MIPSL.COM Michigan Premier Soccer League

MPSL Constitution

Michigan Premier Soccer League
Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations
2009 Edition

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I
1.0 CONSTITUTION
1.1 Name
1.2 Purpose
1.3 Affiliation
1.4 Membership
1.5 Government
  1.5.1 Authority
  1.5.2 Board of Directors
  1.5.3 Election of Directors
1.6 Meetings
1.7 Amendments
1.7.2     Floor submittal and Adoption
1.8 Headquarters

CHAPTER II
2.0 BY-LAWS1.7.1     Authority
2.1 Membership
  2.1.1 Requirements
  2.1.2 Team Membership
2.2 Fees and Dues
2.3 Government
  2.3.1 Board of Directors
  2.3.2 Team Representatives
  2.3.3 Board Authority and Duties
  2.3.4 Voting Rights
  2.3.5 Board Operations
  2.3.6 Year of Operation
  2.3.7 Succession of the President
  2.3.8 Term of Office
2.4 Election of Officers
  2.4.1 Election
  2.4.2 Removal
  2.4.3 Appointed Officers
  2.4.4    Members at Large
2.5 Duties of Officers
  2.5.1 President
2.5.2 External Vice-President
2.5.3 Internal Vice-President
  2.5.4 Corresponding Secretary
  2.5.5 League Secretary
  2.5.6 Treasurer
  2.5.7 Registrar
  2.5.8    Marketing Director
  2.5.9    Members at Large
  2.5.10 Expenses and Audit
  2.5.11 Statistician
2.6 Meetings
  2.6.1 Time and Place
  2.6.2 Attendance
2.6.3 AGM Agenda
  2.6.4 Regular Board and Membership Meeting Agenda
  2.6.5 Quorum
  2.6.6 Voting Qualifications of Members
  2.6.7 Minutes and Correspondence
2.7 Committees
  2.7.1 Standing and other Committees
  2.7.2 Disciplinary Committee
2.8 Parliamentary Procedure
2.9 Dissolution
2.10 Amendments
2.11 Floor Submittal and Adoption

CHAPTER III
3.0 GAME RULES
3.1 Rules
3.1.1 The Laws of the Game
3.1.2 Player Identification
3.1.3 Rules of Competition
3.2 League Regulations
3.2.1 Game Cancellations and Scheduling
3.2.2 Abandoned Games
3.2.3 Insurance Claims
3.2.4 Card Violations
3.2.5 Game Protests
3.2.6 Forfeit fee
3.2.7 Team Rosters
3.2.8 Placement of Teams
3.2.9 Cup Games
3.3 Player Movement
3.4 Ineligible Players
3.5 Indoor Soccer
3.6 Disciplinary Action
3.7 Meeting Attendance
3.8 Fines
3.8.1 “Disciplinary Guidelines”
3.8.2 Amendments to the “Disciplinary Guidelines”

CHAPTER I
1.0 CONSTITUTION
1.1 Name
The name of this organization shall be the "Michigan Premier Soccer League", hereinafter referred to as the "MPSL" or the “LEAGUE”". It shall be incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of Michigan and under the provisions of Article 501 (c), (3), of the Internal Revenue code.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this “LEAGUE” shall be to promote adult soccer for recreation and competition and administer the objectives of the United States Olympic Committee as provided in the Ted Stevens Amateur and Olympic Sports Act.
1.3 Affiliation
This “LEAGUE” shall be affiliated with the Michigan Soccer Association (MSA). It shall comply with the authority of the MSA, as well as the authority of the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
1.4 Membership
Membership in this “LEAGUE” shall be by invitation to any club, team, or individual interested in supporting the purpose of this “LEAGUE” without regard to race, color, religion, and as further defined in the By-Laws. For competitive purposes, this “LEAGUE” is an invitational organization, which will invite clubs and/or teams to join after review of the clubs’ and/or teams’ application for membership.
1.5 Government
1.5.1 Authority
This “LEAGUE” shall be governed by its Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations except where superseded by the MSA, USASA, and USSF.
1.5.2 Board of Directors
The governing authority of this “LEAGUE” shall be vested in the Executive Board of Directors as provided in the By-Laws, hereafter referred to as, the” BOARD”.
1.5.3 Election of Directors
The “BOARD” shall be elected by the members and affiliates and shall hold office as prescribed in the By-Laws.
1.6 Meetings
A. The MPSL shall hold meetings as provided in the By-Laws.
B. “Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern all meetings of this “LEAGUE,” except as provided in the By-laws.
1.7 Amendments
1.7.1 Authority
This Constitution may be altered or repealed only by affirmative action of two thirds (2/3) of the Members attending an Annual General Meeting or a Special Meeting at which a quorum is present, provided that notice of an intention to submit alterations, amendments or to repeal shall have been included in the notice of the meeting. Such notice shall be made to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.
1.7.2 Floor Submittal and Adoption
A. Members of this “LEAGUE” may submit amendments from the floor of the Annual General Meeting, and their originator must present the proposal in writing to the Corresponding Secretary.
B. Two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be required for the adoption of such amendments.
1.8 Headquarters
The Headquarters of this “LEAGUE” shall be the address of the current Corresponding Secretary.
CHAPTER II

2.0 BY-LAWS
2.1 Membership
2.1.1 Requirements
A. Application for membership by any club or team constitutes its acceptance and approval of the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of this “LEAGUE”, the MSA, the USASA, and the USSF.
B. Membership in the MPSL requires the deposit of a performance bond for each team to cover expenses incurred by the “LEAGUE” on behalf of the team, including, but not limited to, “LEAGUE” meeting mailings, Discipline Committee mailings, and other communications.
2.1.2 Team Membership
A. Membership application in the MPSL is open to any team who submits a completed Membership Application Form to the MPSL Corresponding Secretary, accompanied with the deposit of team performance bond and a letter from the MPSL sponsoring team. Such requests must include a roster of at least eleven (11) players and must be received by the Corresponding Secretary at least sixty (60) days prior to the start of any season.
B. Membership in the MPSL is granted after the above requirements are met and the “BOARD” has given its approval by at least a 3/4 majority. Criteria for approval can include, but are not limited to, past disciplinary problems between the petitioning team's players, coaches, spectators, and their previous league, the MSA, or any other governing body. Other criteria can include financial responsibility of the team, and individual players' disciplinary history.
C. Membership in the MPSL will entitle each team and/or club, in good standing, to a vote and voice at the Annual General Meeting and any Special Meetings of the “LEAGUE”.
D. All teams and clubs registered with the MPSL must comply with its Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations. Any breach of compliance by a team or club may result in dismissal from the “LEAGUE”. The “BOARD” reserves the right to deny membership to any team in order to preserve the common good of the “LEAGUE”.
2.2 Fees and Dues
A. The performance bond is $400. The “BOARD” shall determine the amount to be charged for player registration fees, and any other fees required for the conduct of the business of this “LEAGUE”. A team that requests to leave the “LEAGUE” must be in good standing and be members of the “LEAGUE” for a minimum of three complete seasons before it can qualify for its performance bond to be returned.
B. Any expenditure required by the MPSL to be paid by the member teams that is not directly related to regularly scheduled games and that is not specified in the MPSL bylaws must be approved by a majority of the teams through a vote (represented by a quorum majority or as dictated by Section 2.8A "Parliamentary Procedure") if the expenditure is mandated after the season commences (the first regularly scheduled MPSL league game has been played) in the calendar year in which the expense is to be incurred. Examples of expenses directly related to regularly scheduled games are player registration fees, referee fees, and player disciplinary fees.   Examples of expenses NOT directly related to regularly scheduled games are charitable contributions, gifts, educational expenses, and social function expenses.
2.3 Government
2.3.1 Board of Directors
The “BOARD” shall consist of the elected officers, officers appointed by the President, the immediate past MPSL President, and the Members at Large.
2.3.2 Team Representatives
Each team will submit, in writing, to the Corresponding Secretary, the names of two representatives (namely the Manager and the Coach or any other executive member) responsible for voting on behalf of the team. Representatives may be replaced and or substituted by their team’s submission of written notice by the affiliate team. It is the responsibility of the team to notify the Corresponding Secretary immediately of any change to either of the two submitted representatives.
2.3.3 Board Authority and Duties
A. The “BOARD” shall have the authority to resolve any conflict regarding the interpretation of the “LEAGUE's” Constitution, By-Laws, Rule and Regulations, Policies, and other issues not fully covered in these documents.
B. The President and Internal Vice President shall serve as an Emergency Committee to decide matters that require urgent attention between Board meetings. Their decisions shall be subject to Board approval at the next Board meeting.
2.3.4 Voting Rights
Each member of the “BOARD” shall have one vote as a Board member. If he/she is also a representative of a team at all meetings, then he/she shall also have a second vote. If he/she is the President, they may not exercise their right to vote as a representative of a team. The President shall only vote when required to break a tie.
2.3.5 Board Operations
A. The “BOARD” shall decide all questions raised by Members or itself in closed session by majority vote. The voting positions of Board Members shall not be made public.
B. All decisions of the” BOARD” shall be final and binding on all members unless and until they are reconsidered and reversed by the “BOARD”, the MSA, the USSF or other appropriate, higher authority.
2.3.6 Year of Operation
The fiscal year of this “LEAGUE” shall be from January one (1) to December thirty-one (31) of each year.
2.3.7 Succession of the President
In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Internal Vice-President shall serve as President until the next AGM, at which time an election shall be held to fill the position. The “BOARD” of Directors shall have the authority to fill other vacancies until the next AGM, at which time an election shall be held to fill the position.
2.3.8 Term of Office
Elected officers shall serve for a period of two years as follows:
A. The President, External Vice President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary shall be elected in odd numbered years.
B. The Internal Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Registrar, and Marketing Director shall be elected in even numbered years.
C. The term of office for elected officers shall commence at the conclusion of the AGM meeting of their election
D. The term for a Member at Large will last for one year beginning in January.
E. Board Members shall continue in office until their successors have been elected.
2.4 Election of Officers
2.4.1 Election
The Officers of this “LEAGUE” shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting, separately, by ballot, and shall require a majority of the votes cast.
2.4.2 Removal
Any Elected Officer absent from three “LEAGUE” meetings or other due cause shall be subject to dismissal by two-thirds vote of the “BOARD”.
2.4.3 Appointed Officers
The President may appoint any member in good standing to an appointed position he sees fit.
2.4.4 Members at Large
A Member at Large shall be elected by each Conference prior to each season, or appointed by the MPSL President.
2.5 Duties of Officers
2.5.1 President
The President shall preside at all meetings of this “LEAGUE”, except during the election of the “BOARD”, appoint all Chairs and be ex-officio member of all committees, vote only in the case of a tied vote in Board meetings, be available to attend meetings of affiliated organizations which relate to the business of this “LEAGUE”, and make an annual report on the state of the “LEAGUE” at the “LEAGUE” AGM. If the President is his team's voting representative, he/she must pass the chair to the Internal Vice-President before casting his team's vote. The President together with the Internal Vice-President shall act as an emergency "Executive Committee" when decisions are required for immediate action. These decisions are subject to approval by the “BOARD” at the next Board meeting.
2.5.2 Internal Vice President
The Internal Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the President's absence, and perform such other duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President or as may be specified in these laws. His/her primary responsibility is to serve as Chairperson of the MPSL Discipline Committee. As Disciplinary Committee Chair, he/she shall enforce the “League’s” Rules and Regulations, and is empowered to make player and/or team suspensions as part of this enforcement. The Internal Vice President shall also be responsible for maintaining the “League’s” Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations.
2.5.3 External Vice President
The External Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the President and Internal Vice President's absence. The External Vice-President's primary responsibility shall be the “League’s” official representative at the MSA's meeting, and provide a report to the MPSL no later than the next “LEAGUE” meeting. He/she will update the MSA with any MPSL/MSA disciplinary issues and provide them with any changes to the “League’s” Rules and Regulations. If required the External Vice-President will represent the MPSL on the MSA Discipline Committee.
2.5.4 Corresponding Secretary
He/she will be responsible for recording and maintaining Club/Team contact information.
2.5.5 League Secretary
The “LEAGUE” secretary shall keep and maintain all records of the “LEAGUE”. He/she shall record the minutes of all meetings and supply each team/club and Board member with a copy.
2.5.6 Treasurer
A. The Treasurer shall have charge of all finances of the “LEAGUE”, maintain a checking account in a bank approved by the” BOARD”, report on the “LEAGUE's” financial condition at each Board meeting, submit an itemized report at the AGM with sufficient copies to provide one to each “LEAGUE” member, and be bonded for an amount determined and paid for by the “LEAGUE”.
B. All checks issued for payment must be signed by the Treasurer and co-signed by the President or either Vice President.
2.5.7 Registrar
The Registrar shall be in charge of all matters relating to the registration of players, appoint deputies with the concurrence of the affiliated clubs, maintain a list of currently registered players on each member team, and ensure that no player is permitted to register except in accordance with the rules of the MPSL, MSA, USASA and USSF.
2.5.8 Marketing Director
The Marketing Director shall be responsible for the promotion of the “LEAGUE” whose duties include but are not limited to advertising at Regional, State, and National Tournaments, notifying local and/or regional newspapers of “LEAGUE” standings, and leading any committee created to promote the “LEAGUE”.
2.5.9 Members at Large
A Member at Large shall be designated as the Commissioner of a Conference. The Member at Large will be required to attend “BOARD” and Membership Meetings and have the same voting privileges as an elected officer. The duties will include but not be restricted to organizing the Conference schedule, arbitrating in cases of team disputes, and providing help to update the MPSL website.
2.5.10 Expenses and Audit
A. Up to two hundred dollars ($200) may be spent by the “LEAGUE” Board on non-budgeted expenses without prior authorization from the “LEAGUE” membership.
B. Every six (6) months an audit on the “LEAGUE” Books will be done. The auditors will then report to the “LEAGUE”.
2.5.11 Statistician
The President will appoint, with membership approval, an individual to collect and summarize the game reports for the “LEAGUE” standings. The statistician will then forward the game reports to the Internal Vice President for disciplinary analysis. This position is a paid or unpaid position. This is not a “BOARD” position.
2.6 Meetings
2.6.1 Time and Place
A.      The “BOARD” shall meet at least once per month.
        Time and place of regular Board meetings shall be determined by a majority vote of those eligible to vote at the previous Board meeting.
C. The “LEAGUE” membership shall meet at least once a month throughout the year, except for the months of January and December.
D. The “BOARD” may cancel a monthly Membership Meeting no less than seven (7) days in advance of the meeting.
E. During the playing season, the Disciplinary Committee shall meet at the discretion of the Disciplinary Chairperson.
F. The Annual General Meeting shall be held in January. The “BOARD” shall determine the time and place, at least thirty (30) days in advance, and notify the membership.
2.6.2 Attendance
Any team/club not represented by a delegate or alternate during the entire length of Annual General Meeting, regular monthly or special meeting of the “LEAGUE” shall be fined a specific amount set by the “BOARD” each year. Any team missing three (3) unexcused called meetings of the “LEAGUE” will be considered “not in good standing” and will be put on automatic probation.
2.6.3 AGM Agenda
The Agenda at the Annual General Meeting shall be:
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call and seating of Delegates
C. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting
D. Reports
1. President
2. Internal Vice President
3. External Vice President
4. Corresponding Secretary
5. Recording Secretary
6. Treasurer
7. Registrar
8. Past President
9. Marketing Director
10. Conference Commissioners MSA Update
11. MSA Update
12. Referee Update
13. Clubs/Teams
14. Any other reports
E. Unfinished Business
F. Election of Officers
G. New Business
H. Good of the Game
I. Roll Call
J. Adjournment
2.6.4 Regular Board and Membership Meeting Agenda
The Agenda at regular Board Meetings shall be:
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Minutes of the last meeting
D. Reports
1. President
2. Internal Vice President
3. External Vice President
4. Corresponding Secretary
5. Recording Secretary
6. Treasurer
7. Registrar
8. Past President
9. Marketing Director
10. Conference Commissioners
11. MSA Update
12. Referee Update
13. Clubs/Teams
14. Any Other Reports
E. Unfinished Business
F. Correspondence
G. New Business
H. Adjournment
2.6.5 Quorum
A. A quorum at the AGM or any Special meeting shall be 30% of all the members in good standing and eligible to vote.
B. A quorum at the regular Board meeting shall be 3 Board members in addition to the President or in addition to either Vice-President if he/she is presiding in place of the President.
C. Elected Board Members shall have voice and vote at the Annual General   meeting.

2.6.6 Voting Qualifications of Members
A. Only one delegate from each team, who is in good standing, may vote at the Annual General Meeting, regular monthly or special meeting of the “LEAGUE”.
B. In good standing is defined as neither suspended nor under probation by the “LEAGUE” or the MSA, and current in all its obligations to the MPSL, MSA, and the USASA.
2.6.7 Minutes and Correspondence
A. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, regular monthly or special meeting of the “LEAGUE” shall be distributed as a “draft” copy at the next available called meeting, to all teams/clubs and Board members for approval. The approved minutes will be published to all teams/clubs and Board members, following that meeting.
B. Copies of all communications shall be provided to the Corresponding Secretary as soon as possible for inclusion in the “LEAGUE's” files.
2.7 Committees
2.7.1 Standing and other Committees
A. This “LEAGUE” shall have the following standing committee(s):
1. Disciplinary Committee
B. The “BOARD” may form other Committees as the operations of this “LEAGUE” may require.
C. The chairman of all Committees shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the “BOARD”, and shall serve concurrently with the President.
D. Committee Chairmen will make all decisions relevant to their Committee's administration including the appointing of their committee members except as set forth otherwise in the By-Laws.
2.7.2 Disciplinary Committee
The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of the Internal Vice-President and at least two other MPSL members.
2.8 Parliamentary Procedure
A. The rules contained in "Robert's Rules of Order" shall govern this “LEAGUE” and its Board in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of the “LEAGUE”, the MSA, the USASA, the USSF, or FIFA.
B. The President of the MPSL shall appoint a parliamentarian who shall rule on any questions regarding Rules of Order or procedure arising during the conduction of the AGM, any Special meeting, or at the regular monthly Board meetings.
2.9 Dissolution
The dissolution of this “LEAGUE” for any reason whatsoever shall be governed by the applicable rules of the MSA, the USASA, and applicable State and Federal laws.
2.10 Amendments
A. These “LEAGUE” By-Laws may be altered or repealed only by affirmative action of two-thirds (2/3) of the Members attending an AGM or Special Meeting at which a quorum is present, provided that notice of an intention to submit alterations, amendments or to repeal shall have been included in the notice of the meeting. Such notice shall be provided at least thirty (30) days in advance.
B. Any amendment to these “LEAGUE” By-Laws adopted as provided in this section, shall take effect immediately following that meeting, unless otherwise provided for in those amendments.
C. Upon adoption, this “LEAGUE” By-Laws supersedes in all respects the “LEAGUE” By-Laws previously in effect, and the latter are concurrently revoked and rescinded.
2.11 Floor Submittal and adoption
A. Members of this “LEAGUE” may submit amendments from the floor at the AGM, and their originator must present the proposal in writing to the Corresponding Secretary.
B. Two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be required for the adoption of such amendments.

CHAPTER III
3.0 GAME RULES
3.1 Rules
3.1.1 The Laws Of The Game
  All games played by member teams will be conducted under the rules as promulgated by F.I.F.A. in its “The Laws of the Game”, most recent English edition, with modifications as mandated by the USASA, MSA, or its Affiliates.
3.1.2 Player Identification
A. All players at a game must be identified on official USASA player passes, which must be submitted to the referee prior to the game and remain in the referees hands throughout the game.
B. The player pass card must have been properly submitted to and endorsed by the MPSL Registrar or his/her designated appointee. Failure to do so will constitute that player as ineligible.
C. All uniforms shall be numbered. No two uniforms of the same team shall have duplicate numbers. Their uniform number, on the game roster, must identify players. A player with or without a number but is listed on the game roster will be considered as having participated and be subject to all rules of eligibility. Playing an ineligible player will result in forfeiture of the game and a fine.
D. In the event a player does not have a player passcard, the club manager must provide, on the reverse side of the game roster, the name of the player and the reason for no pass card. The player must PRINT and sign his name next to his explanation and provide the referee and if asked, the opposing team manager with picture identification that validates his identify. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the game.
E. Any club representative may request to review the opposing teams’ players’ passes at any time prior to or at half-time.
F. Captains and replacement captains, of each team, will be identified through the duration of a game, by wearing an armband provided by the “LEAGUE”.
G. Should the referee determine that the uniforms of two competing teams are so similar as to create an identification problem, the home team shall be required to change its uniform.
H. All players participating in a match under the jurisdiction of the MSA shall be required to wear shin guards throughout the match, in accordance with “The Laws of the Game” as required by FIFA. Players failing to comply with this rule shall be sent off by the referee and cannot play until the referee has been satisfied that the player has corrected the problem.
I. Substitutes may be selected only from those players listed on the player roster. Any player not listed on the game roster will be ineligible to play. Players with numbers may be added to the game roster prior to the start of the second half. At no time shall the total number of players listed on the game roster exceed 18 (eighteen).
J. Both teams shall be permitted to substitute when the game has been stopped for a goal-kick, at half-time, after a goal has been scored, or in the event of an injury. When play was stopped for a throw-in, only the team awarded the throw-in may substitute.
K. Substitutes will be allowed to reenter the game after having been   substituted.
L. Ejected players, team representatives, fans may not occupy the touch line or goal line areas but must leave the general area of play.
3.1.3 Rules Of Competition
A. Five minutes prior to game time, each team shall present to the referee and, if requested, to the opposing team its game roster. The game roster shall consist of no more than 18 players, at least one of who must be the goalkeeper.
B. Each team is responsible for paying one half (1/2) of the referee/linesmen fees. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit.
C. The home team is responsible for providing the referee a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The envelopes will be provided to all teams by the “LEAGUE”.
D. Suspended players, trainers, coaches, managers, or club officials may not coach or advise any team from the touch lines, goal lines, or restraining line areas, but will be required to remain in the areas reserved for spectators.
E. A player sent off the field by a licensed referee shall be suspended for a minimum of one (1) game in addition to the game in which he was sent off.
F. A player who changes leagues within the jurisdiction of the MSA shall not be eligible to play until properly released and fifteen days (15) have elapsed from the date of that release.
G. A player who changes teams within the MPSL shall not be eligible to play until properly released and seven (7) days have elapsed from the date of that release.
H. All suspensions by the MSA or any of its Affiliates shall include and count “LEAGUE” and Cup games, which occur during the time of the suspension.
I. If the starting time of any official game is delayed for more than fifteen (15) minutes, the team responsible for the delay will forfeit the game.
J. A match game that has been officially called off by a licensed referee, will be considered played in full, after sixty (60) game minutes has elapsed.
K. If match is called off, with less than (60) minutes of game being played, for reasons other than bad weather, it will up to the “BOARD” to determine if the game should be replayed or not.
L. The home team will be responsible for nets, corner flags, and proper field lining. Any field not properly lined or without corner flags, the home team will be fined.
M. A player may only register for one Club in the same MPSL competition.
1. The Premier and Open Conferences are part of the same competition.
2. The only time a player may register for more than one Club in the same MPSL competition is for a tournament; the player may play for another Club for a tournament, but may not play for that Club in any MPSL competition.
N. Within the MPSL, each player must nominate his/her Primary Team.
O. Any team fielding an ineligible player will forfeit the game. The team or club and ineligible player will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and/or fines by the “LEAGUE.”
P. Player Suspension
1.   Any player sitting out due to a suspension must be identified on the game report, in the designated box, with the duration of the suspension.
2.    A player will remain suspended until his name appears as a suspended player on the game report.
3.   A player must serve the suspension with the same team he was a for when he was suspended. The player may not serve his suspension on any other team within the MPSL.
Q. A team forfeiting three games in one season will be dismissed from the “LEAGUE” and have their performance bond money forfeited to the “LEAGUE”.
R. Home teams are responsible to call in the game score within 48 hours of the final whistle. Failing to call in the score will result in a fine.
S. Each team will have a credit of ONE (1) yellow card per game and ONE (1) red card per season. For example, a season consisting of 12 games, each team would be allowed, One (1) red card and twelve (12) yellow cards. Each red card is assessed ten (10) points and three (3) points for every yellow card. The “LEAGUE” internal Vice President will monitor and report monthly, each team’s credits. When a team looses all its credit points, it will appear before the disciplinary committee, be placed on probation and may be fined a maximum of $100. If a team persists with its poor disciplinary record, further disciplinary may be taken.
T. In the case of ties in positioning at season’s end, team positioning will be determined in the following manner:
1. Head to head
  2. Most wins
  3. Goal differential
  4. Most goals scored for
  5. Least goals scored against
  6. Least red/yellow cards accumulated
  7. Coin toss
U. A Team resigning from the “LEAGUE” before completing its schedule will pay a forfeit fee for each game not played, up to a maximum of three games, and forfeit their teams bond money.
V. A Team which has committed to playing in the “LEAGUE” at the MPSL AGM and then resigns from the “LEAGUE” after the final schedule is set prior to the start of the season shall forfeit their team’s bond money.
3.2 League Regulations
3.2.1 Game Cancellations and Scheduling
A. Game cancellations will not be granted without the scheduler’s approval. The “BOARD” will decide in the case of a dispute. Any team not showing up for a scheduled game will forfeit the game. Three forfeitures, in anyone season, will result in the team being dismissed from the “LEAGUE”. Any game forfeited will result in a forfeiture fee. The fee will include any expenses incurred by the team showing up for the game, full referee fees and any other fees/fines determined by the Disciplinary Committee. The forfeiture score will be 3-0 win awarded to the team that turned up. The non-forfeiting team will be awarded the points for a win. A further deduction of three (3) points will also be assessed to the forfeiting team, if reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee and found responsible for the forfeiture.
B The cancellation & rescheduling of games will be permitted if the following occurs:
a)    Rescheduling when a team is involved in MSA organized Cup or Tournament.
b) Rescheduling when a team is involved in USASA organized Cup or Tournament.
c) Rescheduling due to a Referee no show.
d) Extenuating circumstances.
The team requesting the game rescheduled, must reschedule within fourteen (14) days from the date that the reschedule is known. The requesting team must also notify, the Scheduler and copy the President, Corresponding Secretary and Divisional Commissioner. In the event the game isn’t rescheduled within the fourteen (14) days, the game will be automatically rescheduled by the “LEAGUE.”. No scheduling of games within seventy-two (72) hours of game time. The home team is responsible for rescheduling; otherwise the home team shall forfeit the game. The home team must provide two dates; if an agreement cannot be reached the “LEAGUE” will intervene.
1) When canceling a game both teams must agree upon it and call the Scheduler and copy the President, Corresponding Secretary and Divisional Commissioner.
2) The team that cancels or requests re-scheduling is required to pay rescheduling fees/fines.
3) League play may be extended but only on reasonable grounds and at the “BOARD’s” discretion.
  C. No games shall be scheduled on any day when there is a Membership Meeting scheduled.
  D. No MPSL League or Cup games shall be scheduled on the weekend of the MPSL Cup Final.
3.2.2 Abandoned Games
When a game is abandoned due to misconduct, the guilty team or teams causing the abandonment shall forfeit the game by a score of 0-3 (loss). The guilty team or teams shall pay a forfeiture fine and receive a deduction of points, equivalent to a win.
3.2.3 Insurance Claims
A. All insurance claims are made through the MSA.
3.2.4 Card Violations
A player receiving a red card is automatically suspended for the next complete game and will be fined accordingly. A team not paying their fine will be in bad standing with the “LEAGUE”. If a player is ejected from a game for a second fighting offense within the same season, the player will appear before the “BOARD”, and, without mitigating circumstances, the player will be banned from the “LEAGUE”. A team permitting a suspended or banned player to play in a “LEAGUE” or Cup game will forfeit the game and be fined. The team will be placed on suspension until the fine has been paid. All managers are responsible for sitting their players out after they have received a red card or three yellow cards.
3.2.5 Game Protests
A. Game protests are for infractions of the above rules. Any team protesting a game can do so in writing within five (5) days following the game to the Internal Vice President. The Vice President will render a decision to both involved team managers within one (1) week of receiving the game report.
B. To protest a game the protester has to submit a registered letter to the “BOARD” and opposing team with the proper $100.00 protesting fee and a $20.00 processing fee. If the decision is not in favor of the protester, the protester forfeits the $100.00. If the decision is in favor of the protester, the fee will be assessed to the losing party.
C. The “BOARD” reserves the right to enter a game protest or player eligibility challenge on behalf of its membership.

3.2.6 Forfeit Fee
A. The forfeit fee is a fine determined by the “BOARD” plus any referee fees, if they apply. The team that forfeits has thirty (30) days to pay the forfeiture fee.
3.2.7 Team Rosters
A. A team roster shall consist of a minimum of eleven (11) players and a maximum of twenty-five (25) players by the registration deadline of each season.
B. Premier teams must define their full roster at the start of each season.
C. A team can add players after the deadline only after these conditions are met.
1. The total number of registered players on the team, including the new player, must not exceed twenty-five (25).
2.   A late fee may be assessed for each player registered after July 1st. The “LEAGUE” shall determine the fee.
3. A team may register up to three (3) professional status players.
D. A team roster must be endorsed firstly by the MPSL Registrar or his/her deputy of the “LEAGUE”. Then, it is submitted to the MSA Registrar for concurrence if necessary. Teams are not permitted to solicit the MSA Registrar for concurrence without the written consent of the MPSL Registrar.
E. The registration date of a player may not be back dated.
3.2.8 Placement of Teams
A    New teams invited into the “LEAGUE” may petition for their desired placement.
B.       Movement of teams must be done prior to the start of a season.
C.   The “BOARD”, at its discretion, may place any team in a different Conference for fair and equal competition. A team wishing to join the Premier Conference must petition the “BOARD” in writing and be approved by a majority vote of the existing Premier Conference teams.
3.2.9 Cup Games
A. Registered teams in good standing at the start of the season will be eligible to participate in the MPSL LEAGUE Cup Championship competition, except any team may opt out of that year’s cup competition by written notice to the MPSL Cup Competition Chairperson within the time prescribed by the Cup Competition Chairperson.
B. Cup games will be scheduled by the Cup Chairperson.
C. The tournament will be single elimination. All teams will be in one group.
D. All games must be played by the scheduled date. Failure to do so will result in forfeit by one or both teams.
E. A player is only eligible to play in the MPSL LEAGUE Cup Competition for the team which the player registers for during the current season.
F. The referee fees will be split by both teams.
3.3 Player Movement
A. Premier Conference team game rosters may include: An unlimited number of eligible registered players from its Open Conference team. There are no limitations on the number of games an individual registered in the Open Conference team may play in the Premier Conference.
B. Open Conference team game rosters may include: No more than four (4) eligible, registered players from its Premier Conference team. There are no limitations on the number of games an individual registered in the Premier Conference may play in the Open Conference.
3.4 Ineligible Players
A. The registration, listing, or use of an ineligible player will result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, game forfeiture, fines, suspension, and dismissal from MPSL.
3.5 Indoor Soccer
A. MPSL teams may participate in indoor soccer s. The MPSL will actively encourage participation in the MSA Indoor Championship. However, it will not sanction, finance or insure indoor soccer participation.
3.6 Disciplinary Action
A. The “BOARD” may, at its discretion:
  1. Add to any M.S.A. disciplinary action against individual or team.
  2. Act unilaterally to issue disciplinary actions against an individual or      team.
  3. Expel teams or players from the “LEAGUE”.
3.7 Meeting Attendance
A. A fine of $25.00 for non-attendance of “LEAGUE” Meetings will be assessed to clubs if notice of the meeting was given fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting. “LEAGUE” meetings will be held the third Thursday of every month. Any team not represented at the MSA, AGM will be fined $30.00.
3.8 Fines
3.8.1 “Disciplinary Guidelines”
See “Disciplinary Guidelines” attachment for all “LEAGUE” fines and punishments.
3.8.2 Amendments to the “Disciplinary Guidelines”
A. Authority
The “Disciplinary Guidelines” may be altered or repealed only by affirmative action of two thirds (2/3) of the Members attending an Annual General Meeting or a Special Meeting at which a quorum is present, provided that notice of an intention to submit alterations, amendments or to repeal shall have been included in the notice of the meeting. Such notice shall be provided at least thirty (30) days in advance.
B. Floor Submittal Adoption
1. Members of this “LEAGUE” may submit amendments from the floor of the Annual General Meeting, and their originator must present the proposal in writing to the Corresponding Secretary.
2. Two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be required for the adoption of such amendments.

End of Document

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