Post on 21-Jul-2016
description
League Operations Manual 2015
Maryland Elite Soccer League
www.marylandelitesoccer.com
Table of Contents
Section 1
Coaches Responsibilities 3
Section 2
Games/Rules of Play 8 v 8 4
Section 3
Games/Rules of Play 11 v 11 5
Section 4
Game Conduct 6
Section 5
Field Procedures 7
Section 6
Protest and Appeals 8
Section 7
Game Day Procedures 9
Section 8
Reporting and Team Standings 10
Section 9
Age groups 11
MARYLAND ELITE SOCCER LEAGUE (MESL)
ALL TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE, THROUGH THEIR COACHES AND MANAGERS, FOR KNOWING THESE MESL
RULES AND REGULATIONS AND ALSO THE US CLUB PASSCARD AND ROSTER RULES AND COLLECTIVELY
ARE PART OF THE MESL PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS. ALL TEAMS MUST HAVE A COPY OF THE
ROSTER AND PLAYER CARDS AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE AT ALL MESL GAMES. IT IS THE RESPONSIBIITY
OF THE COACH TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THESE RULES TO ALL ASSISTANT COACHES, PARENTS AND
PLAYERS. COACHES: PLEASE VERIFY GAME DATES AND TIMES WITH THE OPPOSING COACH SEVERAL
DAYS BEFORE SCHEDULED MATCHES. WE HAVE TEAMS THAT TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES TO PARTICIPATE
IN OUR LEAGUE. PLEASE SHOW SOME COURTESY AND VERIFY FIELD CONDITIONS WHEN THE
POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THE FIELD MAY BE UNPLAYABLE AND NOTIFY LEAGUE COMMISIONER
IMMEDIATELY. ONLY THE LEAGUE COMMISIONER IS ALLOWE TO CANCEL GAMES DUE TO FORECAST.
WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT THE PLAYING CONDITIONS, BOTH TEAMS MUST SHOW UP AND WAIT FOR THE
REFEREE TO MAKE THE DECISION.
MESL Games/Rules of Play U8-U12 (8V8)
I. Coaching is to take place from the sidelines between the center line and the penalty area line.
Both the home team and visiting team have to be on the same sideline occupying their half of
the field. Parents have to be on the opposite side. Infraction of this rule constitutes
unsportsmanlike conduct and is subject to disciplinary action.
II. Giving one’s own team points of strategy and position is permitted
III. No mechanical or electronic devices are used
IV. Tone of voice is informative and not a harangue
V. Only carded officials on the roster are allowed in the coach’s box during the game
VI. All family, friends, relatives must remain on the opposite teams side and the coach is
responsible for their unacceptable behavior.
VII. U8-U12 (8v8) Rules and Regulations MESL will use a small-sided format for our younger age
groups.
VIII. The home team and/or club will be responsible for the condition of the grounds, the proper
field markings and proper equipment. Nets and corner flags are required. It will be the
responsibility of the home team to have a game ball and to see that their fans behave in a
proper and respectful manner. All fields should be policed for litter before and after every game
by both teams.
IX. The game may be cancelled at the discretion of the Referee.
X. Colors: Home team has first choice on the uniform color. Visiting team shall change jersey
colors if there is a conflict.
XI. In the event of nonappearance of the appointed Referee, the opposing coaches/managers
should agree to a solution, written on the back of the game report and signed by both coaches
which needs to be submitted to the league within 24 hours by both teams. In that case, the
game is to be played and will be official.
XII. FIFA Rules (e.g., throw-ins by either team, free kicks, corners, etc.) are modified to allow
unlimited substitution with the referee’s permission, at every stoppage in play. Free
substitution is allowed for all age groups.
XIII. Players must be clearly standing and waiting AT THE MID-FIELD LINE to be substituted.
MESL Games/Rules of Play – U-12 through U-15 (11v11)
I. Coaching is to take place from the sidelines between the center line and the penalty area line.
Both the home team and visiting team have to be on the same sideline occupying their half of
the field. Parents have to be on the opposite side. Infraction of this rule constitutes
unsportsmanlike conduct and is subject to disciplinary action.
II. Giving one’s own team points of strategy and position is permitted.
III. No mechanical or electronic devices are used.
IV. Tone of voice is informative and not a harangue.
V. Only carded officials on the roster are allowed in the coach’s box during the game.
VI. All family, friends, relatives must remain on the teams opposite side of the field, and the coach
is responsible for their unacceptable behavior.
VII. All fields should be policed for litter before and after every game by both teams. The game may
be cancelled at the discretion of the Referee.
Colors: Home team has first choice on the uniform color. Visiting team shall change jersey
colors if there is a conflict.
VIII. In the event of nonappearance of the appointed Referee, the opposing coaches/managers
should agree to a solution, written on the back of the game report and signed by both coaches
which needs to be submitted to the league within 24 hours by both teams. In that case, the
game is to be played and will be official.
XIV. FIFA Rules (e.g., throw-ins by either team, free kicks, corners, etc.) are modified to allow
unlimited substitution with the referee’s permission, at every stoppage in play. Free
substitution is allowed for all age groups.
XV. Players must be clearly standing and waiting AT THE MID-FIELD LINE to be substituted.
MESL Game Conduct, Violations and Disciplinary Rulings
A. Players guilty of fighting before, during or after games shall receive a minimum two (2) game
suspension for the first offense. For a second offense, the player will appear before the
Disciplinary Board and may be suspended for a period up to one (1) year.
B. Player guilty of using profanity, either by word or sign, against other players, coaches,
spectators, Referees or any League official shall receive a minimum two (2) game suspension.
C. Players guilty of making threatening gestures against other players, coaches, spectators,
Referees, or any League official shall receive a minimum one (1) game suspension.
D. Players guilty of pushing or striking any coach or official shall receive a one (1) year
suspension.
E. Any player or team official sent off the field by the Referee shall receive a minimum one (1)
game suspension.
F. Coaches or team officials who make threatening gestures or use threatening language will be
disciplined according to the following:
i. First offense: The offender shall appear before the League Disciplinary Panel and shall
be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games and a maximum of four (4) game if found
guilty.
ii. Second offense (within the year): The offender may be suspended for a period no less
than one (1) year.
G. Coaches or team officials who fight at any time shall be disciplined according to the
following schedule:
i. First offense: The offender shall be suspended for 4 games
ii. Second offense: The offender shall be suspended from participating in the league
H. Any player or team official who has been suspended shall not be on, or in the vicinity of, the
field during games from which he/she is suspended.
I. Any club or club official/coach/trainer/manager guilty of violating MESL Rules and
Regulations or the laws of the game may be fined or otherwise dealt with by the Commissioner
or the Disciplinary Panel
Field Procedures
A. Our purpose is to promote, teach and play soccer; to be flexible; to develop the abilities of
our players; and above all, to advance good sportsmanship. Enjoy the game and leave it on the
field. MESL teams compete outdoors over two seasons. Fall and Spring season — combined
they make up a seasonal year.
B. All teams are expected to play their complete schedule unless extenuating circumstances
cause a cancellation. In the case of a cancellation, the League commissioner should be
informed, and unless approved by the League commissioner, the teams should reschedule.
C. Coaches will be responsible for Referee fees if the League and Referee schedulers are not
notified of a cancellation.
D. Referees shall be paid one-half of their fee for matches that are cancelled due to weather or
if the field is determined to be unplayable by the Referee prior to the start of the game.
E. Once a game has been started, the officials receive their full fees. If the first half has been
completed, the score will stand. If the match is called prior to the completion of the first half, it
must be rescheduled.
F. Coaches must make every effort to work with MESL and reschedule the game within seven
(7) days of the cancellation.
G. Forfeits will be awarded after a review of the facts, and then only by the League. The game
will be recorded as 3-0 for the losing team
Protests and Appeals
A. Should any person, team or club want to protest or appeal any decision, the line of authority
shall be: To the League Commissioner, then to the League Disciplinary Panel.
B. The league shall deal with all protests and appeals arising out of any league games. Protests
and appeals are to be written or typed and sent to the Commissioner, in triplicate and by
express mail within three (3) calendar days following the date of the match or the disciplinary
decision being protested. The protest fee (a $100.00 check made payable to MESL) must be
enclosed with all protests.
C. The protest fee will be returned if the protest is upheld. The fee to file an appeal will be
returned if the League is overruled and so on down the line.
D. The referee’s judgment with regard to the physical condition of the field and its playability,
with regard to the actual happenings and occurrences on and off the field from the time he or
she arrives until he or she leaves the field, and with regard to those prerogatives granted to him
or her.
Game Day Procedures
Check-in should begin approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff and every effort
should be made to start the game on time.
A. It is the responsibility of team officials to have all player cards and fees available for referee
to check in prior to the start of each game. Players who arrive late must check in with the
referee and present their player card prior to playing in the match.
B. It is the responsibility of the home team to print the game card from the got soccer website
and have the referee sign the card at the end of the game. The game card needs to be
emailed to the League Commissioner within 24 hours.
C. If the designated coach and/or assistant is not present, the referee may inquire as to their
whereabouts and take appropriate action to demand their cooperation, where necessary, if
either is in the vicinity of the field. It shall be the responsibility of the manager/coach to
notify the referee, prior to the game, whether any players or coaches are not in possession
of their player cards.
D. Referee calls for captains: allows home team to call heads or tails in toss of the coin; asks
whether winner of toss wants to have the first kickoff OR wants to choose which end of
field to attack in the first half. In second half, teams swap ends and other team has kickoff.
E. The game will be consider a forfeit 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time unless the
game before head was delayed. For 8 v 8 a team is required to start the game with if five (5)
players are present. For 11 v 11 games, a team is required to start the game if seven (7)
players are present.
FIFA Walkout Pregame
The home team is responsible for ensuring that the FIFA walkout is performed prior to each game and that the referees are aware of this requirement. The referee(s) lead the way.
The visiting team remains in line at center of the field and the home team greets the visiting team by shaking hands by each home team player down the line of the visiting team.
MVP Awards
At the end of each game the coaches select one player from the opposite team as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). MVP cards will be emailed to coaches at the beginning of the season in a pdf file and need to be printed before each game and completed at the end of the game. The players truly deserve this commitment from the coaches.
Reporting and Team Standings
A. The WINNING TEAM must report the game score within 24 hours of completion of the
game. HOME teams will report the score for tied games. Scores should be submitted by
accessing the GotSoccer web site – under Schedules section. Access is granted through the
MESL number assigned to each team. Include game number, age division, winning team
name and score, losing team name and score.
B. Points will be awarded for games played to determine team standings.
C. Three (3) points will be awarded for the winning team.
D. One (1) point will be awarded for a tied game. No overtime.
E. Zero (0) points will be awarded to the losing team.
F. The following criteria will be used to resolve first and second place ties:
i. Head-to-head competition in League play.
ii. Goal differential in head-to-head competition (goals for vs. goals against)
iii. Most wins
iv. Goal differential in League play (goals for vs. goals against)
v. Maximum three (3) per game
vi. Total goals scored
vii. Division Winners will receive trophy
Age Groups
A. Prior to each fall and spring season, by dates established by the Executive Board, each team
must submit properly completed affiliation, registration and roster form to the League, along
with the established fees. Only those properly registered players appearing on the roster form
are eligible to play that season. No player may be added to the roster after roster deadlines
have passed, unless granted a hardship ruling by the Executive Board.
B. Each team official (i.e., coach, assistant coach, manager) shall be listed on the team affiliation
form and roster.
C. No player shall be registered to play for more than one team within this League.
D. The registration and MESL league has only affiliation with US Club player cards and roster.
Roster size also follows the rules of US Club Soccer registration.
U8 – U12 8 V 8
Age Group U8 U9 U10 U11 U12
Registration Cost
$425 $475 $475 $475 $475
Ball Size 4 4 4 4 4
Recommended Field Size
60-45 yards
60-45 yards
60-45 yards
70-50 yards
70-50 yards
Recommended Goal Size
6 x 12 feet wide
6 x 12 feet wide
6 x 12 feet wide
7 x 21 feet wide
7 x 21 feet wide
Recommended Penalty Area
10 x 24 yards
10 x 24 yards
10 x 24 yards
14 x 35 yards
14 x 35 yards
Penalty Mark 10 yards 10 yards 10 yards 10 yards 10 yards
Duration of Game
25 Minute halves
30 Minute halves
30 Minute halves
30 Minute halves
30 Minute halves
Referee(1) 1 Referee 1 Referee 1 Referee 1 Ref 2 ARS
1 Ref 2 ARS
Referee Fees Per team/game
$30 in cash Per team a game
$30 in cash per team a game
$30 in cash per team a game
$55 in cash per team ( Ref $50, ARS $30 each)
$55 in cash per team (Ref $50 ARS $30 each)
U12 – U16 11 v 11
Age Group U12 U13 U14 U15
Registration Cost
$500 $500 $525 $525
Ball Size 4 5 5 5
Recommended Field Size
100-60 yards
100-60 yards
100-60 yards
110-75 yards
Recommended Goal Size
8 x 24 feet wide
8 x 24 feet wide
8 x 24 feet wide
8 x 24 feet wide
Recommended Penalty Area
18 x 44 yards
18 x 44 yards
18 x 44 yards
18 x 44 yards
Penalty Mark 12 yards 12 yards 12 yards 12 yards
Duration of Game
30 Minute halves
35 Minute halves
35 Minute halves
40 Minute halves
Referees 1 Referee 2 ARS
1 Referee 2 ARS
1 Referee 2 ARS
1 Referee 2 ARS
Referee Fees Per team/game
$70 in cash per team ( Ref $70, ARS $35 each)
$70 in cash per team ( Ref $70, ARS $35 each)
$80 in cash per team (Ref $80 ARS $40 each)
$80 in cash per team (Ref $80 ARS $40 each)
Pete Sarioglou
League Commissioner
MESL Referee Fees Per-Team
Game Time Age Group Referee Position Center/Line/Line
One Referee Alone
50 Minutes U-8 $30(Center Only) $30
60 Minutes U-9 $30(Center Only) $30
60 Minutes U-10 $30(Center Only) $30
60 Minutes U-11 $25/$15/$15 $45
60 Minutes U-12 8 v8 $25/$15/$15 $45
60 Minutes U-12 11 v 11 $30/$20/$20 $50
70 Minutes U-13 $30/$20/$20 $55
80 Minutes U-14 $35/$25/$25 $60
80 Minutes U15 $35/$25/$25 $60
80 Minutes U16 $35/$25/$25 $60
Player Equipment
A. Shin guards are mandatory
B. A player cannot wear jewelry, eye glasses, taped jewelry and tapped earrings at the game. Hard
casts are only permitted if the cast is wrapped safely and permitted by the referee. Sports
goggles are permitted
MESL League Game Cancellations
Field closings by club of field coordinators are to be reported to the league through the online system in
timely manner
Field is declared unplayable by the referee on site
No field closures or game cancellations will take place without a communication and approval of the
league