Section 7 - APPEALS Appeals on decisions of the League shall be made to the WCSA or NIRSA. 7(a) Appeals to the NIRSA shall be in writing and shall state the grounds upon which the appeal is based. Triplicate copies of the appeal shall be sent to the secretary, NIRSA. within four (4) days from the time the decision is given. The operation of such decision shall not be suspended pending the hearing of an appeal. Appeals shall not be withdrawn except by consent of the NIRSA. which shall decide by whom the expenses shall be borne. 7(b) A decision of the NIRSA on an appeal arising from any competition game played in the territory shall be final and binding. 7(c) In dealing with any protest, the Association may take into consideration the possession by the protesting party of any knowledge, which if properly used, might have obviated the protest. Section 8 - FINES AND DEFAULT OF PAYMENT 8(a) The Treasurer may deduct the amount of any unpaid fine or expense from the bond or performance guarantee of a member team and transfer that amount into the general revenue of the League. 8(b) The treasurer may transfer the amount of any forfeited bond or performance guarantee into the general revenue of the League. 8(c) Any member team in default of payment of any fee, bond, performance guarantee, fine, or expense may: (i) be suspended by resolution of the executive and may be restored to good standing on payment of all fees, performance guarantee, fines or expenses in arrears together with such reinstatement fee as may be fixed by such resolution of the executive, or (ii) be dismissed from the League. 8(d) Any team owing monies in excess of their bond will not be scheduled any further games. Section 9 - HONORARIA Honoraria for League services may be provided for the following positions: President, Vice-President, Technical Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Competition, Director of Communication, Registrar, League Scheduler, Referee Scheduler, Statistician/Publicity, and Discipline Committee. Section 10 – EMBLEM 1. The emblem engraved on the California College Club Soccer Cup shall be the official emblem of the League 2. Whenever possible and practical, for purposes of identification, the official emblem or some representation of it, in whole or in part, shall appear on all the forms and documents of the League, including letterhead, team lists and substitution slips. 3. The official emblem, or some approved representation of it, shall be included, wherever practically possible, on any flag, banner, pennant, crest or insignia that is official to the California College Club Soccer League of the West Coast Soccer Association. 4. Whenever practical and possible, some official crest or insignia shall be worn on the uniform of any team or representative who is officially representing the California College Club Soccer League or the West Coast Soccer Association. |