TEAM ELIGIBILITY

All teams must be registered with the Northern New England Soccer League (NNESL) and have their official US Club Soccer team roster. All information must be current. All players must be on the single printed US Club official roster; US Club pass players from within a same club may be handwritten onto the game day roster. US Club passes, all from the same club, must be presented presented prior to the start of all U11 and older Northern New England Soccer League (NNESL) games. No coach or player may participate if his or her pass is not provided to the referee. Exception to this, is if electronic photo verification of the coach or player can be provided through the league’s registration database. In the event a coach doesn’t have his/hers US Club pass but is listed on the roster and provides a valid driver’s license, that coach may participate.

In the event a coach knowingly plays a suspended player due to a red card or any other violation, a $1,000.00 fine will be accessed to the club.

ROSTER SIZE

The master roster size for US Club teams is 26. Master rosters are not frozen and may include any valid US Club carded player within the Club.

NNESL Roster Recommendations

Aug 2019

1. Double rostering is prohibited within any NNESL club, which eliminates “academy style rosters” where players are moved freely between teams without restrictions or controls.  The Competition Committee believes the guest player provision will accomplish the goals of ensuring sufficient number of players on game day, providing opportunities for players to temporarily play up to a higher level and gain further experience, etc.

2.  Guest Players: The CC suggest the following for roster size, number of players dressed, and the allowable number of guest players. 

 

	7 v 7	9 v 9	11 v 11
Maximum Roster	14*	18*	22*
Maximum Players Dressed	14	16	18
Max # of Guest Players	3	4	5
Guest Players as a % of “Game Day” Roster		Maximum 30%	Maximum 30%
1Attached examples of ‘Official Roster’, ‘Game Day Roster’ and the proper addition of guest players to a ‘Game Day Roster’
2Attached table provides guidance for maximum number of guest players
*The CC may allow larger roster size in order for clubs to retain players

2. Violation of the guest player provisions will result in a written warning furnished to the Club Director (first offense) and a forfeit with fine (second offense) by the team found in violation.
3. Exemption requests to the guest player policy shall be submitted to the League Administrator and Competition Committee Chair no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled game kick off.
4. Each coach shall bring two copies (paper) of their gameday roster to the match.  Players who are not participating in the game shall be crossed off the game day roster. One copy shall be provided to the referee and the other exchanged with the opposing coach.  Each roster shall have all of the same information for each guest player as permanent players completely and accurately filled out. 
5. Player cards shall be present for all rostered players and guest players.
6. A player from a younger team can guest up to an older age group.  
7. A player registered on a premier team cannot guest on a championship team of the same age division.
8. Exemption may be allowed for unusual circumstances (mass sickness, injuries, etc.) but not for loss of players due to an activity outside of soccer that can reasonably be determined in time for a schedule change to be requested.

Table: Guidelines for the maximum number of guest players allowed for each playing format (7v7, 9v9 and 11v11) calculated by the number of official rostered players available on game day.

Guideline Table Chart

Example Rosters

Roster 1: Official US Club Soccer roster for a U12 team (9v9 playing format) with 14 players (maximum allowed is 18 and maximum allowed to dress and play is 16).

Roster 2: Game Day roster for U12 team (9v9 playing format) with 2 guest players added at the bottom showing ALL information in addition to player card.  The team may only guest pass 2 players before reaching the maximum number of dressed players for game day.

Roster 3: Game Day roster for U12 team (9v9 playing format) with 2 players missing from the official roster and 4 guest players added at the bottom showing ALL information in addition to the player card.  The team may guest pass 4 players for game day.

Roster 4: Game Day roster for U12 team (9v9 playing format) with 5 players missing from the official roster and 3 guest players added at the bottom showing ALL information in addition to the player card. The team may only guest pass 3 players today with the 30% limit of game day roster.

GUEST PLAYERS

Guest players, defined as players from an outside club, are NOT permitted in the NNESL league play.

 

 TEAM PLACEMENT 

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

In an attempt to focus on player development and maintain team parity, the league’s competition committee reserves the right to promote or relegate teams at the mid-point (after 3-4 games Fall | Spring) of each season.

Team placement will be based on previous league records. Based on this the competition committee will place teams accordingly. Clubs will have the opportunity to challenge the placement prior to the start of each season at the competition meeting.

The NNESL reserves the right to make schedule changes to the point of Promotion and Relegation based on the first half of the season to achieve and maintain team parity as much as possible. These changes may affect teams’ playoff standings at the midpoint. NNESL believes that, as coaches, clubs and executive board members, our primary focus should always be to develop our players' technical and tactical abilities as well as maintain the competitive integrity of the league to support all participating teams and players. These factors must always override concerns about playoff placement for singular teams.

DIVISION CREATION

The league will require a minimum of five (5) teams in order to form a new division. The number of teams will determine divisions.

 

 PLAYER REGISTRATION 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is open to all youth irrespective of race, nationality, color or religious affiliation or non-affiliation. The league is limited to youth players, and registered with US Club.

Players registered on a roster can be added/written in to another team’s game roster within the same club. Players may not play for another club. 

NNESL does not allow clubs to have more skilled players play in lower divisions for the sole purpose of winning.

 

AGE ELIGIBILITY

Players must be registered with US Club. Players are bound to play on only one Club in the league. Players are permitted to play on any age-appropriate team, from within their own Club.

 

 COACH REGISTRATION 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility to coach is open to all adults irrespective of race, nationality, color or religious affiliation or non-affiliation. Clubs are responsible for selecting coaches and the following:

• Register coaches, club, players and staff in KYCK  https://play.kyck.com/
• Consistent with the Player Health and Safety pillar of the Players First philosophy, US Club Soccer requires completion of the 6-chapter online course by all registered staff & coaches. Membershttp://usclubsoccer.sidelinesportsdoc.com/
• To make sure coaches perform the required background screening through US Club Soccer by visiting https://usclubsoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/490359702 .

The Clubs’ coaches must adhere to the rules, regulations and guidelines set forth by the league. The league is not responsible for the selection process or for providing coaches to the Clubs

 

MINIMUM AGE OF COACH

An individual must have attained the minimum age of 18 years old in order to coach up to 14U and 21 years old in order to coach up to 18U, prior to being issued a US Club pass.

COACH PRESENCE AT GAMES

The Club must have a coach or administrator from within the same club, at all scheduled matches in which the team participates. The coach or administrator must be in possession of a valid US Club coaching pass, from the club as the team, or as mentioned above, exception to this, is if electronic photo verification of the coach can be provided through the league’s registration database or provides a valid driver’s license, then that coach may participate.

A Coach must be present throughout the entire match or the match will be terminated and forfeited to the opponent,  5-0. A maximum of five (5) coaches are permitted on the team’s sideline per match.

MULTIPLE COACHING PASSES

Coaches may have a US Club pass for each team in which they coach. Coaches may only coach for a team affiliated with the same Club and USSF entity, and the pass they use must be present at the scheduled match.

 

 RULES OF PLAY 

All US Club sanctioned competitions must be played in accordance with the most current FIFA laws of the Game and the modifications noted within these rules unless specifically accepted by authorization of the NNESL Board. It is the responsibility of all coaches and referees to be thoroughly familiar with and abide by the FIFA laws and these modifications.

 

HEADING RESTRICTIONS

US soccer recommends there will be no deliberate heading at 11U and below. When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.

 

LEAGUE RULE MODIFICATION & SUBSTITUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

9U-15U – During regular season match play (not playoffs or championship games), once the goal differential reaches five, the losing team may add one player (if they wish), until the goal differential becomes less than five.

 

RULES MODIFICATIONS FOR 7v7

The build out line (half line) promotes playing the ball out of the back in less pressured setting. When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play (from the opponent) or from a goal kick, the opposition players must retreat into their own half of the playing field until the ball is put into play. 

Once the opposing team is behind the build out line (half line), the goalkeeper can PASS, THROW or ROLL the ball into play (PUNTING IS NOT ALLOWED FOR 7v7). After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper and the keeper's teammate receives the ball, the opposing team can cross the build out line, and play resumes as normal. 

Note: In the event the goalkeeper decides to play the ball quickly, and not allow the opposing team time to retreat, the goalkeeper accepts the fact the opponents can then challenge for the ball.

To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play. 

• Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players
• Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate
• Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line

Off sides will be played at all ages from 9U-U18U  

 

LEAGUE SUBSTITUTION RULES

Except as noted, substitutions shall be “unlimited” and any time after any dead ball situation (corner kicks, free-kicks, throw-ins etc). The substitutes must be at the centerline ready to enter before the referee will allow the substitution to take place. The referee has the authority not to allow the substitution if he/she believes that the procedure will stop the flow of the game or is being used as tactical time wasting ploy.

The league strongly encourages equal playing time for all, so players can have time to perform and develop.

Host Club must provide a minimum of (1) game ball for each game. 

 

DURATION OF THE GAME & NUMBER OF REFEREES

Age Group	Duration of the Game	# of Referees	Ball Size
9U/10U	2 – 25 minute halves	1	4
11U/12U	2 - 30 minute halves	1	4
13U/14U	2 – 35 minute halves	3	5
15U/16U	2 – 40 minute halves	3	5
17U/18U	2 – 45 minute halves	3	5

 

• Halftimes are five (5) minutes for 9U-12U, and ten (10) minutes for 13U and older.
• There shall be no overtime periods in regular League competition.

 

AGE GROUP FORMAT & FIELD SIZE

Age Group	Format		Match can be played or forfeited if less players than		Recommended Field Size
9U and 10U	7v7		5		60x40 yds
11U and 12U	9v9		6		80x50 yds
13U -15U	11v11		7		110x70 yds

16U -19U

11v11

7

110x70 yds

Goal Specifications

7v7 Standards of Play Modified Laws of the Game Law 1 – Goals should be no larger than 6.5 feet (height) x 18.5 feet (width) •A 6.5 feet (height) x 12 feet (width) goal is recommended based on the age and ability of the players 

9v9 Standards of Play Modified Laws of the Game Law 1 – Goals should be no larger than 7 feet (height) x 21 feet (width) •A 6.5 feet (height) x 18.5 feet (width) goal is recommended based on the age and ability of the players

11v11 - Goals should be 8 feet (height) x 24 feet (width)

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Two teams shall play a match with no more than the listed number of players on the field at one time, one of whom shall be the goalkeeper.

  

 PLAYERS EQUIPMENT 

UNIFORMS

The visiting club’s primary contact will verify the uniform colors with the home team’s primary contact, prior to the game date, for all matches in that fixture.  All field players on a team shall wear similar colored jerseys, shorts and soccer socks.  A legible non-duplicating number on the back of each field player jersey is required.  Players and substitutes shall not change numbers or remove their jerseys prior to the completion of the game without specific permission of the referee.

The color of a team’s jerseys may be different from the color of the team’s shorts and or soccer socks.  At each game, both teams shall be able to make a change of jersey color.  If both teams are wearing similar colored jerseys, the home team shall be required to change.  Goalkeepers shall change jerseys as the referee directs, regardless of the home/visitor status.

Teams may elect to display sponsorship on their team jerseys.

 

SHIN GUARDS

Shin guards are required equipment for all players and are to be worn at all matches. Shin guards are to be covered entirely by the players’ socks. Shin guards are to be made of suitable-material, rubber or plastic to provide a reasonable degree of protection.

 

SAFE EQUIPMENT

In addition to the authority granted to the referee under FIFA Law V to determine the safety of a player’s equipment as defined in FIFA Law IV, the following shall not be permitted:

1. Hair control devices with any hard parts;
2. Earrings or any other jewelry, regardless of covering.

In addition to the authority granted to the referee under FIFA Law V, the following shall be permitted:

1. A soft splint or a soft cast, provided that the match referee has determined that it is not a danger to themselves or another player;
2. A brace, joint or prosthetic device, provided that the match referee has determined that it is not a danger to themselves or another player;
3. Sports Spectacles: Protective sports spectacles or plastic prescription frames sports spectacles with the lenses fully contained with the frame, and held on by an elastic strap are expressly permitted.  Any eyewear containing glass, metal or any sharp edges are prohibited.
4. Headgear:  Soft foam headgear for goalkeeper, Full 90 type headgear for player, provided that the referee has determined that it is not a danger to themselves or another player

If the Referee finds that a player is wearing articles not permitted by the Laws or this Rule, the Referee shall order the player to remove them. If a player fails to carry out the Referee’s instruction, the player shall not take part in the match.

 

SEVERE WEATHER

In the event of severe weather conditions, players will be permitted to wear a sweat suit or similar trousers and stockings, or other type of clothing under their team uniform. Sweat pants must have no metallic buckle, snaps, buttons or other items that the referee considers dangerous to any player.

 

GOALKEEPER

The Goalkeeper is permitted to wear a tracksuit or similar trousers and stockings or other type of clothing in all League sanctioned activities. The Goalkeeper is also permitted to wear a vinyl foam soft soccer helmet.

 

COACHING FROM THE SIDELINES

Coaching from the sidelines is permitted, so long as one is giving direction to one’s own team on points of strategy, tactics and position provided that the following conditions are complied with:

1. No mechanical devices are used
2. The tone of voice is informative and sportsman like

PENALTY: Disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Committee.

  

 STANDINGS 

1. Standings Determined: Standings are kept for all U11-U18 league games and are determined by the following point system:

 

WIN	3 points
TIE	1 point
LOSS	0 points

 

1. Play-off Games: In the event of a tie in the standings at the completion of the season’s regular game schedule, the winning team will be decided by the following tiebreakers, in order:

• Head to Head
• Most wins** (automatically calculated into the standings)
• Fewest goals allowed
• Number of shutouts
• Goal differential | 5 goal max differential
• Coin Toss

1. Tie Games: If a regularly scheduled game ends in a tie score at the end of regulation playing time, the game and score shall stand as official.
2. Team Withdraws from Competition: If a team withdraws from competition prior to having completed half of the original schedule of games, results of these games will be deleted from the records.
3. Team Withdraws from Competition: After Half of the Original Schedule of Games: If a team withdraws from competition after half of the original schedule of games has been completed results of such games will be recorded as played and all remaining games as  5-0 forfeits.

  

 GAME REGULATIONS 

SCHEDULING

The NNESL Schedule is created by the League Director using the dates agreed upon by NNESL member clubs. The location and time for all NNESL games is provided by the NNESL member clubs and reported to the League Director by the league deadline prior to each season.  

FIELDS

Home Team Responsibility: The Home team is responsible for the condition of the playing area including the proper field markings, and proper equipment - Nets and corner flags are required.  If the referee determines that the field is not playable due to improper conditions (unrelated to weather), then the home team will forfeit the match and be responsible to absorb the full cost of referee, assignor and field rental fees.

NEUTRAL PLAYING FIELDS

Neutral playing fields are provided by the league to help ease travel conditions for both teams when needed.

POSITION OF THE TEAMS  & SPECTATORS AT THE GAME SITE

Spectators for each team will take a position on the opposite side of the field than the valid Coaches and rostered players. The Home Team shall have the choice of which side the spectator's will be positioned.

START AT THE SCEDULED TIME

At the scheduled time for the match, the league will allow fifteen (15) minutes for the minimum number of players to show to help  constitute a team. At the scheduled time for the match a five (5) minute grace period will be provided to allow additional players to arrive. After the five (5) minute grace period the match will start..  

Substitutions with the consent of the Referee at any stoppage in play:

1. Change with The Goalkeeper: Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper provided that the Referee is informed before the change is made, and that the change is made during a stoppage in the game.
2. Substitution Procedure: When a goalkeeper or any other player is to be replaced by a substitute, the following conditions shall be observed:

1.     The Referee shall be informed of the proposed substitution before it is made.

2.     The substitute shall not enter the field of play until the player he is replacing has left, and then only after having received a signal from the Referee.

3.     Enter the field during a stoppage in the game, and at the halfway line.

INCOMPLETE GAMES

In the event a game cannot be completed, the game counts if half the game was completed. If there is no result and the match is suspended prior to the expiration of one half, the games shall be repeated at a time agreed upon by the competing teams in consultation with the league Director.

Any team directly responsible for the termination of the game due to poor sportsmanship toward referee, opposing fans or opposing players will result in that team forfeiting the match.  This could also lead to other possible penalties set by the NNESL Disciplinary Committee.

NO-SHOWS/FORFEITS

A no-show occurs when a team willfully does not show up to a game agreed to by the teams.  Penalties for no-shows are as follows:

• A forfeit to the opposing team:  0-5 loss
• See FINES for additional repercussions

A team unable to attend a scheduled game because of an accident, weather or act of god should immediately notify the opponent and the league office.  Each situation shall be reviewed by the league’s League Director, who shall enter a decision.

IF BOTH TEAMS FAIL TO APPEAR

In the event both teams do not appear for a scheduled match, and the Referee rules the ground playable, both teams will be assessed a forfeit.

FINES

$250 fine will be assessed upon 1st team forfeit. Club representative will present NNESL with a $250 check within 7 days of receipt of the invoice. If NNESL does not have the check within the required timeframe, then the Competition Committee may require the team to forfeit a future match or matches until the fine is paid. Should a second forfeit occur within a Club in the same seasonal year, by same or different team, then the matter will be sent to the league’s Disciplinary Committee to determine sanctions.

TEAM USES ILLEGAL PLAYER

An Illegal player shall mean any player who does not have a valid, unexpired and age appropriate US Club soccer player pass presented to the referees officiating the match.  The US Club soccer player pass must specifically display the player’s date of birth and membership to the participating club.  Club is assessed a  $500.00 fine, coach is banned from coaching for one (1) year starting from date of match; team cannot win the division for that seasonal year.  Second occurrence with the same club in the same seasonal year is dispatched to the Disciplinary Committee to determine sanctions, with permissible fines up to $2500 and possible expulsion from the league as considerations.

IF THE REFEREEE FAILS TO APPEAR

If a Referee should fail to appear for a scheduled match, the Coaches of the competing teams must agree upon a person to substitute for the Referee.  If one of the AR’s assigned to the game is a grade 8, he/she will become the center referee with the other AR doing one sideline and a volunteer AR the other sideline. If the AR’s assigned are grade 9 they can only work the lines and both coaches must agree on a substitute volunteer referee. The substitute need not be a certified Referee. The substitute must officiate the complete match. The substitute Referee shall have those prerogatives granted to him/her by the ‘Laws of the Game’, as published by FIFA and amended by the NNESL.

  

 BAD WEATHER AND/OR POOR FIELD CONDITIONS 

INSPECTION OF PLAYING SITE

 It shall be the home team Coach or team manager with the Club’s designated governing authority’s responsibility to inspect the game field prior to the match.  In the event of bad weather, the Home Team’s Club Official, after inspection of the field, must notify the League no later than 3 hours prior to the scheduled starting time of the match that field conditions may require postponement of the match.  ONLY a Club Official can cancel a match, not the coach.

BOTH TEAM MUST APPEAR

Should any part of the three (3) hour notification period or lapse, regardless of weather and/or field conditions, Coaches and their teams must appear at the match site, ready to play at the scheduled time of the match, or forfeit the match. Once any part of the three (3) notification period has lapsed, the Referee is the only person authorized to cancel the match. In the event that weather and/or field conditions are questionable for playing the match and the Referee fails to appear, the decision to play or cancel is granted to the Home team.  A four (4) hour notification period will apply for teams travelling 120 miles or further - (Driving more than (2) two hours)

GAME TERMINATED BY REFEREE

Should the match be terminated by the Referee prior to the time specified in the rules, for reasons of bad weather, poor field conditions, or darkness, the entire game must be replayed. (FIFA Law VII).

AVAILABILITY OF HOME FIELD

Should a Home team find itself without a match site due to circumstances beyond the control of the team and/or Club, the Home team’s Primary Contact must notify the League no later than three (3) hours prior to the scheduled time of the match.

CHANGED A SCHEDULED MATCH

Under no circumstances will a Coach, team manager or any other Club representative change a scheduled match or reschedule a match without permission from the League. Should this occur, both teams will forfeit the match and will be responsible for their share of the referee and associated assignor fees.

CHANGED OF GAME LOCATION

Should there be a last minute change to a match site; the Home Team must provide a person at the original site to escort the Referee and the Visiting team to the new site.

REPORTING THE SCORE - HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the Home team to report the score of each match using the call in number or/link provided by the league prior to each season:   http://www.nnesoccerleague.org/

The scores from league matches played at a NEUTRAL site need to be reported by the team listed as the HOME team in the league schedules.

EJECTION FROM A MATCH

In instances where the designated Coach has been ejected from a game, or has failed to control the activities at the match site to the detriment of the match, the Referee will not hold the Coach’s card, but will provide a supplementary report to the League. The League’s Disciplinary Committee, at its discretion, will implement disciplinary action.

  

 REFEREES 

PLAYER VERIFICATION

1. Game Roster Form The Referee shall require that both teams provide two (2) copies of the US Club Official Roster, one (1) to be given to the opposing coach.   A player may be handwritten on the bottom of this roster, .
2. Verify the Player’s Identity The Referee shall verify the identity of the players represented on the player’s pass by inspecting the Player’s photograph, which is on the pass.
3. Player Not Permitted to Participate The Referee will not permit a Player to participate unless a valid player pass has been furnished.
4. Verify Written Data The Referee shall verify that the Player’s pass indicates the correct Club name and age group.
5. Discrepancy in the Data Should there be a discrepancy in the Age Group, and/or Club name, the player shall be permitted to participate in the match. The Referee shall retain the pass and shall forward the Player’s pass in question, with his/her report, to the League, which will administer disciplinary action for any or all infringements and violations regarding Player eligibility.

 

REFEREE REPORTS

1. Submit Referee Reports The Referee shall submit email a Referee Report for each match officiated, within forty-eight (48) hours (Holidays excluded) after the completion of the match.
2. Supplementary Referee Report The Referee shall submit email a Supplementary Referee Report for each player and/or Coach ejected from the match, to the League within forty-eight (48) hours (Holidays excluded) after the completion of the match. The Referee will not retain the pass of the ejected player or Coach.

 

CAUTION

1. Yellow Card - Cautioned A Yellow Card is displayed by the Referee to indicate that a Player or Coach is being cautioned for violating FIFA, Laws of the Game.
2. Two (2) Cautions If a Player or Coach receives two (2) cautions during one match, the Player or Coach will be ejected from the match, and a suspension is in effect.
3. Three (3) Cautions If a Player or Coach receives three  (3) cautions during a season, a suspension is in effect.
4. Disciplinary Committee The Disciplinary Committee, at its discretion, will determine the length of the suspension and any other punishments, fines, and/or assessments.

 

EJECTION

1. Red Card - Ejection A Red Card is displayed by the Referee to indicate that a Player or Coach is ejected from the match, and a suspension is in effect for next game
2. Disciplinary Committee The Disciplinary Committee, at its discretion, will determine the length of the suspension and any other punishments, fines and/or assessments.
3. Appear Before Disciplinary Committee A player or Coach who receives a red card or the equivalent, will, at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee, be summoned to appear at a hearing. Should the player or Coach fail to appear, he/she will be suspended until such appearance is made. The Disciplinary Committee, at its discretion, will determine the length of suspension and/or any other punishments, fines, or assessments. The club will be assessed a minimum of $50.00 each time a coach (Coach) is issued a red card, unless waived by the Disciplinary Committee.  Should a player be summoned to appear, the Coach or Club representative from his/her designated team must accompany him/her. Any player under age 18 called before the committee will be required to make sure a parent or legal guardian be present.
4. Suspended from Consecutive Competition A player or Coach shall be suspended from consecutive competition in the league.
5. Team Refuses to Continue If a team refuses to continue to play after being so instructed by the Referee, the team will forfeit the game, 3-0.
6. Reports Will Be Reviewed By The Disciplinary Committee The Referee Report and the Supplementary Referee Report shall be reviewed by the League’s Disciplinary Committee, who shall determine the punishment, fine, and/or assessment. The Disciplinary Committee shall notify the parties involved, in writing, of the decision.

ELIGIBILITY PROTEST

Protests on questions of eligibility must be filed in writing, with substantiating facts to the Disciplinary Committee, anytime within the current season.

  

 PROTESTS & APPEALS 

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

The Disciplinary Committee shall review all game protests and behavioral incidents related to coaches, players, parents, club supporters (club supporters being any person associated with a member club including officers, directors, or representatives) relating to League sponsored competition(s). The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to issue a warning, reprimand, suspension, expulsion, or to fine any player, coach, team, team or club official, member club and/or member club supporter pursuant to these rules.  The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to retain records of all proceedings.

1.         Composition: The committee shall consist of three (3) members appointed by the Board of Directors of the League.

2.         Voting: The voting of this Committee shall be one (1) vote for each member of the Committee including the Chair. No member of the Disciplinary Committee shall vote at any Board meeting hearing an appeal of the Committee's decision.  All committee members may be present for such appeals and may participate in any discussions regarding the appeal.  A quorum for any meeting of the Board hearing an appeal shall be a majority of the Board members who are not disqualified from voting.  

3.         Participants at a Disciplinary Committee Meeting: The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, who may attend any Disciplinary Committee meeting. There shall be no right to have an attorney or any representative present unless approved by the Committee. 

4.         Coach or Player Issued a Red Card: In the event that a coach or player is issued a red card, the coach or player will automatically be suspended from the next League competition, which may include pre-season, regular season, playoffs, or other League sponsored competitions, and shall carry over to the next season if necessary. 

5.         Coach to Appear Before the Disciplinary Committee: In the event that an Coach is issued a Red Card, that Coach shall appear before the Disciplinary Committee to determine any discipline to be imposed beyond the 1-game suspension. The Disciplinary Committee will notify the Coach of the date, time and location of the meeting.  The Coach may not return to any competitions until that Coach has met with the Disciplinary Committee and/or has been allowed to return to play by an affimative vote of the Committee. 

7.         Player to Appear Before the Disciplinary Committee: In the event that a Player is issued a Red Card, the Player and the Head Coach of the Player’s team may be notified by the Disciplinary Committee to appear before the Disciplinary Committee for a meeting to determine any sanctions beyond the automatic 1-game suspension.  The Coach must accompany the player to such a meeting. Any player under age 18 called before the committee must have a parent or legal guardian present for the meeting.  The Disciplinary Committee will notify the Coach and Club President of the date, time, and location of the meeting, and the Coach and/or Club President shall be responsible for ensuring that the player and a parent or legal guardian appears for the meeting.  A player must appear before the committee when a red card has been issued for serious foul play, biting or spitting at someone, and/or violent conduct, and may not play in any League competition until allowed to do so by the Committee which may occur before or after the meeting with the Committee, in the Committee's discretion.

8.         Protests and Disputes in General:  Protests and disputes related to behavioral issues, including, but not limited to, unfair play or unsporting behavior contrary to the Rules of the Game, may be brought to the Disciplinary Committee by referral from the NNESL Board of Directors, the Competition Committee, or by any Member Club.  The Committee may assess suspensions from play (including permanent suspensions), letters of reprimand, warnings, and any other forms of discipline it deems appropriate including a financial penalty imposed on the Member Club of the individual, club supporter, player or coach involved.  Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding unless and until modified or overturned by the Board of Directors after an appeal.

9.         Process for Disputes and/or Reports other than Red Cards: All disputes or reports other than Red Cards and referrals from the NNESL Board of Directors or Competition Committee, must first be raised with the Member Club with whom the alleged offending coach, player, or club supporter is affiliated.  The Member Club president or appointed officer of the club bringing the dispute or report shall contact the president of the member club against which the complaint or report is brought and shall attempt to resolve the issues raised by the complaint or report. Should they be unsuccessful after 1 week of communications, they shall report their communications to the Disciplinary Committee according to the provisions in paragraph 11 below.

10.         Committee Consideration of Disputes and/or Reports other than Red Cards: After following the procedure set forth in paragraph 9, or a referral by the NNESL Board of Directors or Competition Committee, the issue may be brought before the Disciplinary Committee as set forth below.  Should the reporting party or referral not include the name of the individual, player, coach or club supporter involved, the complaint or report shall identify the date, time and place of the League sponsored activity and the Member Club and team with whom the individual, player, coach or club supporter is affiliated.  The Disciplinary Committee shall contact the Member Club with whom the individual, coach, player or club supporter is associated, and the Member Club must identify the individual, coach, player or club supporter involved.   Any failure of a Member Club to identify the coach, player or club supporter involved may result in sanctions being assessed against the Member Club and/or head coach of the team at issue including the suspension of play by the Member Club or any of its teams until the individual involved is identified.

11.         Filing Disputes/Complaints with the Committee: To be eligible for consideration, each protest or dispute must: 

a.    Be submitted in writing detailing the grounds for the protest or dispute and bear the signature of the Member Club's President and/or Registrar, as well as the signature of the coach of the team initiating the protest or dispute, together with a certification that the Member Club has comlied with the provisions in paragraph 9 above;

b.    Be accompanied by any information to be presented by witnesses and/or supporting documents; 

c.    Be provided by e-mail to League Administrator (along with all supporting information and documents) to the opposing team and Member Club; 

d.    Pertain to a League sponsored competition; 

e.    Be initiated by a party directly involved in the incident under protest or dispute. An involved party, as used throughout this Part, is defined as a team coach, a Member Club President and/or Registrar; 

f.    INclude all information necessary to allow a fair and just decision; 

g.    Be e-mailed to the League Administrator no less than 72 hours following the incident giving rise to the protest or dispute.

12.         Ignorance of the Rules:  All Member Clubs, coaches, players, players' parents and club supporters are deemed to have agreed to theese Rules by playing in NNESL.

13.        Conflicts of Interest: The members of the Disciplinary Committee shall avoid both apparent and actual conflicts of interest. In the event that a member of the Disciplinary Committee, or the Board considering any appeal, has any actual or apparent conflict, that member shall excuse themselves from the deliberations concerning that matter, protest or dispute.  Any dispute as to whether any conflict of interest exists shall be resolved by a vote of the Board of Directors excepting only the member subject to the claim of a conflict.

14.        Convening the Committee and Notifying Parties:  The Disciplinary Committee shall be convened by the Chair at their discretion. Notice shall be given to involved parties and others invited to aid in the Committee’s deliberations and/or to present relevant information, no later than three weekdays prior to the scheduled meeting unless the parties agree to a meeting on a more expedited basis. 

 15.        Forfeiture of Appeal Rights: An involved party failing to appear before the Disciplinary Committee after having received notice as required above shall forfeit all rights to appeal any decision of the Committee at that meeting.

 16.        Basis of Decision:  The Disciplinary Committee shall render a decision on any protest or dispute on the basis of any information, from any source, that it deems appropriate under the circumstances. 

 17.        Timeliness of Decision: The Disciplinary Committee shall render a decision as soon as practicable after its meeting with the parties involved regarding the protest or dispute. Notice of the decision shall be provided to all parties by e-mail.

18.        Appeal of Disciplinary Commitee Decision:  A Member Club may appeal a decision of the Disciplinary Committee only to the Board of Directors of the League.

To be valid and eligible for consideration, each appeal must:

a.    Be accompanied by an appeal fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00), in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Northern New England Soccer League (NNESL) and mailed to:

b.    Be submitted by the Member Club’s President and must describe in full detail the grounds for the appeal along with all supporting information and documents.

c.    Pertain to a decision rendered by the Disciplinary Committee, or result from the lack of a timely decision by the Disciplinary Committee.

d.    Be initiated by a party directly affected by the decision under appeal. An affected party is defined as a team coach, player, Member Club President and/or a club Registrar who was party to the decision under appeal.

e.    Include all information necessary to allow a fair and just decision.

f.    Be emailed to the League Administrator, president and vice president of the NNESL Board of Directors at the time of mailing within 5 days of the decision.

19.        Procedure Upon Receipt of Appeal:  The Board of Directors shall consider the appeal at a time and place set by the President at their discretion, including at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting.  Notice shall be given to affected parties and those others invited by the Board to aid in the Board’s deliberations and/or to present relevant information, no later than five business days prior to the scheduled meeting.  An affected party failing to appear before the Board of Directors after having received notice as required, shall forfeit all rights to appeal.

20.        Consideration of Appeal:  The consideration of any appeal shall be on the record at an open meeting of the Board.  The Board may vote to hear the appeal in executive session by a vote of a majority of the Board.  The Member Club or party bringing the appeal shall have the burden to show that the decision of the Disciplinary Committee was without reasonable grounds.  No party shall have the right to have counsel present for the meeting.  The President of the Board may set any reasonable procedure, in their discretion, to hear the appeal and to consider any information that the Board deems relevant to the appeal.  The Board of Directors may render its decision on any appeal on the basis of any information, from any source that it deems appropriate under the circumstances.  The decision may include a rejection of the appeal, a modification of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, or the vacating of that decision.  The Board shall have twenty days to make its decision, and shall provide written notice of its decision by e-mail within 20 days.  

21.       Appeals Fee Forfeited: Should the Board of Directors reject, overturn, or modify the action taken by the Disciplinary Committee it may, in its sole discretion, return any portion of the appeals fee as it deems appropriate and the balance of the fee shall be forfeited to the League.

ENTRY ONTO FIELD OF PLAY

No Club official, Club member, team manager, player, or spectator may enter the field of play regardless of the circumstances, unless the Referee has given them permission. If this is disregarded, they shall become subject to disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Committee.

ACCIDENTS OR UNUSUAL INCIDENTS

The Referee must report any accident or unusual incident to the league.

SUSPENDED COACH

Any Coach who has been placed on suspension is not permitted to participate in any manner whatsoever in the activities of the League during the suspension. The suspended person is not permitted to be present at the site of a match or areas immediately adjacent.

PENALTY: Disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Committee.

SUSPENDED PLAYER

A player who has been placed on suspension is not permitted to dress for any match during the time period of his/her suspension, nor be present at the site of a match or areas immediately adjacent

Part 5. Matters Not Provided

Any matters not provided for in these rules shall be determined by the Northern New England Soccer League (NNESL) Executive Board and decisions so made shall be final and binding.

Part 6. Penalties

No Northern New England Soccer League (NNESL) official, club, league, team, coach, referee, player, or other representative may invoke the aid of the Courts of any State or of the United States without first exhausting all available remedies within the appropriate soccer organizations.

For violation of this rule the offending party shall be subject to the sanctions of suspension and fines and shall be liable to  the league_________________ for all expenses incurred by the NNESL_____________ and its officers in defending any court action, including but not limited to the following:

1.         Court costs

2.         Attorneys fees

3.         Reasonable compensation for time spent by NNESL ______________ officers and/or employees in responding to and defending against allegations in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearance.

4.         Travel expenses

5.         Expenses for holding special NNESL meetings necessitated by court action.

Part 7. Line of Authority for an Appeal

The line of authority for an appeal of a decision rendered by the Northern New England Soccer League (NNESL) League’s Executive Board or Appeals Committee shall be:

1.         US Club Soccer

2.         USSF National Appeals Committee

Appeals following the line of authority listed above are made directly to each level. The fee for an appeal is prescribed by each level of appeal and are made payable to each level.