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Policies

The policies of the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) are established by the State Board of Directors of the Youth Association. These policies establish minimum guidelines to be followed by member clubs, districts and leagues throughout the state of Wisconsin. Questions regarding these policies should be forwarded to the District Representative, Club President and/or the State Office for discussion at the WYSA Board of Directors meetings.

Ref Fees Changed for 2006-2007 Season
The Board of Directors approved new fees for the referees for the State Leagues and Southeast Classic Girls League. Please make sure to print a copy off for your records and it will also be handed out at the league meetings prior to the season starting. Any questions please contact Director of League Play, Terry Donini at vicepresident@wiyouthsoccer.comClick Here to view the Referee Fees

Club Pass Policy
The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association at its June 12, 2005 meeting approved a
modification to the CLUB PLAYER PASS policy for in state competition (leagues and
tournaments in Wisconsin). Changes will be highlighted in yellow. Deletions will be denoted by the “strike through.” This policy in its current form becomes effective August 1, 2005.
Click Here to review policy...

22 Player Rosters Policy

The WI Youth Soccer Association’s State Board of Directors adopted a policy change at its June 11, 2005 meeting to accept US Youth Soccer’s Policy change as it relates to team rosters and game day rosters. This policy change is especially important for those U17 and older teams conducting tryouts.
Click Here for more information...

PROGRAMS

Olympic Development Program
The President of the WI Youth Soccer Association will appoint an ODP Volunteer Administrator. The State Director of Coaching Youth Division will appoint head coaches for the boys and girls programs. The State Director of Coaching will also appoint age group coaches. The ODP Administrator will arrange games, practices, and establish the program fees.

Tournament Sanctioning Committee
The President will appoint a chair to organize tournament sanctioning in the WI Youth Soccer Association. The Tournament Sanctioning Chair will oversee the application and sanctioning process. Applications to host tournaments or games must follow the established application policies and procedures of the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association and US Youth Soccer.

State Tournaments
The President of the WI Youth Soccer Association will appoint a chair to organize and administer State youth tournament events, dates to be established by the WYSA Board of Directors. State tournament events include but are not limited to (1) State Recreational Cup (2) Small Sided Jamboree (3) other events developed through sponsorships (4) Wisconsin State Championships, (the local portion of the National Youth Soccer Championship Series).

Recognition Awards
The WI Youth Soccer Association will arrange for the purchase of awards for state functions. The WYSA Executive Committee will select the Association’s coaches (boys and girls), volunteer/administrator of the year, and the Mike Kabanica scholarship winners or other awards as developed by the Association and its official sponsors. Nominations from districts are strongly encouraged; districts must send their nominations for these awards to the State Office by the published deadline dates.

MEETINGS

Delegates to US Youth Soccer meetings & US Soccer meetings
The State Executive Committee will be sent as delegates to the US Soccer and US Youth Soccer AGMs and Workshops. Executive Committee members will also be sent to any special meetings called by US Youth Soccer or US Soccer. Should any of the five members of the WYSA Executive Committee be unable to attend, the WYSA President shall appoint alternate delegates. The WYSA President may appoint an individual to represent the Association at selected functions.

Annual General Membership Meeting
The AGM will be held during the first quarter of the calendar year at a site and date to be determined at the state board meeting held in the quarter preceding, the first quarter of the new calendar year. A workshop and general training session may be held in conjunction with the WYSA AGM.

PLAYING RULES & REGULATIONS (Districts, Leagues & Clubs)

Districts
Districts are geographic areas designated for the purposes of registering players and the operation of leagues where applicable. Districts are governed by the clubs designated to a respective district. Each club's voting strength is based on the voting strength within the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association constitution and by-laws. Each district shall have officers as specified in the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association constitution and by-laws. Each district shall hold at least two meetings annually per registration year and forward information as required in the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association constitution and by-laws.

Clubs
Four teams joined together to promote soccer, and provide a local organization for joining the State Association. The voting structure within the member clubs is established by the club’s constitution. Clubs provide for the registration and roster process for teams within the club.

Leagues
Groups of teams formed together for soccer competition, usually of the exact same age structures. In order to form a league affiliated within the WI Youth Soccer Association organization or its member districts or its member clubs, an application and operating rules must be submitted to the State Association’s Board of Directors in advance of the start of the next registration year (August 1).

Players
All players must register to a team.

Rationale
There have been many requests to register individuals for guest playing in tournaments or other activities. It is the position of the WI Youth Soccer Association’s Board of Directors that all players must register to an affiliated team which is a member of an affiliated club.

A recreational player is one who is assigned to a team, and the team plays in a recreational league. Recreational teams are formed each year. Teams are formed on the basis of geographical area, or league balance or random selection. Each player plays at least half of the game, providing they meet the club’s established requirements.

All teams under the age of 10, (U10, U9, U8, U7, U6) are considered recreational teams. No travel permits will be issued for U8 and younger teams for out of state travel. Awards for these teams in a tournament play will be participation awards; no placement awards shall be given.

Recreational teams have no more than half of the team returning from the previous season. Teams must rotate at least 50% of the team roster from registration year to registration year. (In Wisconsin, this includes no more than five returning players.) This rule is relaxed in rural areas where the community may be challenged to form multiple teams. A request to adjust the ruling must be made to the WYSA Board of Directors.

Additional Rules:

  • No casts
  • No cut off uniform jerseys
  • Uniform jerseys must have a finished sleeve
  • Players must wear shin guards
  • All jerseys must be tucked in
  • All team jerseys must have unique numbers

Games – Priority of Games
State Championship Series matches take precedence over other matches. League scheduled matches are next priority following State Championship series games. Tournament matches follow league games and State Championships. Teams cannot be forced to change a scheduled league game for anything but a scheduled State Championship match.

If a team has players on the ODP team, the only way consideration for cancellation of a league game would be if the team were to drop below 11 players on its roster due to ODP player commitments.

Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association - State Leagues
The President will appoint a Director of Leagues. State Leagues may be formed for age groups designated by the State Leagues. The Director of Leagues will supervise the league. Criteria for entry into the State Leagues, is available from the State Office. The Director of Leagues will provide direction to the classic and recreational league directors where applicable.

US Youth Soccer National League - Midwest Region
The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association has established invitation criteria to appoint teams to represent Wisconsin in US Youth Soccer's National League - Midwest Region. Invitations to eligible teams at the eligible age groups to apply to the National League - Midwest Region are provided to the following group winners:

(1) 1st Consideration – State League; Premier League Champion

(2) 2nd Consideration -- State Champion

(3) 3rd Consideration – Premier League Finalist: In the event that the State Champion is also the Premier League Champion, then the Championship Finalist will be invited; or unless the State Championship Champion or Premier League Champion declines the invitation.

(4) 4th Consideration – State Championship Finalist will receive an invitation in the event that two of the previous three teams decline the invitation.

(5) 5th Consideration – teams that successfully competed in the Regional League from the previous year.

APPLICATION TO THE REGIONAL LEAGUE DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE. Teams not accepted into the Regional League shall be placed appropriately in one of the divisions of the State League.

The State Association may invite more than two teams in any age group when circumstances warrant additional invitations, based on the needs of the league to be determined by the league or the State Association, at any one age group with final invitations approved by the State Association’s Director of League Play. Additional teams invited to compete in the league may do so based on the overriding condition that the team must also compete in the State League at the Premier Division.

Additionally, the system of relegation and promotion shall apply when extending invitations to teams eligible for the Midwest Regional League. A team is not guaranteed an invitation to the Midwest Regional League; (a) in the event that a team had competed in the previous year, but failed to win the State Championship title, or Premier League title or where applicable (b) failed to take the finalists slot of the State Championships (c) has not met the invitation criteria for entering the Regional League in the coming season. (d) An exception to this case would be the place that the team had taken in the Midwest Regional League from the previous season, plus the team's final finish in the State Championships of the previous year, plus the team's final placement in the Premier League of the previous season and that the current State Champion and/or Premier League champion has declined the invitation.

Try-Outs & Recruitment Periods
Subject to the policies established by the recognized member districts or the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association where applicable.

Tryouts shall be held in accordance with the district tryout policies or those established by the WYSA Board of Directors for selected districts.

Players must be notified within three days of the last scheduled (and advertised) tryout indicating whether or not an offer to join the team will be made. Players, upon notification that an offer to join a team has been made, have up to five days to accept or reject the offer to join a team. After the five day period from notification has lapsed, the team is able to pursue other players or the team may hold a spot for a player.

Once a player submits a completed registration form and/or submits a deposit with the intent to play within a club, that player is obligated to that club for the registration year intended. For the purposes of which team a player first committed, the date (and time if applicable) on the registration form determines which club a player is obligated to for the registration year intended. (i.e., If a player attends three different club tryouts, and receives three different offers, and submits three different registration forms and fees, the earliest date determines which team the player is obligated to for the intended registration year.)

SIDE NOTE: Clubs are strongly encouraged to time and date stamp all registration forms received throughout the tryout process.

For Southeast Wisconsin (Ozaukee, Waukesha , Milwaukee , Racine , Kenosha and Washington Counties) tryouts for:

  • U14 and younger boys and girls may begin the 1st Monday in June.
  • U15 and older boys may begin the 1st Monday in July.
  • U15 and older girls may begin after the completion of the WIAA soccer championships.

Recruiting Violations
There may be no personal contact with players for recruiting of players before the allowable tryout periods as established by the member districts. This means the player and/or family members cannot be contacted in any way before the published tryout dates. Coaches may be suspended from coaching and/or the team may be prevented from playing in sanctioned activities if violations of the recruiting restriction are confirmed. Recruiting and tryouts end 30 days before the start of the season or if a player has signed with a team. (modified November 10, 2001)

PLAYER TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

(approved June 9, 2002 )

Once a player signs a registration form, that player is bound to that team/club for the duration of the registration year; which runs August 1 through July 31. If at any time during the registration year, a competitive player desires to transfer to another club’s team, that player must submit a completed Player Request Transfer Form to the State’s Executive Director, explaining the request for transfer. The player must also submit a $100 transfer request fee (cashier’s check only). Transfer requests must be mailed to the State Association. Faxes or emails are not accepted.

Upon receipt of the Player Transfer Request Form, the State Association will send a letter to the team coach and/or manager of the team the player is requesting to be released from; to ascertain the team’s allowance or objection to the transfer request. If there are no objections to the transfer, the player will be notified in writing, by the State Association, that the release has been granted. If the team objects, the transfer request must be reviewed by the Transfer Review Board (modified November 9, 2002).

Requests for transfers will be reviewed within 15-days of receipt of the request and request fee. Once reviewed, the player and respective club presidents will be notified in writing of the Transfer Review Board’s decision.

If the request is approved, $75 will be returned to the player. If the request is denied, the State Association retains the entire $100 fee.

This restriction only applies to competitive players and restricts movements from one club team to another club’s team. The restriction does not apply to a player changing teams within the same soccer club. Players switching teams that are in the same club do not have to go through the transfer review process. The Player Transfer Request Form is available on the forms page of the Association’s web site.

CLUB PLAYER PASSES (policy effective August 1, 2004 )

Roster Size
Teams will be expected to roster a minimum of 12 players when the “official” team roster is submitted for league registration.

At the time that a coach or club contact submits player applications for registration, that person would have to designate 12 players as part of the “official roster.” Information included in this process would have to be coach(s) names and addresses, telephone, license status, club name, age group/division status and team name. There will be minimal changes to the player pass card.

Club President or Director of Coaching – The club president or director of coaching will over see the implementation and use of club passes and will be responsible for the compliance to WI Youth Soccer rules and policies relating to player club passes. Compliance with the State Association’s maximum number of minutes of play policy is the sole responsibility of the club president or club director of coaching (where applicable). The usage of player club passes is optional for clubs in the State Association. Any club intending to use the Player Club pass must inform the Secretary of the WI Youth Soccer Association, of the intent of the club to utilize club passes. Club player passes may only be used for state or classic level league play and may not be used for recreational level league play.

The current secretary of the WI Youth Soccer Association is Toby Whipple. His e-mail address is secretary@wiyouthsoccer.com.

The maximum number of players shall not exceed the allowable number of players allowed per team (18). If there are two age group teams in an age division (i.e. two club teams at U13 level with max roster 18 players) the total number of U13 players for the two teams shall not exceed 36.

A state league or classic league team may elect to have up to four players added to the league game day roster. The maximum number of players on the sidelines and allowed to participate in a league game shall not exceed 18. On game day referees must verify the actual identity of the players’ names, date of birth, player id number, club designation against the player pass. Teams that make use of player club passes must designate on the official league game report the names and player registration numbers of the players added to the game day roster. There will be a section on the game report for this information. Coaches or team managers must be able to provide an official WI Youth Soccer club/district authorized/official roster to be used for verification by the referee on game day.

Players rostered in the U14 and younger age groups may not be allowed to play up more than two age levels i.e. (U12 registered player cannot play at U15 level) unless the player is originally rostered to the higher-aged level team roster. Players may only move up or laterally in age and competition levels.

No male players will be allowed to participate in the female leagues unless designated as a co-ed league which permits male and female players on the same team and within the same league.

Player Responsibility
A player’s first obligation shall be to the team that they are originally (permanently) rostered to for the seasonal year. Information will be presented to all Wisconsin tournament directors that clubs have been permitted to use intra club player passes to modify rosters for league play and therefore should be allowed to use intra club player passes to modify their rosters for tournament play.

** Regarding tournament play, see the tournament application for guest player(s) issues.

The club pass is designated as an intra club pass. The club pass is not intended to be used as an interclub arrangement between two different clubs. No player will be allowed to play without an official WI Youth Soccer / US Youth Soccer player pass. The CLUB PASS POLICY applies to all state or classic league games.

All players are required to have a current and valid pass card. No pass – no play.

State Championship, Regional Championship and the National Championship rosters would be frozen in accordance with the State Association’s freeze date. Rosters submitted to these events would have to be stamped by either a club or district registrar for use in State Championship, Regional Championship and the National Championship events. National Cups’ competition rules of play would be followed and do not allow for roster changes after the designated freeze date. A player would be eligible to play for only one team during State Championship, Regional Championship and the National Championship events

GUEST PLAYER ROSTER FORM
(approved June 9, 2002 )

The Guest Player Roster form is for use by all teams using guest players from other club teams (not within the same club) for tournaments; other than the WI State Championships. The individual guest player form has been replaced with the GUEST PLAYER ROSTER form. The form allows a team to list up to eight guest players; subject to the limits of the tournament event.

Guest Player forms are conducted completely online.

Modified Playing Rules (small sided soccer for U12 and younger)
The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association has adopted the US Youth Soccer’s modified recommendations for playing rules for Under-10, Under-8, and Under-6 teams. Player rosters are established by those rules, field sizes, and on field players numbers are also established by those rules. For these age levels, no individual player or individual team awards are to be given.

Effective August 2004:

U5/6
Numbers: 3 v. 3 no goalkeepers
Field: 25-30y x 20y (recommended)
Goals: 4' x 6' (hockey goals)
Roster: Determined by district (Up to six recommended for single roster or ten for side-by-side format)

U7/8
Numbers: 4 v 4 no goalkeepers
Field: 35-40y x 25y (recommended)
Goals: 4' x 6' (recommended) up to 6' x 12'
Roster: Determined by District (Up to eight recommended for single roster or 11/12 for side-by-side format)

U9/10 (from August 2004 onwards)
Numbers: 6 v 6 including a goalkeeper
Field: 50y x 35-40y (recommended)
Goals: 6' x 18' recommended by US Youth Soccer (6' x 12' min and 7' x 21' max)
Roster: Determined by District (Up to 11 recommended for single roster or up to 18 for side-by-side format)

U11 (from August 2004 onwards)
Numbers: 8 v 8 including a goalkeeper
Field: 70y x 50y (recommended)
Goals: 6' x 18' recommended by US Youth Soccer (6' x 18' min or 7' x 21' max)
Roster: 14

U12 (from August 2005 onwards)
Numbers: 8 v 8 including a goalkeeper
Field: 70y x 50y (recommended)
Goals: 6' x 18' recommended by US Youth Soccer (6' x 18' min or 7' x 21' max)
Roster: 14

COACH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: (effective August 2003)

All coaches working with U15 and older premier level teams are required to have, at minimum, a “D” level coaching license.

All coaches working with U11 and older classic and competitive level teams are required to have, at minimum, an “E” level coaching certificate.

All coaches working with U10 and younger teams are required to have, at minimum, a “G/Y1” level coaching certificate.

Information provided by http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/docs/addendum - u10.pdf

COACHING EDUCATION GUIDELINES

The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association recognizes that the NSCAA National Diploma, National Diploma and Premier Diploma (held for at least 12 months) satisfies the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association’s coaching credential requirements needed to obtain a coaching pass.

FIRST: A coach possessing the NSCAA National Diploma or higher does not receive a license from the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association but only fulfills the coaching credential requirements.
SECOND: Holders of the NSCAA National Diploma or above working with U6, U8 and U10 players are strongly encouraged to obtain a “G/Y1” certificate or State Youth license.

Coaches Responsibilities and Behavior Guidelines
Coaching is a privilege granted by clubs and parents and with this privilege comes responsibilities. Coaches should keep in mind their position as role models for their players. The coaches set the tone in sportsmanship for the players and spectators. Coaches should remember that soccer is more than “winning at all cost.” Don’t forget the game is for the kids. The objective of sports for youth should be:

1. Enjoyment;
2. Skill development;
3. Participation in a team sport; and
4. The development of good sportsmanship.

The coach, the primary influence on the players, determines if the objectives of the State Association for youth soccer players are met.

The State Association expects the coaches to abide by the following guidelines:

1. Coaches should participate in the post-game handshake (good example for players). Coaches who fail to shake hands and exhibit good sportsmanship in defeat as well as victory should be reported.

2. It is beneficial for coaches to attend referee clinics and to referee at some time for the experience.

3. Coaches shall refrain from negative coaching on the sidelines and refrain from yelling at players, opponents and game officials from the sidelines.

4. Coaches are required to have in their possession a state issued coach pass card. To obtain a state issued coach pass card, a coach must complete the Kid-Safe Coach Registration Process. This element is part of the State Association’s RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM and is a requirement of membership within US Youth Soccer and US Soccer.

5. Coaches shall be appropriately licensed or certified subject to the age group being coached. Coaches working with

  • All coaches working with U15 and older premier level teams are required to have, at minimum, a “D” level coaching license.
  • U11 and older competitive/classic teams, coaches shall have at minimum, an “E” level coaching certificate.
  • U10 and younger + recreational level teams, coaches are strongly encouraged to have at minimum, a “G/Y1” level coaching certificate.

RULE 6027 SAFE ENVIRONMENT (from WI Youth Soccer by-laws)
The role of the WI Youth Soccer Association is to promote and nurture the advancement of the sport of soccer in the State of Wisconsin . The WI Youth Soccer Association strives to provide a safe environment that fosters mutual respect and offers our children the opportunity to develop athletically and socially. As such, the WI Youth Soccer Association requires that coaches, referees, volunteers and administrators do not have a history of criminal or violent behavior. The WI Youth Soccer Association adopts (subject to any contrary requirements in state or local laws) criteria established by the USSF regarding the prohibition of sexual and physical abuse.
Miscellaneous Guidelines

Miscellaneous Guidelines
The home team is responsible for marking fields, placing corner flags, and putting up nets. They also must provide a ball, which is acceptable for play. Well in advance of a match, it is advisable for the coaches to contact each other to be sure time and directions are clear.

It is imperative that the home team or hosting organization ensures that the goals used for any and all sanctioned league games are properly and securely anchored to the ground. Sandbags and the like do not provide suitable and stable support to safely anchor goals.

Home teams are responsible to make sure that similarities in uniform identifications do not result in difficulty in officials carrying out their assignments. It is advised that home team coaches anticipate such problems by coordinating with visiting coaches prior to the date of the match. One solution is to make sure that “pull over” jerseys of different color are on hand.

In the interest of better soccer, coaches will assist in controlling fans. No spectator, coach, or player should place himself or herself behind a goal. Team personnel (coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, doctors, etc.) and non-participating players are to remain in the coaching area, which should extend no more than ten yards on either side of the mid-field line. Where possible, bench areas should be marked at least five yards from the touchline. Players' bench areas should be placed opposite of the side of the field where the parents and spectators shall be.

Repeating incidents of using unregistered referees, or unprepared fields, or unruly fans, or uncontrolled coaches, can result in forfeiture of games or cancellation of schedule. The respective league commissioners are responsible for making sure proper procedures are followed. At their option, they may institute remedial action, which may include their assigning of qualified referees and moving games to adequate sites. The cost associated with such actions may be assessed on the offending teams. Complaints concerning improper procedures should be directed to the league directors by visiting coaches. League directors will make determinations of facts and may direct remedial actions.

The end of the game ceremony is a soccer tradition and should be honored in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Both teams are encouraged to return to the middle of the field for a ceremonial handshake regardless of the outcome of the game.

Referee Game Fees (effective August 1, 2006) - These fees apply to the State Leagues (Boys & Girls / Premier + 1st Division and Southeast Classic Girls League) as well as the Wisconsin State Championships.

Group Length of Game Ball Size Center Referee Assistant Referee (each)
U6 (3v3) 4 x 8 3 $10.00 x
U8 (4v4) 4 x 12 3 $10.00 x
U9 (5v5 + GK) 2 x 25 4 $12.00 $8.00
U10 (5v5 + GK) 2 x 25 4 $12.00 $8.00
U11 (7v7 + GK) 2 x 30 4 $25.00 $15.00
U12 (7v7 + GK) 2 x 30 4 $25.00 $15.00
U13 (11v11) 2 x 35 5 $30.00 $20.00
U14 (11v11) 2 x 35 5 $30.00 $20.00
U15 (11v11) 2 x 40 5 $40.00 $25.00
U16 (11v11) 2 x 40 5 $40.00 $25.00
U17 (11v11) 2 x 45 5 $50.00 $30.00
U18 (11v11) 2 x 45 5 $50.00 $30.00
U19 (11v11) 2 x 45 5 $50.00 $30.00


Hearings & Appeals
Appeals and the appeals process will be handled in accordance with State Association Policy under the following conditions:

Involving Leagues and League Play

(1) In-house league:

(a) Appeals will first be addressed by the club
(b) then at the district level
(c) then at the State Association level.

If the in-house league/club wishes to establish an appeals fee, this fee shall not exceed $25.00 per appeal. If the district wishes to establish an appeals fee, this fee shall not exceed $75.00 per appeal. The State Association appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. At any level, if the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

(2) District League:

(a) Appeals will first be addressed at the district level
(b) then at the State Association level. If the district wishes to establish an appeals fee, this fee shall not exceed $75.00 per appeal. The State Association appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. At any level, if the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

(3) State League:

(a) Appeals will first be addressed by the state league
(b) then at the State Association Level. The appeal fee at the State League level shall not exceed $125.00. If the State Association appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. If the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

Involving disputes within teams, clubs, districts and/or the State Association

(1) Teams:

(a) Appeals will first be addressed by the club;
(b) then at the district level;
(c) then at the State Association level. If the club wishes to establish an appeals fee, this fee shall not exceed $50.00 per appeal. If the district wishes to establish and appeals fee, this fee shall not exceed $75.00 per appeal. The State Association wishes to appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. At any level, if the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

(2) Clubs:

(a) Appeals will first be addressed at the district level;
(b) then at the State Association level. If the district wishes to establish an appeals fee, this fee shall not exceed $75.00 per appeal. The State Association appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. At any level, if the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

(3) Districts:

(a) Appeals will be addressed at the State Association level. The State Association appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. If the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

(4) State Association

(a) Appeals will be addressed by the State Appeals Board. The State Association appeals fee shall not exceed $125.00 per appeal. If the appeal is overturned, then the appeals fee shall be returned to the appellant.

USSF BYLAW 701. HEARING PROCEDURES

In all hearings conducted under these bylaws, the parties shall be accorded:

1. notice of the specific charges or alleged violations in writing and possible consequences if the charges are found to be true;

2. reasonable time between receipt of the notice of charges and the hearing within which to prepare a defense;

3. the right to have the hearing conducted at a time and place so as to make it practicable for the person charged to attend;

4. a hearing before a disinterested and impartial body of fact-finders

5. the right to be assisted in the presentation of one's case at the hearing;

6. the right to call witnesses and present oral and written evidence and argument;

7. the right to confront witnesses, including the right to be provided the identity of witnesses in advance of the hearing;

8. the right to have a record made of the hearing if desired; and

9. a written decision, with reasons for the decision, based solely on the evidence of record, issued in a timely fashion.

Exhaustion of Remedies

WI Youth Soccer – RULE 6014.

Section 1. No member of WI Youth Soccer, official, league, club, team, player, coach, administrator or referee may invoke the aid of the courts of the United States or of a state without first exhausting all available remedies within the appropriate soccer organizations, as provided within WI Youth Soccer.

Section 2. For violation of this by-law, the offending party shall be subject to suspension and fines, and shall be liable to WI Youth Soccer for all expenses incurred by WI Youth Soccer and its officers and members of the WYSA Board of Directors in defending each court action, including the following:

1. Court Costs

2. Attorney’s fees

3. Reasonable compensation for time spent by WI Youth Soccer officials and employees in responding to and defending against allegations in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearances

4. Travel expenses; and

5. Expenses for holding special National Council meetings necessitated by court action.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

These definitions apply to these policies and the by laws of the WI Youth Soccer Association:

(1) “Affiliate” means a properly recognized member club of the WI Youth Soccer Association.

(2) “Amateur Sports Act” means the Ted Steven Olympic and Amateur Sports Act (chapter 2205 of title 36, United States Code).

(3) “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of WI Youth Soccer established under Article 5008 of the WI Youth Soccer Association constitution.

(4) “Federation” means United States Soccer Federation, Inc.

(5) “FIFA” means Federation Internationale de Football Association of which the US Soccer Federation is the national association member for the United States.

(6) “State Association” means the administrative body within a territory determined by the National Council (US Youth Soccer) to carry out US Youth Soccer’s programs for youth players.

(7) “Team” means a group of soccer players playing on the same side in soccer games.

(8) “US Youth Soccer” means the United States Youth Soccer Association, Inc.

(9) “USOC” means the United States Olympic Committee that is the corporation established under the Amateur Sports Act to oversee all amateur athletic activity in the United States.

(10) “Youth player” means an individual who has not reached 19 years of age prior to August 1 immediately before the start of any registration year. A player who reaches 19 years of age during a registration year is allowed to complete that registration year.

(11) “Club” an organization affiliated with a National State Association, which has an identifiable membership of youth soccer players on whose behalf the organization conducts or engages in youth soccer activities. A club (sometimes referred to as a “leagues” or “local association”) is the basic administrative unit of US Youth Soccer.

(12) “District” A geographical subdivision of the territory of a National State Association.

(13) “Good Standing” A team or organization shall be considered in “good standing” if all of its players have been properly registered with their National State Association or approved organization and so long as the team or organization is not subject to any disciplinary sanctions prohibiting travel or hosting imposed by the National State Association, US Youth Soccer or approved organization.

(14) “Guest Player” A registered player participating in a competition for a team to which the player is not rostered for purposes of league play.

(15) “League” A structured group of four or more teams joined for the purposes of inter-team play under a common set of administrative and competition rules.

(16) “Recreational League” An intra-club league in which:

a. the use of tryouts, invitations, recruiting or any like process to roster players selectively to any team on the basis of talent or ability is prohibited;
b. the club administering the league accepts as participants in the league any and all eligible youths (subject to reasonable terms of registration);
c. a system of rostering players is employed for the purpose of creating a fair or balanced distribution of playing talent among all teams participating; and
d. league rules require that each player play at least one-half of each game except for reasons of injury, illness or discipline.

(17) “Classic League” an inter-club league in which;

a. the use of tryouts, invitations, recruiting or any like process to roster players selectively to any team on the basis of talent or ability is permitted; and
b. one or more leagues rules restrict the manner in which players may be rostered to participating teams.

(18) “ Premier League” An inter-club league in which no rule restricts the manner in which players may be rostered to participating teams, except for rules which:

a. define and prohibit unethical recruiting behavior; or
b. limit the participation of players previously rostered to another team

(19) “National State Association” An affiliated member association of US Youth Soccer representing all leagues, clubs, teams and players within the territory assigned by the National State Association by the US Soccer National Council.

(20) “Player” A youth registered in accordance with US Youth Soccer and the National State Association rules.

(21) “Registration” The signing of an intent to play the sport of soccer and the paying of fees to become a member of US Youth Soccer and the National State Association.

(22) “Team” a recognized entity organized for the purpose of playing the sport of soccer.

(23) “Classic Team” a team which participates in a classic league.

(24) “League Team” a team which participates in regularly scheduled league play.

(25) “Premier Team” a team which participates in premier league.

(26) “Recreational Team” a team which participates in a recreational league.

(27) “US Soccer” The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the national governing body of soccer in the United States; recognized by FIFA and the United States Olympic Committee.

(28) “US Youth Soccer” The United States Youth Soccer Association, Inc., the youth division of US Soccer.