FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WOMENS INDOOR SOCCER RULES FOR THE NET GO TO "THE NET AT GOLDS GYM" TAB
E.H.W.S.L. League Rules
RULES GOVERNING THE SOCCER LEAGUE - FIFA Rules apply except where specifically noted below
GENERAL RULES:
• All players must be registered and posses a curent U.S. Club player pass in order to participate in any league game. Players must bring their pass to all games so that the referee may verify their eligibility.
• Minimum of 7 players is required at game time to play a 11v11 format or 5 for a 7v7 format. Any team showing up with less than minimum required players will be given a forfeit.
If a team has 2 forfeits in one season a penalty fee may be applied to the forfeiting team of $25 to be given to the league before their next game or the team may not be allowed to finish their season. Some form of disciplinary action will be taken by the board. Utilize your Division Coordinator to help find guest players for your team to avoid this issue
• All games are to start promptly at their scheduled kickoff time.
NO EXCEPTIONS
if a team is more than 15 minutes late they are required to forfeit. If a team has more than 2 forfeits in a season that team may not be allowed to continue their season and their registration for subsequent seasons may be jeopardized.
• Unlimited substitutions on any stoppage
• Goal Differential: As a league rule, we enforce a max score differential of 5 goals
If your game meets the 5 goal differential, then the winning team must:
Rearrange their players on the field (move defense to offense and vice-versa) and/or
Play possession with no attempt to score and/or
Drop 1 or more players off the field
We want teams reported that exceed 5 goals so that the league can take corrective action with that team
This can be more easily controlled by telling your team on DAY 1 about this rule – please make sure all players are aware!!
• When an opponent does not have the required number of players, it is mandatory that the full team plays with only a one-player advantage. Captains can request their opponent play even, must be a mutual decision.
• All coaches/captains are required to carry the league’s first aid kit to every game and to fill out and mail in an incident report for any major injuries occurring at the games.
• Practice good sportsmanship—have players shake hands after the game with their opponents.
UNIFORMS
· Players must wear supplied team shirts at all games, all shirts will have a number. All players will be given a number and that number will correspond with the number on the roster. Two players on the same team may not wear the same number
· Every player must wear shin guards and socks covering their shin guards
· Cleats/Soccer specific shoes must be worn during all games.
· No jewelry can be worn during games.
· All hard plastic &/or metal braces must be completely covered with a neoprene sleeve or the equivalent of with the exception of eye goggles. Casts are not allowed. Ace bandages are not acceptable means of covering braces
REFEREES
Certified USSF Referees are assigned to league games by the Eastern NY State Assigning Coordinator. Referees are required at every game for the safety of all. Referees submit a detailed game report after each game.
ALL Cautions and Ejections will be recorded and handed in to the Board of Directors. Disciplinary actions will be decided on a case by case basis. (See Disciplinary action section below)
Captains are expected to mediate all issues/disputes that occur as a result of a referee’s call. NO PLAYER should dispute the calls/decision of a referee. It is the captain’s responsibility to make sure that their team is respectful to the referee at all times. If there is a discrepancy with a referee, it is to be brought to the leagues attention. The league will then address the issue
EAST HUDSON WOMENS SOCCER LEAGUE
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
ARTICLE I- NAME
The name of the org shall be the “East Hudson Womens Soccer League” also referred to as the “E.H.W.S.L.” or “E.H.W.S.L.inc”.
Article II- PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION
The EHWSL is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing all women with the opportunity to play soccer, regardless of skill, age and fitness. To promote and encourage interest in soccer for women in the Hudson Valley Region. To promote fair play and sportsmanship for all players involved in our organization.
ARTICLE III- AFFILIATION
The East Hudson Womens Soccer League is guided by the laws of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) under FIFA. FIFA laws of the game apply unless otherwise noted in the EHWSL Rule Book. The league is a member of US Club Soccer and shall abide by its rules unless the Executive Board votes otherwise. The league will participate in any soccer activity that does not violate the rules and regulations of these affiliated organizations.
ARTICLE IV- MEMBERSHIP
Part 1: ELIGIBILITY:
Club membership is open to any women of at least eighteen years of age regardless of race, creed, and religion who express an interest in participation in and/or promotion of club objectives. Voting members are also deemed a club member.
Part 2: MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
Membership in the E.H.W.S.L. shall be evidenced by the players pass membership card
issued by U.S. Club for the current soccer year. Membership certificates expire on August first of every year. Players holding expired passes are not considered members.
Part 3: MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors meeting are open meetings for any member to attend.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held at the end of each calendar year open to all members. The Secretary shall notify every member in good standing a notice of the meeting stating the time and place of the annual meeting. Attendance sign in shall be required at every meeting of the the EHWSL.
Part 4: REMOVAL OF MEMBER OR BOARD MEMBER
A member or Director may be removed or reprimanded, for cause, from membership for the season or longer by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board of Directors at a duly constituted meeting. The Executive Board of Directors shall have the authority to suspend, discipline, or terminate membership of any member including Executive Board Members when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the objectives of the League. If any above actions are to be considered, the Executive Board shall:
1.The Secretary shall notify Member(s) involved of the nature of the charges against them in writing.
2.Establish a date, time and location of the meeting where the Executive Board intends to convene to discuss action(s) to be taken.
3.Member(s) involved will be invited to attend said meeting to provide an explanation. Notice of said hearing shall be given, in writing, at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.
4.The decision of the Executive Board shall be documented in writing and distributed to all parties involved. In the event that the reprimanded Member or Director does not comply with the requirements and conditions of such reprimand, he/she shall be suspended from the league, and/or the board from his/her duties and his/her position shall be considered vacant.
As used herein, “cause” shall include, without limitation, non-performance of
duties and/or conduct improper or inappropriate to their position or to the purpose
of this Organization; and, in the case of a Director, he/she misses three (3)
consecutive meetings without proper excuse. Notice of said hearing shall be given,
in writing, at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.
ARTICLE V. DUES AND OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
PART 1. ANNUAL DUES
1a. Annual membership fees shall be established by U.S. Club Soccer. It is an annual fee collected by the EHWSL and paid to US Club for registration, once paid; the player is fully affiliated with US Club soccer and USSF for the seasonal year, subject to complying with applicable provisions of the EHWSL registration policy and FIFA laws of the game.
PART 2. LEAGUE REGISTRATION FEES
2a. Registration fees are established by the Board and payable at the beginning of each season. To be considered fully registered players must complete all steps of the registration process outlined in the registration section of our website and players registration receipt email.
2b. The player fees will go to the general fund. The general fund will be used to pay for league operational expenses such as program services, professional fees, and rental fees.
PART 3. PAYMENT
1. Dues shall be payable at the time of registration.
2. With the failure of any member to pay the established membership fee, that
member shall be considered delinquent and subject to removal by the Board.
3. The League reserves the right to waive fees in case of exception or financial
hardship upon approval of the Board.
PART 4. OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
A. Those members participating in programs other than the fall, spring, and summer season will be assessed accordingly.
ARTICLE VI. BOOKS AND RECORDS
Every member shall, upon written demand stating the purpose thereof, have the
right to examine, in person or by agent or attorney, during the usual hours for business for
any proper purpose, the membership register, books and records of account, and records
of the proceedings of the members and directors. Such a demand with proper purpose will be met by the organization at least fourteen (14) days after receiving the written requst. A proper purpose shall mean a purpose reasonably related to the interest of such person as a member. In every instance where an attorney or other agent shall be the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing which authorizes the attorney or other agent to so act on behalf of the member. The demand shall be directed to the president or other officer or director of the corporation should be president not be available.
ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PART 1. Powers, Functions and Actions.
The business of the EHWSL shall be managed by a Board of Directors, who shall be elected through an open and democratic process and shall exercise all powers of this organization, except as otherwise provided by law, or by the Articles of Organization, or the Constitution and Bylaws. The Board of Directors, by majority vote, shall establish the Policies, Regulations, and
procedures not inconsistent with this EHWSL Constitution, and By-laws, under which the East Hudson Womens Soccer League shall operate. Each Board of Director shall be in good standing within the organization and pay yearly dues as a player.
PART 2. Composition of Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall consist of the following elected Officers and other
appointed or designated positions:
President
Executive 1st Vice President Open Division
Executive 2nd Vice President Semi-competitive Division
Executive 3rd Vice President Recreation Division
Treasurer
Secretary
Registrar–EHWSL
Registrar- US Club
Director- Fields
Director - Equipment
Director- Sponsorship
Director- Scholarship
Director - Webmaster
Director- Tournament Advisor
In addition, the Immediate Past President shall remain a Director for up to one year after
his or her successor is elected as President.
PART 3. Election and Term of Directors
Every November an annual election of directors will be held as needed, directors shall be elected, based upon the following schedule.
3a. The President is elected for a three year term.
3b. All other board positions will be up for election every two year not to be renewed on the same year as a Presidential election year.
3c. The Secretary shall act as the chairperson for the nominating committee. At least thirty days prior to the elections the Secretary will distribute to the league members a list of vacant positions and notification of the date, time, and place of elections. The Secretary will bring forth any nominations to the board at the election meeting for vote.
PART 4. Increase or decrease in number of directors.
The number of directors may be increased or decreased by vote of the members or by a vote of a majority of all the directors. No decrease in number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
PART 5. Newly created Directorships and Vacancies
Newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and vacancies occurring in the board for any reason may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors. Any vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors until the time of the next AGM, at which time the positions shall be filled by election of a replacement to serve the unexpired term of the resigned office. In addition, if the resignation creates a vacancy on the Executive Committee, the President or Executive Director shall immediately give written notice to the Directors of the vacancy and of the date, time, and place of a meeting of the Directors to be held, not less than thirty (30)
nor more than sixty (60) days after the effective date of the resignation, for the
purpose of filling the unexpired term of the vacated office.
PART 6. Resignation
A director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the board, the president or the secretary of the organization.
Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the board or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS
PART 1. Regular Board of Directors Meetings.
The Board of Directors shall hold meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm during the outdoor season. During the winter season the Board of Directors shall hold meeting on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. One meeting shall be held at least four (4) weeks prior to the AGM, for the purpose of preparing the agenda, reports, and recommendations to be presented at the AGM. Any one or more members of the Board or Directors may participate in meetings by the means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment.
1a. General Meeting Protocol
At each General meeting the following protocol shall be followed by the presiding Executive Board member in the following order:
Welcome, adoption of monthly minutes, adoption of monthly budget report, report from other board positions, report from committees, old business, floor open for any public input of new business, motion to close meeting. Unless otherwise specified in By-Laws, “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall apply to the conduct of all meetings.
1b. Notice of Meetings.
A written notice of every meeting of the Board of Directors shall be sent to each director
at least seven (7) days before such meeting, and twenty-four (24) hours in the case
of a telephone meeting. The notice shall state the agenda, the place, the date, and hour of the meeting. Announcement of intent to hold a future meeting given at a prior meeting of the Board of Directors fulfills all the requirements of notification.
PART 2. Action at Meetings.
Matters shall be decided by a vote of the majority present at any meeting duly called and
held unless a different vote is specified by law, by the Articles of Organization, or
by the Constitution and Bylaws. Each Board Member has only one vote regardless of
the number of offices he/she holds. The President only votes to break a tie.
2a. Voting by Proxy shall not be allowed at any meeting of the Board
of Directors.
2b. Action Without Meeting.
To the extent and in the manner permitted by the law, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at any regular or special meeting of the Directors may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in
writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all Directors. Such
consent constitutes as a vote at a meeting and shall be filed with the Association’s
records as such.
PART 3. Special Board of Directors Meeting.
The Board of Directors may hold special meetings as it deems necessary. Special
meetings may be called by the Secretary/Clerk or the Executive Director
whenever requested by the President or by three (3) or more Directors.
PART 4. QUORUM
At all meetings of the Board of Directors, fifty percent (50%) of the voting Board of
Director’s membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PART 1. Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Executive 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents, the Secretary/Clerk, and the Treasurer. A quorum for the
transaction of business shall consist of three members of the Executive
Committee. The Executive Committee is established specifically to deal with
Remuneration and oversight, negotiate contractual arrangements, move funds
between or within investment accounts, and to make emergency decisions on
behalf of the Organization when convening of a meeting of the full Board of
Directors is not possible or practical. The decisions of the Executive Committee
are subject to the review and approval of the full Board of Directors at its next
scheduled meeting.
PART 2. Budget Committee.
The Budget Committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer and shall include the President
and the Secretary/Clerk. The Budget Committee shall review program budgets
and prepare an operating budget for presentation to the Board of Directors; shall review the finances of the various EHWSL programs, and shall review the revenues and expenses of the designated program(s) watching for mismanagement, and more fiscally sound ways of doing business and overall feasibility of the program.
PART 3. Appeals Committee.
The President shall appoint a chair of the Appeals Committee, with the advice and
consent of the Board of Directors. From time to time, as required, the Executive
Director shall, in consultation with the Appeals Committee chair, form appeals
panels to hear matters which are properly brought before the panel. The
Responsibilities of the Appeals Committee shall be to hear and act upon all
appeals and/or protests that are made to the E.H.W.S.L.
PART 4. OFFICERS
4a. President.
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association, ex-officio member of
all Board committees (standing and ad hoc), and, subject to the direction of the
Board of Directors, shall have general supervision and control of its business.
He/she shall ensure that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors and
mandates voted by the general Membership are carried out. He/she shall preside,
when present, at all meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors. The
President shall be the principal contact with local and regional soccer organizations.
4b. Executive Vice President.
In the absence of the President, the Executive Vice President shall be vested with all of
the powers and perform all of the duties of the President. In case of disability,
resignation or other long term absence of the President, the Executive Vice
President shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the President until the next
AGM or any special meeting called for the election of a new President.
The Executive Vice President, when directed by the President or Board of
Directors shall be responsible for EHWSL activities, in addition to any other special assignments which, from time to time, may be given by the President or the Board of Directors.
4c. Treasurer.
The Treasurer, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, has general charge of
the Organization's financial affairs. He/she shall keep, or cause to be kept accurate
books of account. He/she shall submit an annual financial statement of the
Organization, prepared using generally recognized accounting methods, for the
AGM. He/she shall have custody of all funds, securities, and valuable documents
of the Organization and shall perform all the duties incident to the office of the
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall chair the Budget Committee.
4c. Secretary/Clerk.
The Secretary/Clerk is the Clerk of the Board of Directors and acts as Clerk at all
meetings of the Association. He/she shall keep all the records of the Association, including
(a) correct and complete books and records of account; (b) minutes of the proceedings of the meetings, Board of Directors, and any committees of directors; and (c) a current list of the directors and officers and their residence addresses. Shall cause a determination of needs for a smooth transaction of business for all Corporate officers and events, and shall perform all duties incident to the office of Clerk and have such duties and powers as from time to time may be delegated by
the Board of Directors. He/she is empowered to publish and distribute any and all
publications of the Association.
ARTICLE X. Sponsorships and Donations.
The Board of Directors, Sponsorship Coordinator, or any other person authorized by
the Organization may accept, on the Organization’s behalf, any contribution, gift,
bequest or devise of money or property for its charitable purpose as set forth in
the Constitution and Bylaws or for any similar purpose.
As provided by Code Section 501(c) (3), designations for contributions will be
honored only at the discretion of the Board of Directors and only if the designated
purpose, project, or activity set out by the donor is in furtherance of the Organization’s charitable purpose.
Any designation of any contribution shall not be deemed legally binding upon the
Organization unless the designation made by the donor is deemed to be a lawfully
enforceable condition subsequent impressed upon the gift. If upon advice of
counsel, it is determined that one or more contributions made to the Organization
are subject to an enforceable condition subsequent, requiring its use in the manner
specified by the condition, and it is not deemed to be prefatory or discretionary
designated by such donor, the condition subsequent will be deemed to obligate the
Organization and will be honored only if the condition imposed by the donor is
consistent with the Organization’s charitable purposes. If not, such contribution
shall be returned to the donor or otherwise disposed of in compliance with the
condition subsequent. All contributions received by the Organization shall be
deemed for its general uses and purposes and may be co-mingled as such with all
other Organization funds except for those contributions deemed to be made subject
to conditions subsequent.
Any donation to the Organization may be in the form of cash, or in
the form of any type of check or any type of other instrument for the payment of
money, or may be in the form of any type of securities or other property.
ARTICLE XI. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
PART 1. Financial Responsibility.
This Association shall not assume, nor be liable for, the debts and/or the financial
responsibilities, either implied or incurred, of any player, coach, manager, team
assistant, official, or referee from any member Organization or affiliated League
ARTICLE XII. SEASONAL YEAR
PART 1. Seasonal Year.
The seasonal year shall coincide with that set by the USSF, currently from August 1 through
July 31. Insurance coverage shall be for the same period of time.
ARTICLE XIII. MODIFICIATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
PART 1.Modification to the Constitution
This Constitution, or any part of it, may be amended by a two-thirds vote f the members present at the AGM or Special Meeting.
PART 2.Modification to the By-laws
The By-laws, or any section thereof, may be amended by a simple majority vote of the Board members present at any scheduled Board meeting. In addition, changes may be proposed by the membership at the AGM or Special Meeting and approved by a simple majority of the voting members present.
ARTICLE XIV.DISSOLUTION
1. The EHWSL will be dissolved upon two-thirds (2/3) of the members who are eligible to vote for dissolution. On a motion for dissolution only votes for or against will be counted in determining the two-thirds (2/3) majority; abstentions will not be considered.
2. If a motion for dissolution is approved, all debts, bills, accounts payable, etc., shall be paid immediately. Any remaining funds shall be donated to any non-profit organization in the County of Dutchess. If the aforesaid organization is itself dissolved, any remaining funds will be donated to any charity organized for non-profit purposes determind by the board at that time.
ARTICLE XV. INTEREST OF DIRECTORS IN A TRANSACTION
Unless shown to be unfair and unreasonable as to the Organization, no contract or other transaction between the Organization and one or more of its directors, or between the Organization and any other organization, firm, association, or other entity in which one or more of the directors are directors or officers, or are financially interested, shall be either void or voidable, irrespective of whether such interested director or directors are present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or of a committee thereof, which authorizes such contract or transaction and irrespective of whether her or their votes are counted for such purpose. In the absence of fraud, any such contract and transaction conclusively may be authorized or approved as fair and reasonable by the Board of Directors or a duly empowered committee thereof, by a vote sufficient for such purpose without counting the vote or votes of such interested director or directors (although such interested director or directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at the meeting which authorizes such contract or transaction), if the fact of such common directorship, officer ship, or financial interest is disclosed or known to the Board or committee, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no loan, except advances in connection with indemnification, shall be made by the Organization to any director unless it is authorized by a vote of the Board of Directors without counting the vote of the director who would be the borrower or unless the director who would be the borrower is the sole director of the company.