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2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute USL MISSION STATEMENT “The principals and staff of United Soccer Leagues, LLC are committed to promoting and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our franchisees and business partners, creating continued opportunities for strong financial returns for our franchisees and business partners, becoming the most competitive and profitable pyramid of soccer leagues in North America, providing affordable family entertainment, and being the inspirational destination for our participating youth, amateur and professional soccer players.” USL OPERATIONS MANUAL DISCLOSURE USL provides the Operations Manual once per season to its franchises. Franchisee may not use the Operations Manual except as necessary to perform the duties of operating a USL franchise. Franchisee may not distribute the Operations Manual without the prior consent of USL. Although USL has not filed an application for a copyright or registration of the Operations Manual, USL claims a copyright and the information contained in the Operations Manual is proprietary. Franchisee must notify USL of any suspected unauthorized use of the Operations Manual in order for USL to take appropriate action. Additionally, USL will not have any liability for Franchisee’s use of the Operations Manual, nor will USL reimburse Franchisee for damages or costs incurred in connection with franchisee’s use of the Operations Manual. Pursuant to the Franchise Agreement, United Soccer Leagues, LLC has the right and authority to create and amend its rules for the operation of its system of soccer leagues. The official USL Rules control the day-to-day governance of the soccer leagues operated by USL. Any conflicts between these rules and the Franchise Agreement shall be settled by reference to the Franchise Agreement for the purposes of these regulations. © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 League Regulations & Standards 100 – Membership Rule 101 Governance Rule 102 Authority of USL Rule 103 Leagues Rule 104 Right of Membership Rule 105 Territories Rule 106 Reference to Membership Agreement Rule 107 Restrictions on Ownership Rule 108 Restrictions on Agents Rule 109 Liability & Insurance Rule 110 Commitment Dates Rule 111 Performance Security Rule 112 League Administrative Fee Rule 113 Fines Rule 114 Annual General Meeting Rule 115 Regional / League Meetings Rule 116 Rules of Order Rule 117 Failure to Attend Rule 118 Use of Trademarks Rule 119 Team Names & Logos Rule 120 Senior Management Rule 121 Telephone & Answering Machine Rule 122 Fax Machine Rule 123 Email and Website Rule 124 Stadium Contract Rule 125 League Sponsorship Obligations Rule 126 Compliance Rule 127 Exemptions to League Regulations & Standards Rule 128 Conditions for Termination of Franchise Rule 129 Withdrawal or Termination of a Franchise Rule 130 USL Review, Appeals & Discipline 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 200 – League Structure Rule 201 Conference and Divisions Rule 202 League Alignment Rule 203 Playing Rules Rule 204 Match Officials Rule 205 Assignment of Match Officials Rule 206 Playing Season Rule 207 League Schedule Rule 208 Point System Rule 209 League Standings Rule 210 Regular Season Champion Rule 211 Playoffs Rule 212 League Championship Rule 213 Annual Team Awards 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 300 – Stadium and Playing Field Rule 301 Seating Capacity Rule 302 Lighting Rule 303 Dressing Rooms Rule 304 Entrance Rule 305 Press Box Rule 306 Press Box Telephone Line Rule 307 Public Address (P.A.) System Rule 308 Score Board Rule 309 Playing Surface Rule 310 Field Dimensions Rule 311 Field Markings 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 400 – Uniforms Rule 401 Rule 402 Rule 403 Rule 404 Rule 405 Rule 406 Rule 407 Rule 408 Rule 409 Rule 410 Rule 411 Uniforms Uniform Sets USL Logo Team Logo Uniform Numbers Player Numbers Player Names Uniform Selection Goalkeeper Jersey Warm-ups Referee Uniform 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 500 Rule 501 Rule 502 Rule 503 Rule 504 Rule 505 Rule 506 Rule 507 Rule 508 Rule 509 Rule 510 Rule 511 Rule 512 Rule 513 Rule 514 Game Day Staff Game Day Staff Operations Coordinator Visiting Team Liaison Referee Liaison Certified Athletic Trainer Game Day Security Personnel Ball Retrievers & Ball Retrievers Supervisor Public Address Announcer Scorekeeper / Statisticians / Spotters Director of Media Relations Timekeeper Ticket Manager Ticket Sellers Ticket Takers 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 600 – Game Preparation & Presentation Rule 601 Home Team Travel Information Sheet Rule 602 Visiting Team Travel Information Sheet Rule 603 Practice Facilities Rule 604 Game Ball Rule 605 Game Day Program Rule 606 Game Day Signage Rule 607 Game Day Photography Rule 608 Game Day Video Rule 609 Game Day Facebook Rule 610 Game Day Twitter Rule 611 Credentials Rule 612 Complimentary Tickets Rule 613 Athletic Trainer Supplies Rule 614 Game Day Contact with Visiting Team Rule 615 Arrival to Stadium Rule 616 Game Day Timeline Rule 617 Field Evaluation Rule 618 National Flag Rule 619 Scorekeeper / Fourth Official’s Table Rule 620 Benches Rule 621 Ice and Water Rule 622 Exchange of Official Game Day Lineup Sheet Rule 623 Official Player Passes Rule 624 Team Warm-up Period Rule 625 Coaches and Reserve Players Entry Rule 626 Team and Referee Introductions Rule 627 National Anthem(s) Rule 628 National Anthem Demeanor Rule 629 Bench Personnel Rule 630 Bench Dress Code Rule 631 Minimum Number of Players Required Rule 632 PA Announcements Rule 633 Official Time Rule 634 Substitutions Rule 635 Substitution Passes Rule 636 Putting a New Ball into Play Rule 637 Halftime Activities Rule 638 Second Half Preparation Rule 639 Approaching Game Officials Rule 640 Entering The Field Rule 641 USL Ejected Players & Coaches Removal Policy Rule 642 End of the Game Rule 643 Overtime Rule 644 Payment of Game Officials Rule 645 Game Delays and Postponements Rule 646 Forfeit Rule 647 Non-Performance by the Home Team Rule 648 Non-Performance by the Visiting Team Rule 649 Non-Performance by Both Teams Rule 650 Serious Incident Protocol 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 23 23 23 23 24 700 – Post-Game Reporting Rule 701 Score Line Rule 702 Game Statistics Rule 703 Official Score Sheet Rule 704 Official Game Day Lineup Sheets Rule 705 Referee Game Report Rule 706 League Regulations & Standards Compliance Form Rule 707 Player/Team of the Week Nomination Form Rule 708 Coach’s Evaluation of Referees 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 800 – Disciplinary Regulations Rule 801 Disciplinary Powers Rule 802 USL Disciplinary Panel Rule 803 Disciplinary Process Rule 804 Serving Suspensions during the Regular Season Rule 805 League Disciplinary Point System Rule 806 Penalty Points Rule 807 Team Penalty Point Accumulation Rule 808 Player Caution Accumulation Rule 809 Coach Sendoff Accumulation Rule 810 Suspension during the Playoffs Rule 811 Major Game Misconduct Rule 812 Game Official Assault or Abuse Rule 813 USL‘s Discretionary Power on Suspensions Rule 814 USSF Fine for Serious Incidents 27 27 27 27 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 30 900 - Conduct of Teams Rule 901 Intentional Throwing of Games Rule 902 Illegal Incentives for Winning a Game Rule 903 Gifts to Referees or Assistant Referees Rule 904 Betting on Soccer Games Rule 905 Scandalous Conduct Rule 906 Moral Turpitude Rule 907 Tampering Rule 908 Vandalism / Destruction of Property Rule 909 Other Misconduct 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32 1000 – Governing Bodies and Committees Rule 1001 USL Board of Directors Rule 1002 Executive Director Rule 1003 League Directors Rule 1004 Owner’s Advisory Council Rule 1005 Board of Governors and Executive Committees Rule 1006 Standing Committees 33 33 33 33 33 33 SECTION 2 Registration Procedures & Roster Regulations 1100 – General Registration Rule 1101 Regulations Governing Players Rule 1102 Registration Deadline Rule 1103 Master Roster Rule 1104 Master Roster Changes Rule 1105 Master Roster Freeze 34 34 34 34 34 1200 – Player Classifications Rule 1201 Professional Player Rule 1202 Amateur Player Rule 1203 Registered Player Rule 1204 Eligible Player Rule 1205 Ineligible Player Rule 1206 Illegal Player Rule 1207 Foreign Player Rule 1208 Free Agent 35 35 35 36 36 36 36 37 1300 – International Clearance Entry Prior to Age 12 First Registration Minors ITC Request 2014 FIFA International Transfer Window 38 39 39 40 41 1400 – Player Registration Player Registration Documents Player Registration Scenarios Player Registration Procedures 42 42 43 1500 – Player Release Transfer or Release of Players Amateur Players Professional Players 45 45 45 1600 – Player Loans Loaning Player To/From another Team (Professional Teams only) Domestic Loan Domestic Loan to Amateur Team International Loan Loan Agreements 46 46 46 46 46 1700 – Player Transfers Transferring Player to another Team (Professional Teams only) 47 1800 – Professional Contract Options Professional Contract Option (Professional Players only) 48 1900 – Termination of Contracts Guidelines for Contract Dispute Resolution 49 SECTION 3 Public Relations Public Relations USL Communications Staff Effective Public Relations Soundbites of PR Advice Website & Internet Operations News Releases Game Notes Game Previews Game Recaps USL Media Guide Team Media Guides 50 50 50 50 51 52 52 52 52 52 Media Relations Activities Press Conferences Media Day Local Television Broadcast Local & Online Broadcast 54 54 54 54 Game Day Public Relations Public Address Protocol Press Box Operations Credentials, TV, and Photos Scoresheet Guidelines Statistics Changes to Statistics Social Media 55 56 57 58 60 61 62 SECTION 4 NCAA NCAA College Player Eligibility for USL Amateur Teams Participation in Outside Competition Limit on Number of Players from an Institution Involvement of Coaching Staff Reimbursement of Player Expenses for Outside Competition Involvement with Professional Teams 64 64 64 64 65 65 SECTION 5 International Matches International Matches Procedures to follow when hosting an international match / tournament Procedures necessary when desiring to travel abroad Canadian-based USL teams 67 67 67 SECTION 6 Reviews, Appeals and Discipline Complaint 68 Types of RAD 68 RAD Panel 68 Filing a Complaint RAD Complaint, Type I (Competition) RAD Complaint, Type II (Team Official) RAD Complaint, Type III (League Office/Official) RAD Complaint, Type IV (Game Official) 69 70 71 72 2014 W-League Table of Fines 100 - Membership Rule Name Rule # Additional Information Fine 117 (a) Failure to Attend - AGM Home Team Visiting Team Requirement for all teams $1,750 117 (b) Failure to Attend - Other USL Function Requirement for all teams $750 120 Senior Management Requirement for all teams $1,000 121 Telephone & Answering Machine Requirement for all teams $1,000 122 Fax Machine Requirement for all teams $1,000 123 Email & Website Requirement for all teams $1,000 124 Stadium Contract Requirement for all teams $1,500 Additional Information Fine 300 - Stadium & Playing Field Rule Name Rule # Home Team Visiting Team 301 Seating Capacity Requirement for all teams $1,500 302 Lighting Requirement for all teams $1,500 303 (a) Dressing Rooms with Working Showers Requirement for all teams $1,500 303 (b) Towels in Dressing Rooms Requirement for all teams $25 304 Entrance Requirement for all teams $1,500 305 Press Box Requirement for all teams $1,500 306 Press Box Telephone Line Requirement for all teams $100 307 Public Address (P.A.) System Requirement for all teams $1,500 308 Scoreboard Requirement for all teams $1,500 309 Playing Surface Requirement for all teams $1,500 310 Field Dimensions Requirement for all teams $1,500 311 Field Markings Requirement for all teams $100 Additional Information Fine 400 - Uniforms Rule Name Rule # Home Team Visiting Team 402 Uniform Sets Requirement for all teams $500 403 USL Logo Requirement for all teams; Logos provided by USL $50 404 Team Logo Requirement for all teams $50 405 Uniform Numbers Requirement for all teams $50 406 Player Numbers Requirement for all teams $50 407 Player Names See Rule for details $50 408 Uniform Selection Requirement for all teams $50 409 Goalkeeper Jersey Requirement for all teams $50 410 Warm-ups Requirement for all teams $25 Additional Information Fine 500 - Game Day Staff Rule Name Rule # Home Team Visiting Team 502 Operations Coordinator x $25 503 Visiting Team Liaison x $25 504 Referee Liaison x $25 505 Certified Athletic Trainer x $200 506 Game Day Security Personnel x $200 507 Ball Retrievers & Ball Retrievers Supervisor x $25 508 Public Address Announcer x $25 509 Scorekeeper / Statisticians / Spotters x $25 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-League Table of Fines 600 - Game Preparation & Presentation Rule Name Rule # Home Team 601 Home Team Travel Information Sheet 602 Visiting Team Travel Information Sheet 604 Game Ball x 605 Game Day Program x 606 Game Day Signage x 607 Game Day Photography x 608 Game Day Video x 609 Game Day Facebook x 610 Game Day Twitter x 612 Complimentary Tickets x 613 Athletic Trainer Supplies 614 Visiting Team Additional Information Fine $25 x $25 x $250 Submit copy by July 15 $250 $250 $250 Submit copy by July 15 $250 $25 $25 20 comp tickets for visiting team $300 $100 x Game Day Contact with Visiting Team x 615 (a) Arrival to Stadium - less than 60 minutes x x $25 $25 615 (b) Arrival to Stadium - less than 20 minutes x x $250 616 Game Day Timeline x $25 618 National Flag x $50 619 Scorekeeper / Fourth Official's Table x $50 620 Benches x $50 621 Ice and Water x 622 Exchange of Official Game Day Lineup x x $25 623 Official Player Passes x x $25 624 Team Warm-up Period x x $25 625 Coaches & Reserve Players Entry x x $25 626 Team & Referee Introductions x x 627 National Anthem(s) x 629 Bench Personnel x x $50 630 Bench Dress Code x x $100 631 Minimum Number of Players Required x x $200 + $50 / player 632 P.A. Announcements x 635 Substitution Passes x 639 Approaching Game Officials x 644 Payment of Game Officials x $25 $50 $100 $50 Provide 6 for both teams $25 $100 x Amount unpaid 700 - Post-Game Reporting Rule Name Rule # Home Team Additional Information Fine Call in: (866) 334-6294; PIN: 6372 $25 x Enter online $25 x E-fax: 1.888.233.1611 $25 Official Game Day Lineup Sheets x E-fax: 1.888.233.1611 $25 705 Referee Game Report x E-fax: 1.888.233.1611 $25 706 Leauge Regulations & Standards Compliance Form x x www.uslsoccer.com/compliance $25 707 Player/Team of the Week Nomination Form x x www.uslsoccer.com/mvp $25 Home Team Visiting Team Additional Information x x 701 Score Line x 702 Game Statistics 703 Official Score Sheet 704 Visiting Team 900 - Conduct of Teams Rule Name Rule # 907 Tampering © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute Fine $2,500 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL League Regulations & Standards 100 – Membership Rule 101 Governance All Leagues and competitions affiliated with USL are governed by League Regulations and Standards approved by the USL Board of Directors and League Management. Rule 102 Authority of USL USL is the highest level of authority in rendering decisions or penalties and fines associated with violations of rules and/or noncompliance with League Regulations and Standards. USL and the League Director shall have the power to penalize clubs, individual club members, and/or officers. Penalties may consist of warnings, fines, loss of points in standings and temporary or permanent suspension from soccer activities associated with USL. Fines may be assessed on a one-time basis upon discovery of the infraction, or they may be assessed each and every time a team is in non-compliance with League Regulations and Standards. Rule 103 Leagues USL is made up of a number of soccer leagues, each containing a number of approved franchises and members. Each franchise and member shall conduct a soccer team within its assigned, protected territory (franchise) or within a reasonable proximity of the primary facility as listed on the Membership Agreement (member). Rule 104 Right of Membership Each franchise, subject to these League Regulations and Standards, the rules of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), the respective National Federation in which the franchise is domiciled, and FIFA shall have control over its employees and assets with the right to conduct and manage its own affairs. Rule 105 Territories Each franchisee shall have the exclusive right, as is defined more specifically in the Franchise Agreement, to play and market soccer games and conduct camps and other soccer activities within its assigned, protected territory. A member's territory is defined in its Franchise Agreement. Agreements or modifications regarding territories shall be approved in writing as an Addendum to the Franchise Agreement by USL. No franchise, in the same league, shall play games, host games / practices, or conduct soccer camps, clinics or marketing activities outside of the Territory without the written consent of the owner of the franchise market in question. Any dispute between owners of franchises regarding protected territory shall be resolved by Franchisor. Rule 106 Reference to Membership Agreement Information concerning specific membership conditions for clubs shall be found in the Franchise Agreement, which is signed by the team and an officer of USL at the time the team is admitted into the league. Rule 107 Restrictions on Ownership Franchise owners or ownership groups may not hold interest or ownership of more than fifty (50) percent of any other club in the same league unless it is with the specific consent of USL and as set forth in the Franchise Agreement. The League shall hold the right to regulate player transactions and other competition related issues between clubs with any percentage of common ownership. Rule 108 Restrictions on Agents No franchise owner, executive, officer, consultant, and/or employee shall act as a player agent in any matter involving a player in the same league in which the franchise competes. For example, an owner of a USL PRO franchise may represent a player in business with a USL PDL franchise, but may not represent a player in any USL PRO transaction. Page | 1 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 109 Liability & Insurance USL members assume all risks, responsibilities, and liabilities for loss, damage, injury, or death while using property and facilities for activities related to USL participation whether such loss, damage, injury, or death be occasioned by the team or by the League, its officers, agents, or otherwise. General Liability Coverage All franchises are required to obtain a specific amount of General Liability insurance coverage through the USL designated insurance policy. The fee to obtain this coverage will include league affiliation, club affiliation, and General Liability coverage. Payment and policy information will be communicated to teams prior to each season. All teams must submit a Certificate of Insurance Request Form for each facility utilized for tryouts, practices, or games. Player Liability Players shall assume all risks, responsibilities, and liabilities for loss, damage, injury, or death while engaged as a player for a club, or as a player on a representative team of the League subject to applicable state laws and regulations. Accident Medical Insurance All amateur teams are required to obtain Accident Medical insurance for each player through the USL designated insurance carrier. Please note all league-mandated insurance policies are secondary to the primary insurance policy the player holds. Worker’s Compensation All professional teams are required to obtain Workers Compensation (or equivalent) coverage as required by applicable state or provincial law and provide evidence of such coverage in the form of an official binder to USL prior to each playing season. Rule 110 Commitment Dates Franchises intending to compete in the next USL season that are not already under a multiple year agreement must irrevocably commit in writing to return for the next season by September 1st of the current year. Franchises that do not commit by that date are subject to franchise termination or relegation. Additionally, USL shall be permitted to seek new ownership in those markets where the franchises do not commit to return for the following season. USL shall provide each team more information no later than thirty (30) days prior to the deadline. Rule 111 Performance Security Each team participating in USL must post a performance guarantee in the form of a Letter of Credit, Certificate of Deposit, Cash, Cashier's Check or some other form of financial guarantee approved by USL. Bank Letter of Credits with an automatic roll-over provision are preferred. “United Soccer Leagues, LLC.” is the beneficiary of the Letters of Credit, which should expire or automatically renew no earlier than September 30th of each year. Once a team has made a commitment to play, the team thereby commits its Letter of Credit as security to guarantee a place in the next season’s schedule. If a team is carrying an outstanding balance with USL, Letters of Credit not renewed within two (2) weeks prior to their expiration date may be cashed as security. Teams that do not submit the performance guarantee by the required deadline are subject to franchise termination. Surety bonds are not an acceptable form of performance guarantee. USL has the right to require teams to post an annual cash bond in lieu of the other forms of performance guarantees previously referenced, which will be held by the League in order to guarantee payment of fines during the season. Checks for cash bonds should be made payable to United Soccer Leagues, LLC. The cash bond must be replenished on an annual basis. Rule 112 League Administrative Fee USL provides a broad range of services for all teams which include, but are not limited to, administrative support, scheduling, assisting with assignment of officials, public relations support, operating the League’s website and staging of League meetings. For these ongoing services, each team is charged a single administrative fee, which, depending on the level of competition in which a team competes may be divided into payments. “Pass-through fees” (such as affiliate registration fees paid to the National Federation and insurance fees) are billed to teams separately. Page | 2 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 113 Fines Fines may be assessed to members for violations of League Regulations and Standards or for Disciplinary reasons. USL will notify each club when a fine is assessed. Member clubs are responsible for the payment of all fines assessed during the year. All clubs are expected to remit payment for fines within 30 days of the date a statement is provided by USL. Rule 114 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the general meeting of all League members. USL shall set the agenda prior to the meeting, including approval of new members, proposed by-law and regulations amendments, the review of each member's structure and financial statement, setting the deadlines for the business and marketing plans, member assessment for the upcoming fiscal year, and other matters. Rule 115 Regional / League Meetings Additional League or Regional Meetings may take place on an individual League basis on dates designated by USL. Rule 116 Rules of Order Robert’s Rules of Order, unless other methods are provided by USL, shall govern the parliamentary procedures at all meetings. Rule 117 Failure to Attend (FINE 117(a) AGM - $1,750; FINE 117(b) Other USL Function - $750) At least one (1) representative from each franchise is required to attend all Regional/League Meetings and the Annual General Meeting, unless permission has been granted by USL. Rule 118 Use of Trademarks Each team has the non-exclusive right to use its own trademarks in connection with the normal operation and promotion of the local team. This right is not transferable to third parties without permission from USL. In addition, a team also has the nonexclusive right and license to use, reproduce and display the USL marks in the following team related activities: - Team uniforms - Game programs - Team advertising, promotional materials and activities Requests for use of the USL marks must be submitted in writing to USL for approval. Teams wishing to produce merchandise for sale that bears the USL trademark must first secure written approval from USL. Trademark Violations Personnel connected with USL-affiliated teams who discover non-approved, unauthorized merchandise for sale should immediately report such violations to USL and attempt to purchase a sample of such merchandise, which should be forwarded to the League's general counsel. Any unauthorized use of the League trademark which may create a public perception that such use has been approved or authorized by the USL, should also be reported to USL. All violations shall be subject to fines set forth by USL. Rule 119 Team Names & Logos Team Name and/or Logo changes must be submitted on or before November 1st prior to the following season. USL, at its reasonable discretion, reserves the right to approve or reject all name/logo change requests. Rule 120 Senior Management (FINE 120 - $1,000) All teams must have at least one full-time employee in a senior management position that manages day-to-day operations, is fluent in the English language, has adequate writing skills, and is available during the normal business hours year round. Rule 121 Telephone & Answering Machine (FINE 121 - $1,000) All teams must have a team-specific telephone number, which is exclusive to the team (not a residence or other business), which is connected to a 24-hour answering system, 12 months a year. Page | 3 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 122 Fax Machine All teams must have a separate telephone line dedicated for fax transmissions. (FINE 122 - $1,000) Rule 123 Email and Website (FINE 123 - $1,000) All teams must have an active e-mail address and website. It is required that each team places the league logo in the top right corner of their website. The logo must be clearly recognizable and must link to the league’s home page. If the team is part of an organization or club that features multiple senior level teams playing in different leagues or is part of a youth club and shares the same website, the logo must be placed in the top right corner of the home page for the W-League team. Rule 124 Stadium Contract (FINE 124 - $1,500) All USL teams must submit their stadium contracts / leases to the league by December 15 th of each year. Having the stadium contract by December 15th serves as a guarantee to USL that all teams have made arrangements to play in a specific facility, prior to the preparation and finalizing of league schedules prior to the USL AGM. This is also a safeguard against teams claiming to have a stadium agreement, but at the time the League schedule is prepared for official release admit they have yet to secure a home facility and reserved the required dates. The contract must indicate that specific dates have been reserved for regular season and playoff games. Rule 125 League Sponsorship Obligations All clubs are required to honor League sponsorship agreements. Prior to each season, USL will provide written notification to each League member stating the requirements for meeting sponsorship obligations. This may include signage placement, special displays, product-sampling areas, and other sponsor on-site specifications as designated by USL. Rule 126 Compliance The League Regulations and Standards define the minimum levels teams must attain in the various business and operational aspects of running a franchise and are applied to all teams affiliated with United Soccer Leagues. USL regularly monitors compliance via the League Regulations and Standards Compliance Form, which is prepared and submitted by both the home and visiting teams. Following each season, each team is subject to a review of its compliance record. Should the review find that compliance with standards is insufficient, remedial actions may be taken by USL, which may affect membership status and include applicable fines. In extreme cases of repeated non-compliance, termination of the franchise shall be considered. Rule 127 Exemptions to League Regulations & Standards While not encouraged, under certain conditions USL will allow exemptions to specific League Regulations and Standards. Requests for exemptions are made by filing a League Regulations and Standards Exemption Request Form with the League Director. The mere submission of a request for an exemption does not mean such a request has been approved. Exemptions are not granted until approval is obtained in writing from USL. Exemptions are granted on a one-year basis with the expectation the situation will be remedied for the following season. Rule 128 Conditions for Termination of Franchise Club affiliation and membership may be terminated due to violation of teams’ franchise agreement. The grounds for termination are outlined in each team’s franchise agreement. Rule 129 Withdrawal or Termination of a Franchise In the event a franchise withdraws from the League or is terminated without finishing its scheduled games, it shall forfeit all franchise rights. At its discretion, USL may: - reschedule any or all remaining games - designate/assign a replacement team to fulfill the remaining obligations of the franchise - entirely delete the already played games from the standings In the event of the deletion of games from standings, USL shall not be responsible for compensating all affected teams. Any League games that fail to be rescheduled or replaced shall be recorded as a 3-0 forfeit victory for the opponents. Page | 4 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 130 USL Review, Appeals & Discipline Teams may challenge a decision made by USL by following procedures set forth in the USL Review, Appeals & Discipline (RAD) Procedures (see corresponding Section) which are set up for this purpose. As a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, United Soccer Leagues is subject to oversight with regard to specific U.S. Soccer rules and must comply with U.S. Soccer requirements in order to remain a member in good standing. Page | 5 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 200 – League Structure Rule 201 Conference and Divisions Each League may be comprised of a single table or divided into a number of conferences and/or divisions based upon geographic proximity and other factors. USL reserves the right to change any conference, division, or subdivision for purposes of scheduling and standings. This also includes the right of USL to move a team into different conferences/divisions or add/remove conferences/divisions as needed. Rule 202 League Alignment Should a League be divided into conferences/divisions, they will structure according to geography, except under special conditions approved by USL, which has final authority on all alignment issues. Should USL find that there are an insufficient number of teams to constitute a geographic conference/division, the team(s) may be required to temporarily compete in a different League until a sufficient number of teams exist for a conference/division of the original League. This rule shall not require that a team be placed in a higher level of competition, nor is the USL responsible for accommodating a team in a higher level of competition. Rule 203 Playing Rules All games under League jurisdiction shall be played according to the rules and regulations recognized by USL, which shall be the same rules set by FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation, except for those exceptions authorized by FIFA and the US Soccer Federation herein. Rule 204 Match Officials Match Officials must be currently registered through the respective National Federations and shall be assigned by respective National Federations. The match officials shall consist of the Referee, Assistant Referees (AR1, AR2) and a 4th Official when requested. Rule 205 Assignment of Match Officials Match Officials will be assigned in cooperation and coordination with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Referee Department, the CSA, or any other respective National Federations as needed. Rule 206 Playing Season The season, which may vary slightly from year to year as determined by the respective Executive Committees and implemented by USL, is typically organized to start no earlier than the third week in April and finish no later than second week in August. When a franchise joins USL, it commits to the possibility of the following: - Back-to-back games and/or three-game road trips (i.e. Wed, Fri, Sat) Mid-week games Double-headers should start a minimum of 2 ½ hours apart with all four teams in agreement on start times Any team-requested changes to the official league schedule may incur a game change fee assessed by the League and/or the applicable National Federation Rule 207 League Schedule The League Schedule is the ultimate responsibility of USL. Once issued to the public by USL, no changes shall be made to the League Schedule without the written consent of USL. Rule 208 Point System USL will operate under a league standings Point System, which shall be the same for all Leagues, and which may be altered from season to season. The Point System for the current season shall be distributed to the teams prior to the start of the season. USL reserves the right to deviate from the regular season Point System to deal with Lamar Hunt US Open Cup or League playoff situations. Page | 6 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 209 League Standings USL is responsible for keeping the official league standings. These are tabulated on a regular basis, displayed on the USL website, and/or distributed to all clubs. League standings include wins, losses, ties; goals scored for, goals scored against, and total points. The following guidelines will be used to implement USL tiebreakers for all ties involving three or more teams: 1. The tiebreaker will determine the winner first. 2. The tiebreaker will continue within the same category to determine if other ties can be broken. Breaking Ties in the League Standings – The breaking of ties in the final standings, playoffs and finals is accomplished by applying the following criteria, in order of importance: 1. Head-to-head record based on total points in League games. (A,B) 2. Total wins in League games. 3. Goal difference in League games. If number of games is unequal, the Game Average(C) will be used. 4. Goals scored in League games. 5. Total points within smallest group(D). If number of games is unequal, then point percentage(E) will be used. 6. Ranking based on points earned against top four group finishers. This tiebreaker will not be used if four (4) or fewer teams comprise the group. If number of games is unequal, then point percentage applies. 7. Point percentage outside / smallest division or conference in League games. 8. Total points in all regular season and Open Cup qualifying games combined. If number of games is unequal, then point percentage applies. 9. FIFA Fair Play – Team with fewest disciplinary points in League games. (If number of games is unequal, points will be divided by games played to arrive at a common basis for comparison.) 10. Lottery conducted by USL. A. League games refer solely to games that count towards the regular season standings. B. Should more than two (2) teams involved have played each other an unequal number of times, this tiebreaker will be skipped. C. Game Average = Tie Breaker / number of games played (i.e. goals scored / number of games played). D. Grouping = term used to describe the primary unit in which a team competes (i.e. Southwest Division). E. Point Percentage = number of total points earned / maximum possible points (3 per game) Rule 210 Regular Season Champion The Regular Season Champion is determined by the total points earned during regular season matches with point percentage utilized if an unequal number of games have been played. Rule 211 Playoffs All playoff games shall be under the control and supervision of USL, which shall make all decisions related to such games. In the event there are multiple Regular Season Champions, tiebreakers will be utilized to determine seeding for the Playoffs and League Championship. The League playoff format will be determined and distributed annually. Rule 212 League Championship The League Championship is the property of USL. The Championship event of each USL League will take place at the completion of the regular season and playoffs, with USL Management reserving the right to make the final decision on location, dates and format of each Championship event. Host requirements will be communicated to teams prior to the start of each season. USL has the sole right to select the host site based upon factors such as stadium and field considerations, television arrangements, fan attendance, media coverage, hotel, transportation, etc. USL holds all broadcast rights (all forms of media) to the Championship. Rule 213 Annual Team Awards At the end of each season, USL shall recognize and present awards to teams for their achievements including League Champion, Regular Season Champion, Organization of the Year, Executive of the Year, Marketing Award, Media Award, Progress Award, Key Grip Award, Fair Play Award, and Rookie Franchise of the Year. Page | 7 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 300 – Stadium and Playing Field The stadium and playing field used by each club in USL is the centerpiece of each club’s operation. The goal of each club should be able to provide an enjoyable experience for the fans, players, officials and everyone involved with the staging of a soccer game. To accomplish this, teams must meet the following standards, approved by the individual leagues, which relate to stadiums and playing surfaces. Rule 301 Seating Capacity Each stadium must have a minimum seating capacity of 1,000 persons. (FINE 301 - $1,500) Rule 302 Lighting Each stadium must have floodlights with minimum 40 foot candles for night play. (FINE 302 - $1,500) Rule 303 Dressing Rooms (FINE 303(a) Dressing Room with Working Showers - $1,500; FINE 303(b) Towels - $25) Each stadium must have dressing rooms for the home team, visiting team and referees with working showers that have hot water and towels. Rule 304 Entrance Each stadium must be enclosed to allow for controlled access and ticket sales. (FINE 304 - $1,500) Rule 305 Press Box (FINE 305 - $1,500) Each stadium must have an enclosed press box or press area capable of seating ten (10) people, with separate areas for working press and electronic broadcasters, and sufficient power outlets for all needs. Rule 306 Press Box Telephone Line (FINE 306 - $100) Each press box must have a minimum of one (1) phone line with long distance capabilities available for both the visiting and home teams. All long distance calls by the visiting team shall be charged to and paid by the visiting team. A fax machine shall also be provided to assist the media and visiting team in filing their stories. Rule 307 Public Address (P.A.) System Each stadium must have a clear, audible P.A. System. (FINE 307 - $1,500) Rule 308 Scoreboard (FINE 308 - $1,500) Each stadium must have a working, electronic scoreboard that displays home team / visiting team scores, half, and a 45 minute time clock that counts up from 0:00. Rule 309 Playing Surface (FINE 309 - $1,500) Each stadium must have a playing surface that consists of natural grass or FIFA approved synthetic turf and must be in good playing condition. The grass length on game day shall not exceed one and one-half (1-1/2) inches. Rule 310 Field Dimensions The minimum playing surface dimensions are 106 yards x 66 yards. (FINE 310 - $1,500) Rule 311 Field Markings (FINE 311 - $100) The dimensions and markings of the field shall be measured according to standard FIFA specifications. This includes clear, distinct field markings that are five inches wide on a field that remains a constant size during the season. Goal nets and corner flags should be free of advertising. Page | 8 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Bench & Technical Area Per the FIFA Laws of the Game, the technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes. Both the home and visiting team’s benches shall be placed on the same side of the field on the side designated by the stadium field plan. The home team shall designate the bench locations at the start of the season, and shall not change these locations during the season. The bench area shall be marked according to FIFA’s technical area markings and the bench should accommodate no more than twelve (12) persons per team. Penalty Area At each end of the field, a line perpendicular to the goal line shall be drawn parallel to each side of the goal and eighteen (18) yards from each goalpost. This line shall extend for eighteen (18) yards into the field of play from the goal line. A line running parallel to the goal line shall be drawn to connect the two perpendicular lines, which shall form the “penalty area.” Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made twelve (12) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of ten (10) yards from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area. Goals & Goal Area At each end of the field, a line perpendicular to the goal line shall be drawn parallel on each side of the goal and six (6) yards from each goalpost. This line shall extend six (6) yards into the field of play from the goal line. A line running parallel to the goal line shall be drawn to connect the two perpendicular lines, forming the “goal area.” Each goal shall be centered on the goal line and equal distance on each side from the corner flags. Game day goals shall be the size approved by FIFA. Halfway Mark & and Center Circle A halfway line shall be marked across the center of the field. The center of the field shall be so marked and have a circle, which has a ten (10) yard radius, drawn around it. Corner Area & Flags At each of the four corners of the field measuring from the corner flags post, a quarter circle of a radius of one (1) yard shall be drawn inside the field of play. Corner flags shall be on posts not less than five (5) feet high with non-pointed tops. Page | 9 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 400 – Uniforms Rule 401 Uniforms All players shall wear identical uniforms as provided by the official uniforms supplier. The goalkeeper’s uniform shall be different colors than the team uniform and shall conform to FIFA and USL guidelines. Slide pants or compression shorts may be worn under uniform shorts if they match the predominate color of the uniform shorts. The Referee shall enforce all FIFA equipment rules and any equipment deemed dangerous shall be removed. Rule 402 Uniform Sets (FINE 402 - $500) Each team must have two complete, distinct sets of identical uniforms. One set must serve as the home uniforms and the other set must serve as the away uniforms. Both teams should have both jerseys (light and dark) available for all games. Rule 403 USL Logo (FINE 403 - $50) USL will provide the USL Logo prior to the start of each playing season. This logo must be permanently affixed to the left sleeve of the jersey. Rule 404 Team Logo The team name and / or team logo must be present on the front of the game jerseys. (FINE 404 - $50) Rule 405 Uniform Numbers (FINE 405 - $50) Each uniform must contain numbers on the front and the back. Number size must be a minimum of eight (8) inches on the back of jersey and three (3) inches on the front of the jersey OR shorts. Rule 406 Player Numbers (FINE 406 - $50) Each player must keep the same jersey number as long as the player is on the Master Roster. No changes of player numbers are allowed unless a player leaves a club for the remainder of the season. Rule 407 Player Names (FINE 407 - $50) Player names must be printed on the back of the game jerseys for League championship matches only if the championship event will be broadcast on national television. Rule 408 Uniform Selection (FINE 408 - $50) The home team has the right to select the color of its home uniform and must inform the visiting team of its choice via the Home Team Travel Information Sheet. Visiting team must wear a contrasting uniform. In case of a conflict the visiting team is required to change. The League Director should be notified. The referee has the authority to resolve the conflict if the League Director is unavailable. Rule 409 Goalkeeper Jersey (FINE 409 - $50) The goalkeeper jersey must be distinct from both the home team and the visiting team. The referee has the authority to require a goalkeeper jersey change. All teams must travel with at least two (2) goalkeeper jerseys of different colors. Rule 410 Warm-ups (FINE 410 - $25) All team warm-ups should be identical for all players and should tie in with the color scheme of the uniforms. Rule 411 Referee Uniform All referees are required to supply their own uniform. USL competitions require the use of the USSF, CSA, BFA or ABFA approved uniforms. Page | 10 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 500 Game Day Staff Rule 501 Game Day Staff Game day staffing requirements and recommendations shall depend on the duties of the stadium staff pursuant to the stadium lease. Each home team shall have a written arrangement with their stadium outlining both the team’s and the stadium’s responsibility, and which entity is ultimately responsible for in-game equipment repair (goals), implementation of emergency medical and evacuation procedures, spectator misconduct, and contraband items including pirated merchandise, knives, firearms, alcohol, etc. In addition to the stadium’s staff, each home team shall have the game day personnel listed below. Game day staff may be volunteer or part-time employees. All game day staff shall arrive at the stadium at least one and one-half (1 ½) hours before the gates open. Game day staff shall wear team attire with home team logo and shall communicate by two-way radio. REQUIRED - Operations Coordinator - Visiting Team Liaison - Referee Liaison - Certified athletic trainer (on site) - Game day security personnel (preferably off-duty law enforcement personnel) - Ball Supervisor & Retrievers (at least six; 11 years of age or older) - Public Address Announcer - Scorekeeper/Statistician/Spotter RECOMMENDED - Director of Media Relations - Timekeeper - Ticket Manager/Sellers/Takers - Press Box Supervisor / Runners Rule 502 Operations Coordinator (FINE 502 - $25) The home team’s Operations Coordinator shall assist Senior Management with the overall responsibility of game operations. The Operations Coordinator must be available by cellular phone to the visiting team and USL on game days. The Operations Coordinator shall assist with all the organization and supervision of the field and bench, and activities occurring thereon. Their responsibilities shall include: - Providing the required lining and proper placement of equipment for the playing field including benches, goals, corner flags, game balls, sideline product, beverages, and additional team needs - Supervising set-up and take down of sponsor field signage and signage positions - Supervising pre-game and halftime ceremonies to assure the game starts and resumes at the designated times - Supervising security forces, ball boys/girls, runners, and communications with the press box - Providing game officials with any assistance needed before, during, or after the game - Assuring compliance with the game timing sheet and game day information - Provide a copy of the Game Day/Competition Timeline to the opposing team’s coach - Give notice to the home team and visiting team to ensure they take their positions on time for pre-game ceremonies/introductions and for the second half. Page | 11 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 503 Visiting Team Liaison (FINE 503 - $25) The home team must appoint a Visiting Team Liaison who shall be responsible for the needs of the visiting team during their stay. On game day, the Visiting Team Liaison shall meet with the head coach or designee upon their arrival at the venue and provide a copy of the Game Day Timeline, shall review the visiting team schedule and discuss any additional game day instructions (i.e., introductions, halftime, post-game), and shall facilitate stadium needs including the locker room and ensuring on time positions for pre-game ceremonies and for the second half. The Visiting Team Liaison shall be near, but separate from, the visiting team bench throughout the game. If necessary, they shall deliver the visiting team’s complimentary tickets to Will Call one hour prior to the game. Rule 504 Referee Liaison (FINE 504 - $25) The home team must appoint a Referee Liaison solely dedicated to meeting the needs of the officials on game day. The Referee Liaison shall assist the officials with pre-game, halftime, and post-game requests and needs. The Liaison should provide hospitality and help to ensure that all routine and administrative duties of the referees are completed with as little difficulty as possible. Ideally, the Referee Liaison will have some knowledge of refereeing and the challenges facing soccer referees and can help in the following areas: referee transportation, properly equipped dressing rooms (water, towels, soap, etc.), answering questions, and facilitating the filing of game report forms following the game. Rule 505 Certified Athletic Trainer (FINE 505 - $200) The home team must provide a certified athletic trainer that is available to both the home and visiting teams before, during, and directly after the game to treat injuries and tape players. Visiting teams are encouraged to travel with their own team trainer. If not traveling with a trainer, the visiting team should communicate the need to use the home team’s trainer via phone or email communication at least two weeks in advance. The trainer should be available for the visiting team at a pre-arranged time to tape players prior to the game. Additionally, it is suggested that the home team verbally confirm receipt and understanding of their request by the visiting team. Rule 506 Game Day Security Personnel (FINE 506 - $200) Game Day Security personnel shall be responsible for safety of Referees, players, coaches and spectators. Security personnel must escort Officials off the field at halftime and at the conclusion of the game. Security personnel should be stationed outside the Referee dressing room upon referees’ arrivals at the stadium to ensure coaches, players, fans, etc. do not confront Officials. Security personnel (or off duty police officers) must escort sent-off players and coaches directly to the locker rooms prior to the resumption of the match. These players may not return to the field of play during the game or directly following the match. Rule 507 Ball Retrievers & Ball Retrievers Supervisor (FINE 507 - $25) There should be at least six (6) ball retrievers, 11 years of age or older, wearing identical colors that do not conflict with the uniforms of either team. The Ball Retrievers Supervisor shall be responsible for training the ball retrievers on their overall responsibilities as well as providing them with ball distribution instructions. The supervisor shall coordinate their uniforms and arrival and departure times. The supervisor must also make sure retrievers follow fair-game procedures and remain for the entirety of the match. Rule 508 Public Address Announcer (FINE 508 - $25) The Public Address (P.A.) Announcer is responsible for handling general announcements to the public that have been approved by the home team. They shall work off a PA script prepared by the home team and approved by the League, and include standard announcements provided by the League. The PA Announcer may also serve as the Press Box Announcer for communicating all pertinent game information to the media. The home team shall ensure a back-up announcer is present and available for each home game in the event the regular announcer cannot attend or must leave the game due to an emergency situation. Page | 12 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 509 Scorekeeper / Statisticians / Spotters (FINE 509 - $25) Each home team shall have a stats crew to keep accurate game statistics. The statisticians shall complete the official Score Sheet for each game, giving the halftime stats to a runner for duplication and distribution to the press box. The statisticians / spotters shall be supervised by the home team’s Director of Media Relations. Refer to the Public Relations section of this manual for detailed instructions regarding Score Sheets and statistics. Rule 510 Director of Media Relations The Director of Media Relations shall be seated in the press box and direct the press box supervisor and the statisticians crew. They shall be available to the media to respond to questions regarding the team and the League. They shall arrange pre- and post-game media interviews of the players, coaches, and team personnel. Pre-game interviews of players shall be conducted upon the team’s arrival at the stadium prior to entering the locker room. Post-game interviews shall be conducted in the locker room. The Director of Media Relations shall ensure that post-game stories are written and filed and the official scoresheet is faxed / emailed to the League and other mandatory locations. Rule 511 Timekeeper The Timekeeper is responsible for monitoring the official time on the game clock; however the referee shall have ultimate control of the time on the field. The home team shall ensure a back-up timekeeper is present and available for each home game in the event the regular timekeeper cannot attend or must leave the game due to an emergency situation. Rule 512 Ticket Manager The Ticket Manager shall be responsible for the ticket inventory. They shall reconcile the cash boxes at the end of the game and shall supervise the ticket sellers and ticket takers. They shall coordinate with ticket outlets and be responsible for all complimentary tickets. This individual should be a team employee. Rule 513 Ticket Sellers Ticket Sellers shall sell tickets to patrons at the box office window at the stadium. They are responsible for knowing the correct pricing for the seats; efficiently exchanging moneys for tickets; and applying the correct codes and discounts applicable to the individual event. Ticket Sellers shall resolve customer complaints / concerns when possible. At the end of their shift, they shall balance the drawer to ensure no overages or shortages have occurred. Preferably, Ticket Sellers should be employees of the stadium or the team. Rule 514 Ticket Takers Ticket Takers shall collect tickets at assigned locations and direct patrons to their appropriate seat location. They shall check each ticket to ensure that the correct day and time is printed on the ticket. They shall separate tickets into different categories, counting and sorting when time permits. They shall assist security in preventing guests from carrying any unauthorized objects (cans, bottles, alcoholic beverages, etc.) into the stadium. Ticket Takers can be team volunteers. Page | 13 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 600 – Game Preparation & Presentation Game day presentation for all USL matches should be professional and consistent. This shall be accomplished by adhering to all USL League Regulations and Standards. The following guidelines shall apply to all USL games, including, but not limited to, all regular season, exhibition, playoff, Championship, All-Star, and/or international games in which any USL team participates other than unadvertised scrimmages or practice games at which no admission is charged or monies collected. Rule 601 Home Team Travel Information Sheet (FINE 601 - $25) The home team must submit the Home Team Travel Information Sheet to the visiting team fourteen (14) days prior to the game. Rule 602 Visiting Team Travel Information Sheet (FINE 602 - $25) The visiting team must submit the Visiting Team Travel Information Sheet to the home team fourteen (14) days prior to game. W-League Hotel Policy Each conference will maintain its own hotel policy. A supplemental document will be distributed each year outlining each conference’s policy. Rule 603 Practice Facilities Each home team shall provide the visiting team with reasonable access to and use of its practice field if the visiting team is in the home city more than one day. The visiting team shall practice outside the home team’s regular usage schedule, shall request the use of the practice field at least one (1) week in advance, and shall pay any user fee, which shall not include any share of a rental or lease fee obligated by the home team. Home team training sites shall be made available for use by the visiting team if requested one (1) week in advance. Rule 604 Game Ball (FINE 604 - $250) USL will provide official League game balls to be used for all regular season and playoff matches. No other ball is to be used by members clubs. A minimum of four (4) official game balls must be available throughout the game. Rule 605 Game Day Program (FINE 605 - $250) Each team must produce a game-day program with a minimum of 4 pages including but not limited to: - Team schedule League-mandated print advertisements Up to date standings Home and visiting rosters (with player name/number/position/statistics) A copy of at least one game day program must be submitted to the USL by July 15th of each season. Rule 606 Game Day Signage (FINE 606 - $250) USL requires that signage representing League sponsors be displayed at field level facing the main grandstand. To facilitate the correct placement of League sponsor signage, the League will provide layouts or diagrams. Placement of League sponsor advertising signage is mandated by USL and takes precedent over local sponsors. Rule 607 Game Day Photography (FINE 607 - $250) Each team is required to hire a photographer for at least two (2) games to take high-resolution game action and promotional pictures to be sent to USL Communications. All contracts with photographers or passes for media should clearly state that USL and its member teams retain the right to use photos taken at USL matches. Page | 14 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 608 Game Day Video (FINE 608 - $250) It is mandatory that each team videotape at least one (1) home game and submit it by July 15th of each season on DVD to USL for possible publicity use and league assessment. It is preferred that teams videotape every home game for disciplinary measures, referee assessment and player/team scouting purposes. Expectations - Standard Definition (SD): 720 x 480 - High Definition (HD): 1920 x 1080 or 1440 x 1080 or 1240 x 720 - Disc must be sent as a data disc and not a finalized/bootable disc for DVD players. Acceptable file formats: .avi, .mov, .wmv, .mts, .flv, .mp4, .m4v, .mpeg At the conclusion of each half, a wide-angle shot should be used to follow the game officials (and all players if also possible) off of the playing field until they are no longer visible to the camera. Only at this point, and not before, should the camera go to the scoreboard for the final score. In the event of any altercation, the camera should follow the incident until its conclusion with a wide-angle shot. Filming should occur from the midfield position. After all goals, the post-goal celebration should be followed using a wide-angle shot. There is no need to show the scoreboard at any time other than the conclusion of each half after the players/officials have left the field. A running clock counter should be displayable at the bottom of the screen indicating the amount of time elapsed since the first half kick-off. This aids us all in quickly identifying any goals, altercations, or other significant incident that may take place during a match. Duration Begin recording three (minutes before the game until game officials and both teams have completely departed the field. At no time should the camera be stopped and restarted. Recording – Testing / Confirmation Teams are responsible for testing their video recording system in advance. Poor video quality, bad camera angles, excessive camera movement, and DVDs with unnecessary voice commentary as well as DVDs sent blank will be considered a failure to meet the minimum standard. Rule 609 Game Day Facebook (FINE 609 - $25) The home team is required to post the following game announcements on the team’s official Facebook fan page for each home game. See the Public Relations section of the Operations Manual for format samples. - Pre-game reminder/announcement of the upcoming game - Post-game result within two hours following the completion of the game - One (1) action shot Rule 610 Game Day Twitter (FINE 610 - $25) The home team is required to send the following game updates/announcements on the team’s official Twitter handle for each home game. See the Public Relations section of the Operations Manual for format samples. - Pre-game tweet Kickoff tweet Halftime tweet with score update Fulltime tweet with score update Page | 15 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 611 Credentials Each USL team is issued general admission credentials that allow team employees to attend any USL events. These must be utilized when attending games in which your team is not participating. In addition, team management must carry the credentials on away trips to supplement any tickets provided by the home team. To avoid problems, descriptions of credentials should be distributed to the ticket staff. USL will distribute credentials to USL Staff, U.S. Soccer Federation, other National Federations, MLS, as well as national media, sponsors, and other guests as deemed appropriate. Rule 612 Complimentary Tickets (FINE 612 - $300) The home team must provide 20 complimentary tickets (at least general admission quality) to the visiting team. The home team must provide two (2) complimentary tickets per referee crew member. Rule 613 Athletic Trainer Supplies (FINE 613 - $100) The visiting team is required to bring all its own medical supplies (tape, pre-wrap, ice packs or ice, etc.) whether the home team trainer is used or not. Rule 614 Game Day Contact with Visiting Team (FINE 614 - $25) Home team must establish contact with visitors at least two hours before game time. If requested, home team should meet visitors at hotel and escort them to the stadium, ensuring that the team reaches the stadium at least sixty (60) minutes prior to kickoff. Home team must also report to the stadium at least sixty (60) minutes before the start of the game. Rule 615 Arrival to Stadium (FINE 615(a) less than 60 minutes - $25; 615(b) less than 20 minutes - $250) The home team and visiting team must arrive at the stadium at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff but no less than 20 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff. Each member of the referee crew must arrive at the stadium at least 90 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff. Rule 616 Game Day Timeline (FINE 616 - $25) Home team must give the visiting team and referee crew a copy of the Game Day Timeline immediately upon their arrivals to the stadium. A copy of the Game Day Timeline must also be displayed in the visiting team and referee dressing rooms. The Game Day Timeline provides a detailed minute-by-minute breakdown of game day, specifically including the two (2) hours preceding kick-off, how and where to line up for introductions, pre-game ceremonies and additional instructions that assist all parties in the game day operation. This timeline shall be strictly adhered to unless previous arrangements have been made with the home team. Rule 617 Field Evaluation The Director of Operations must meet with the Referee at least sixty (60) minutes prior to the kickoff to assure the field is properly marked, the goals are in place and secure, the nets are properly fastened, the corner and midfield flags are proper and in place, and the balls are properly inflated. Anything deemed insufficient by the referee must be immediately corrected by the home team. Rule 618 National Flag (FINE 618 - $50) The home team must display the national flag representing the country of the home team and the visiting team at all home games. In the event the opponent is from a foreign country, that country’s flag shall also be displayed. Color guards are acceptable. Flags must be of equal size and displayed at the same height. Rule 619 Scorekeeper / Fourth Official’s Table (FINE 619 - $50) The home team must provide a table at midfield with chairs and communication to the press box and clock operator for the scorekeeper and the Fourth Official. Page | 16 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 620 Benches (FINE 620 - $50) The home team must provide benches / seating to accommodate no more than twelve (12) persons. Rule 621 Ice and Water (FINE 621 - $25) The home team must provide ice and water in clean coolers and cups (or squirt bottles) at both benches, in both changing rooms and in the referee changing room. Water should be replenished on request and at half-time. Rule 622 Exchange of Official Game Day Lineup Sheet (FINE 622 - $25) The Official Game Day Lineup sheet may include up to 18 eligible players from the team’s Master Roster. The home team and visiting team must submit a copy of their Official Game Day Lineup sheet to the opposing team and referee forty-five (45) minutes prior to the start of the match. The home team must deliver copies of the home team’s and visiting team’s Official Game Day Lineup sheet to the P.A. announcer and media. Once the Official Game Day Lineup sheets of both teams have been submitted to the referees they may only be changed in the event that a player is subsequently deemed “unable to compete.” Should this occur, the unfit player must be completely removed from the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet and may not be listed as a substitute. The player may be replaced either with one of the seven listed substitutes or by another Eligible Player from the Master Roster that is not already on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet without this counting as one of the team’s six player substitutions. If the unfit player is replaced by one of the seven listed substitutes, a new Eligible Player from the Master Roster may not be added to the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet to bring the Game Day Roster back to 18 players. Any adjustments to the Official Game Day Lineup made after the time they were originally submitted to the referees must be communicated to and approved by the center referee and must be immediately communicated to the opponent’s head coach. Rule 623 Official Player Passes (FINE 623 - $25) All registered players must have an Official Player Pass. The home team and visiting team must present Official Player Passes for all players listed on the Official Game Day Lineup sheet to the Referee prior to each game. The player pass must include the player’s photo ID, player registration number and must be laminated. Rule 624 Team Warm-up Period (FINE 624 - $25) Each team shall be entitled to a concurrent warm-up period of twenty (20) minutes which shall end pursuant to the Game Day Timeline. Following the pre-game warm-up period, the Director of Operations shall order the players and coaching staff to the locker rooms. Rule 625 Coaches and Reserve Players Entry (FINE 625 - $25) Prior to the team and referee introductions, the coaches and reserve players shall enter the field and walk along the sidelines to their team benches. Reserve players should wear identical equipment that distinguishes them from starting players. Rule 626 Team and Referee Introductions (FINE 626 - $50) Home team, visiting team, and referees must be introduced prior to the start of the game. Each starting player shall be dressed in their designated team jersey, shorts, and socks for pre-game introductions and the match. Introduction of Game Officials, Coaches, and Players The game officials, coaching staff, and players shall comply with the introduction procedures designated in the game day information sheet. - At a time designated on the Game Day Timeline and in the manner set forth in the game day information, the referees shall be introduced first, starting with the referee, senior assistant referee, junior assistant referee and the fourth official (if applicable). - The visiting team’s starting lineup shall be introduced after the game officials and in the order listed on the starting lineup. The head coach and assistant coach(es) shall remain on the sideline but shall be introduced after the visiting team. Page | 17 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL - The home team’s starting lineup shall be introduced according to team preference. The head coach, assistant coach (es), trainer, and team physician shall remain on the sideline but shall be introduced after the home team. - The home team shall script the introductions for the PA Announcer. The game officials and starting teams shall enter the field at the time specified by the Coaches / Referees Competition Timeline for introductions and the National Anthem(s). Each team’s player introductions shall meet the following criteria: - The team shall be at the field center line in presentation formation for the National Anthem(s); - During TV Games, all National Anthems shall take place during the TV window of :02:00 to :04:30 Rule 627 National Anthem(s) (FINE 627 - $100) The National Anthem of the home team shall be played immediately following the entry of the players as dictated by the Game Day Timeline. Both teams shall remain in public view and pre-game presentation formation during the National Anthem and all players shall face the flag. If the visiting team is from another country, the visiting team’s National Anthem shall be played first and their country’s flag displayed. The home team’s anthem shall follow. In this case the Game Day Timeline shall be adjusted. Rule 628 National Anthem Demeanor During the National Anthem(s), the head coach, trainer, physician, and other authorized bench personnel shall remain standing on the touchline facing the flag. The game officials shall stand at center field facing the flag. Players and game officials shall refrain from jogging in place and talking. A respectful appearance shall be maintained. Rule 629 Bench Personnel (FINE 629 - $50) A maximum of twelve (12) individuals are permitted in the technical area – limited to substitutes, coaches, trainers, or physicians. A maximum of five (5) non-playing personnel are allowed on each team bench. These persons can either be coaches or medical staff (names must be submitted to USL prior to season and notify league of any changes.) Team owners, general managers, and other executives are not permitted to sit on the bench unless they are an active roster player or recognized team coach. No player shall sit on the bench in street clothes, nor should any players not on the Game Day Lineup Sheet be in the technical area. Rule 630 Bench Dress Code (FINE 630 - $100) Coaches and trainers must have a professional appearance. Professional appearance is defined as a collared shirt and dress pants/dress shorts (Bermuda-type) or team warm-up (jacket and pants). Soccer shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and sandals are not permitted. Coats and ties are required for Head Coaches at League Championship. Rule 631 Minimum Number of Players Required (FINE 631 - $200 + $50 for each player below 14) The home team and the visiting team must dress a minimum of fourteen (14) eligible players for each game. Rule 632 PA Announcements (FINE 632 - $50) Teams are required to read league-mandated public address announcements for all regular season and playoff matches. These will be provided by USL prior to each season. Rule 633 Official Time Official time will be kept on the field by the referee. The amount of extra time in each half will be conveyed by the Referee to the Fourth Official or Assistant Referee. The Fourth Official/Assistant Referee will then display the appropriate time left in the match. The PA Announcer should then announce how much time is left in the match. Page | 18 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 634 Substitutions Substitutes shall report to the Fourth Official or Assistant Referee at midfield and may not enter the field without the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced by a substitute may not return to the field in the same game. Any player reentering the game will be deemed an Ineligible Player. Any player that enters the game after the substitution allotment has been used will be deemed an Ineligible Player. Regular Season Games W-League: Six (6) substitutes Exhibition (paid gate) & Scrimmage (non-paid gate) Games Unlimited substitutions as long as both teams agree on the number and the officials are informed of the arrangement upon arrival at the venue. Goalkeeper Substitution The goalkeeper may change places with a field player as long as the referee is informed of the change and the change is made during a stoppage in the match. Note: Delay or time wasting is not acceptable during the exchange process. The match should not be held up to allow for a complete change of equipment by either player. Rule 635 Substitution Passes (FINE 635 - $25) Each team is provided USL substitution passes for use during league games. Six (6) substitution passes should be provided to the home team and visiting team coaches. All substitution passes shall be verified by the referee with the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet prior to the player entering the match. Rule 636 Putting a New Ball into Play When the ball goes out of play beyond the sideline or over the goal line, the nearest ball retrievers shall make sure that the player putting the ball back into play has a ball for the restart as quickly as possible. Rule 637 Halftime Activities Halftime shall officially begin as soon as the referee blows the whistle signifying the end of the first half. The duration of halftime for all games shall be fifteen (15) minutes unless otherwise authorized by the USL. Rule 638 Second Half Preparation Five (5) minutes before the start of the second half, each team shall be notified by the team liaison. No later than three (3) minutes before the start of the second half, each team shall exit the locker rooms for the field. The Team Liaisons shall ensure teams are notified of the three-minute warning. Rule 639 Approaching Game Officials (FINE 639 – $100) No player, coach or team staff member shall threaten game officials either verbally or physically nor make contact in any manner either before, during or after the match. Coaches and team staff shall not approach game officials prior to the game, at the end of the half, on the way to or from the locker room to lobby for a certain call, discuss the approach to the game, or to criticize a game official’s performance. No one may enter the referees’ dressing room without permission. It is strongly recommended that someone stand at the officials’ dressing room door as security. The Referee shall report all such incidents in the Referee Game Report, and offending individuals shall be subject to a League fine and/or suspension. The Coach’s Evaluation of Referees is the proper vehicle to express opinions on a game official’s performance. Rule 640 Entering The Field A Player, Coach or other Team Staff member entering the playing field during a USL game when not authorized to do so shall be fined and / or suspended by the League. Page | 19 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 641 USL Ejected Players & Coaches Removal Policy Players and coaches sent off from the field of play shall be met at the sideline at midfield by home team security and escorted to the locker room, and are not permitted to watch the game. They must remain in the locker room for the remainder of the match. Additionally, coaches are not permitted to communicate with their team staff or players during the remainder of the game, and are not allowed to remain in the locker room during half time. The type of communication prohibited would include: cellular, 2-way radios, electronic / digital, written or verbal. Ejected players or coaches returning to the field of play or stands during or directly following the match are subject to additional sanctions. Note: Security personnel should only enter the field at the Referee’s request. Rule 642 End of the Game Two (2) minutes before the end of the game, security personnel shall position themselves between the field perimeter and the locker rooms. All spectators shall remain outside of the locker rooms at all times. Media may be permitted entrance to the locker room ten (10) minutes after the conclusion of the game. Rule 643 Overtime There will be no overtime during the regular season. For Playoffs, USL will have the discretion to adjust the playoff overtime format annually. Please refer to the supplemental playoff document for more details on playoff overtime procedures for each league. Rule 644 Payment of Game Officials – completed and / or canceled matches (FINE 644 – See Table of Fines) The fees for officiating matches along with reimbursement of travel expenses are set by USL and subject to regular review. Referees and Assistant Referees are eligible to be compensated for services and receive full travel expenses if they: - Arrive at the proper time and perform assigned services. - Provide signed match reports (Score sheet, Referee Report, and Expense Report) to the referee liaison or other team official. You are advised to make a photocopy of your expense report. - Arrive at the proper time, but for some reason the match has been already postponed without the referees being properly notified in advance due to an error by the league or teams. - Arrive at the proper time and either of the competing clubs fails to appear for the match. - Perform assigned services, but for some reason, the match is not completed. - Travel to the field, but the match is not played. - Depart for assigned duties but the match is postponed en route due to inclement weather. In such a case, 100% percent of the travel costs are reimbursed (no match fees will be paid). - Please refer to “Before Official Arrives at Venue” under the “Match Cancellations” section on Page 4 of this Manual for a list of the steps taken in the cancellation/postponement process. Completion of Expense Report In order to receive payments in a timely manner, please complete your expense reports and give them to a team representative prior to the start of the match. That will allow the team enough time to write the check by the completion of the match. Referees should contact the team representative to inform them of anticipated expense and have expense reports completed prior to arriving to match. Officials shall then be paid for those expenses at the conclusion of the match following the above guidelines relating to travel. Any matters pertaining to the payment (or lack thereof) of fees should be addressed to the appropriate League Director. In the event of a disputed expense item, all remaining match and expense fees are to be paid at the completion of the match and the League is to be notified in writing for a ruling and subsequent payment if applicable. Page | 20 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Nonpayment of Referee Fees & Expenses All teams, professional and amateur, are under a strict requirement to pay officials within seven days following a match. Officials must notify the appropriate League Director and USL Referee Contact in the event of non-payment and/or any payment(s) that are returned from a bank. Rule 645 Game Delays and Postponements In the case of a game delay, the Home Team shall immediately communicate the delay, via phone, to their League Director. The League Director shall distribute Emergency Game Day Contact Numbers to all teams prior to the start of the season. It is imperative that the rules and procedures of this section are explicitly followed in determining whether to delay, postpone, or cancel a game. If the kickoff is delayed because the visiting team arrived late, the visiting team shall be fined in accordance with league standards. The home team, in consultation with the League Directors and referees, shall determine the start time for any delays in excess of twenty (20) minutes. Canceling / Postponing a Game Prior to Start A game may be canceled / postponed no earlier than two (2) hours prior to kickoff because of inclement weather or situations considered Acts of God, unless agreed to by both teams and the League Office. Exception: In a case where a third party (stadium owner) closes a stadium, a game may be canceled more than two (2) hours prior to kickoff, provided the League and both teams are notified in writing by the stadium owner / managing authority. Authority to Delay or Postpone a Game Once in progress, a USL match may only be delayed or postponed due to: - A lack of preparedness of one or both teams to begin or continue playing a game OR - Unfavorable weather or other adverse conditions beyond the control of the participating teams, which would make the playing of the game impractical or dangerous. Only the Referee and USL have the authority to delay or postpone a scheduled USL match. The Referee, upon arrival at the stadium, has the final word on delays due to weather. Grace Period Before Abandoning a Game Unless both teams, the Referee, and League Management agree to an alternate plan, teams must wait a minimum of one (1) hour before abandoning a game that has been delayed regardless of circumstances. This is not an aggregate time for multiple delays but rather one (1) hour from the time of the most recent delay. The Home Team, in the presence of the Referee, must immediately notify the League Director via phone, of any postponement issues. The one-hour grace period may be extended, up to a maximum of three (3) hours from the time the match is delayed if there is a likelihood of resuming the match that day. Given the difficulty and cost of rescheduling, every attempt should be made to continue the game. The League Director has the final say on the length of the extended grace period due to weather. A match may not be abandoned before the League Director is contacted. If the League Director or other USL official is unavailable, the Referee shall be the final authority. No match will be continued after any continuous 3-hour waiting period without the approval of the League Director. If the first game of a doubleheader has been delayed, the feasibility of completing the second game will be taken into account when determining an extended grace period. Game Cancellation / Postponement Criteria Unless otherwise approved by USL, game cancellations / postponements should occur only in the most serious circumstances; however the personal safety of participants, personnel, and spectators shall always be highest priority. Factors that the Referee and USL shall consider include: whether or not the teams have requested the cancellation, difficulty in rescheduling the game, current and forecasted weather conditions, travel conditions, and the current whereabouts of teams and officials. Page | 21 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Before Officials Arrive at Venue In the event a match is to be terminated less than 12 hours prior to kick off due to unforeseen problems, the home team shall immediately contact its League Director to expedite the communication process to assigned referees. The USL Referee Department will then notify the designated official at the National Federation, who will in turn make every effort to notify the referees of the change. It is imperative that all contact numbers for referees be available to the National Federation for such situations. Please contact the National Federation designee before departing for the match if uncertain of the match’s status and if there is reason to believe there may be a postponement due to inclement weather. Referee “No Show” In the event the assigned referee crew does not arrive at least one (1) hour before the scheduled kickoff time, the Home Team should immediately contact their League Director. If the appropriate League Director does not immediately respond, the home team should attempt to contact the USL Referee Coordinator, or an alternate League Director (in that order). Should none of the assigned referees be present at the official kickoff time, the teams must wait a minimum of one (1) hour before the possibility of postponement is considered. Again, no game may be abandoned or postponed due to lack of referees until at least one (1) hour has passed since kickoff. After one (1) hour from the original kickoff time has elapsed, the League Director will make a decision as to whether the match should be postponed and rescheduled or further time should be allowed (only in the event of referees on their way to the venue). Active and certified Federation referees must be used as replacements in order for the match to be deemed official. Prior to sending replacements, USL and the respective Federation will determine on a case-by-case basis whether the substitute referees are of sufficient experience and ability to handle the match. Under no circumstances will the replacement referees have less than State or Provincial certification. Incomplete Game In the event a game cannot be completed, the game counts if the entire 1st half was completed. If any match is suspended prior to the completion of the 1st half due to inclement weather or extenuating circumstances, it will resume at a date/time agreed to by the competing teams in consultation with USL and will start in the same minute in which the match was suspended. Every effort must be made to resume the match within the next twenty-four (24) hours. If the game is resumed after the 24-hour period has passed, either team may have a maximum of three (3) changes to their Official Game Day Lineup sheet. Any changes to the lineup on the field, after any of the three (3) changes to the Official Game Day Lineup sheet are made, count towards the substitution allotment. USL reserves the right to declare a full replay at its discretion in order to protect the integrity of the competition. Termination Procedures for Single-Match Playoff Series If the match is tied, the first half completed, the one hour waiting period fulfilled and there must be a winner to advance, then the following will occur: - Regulation: If terminated during regulation, the match will be resumed at the next possible opportunity and played to completion beginning when the play was stopped and will conclude at either ninety (90) minutes or within overtime, followed by Kicks from the Mark. - Overtime: If terminated during Overtime, the match will resume at the minute that the match was terminated, followed by Kicks from the Mark, if necessary. - Back-to-back: If the teams are scheduled to play the following day, then the match will resume the next morning, starting with the overtime period, followed by Kicks from the Mark, if necessary. *USL, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to continue any playoff match starting immediately with overtime and penalty kicks, taking into account travel and field situations as well as any other pertinent logistical information. Every attempt will be made to decide the result on the field of play in the most reasonable fashion. Rescheduling a Postponed Game Any postponed game must be rescheduled within seventy-two (72) hours of the original date of the game and must be replayed no later than the second to last weekend of the regular season. Page | 22 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rescheduling Considerations USL Management shall have the authority to review all the facts, (including fault on the part of either team, unavoidable conditions, expense for both teams, and requests by a team to take a particular action in the best interests of USL and its teams) in determining whether and when a game shall be rescheduled, who should bear the financial burden as a result of cancellation or rescheduling, whether the game should be forfeited or cancelled permanently, and whether other fines should be levied. The integrity of the League and the Home Team schedule shall be given considerable weight in the resolution of these matters. Unless the sanction or remedy is set forth specifically in any USL rules or regulations, USL Management shall decide what action to take, and its decision shall be final. Written Explanation of Postponement Whenever a game is postponed or canceled, the League must receive within 48 hours of postponement or cancellation, a written notice of why the game was not completed or played, including, if necessary, and a statement from the owner of the stadium / playing facility. Stadium Clearances are Final Once a team has approved its individual schedule and the League Schedules are officially released, the League will not automatically accept a postponement or cancellation of a game because a stadium is no longer available. It is the Home Team’s responsibility to find a league-acceptable alternate venue if necessary on the originally scheduled date. Rule 646 Forfeit A Forfeit occurs when a club willfully does not show up at a game and there has been no League approved written agreement for a change of the scheduled game. Forfeit penalties are as follows: - A 3-0 victory for the opposing team and the loss of three (3) points in the league standings for the forfeiting team. - League fine of $500. - Compensation to opponent. Opponent may not seek additional compensation, nor is it paid out in the event a team permanently withdraws from the League. - If fines and compensation are not paid within seven (7) days, USL will cash the offending team’s performance security to satisfy the financial compensation to the opponent. - A Forfeit may result in a team’s franchise rights being terminated. - The accumulation of two (2) Forfeits in a season shall result in termination of franchise rights. Rule 647 Non-Performance by the Home Team In the event the visiting team is present at the venue and willing and/or able to perform, but the home team is unwilling and/or unable to provide a venue or fails to show at the scheduled venue and time, all Forfeit penalties as previously listed apply, except for compensation to opponent as set forth below: - Compensation to visiting team: $5000 OR total amount of documented expenses incurred by opposing team. Visiting team may not seek additional compensation. Rule 648 Non-Performance by the Visiting Team In the event the home team is present at the venue and willing and/or able to perform, but the visiting team is unwilling and/or unable to provide a venue or fails to show at the scheduled venue and time, all Forfeit penalties as previously listed apply, except for compensation to opponent as set forth below: - Compensation to home team: $5,000. Home team may not seek additional compensation. Rule 649 Non-Performance by Both Teams In the event neither team is prepared to commence the playing of a game at the scheduled kickoff time or does not complete such game, and the game is not played to a conclusion that day, USL may reschedule the game, or declare the game a Forfeit by both teams with applicable Forfeit penalties enforced as previously listed. Page | 23 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 650 Serious Incident Protocol The Home Team shall educate key Game Day staff, both stadium and team, regarding emergency procedures, EMS vehicles, stadium evacuation, and emergency plans. In the case of a serious incident on Game Day or at other times, it is vital that the League Office is informed at the earliest possible time. Team staff shall use their best judgment on whether an incident is (or potentially is) of such magnitude. When in doubt, staff shall error on the side of informing the League. Examples of serious incidents include a death or life threatening injury to a player, staff, or spectator; severe weather (lightning storm); a serious altercation on the field (field invasion) or elsewhere at the stadium; a terrorist or unspecified threat to the safety of the event; the arrest of a player or staff member; an automobile accident or other accident; a calamity at the stadium (earthquake, fire, etc.); or a power failure at the stadium. The protocol shall be as follows: 1. Immediately ensure the appropriate emergency procedures have been implemented. Ensure names and phone numbers of those involved and witnesses as warranted. This information shall be detailed in the Serious Incident Report Form. 2. While the situation is emerging, call the League Director or League Representative: 3. No statements shall be made to the media or others (other than law enforcement authorities) until the situation is discussed with the League. All participants shall be made aware of this policy. USL and Team Media / Public Relations Directors shall be kept informed of the current situation. 4. Only the USL President, the League Director, and the USL Communications Department are authorized to speak on the League’s behalf and no other individuals shall be permitted to discuss the situation with the media until USL notification is given. As a general rule, the team General Manager and / or PR representative should be limited to releasing comments to the media. Prior to making any public statements, the situation should be discussed with the League Office so that consistent and non-conflicting information is released. Emergency Evacuation / Crisis Situation The following are the basic parameters teams shall follow for an Emergency Evacuation / Crisis Situation in the stadium: 1. The Home Team shall follow the previously developed and rehearsed emergency response procedures. 2. Such a rehearsal shall occur at each venue prior to the start of the season and should involve all game day groups (team staff, players, stadium staff, PA announcer, ushers, security, law enforcement, medical response, etc.). Emergency / Crisis at the Local Level 1. Team Operations Director, Team General Manager, Team PR Director in conjunction with Stadium Officials and local law enforcement shall assess situation and immediately brief USL. 2. If the incident is isolated to the local market, Team Officials, in conjunction with the Stadium and Local Law Enforcement, shall determine response and course of action. Best judgment shall be used to determine the level of involvement requested of the League Office. 3. The response and course of action is communicated following a pre-established chain that should include the USL League Director or League Representative. Emergency / Crisis at the National or International Level 1. USL officials shall assess the situation and immediately consult with Team Representatives. 2. League and Team Officials will determine a response and course of action. 3. The response and course of action will be determined and communicated to Team Representatives which will in turn disseminate pertinent information as USL directs. Communication Plan For all emergency response situations, teams shall immediately contact the League Director and when the situation requires, adhere to the following emergency communication plan: Page | 24 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1. A conference call number and code shall be distributed for emergency response situations. When calling into a conference from a cellular phone, individuals shall have the ability to mute their phone to minimize excess sound that would otherwise disrupt the dissemination of information. The League Director shall have the responsibility of initiating this conference call and informing the appropriate individuals. 2. Teams shall not have more than three (3) individuals call in to this number (e.g. General Manager, PR Director, and Director of Operations). It will then be the responsibility of the team to appropriately distribute information within the organization. Emergency Medical and Evacuation Plans Every team shall establish game day emergency medical and evacuation procedures. Teams shall submit copies of their emergency medical and evacuation plans to the League thirty (30) days prior to the opening game. Teams shall also stage a pre-season rehearsal for medical and evacuation emergency plans whereby all game day staff practice and understand procedures. Above all, necessary precautions shall be taken to ensure spectator, team, and staff safety at all times. As most teams do not own their stadiums, it is imperative that security, stadium management, and a team official discuss and coordinate these procedures prior to the opening game. If your stadium does not have an emergency plan, contact your League Director immediately. Medical Emergency Plan Utilize the following basic parameters in developing team policies: - Assign staff to report initial problems to the Field Manager; notify security and any on-site EMS agency immediately of the problem and location; and deploy a staff member to the scene. - Once the Medical Response Team arrives and relieves the staff member, the staff member shall record initial information, including time, location, and who placed the injury call, before they leave the accident / injury area. This information shall be recorded on the Serious Incident Report Form provided by USL. - If the patient is transported to the hospital, the designated staff member shall record the time of departure, which hospital the patient was transported to, and who transported the patient. - Emergency equipment on site shall be listed in the plan and its location shall be detailed. Team Physician In addition to the medical emergency plan, the home team shall have a qualified physician and / or certified athletic trainer available at each home game. At no time shall a player be subject to risk or aggravation of an injury by removing him from the field. Additionally, an ambulance and crew shall be available on-call. Evacuation Plan In the event that a stadium or parts thereof need to be evacuated due to an Act of God (earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods), bomb or terrorist threats, fire and smoke, etc., each team shall develop, in conjunction with their stadium authority, a Game Day Emergency Evacuation Plan. This plan shall include at least the following specifications: - Directions on how to safely and quickly remove all spectators, teams and staff from the affected area. A detailed list of on-site employees responsible for overseeing an evacuation. A detailed notification system for law enforcement agencies, fire, or other emergency response departments. Preemptive measures shall include day of game stadium inspections and advisory to security of their duties and expectations, particularly concerning fights and alcohol abuse, etc. Many municipal and established stadiums shall already have policies in place; teams may incorporate existing stadium plans. Page | 25 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 700 – Post-Game Reporting Rule 701 Score Line (FINE 701 - $25) The home team must call in the game score to the USL Score line no later than thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of the game. Rule 702 Game Statistics (FINE 702 - $25) The home team must upload game statistics for both teams to USLsoccer.com no later than midnight on the day of the game. Public Relations section of this Manual provides several examples of complete statistics required for all USL games. Rule 703 Official Score Sheet (FINE 703 - $25) The home team must submit a copy of the completed Official Score Sheet within two (2) hours following the completion of the match. This is the official statistical sheet for the game, and includes the following required information: - Teams - Attendance (turnstile count as well as tickets sold (season tickets, tickets part of sponsorship packets, etc.) but not redeemed) - Scoring summary - Team lineups - Official statistics - Caution & Sendoff summary All sections must be completed and legible. At the game’s conclusion, the home team coach and visiting team coach must initial the score sheet while the referee must verify the cautions, send-offs and goals / assists by also signing the score sheet. Rule 704 Official Game Day Lineup Sheets (FINE 704 - $25) The home team must submit the home team and visiting team official game day lineup sheets to USL designated locations within two (2) hours following the completion of the match. Rule 705 Referee Game Report (FINE 705 - $25) The home team must submit the Referee Game Report within two (2) hours following the completion of the match. This form is a disciplinary summary that includes all cautions, send-offs, and a quick checklist of league regulations and standards. All clubs must see to it that the referee fills out the report and hands it over to a representative of the home team. Rule 706 League Regulations & Standards Compliance Form (FINE 706 - $25) The home team and visiting team must submit the League Regulations & Standards Compliance Form within 48 hours following the completion of each match. This form is the platform to note any observed violation of USL League Regulations & Standards and to report comments of a positive or negative nature regarding a game or the conduct of either team. Rule 707 Player/Team of the Week Nomination Form (FINE 707 - $25) The home team and visiting team must complete and submit the Player/Team of the Week Nomination Form within 48 hours following the completion of the match. The nominations include Game MVP and Offensive/Defensive MVP’s for both teams. Only players from these nomination forms are eligible for Player/Team of the Week honors, therefore it is mandatory for both teams to complete in full. Partial submissions will not be eligible. Rule 708 Coach’s Evaluation of Referees The home team and visiting team coaches may submit a Referee Evaluation following the completion of each match. Page | 26 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 800 – Disciplinary Regulations Rule 801 Disciplinary Powers USL shall have the authority to suspend, fine, or disqualify players, team officials or competing clubs for violating League rules, or for any action or conduct not in the best interest of soccer or USL. USL has the authority to act on behalf of the League regarding any breach of the League Regulations and Standards. USL administers all final decision on a breach of rules. Please refer to the USL Referee Manual, which contains misconduct classifications as well as other game misconduct. Rule 802 USL Disciplinary Panel The USL Disciplinary Committee is charged with the responsibility to enforce the playing rules and allow for a competitive, but fair, environment for all teams to compete against each other. To ensure that this element is provided to our participants, USL examines Player and Coach behavior and monitors referee performance to make certain that the on field product of USL competition is of the most entertaining and attractive possible. A panel of at least three USL staff members, consisting of the pertinent senior League Director, Technical Director, and Referee Services Coordinator, shall conduct the review of critical disciplinary issues. An alternate League Director may be utilized in the event any of the three members above are unable to participate. Rule 803 Disciplinary Process USL disciplinary issues (including all send-offs) reported by the Referee shall be reviewed by the three-person USL Disciplinary Panel (a panel of at least three members of USL League Management) via match videos, official reports, individual accounts, and other pertinent information. Depending on the timeliness of the reports and match videos, the Panel will make every effort to rule on all cases from the preceding week and issue these rulings by Wednesday of each week. Every disciplinary incident (send-offs) shall be reviewed individually to ensure that players are not over-penalized, either by the number of matches served or fines. USL has the authority and reserves the right to levy additional suspensions or fines (above the minimum for that type of infraction) if a review of the incident warrants such action. The USL Disciplinary Panel shall only act in contravention of a referee’s ruling on the field when a play, or the consequences of a play, are of an egregious or exceptional nature OR in circumstances where the referee did not see the play in question and USL has sufficient and convincing evidence that a serious infraction occurred. Rule 804 Serving Suspensions during the Regular Season Any player and/or coach sent off during a regular season game may be fined and will be suspended from the next league regular season game. A person who serves as both player and coach may not return as a player or a coach until the suspension has been served. The USL Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to assess further penalties depending on the severity of the incident. The penalties set forth shall apply to all cards awarded to a Player in any USL match. For the purposes of determining accumulations and game suspensions, any games that count as part of a team’s official League schedule shall be utilized. Exhibition Game Send-off Any player and/or coach sent off in an exhibition game shall serve a suspension during the team’s next exhibition game. Final Regular Season Game Send-off Any player sent off in a final regular season match must serve the suspension in the first playoff match, unless the season is over, in which case the suspension will be served in the team’s first League game the following season. Inter-League suspensions Any player who is suspended from a match in any USL League will serve their suspension in accordance with the League in which the suspension occurred. Should the player be registered with two teams in two different USL Leagues, USL reserves the right to require a suspension to become the amount of time that must elapse until the player is once again eligible to play in the League in which the suspension was received. Page | 27 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Example - Player X, registered to a W-League and W-20 team, is suspended for three W-20 matches. Player X is not permitted to play in any W-League match (es) until the day following the date of the third match that she is suspended for in W-20. Coach / Staff Caution and Ejections Referees at their discretion may warn or dismiss coaches and team staff for unprofessional behavior. Dismissed coaches and staff members are to be escorted directly to the locker rooms and may not return to the field of play. Any coach or other team staff member not acting in a professional manner in the opinion of the League, whether or not the incident is reported in the Referee Game Report, shall be subject to a fine and/or suspension. Referees are explicitly instructed not to physically show a yellow or red card to non-players. Suspension Parameters & Restrictions Any manager, coach, assistant coach, athletic trainer, player, or other official bench personnel is prohibited from assuming any official duty at or near the team bench while serving a suspension. Any athletic trainer sent off during a match should remain in the locker room area through the end of the match and may only return to the pitch at the request of the Referee in the event of an emergency. Any infringement of this rule or the restrictions below may result in the forfeiture of the game and include a fine for each infraction. The following restrictions apply: Pre-Game Suspended personnel are allowed to communicate pre-game information to the team in the locker room prior to the match. However, they are not allowed on the field during warm-ups and may not stand or in any way be in close proximity to the field of play. In-Game including Halftime - Field Access – At no time during the game is the suspended person allowed on or around the field of play. - Communication – There is to be no direct or indirect communication via written, verbal, cellular or electronic to any other coach, player, or staff member on the team bench. - Stadium Seating – The suspended person must sit in the press box or in some location other than in the stands. The suspended person is not permitted to sit in the stands as a “spectator”. If these accommodations are not available then the suspended person is prohibited from attending the match. - Locker Room Access – The suspended person is not allowed to be in the locker room at any time during halftime. Post-game The coach / staff member may join their team in the locker room, but not on the field of play or its surrounding areas. Extending a Suspension In any case, USL reserves the right to impose suspensions beyond any of these parameters for offenses deemed to be particularly violent and against the spirit of the game. Rule 805 League Disciplinary Point System USL has the authority to discipline players, coaches, and/or team personnel based upon the USL disciplinary regulations in accordance with FIFA and the respective National Federation. Rule 806 Penalty Points All cautions/yellow cards will account for one (1) point and send-offs/red cards will account for two (2) points. Any player receiving two cautions in one match, which results in a send-off, will receive one (1) point for the first caution and one (1) point for the resulting send-off for a total of two (2) points. Any player receiving one caution and one red card in a match, which results in a send-off, will receive one (1) point for the caution and two (2) points for the send-off for a total of three (3) points. Send-offs/red card suspensions must be served the following game in which the team participates. Cautionable offenses, both subjective and mandatory, will be listed in the USL Referee Manual for reference. The team with the fewest penalty points in the League will be given the Fair Play Award. Page | 28 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 807 Team Penalty Point Accumulation The accumulation of player and coach penalty points above the league specified number in any one season will result in a fine. USL W-League: 35 points, $500 fine Rule 808 Player Caution Accumulation For logistical and administrative purposes, players exceeding the caution accumulation penalty point plateau(s) will begin serving their suspension commencing on the seventh (7th) day after the threshold was reached. USL also reserves the right to reevaluate player accumulation plateaus for player eligibility rulings, including playoffs, with the reserved power to postpone suspensions to the following season. Players accumulating the following number of caution/yellow cards throughout the season will be sanctioned as follows: W-League - 4 cautions - one (1) game suspension - 6 total cautions - two (2) game suspension - 9 total cautions - two (2) game suspension - 12 total cautions - three (3) game suspension Rule 809 Coach Sendoff Accumulation Any coach accumulating the following number of ejections, will be suspended and fined as the following: - 1st Sendoff, coach will serve a one (1) game suspension and will be fined a minimum of $50 - 2nd Sendoff, coach will serve a one (1) game suspension and will be fined a minimum of $100 - 3rd Sendoff, coach will serve a two (2) game suspension and will be fined a minimum of $150 Rule 810 Suspension during the Playoffs Cautions A player accumulating three (3) cautions during the playoffs will be prohibited from participating in the team’s next playoff match. Subsequently, any player accumulating an aggregate total of six (6) cautions during the playoffs will be suspended from the team’s next playoff game. Send-offs Any player and/or coach that is sent off during the playoffs will be suspended from the next playoff game, unless the season is over, in which case the suspension will be served in the team’s first League game the following season. Rule 811 Major Game Misconduct In addition to those offenses set forth above, major fines or suspensions, at the sole and absolute discretion of the USL Disciplinary Panel, shall be levied against Players (whether or not they were awarded a card by the Referee), Coaches or other Team Staff for such game conduct as fighting, provoking a fight, criticizing Game Officials with words or gestures, entering the Game Officials’ locker room, physical contact with Game Officials separate from Referee Assault, using excessive force, deliberate attempts to injure, spitting, provoking crowd disorders, profane language that can be heard by the crowd or broadcast audience, obscene gestures, improper conduct during the national anthem, taunting, abuse of spectators and others, failure to leave the field when instructed by the Referee to do so, improper conduct following the award of a card, excessive delay tactics or excessive and obvious feigning of injuries, or other unsportsmanlike conduct detrimental to USL. The League may levy fines and / or suspensions for such behavior whether or not it is reported in the Referee Game Report. Video review will weigh heavily in determining/confirming any disciplinary action taken. Rule 812 Game Official Assault or Abuse In addition to enforcing the mandatory sanctions from USSF Policy 531-9, USL may impose additional fines and/or suspensions. Page | 29 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 813 USL‘s Discretionary Power on Suspensions USL may, at its discretion, rule a specific game shall not count toward the completion of a suspension, if satisfied the game has been purposely arranged by the club with a view toward enabling the player in question to complete his suspension at a specific time in order to qualify him to play in another specific game. Rule 814 USSF Fine for Serious Incidents The U.S. Soccer Federation has the power to impose fines up to $10,000 for any incident bringing the game into disrepute within USL Leagues. Page | 30 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 900 - Conduct of Teams Rule 901 Intentional Throwing of Games Agreeing or promising to lose a game is in strict violation of the rules of USL. Any club or personnel associated with a club who agrees or attempts to lose, or otherwise adversely affects the outcome of any game with which they are associated, or who shall solicit or attempt to induce any player or other person associated with a member club to lose, attempt to lose or otherwise adversely affect the outcome of any soccer game, will be immediately banned and may be subject to expulsion from the League. Additionally, any player who, in the opinion of the referee and/or USL, attempts to purposefully lose a game by intentionally scoring an own goal as a field player, or intentionally allowing an “own goal” to occur, will be subject to disciplinary action which may include forfeiture of the game and the possibility of a permanent suspension from USL. Likewise, any person from a member club who is solicited to commit or has knowledge of any of the foregoing acts and fails to inform USL immediately of all facts and circumstances connected with the solicitation, shall be declared by USL to be permanently banned and may be subject to suspension and / or expulsion from the League. Rule 902 Illegal Incentives for Winning a Game Any person connected with a member club who shall offer or give any gift or reward to a player or other person connected with another member club for services rendered, supposed to be rendered, or to have rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing team or otherwise adversely affect the outcome of any game, shall be declared by USL Management to be banned for a period of not less than three (3) years. Likewise, any person with knowledge of such an incident, who shall fail to inform USL Management immediately of such offer and of all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared by USL Management to be ineligible for a period of not less than three (3) years. Rule 903 Gifts to Referees or Assistant Referees Any person connected with a member club who shall give or offer to give any gifts or reward, including promotional items distributed by the clubs to fans, to a Referee or Assistant Referee for services rendered or supposed to be rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing club, or otherwise adversely affect the outcome of any part of a game, shall be declared by USL Management to be permanently banned. Likewise, any referee or assistant referee who shall render, or promise or agree to render, any such decision otherwise than on its merits, or who shall solicit or accept such a gift or reward for any such service or decision, shall be declared permanently banned by USL Management. Any referee or assistant referee who, having been offered any such gift or reward, or having been solicited to render any such decision otherwise than on its merits, shall be obligated to inform USL Management immediately of such offer or solicitation, and all facts and circumstances connected therewith. Failure to report such solicitation shall be cause for USL Management to declare the official permanently banned to work USL games and recommend to the respective National Federation suspension from all matches. Rule 904 Betting on Soccer Games Any person, including any player, associated in any way with any USL team or with League Management, who bets or gambles, or attempts to bet or gamble, any amount whatsoever upon any soccer game, including upon a USL game, shall be declared "persona non grata" by USL Management and permanently banned from all USL activities. Rule 905 Scandalous Conduct USL Management may suspend for a definite period and/or impose a fine on any officer, director, player or employee of a member club guilty of gross misbehavior in public, including intoxication, drug use, fighting, quarreling, indecency or other scandalous conduct, whether on or off the playing field, when such conduct is, in the USL Management’s opinion, prejudicial to the best interests of the sport of soccer or the League. Page | 31 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 906 Moral Turpitude Any employee, player or official of any member club or the League who shall be convicted of a felony, or who shall have been found by USL to have conducted themselves in a manner detrimental to the best interests of soccer or the League, may be declared by USL to be suspended for such period of time as USL shall deem to be appropriate. Rule 907 Tampering (FINE 907 - $2,500) No owner, officer or representative of a USL team shall directly or indirectly approach a contracted player, coach or staff member of another USL team regarding employment unless that contracted party’s employing team gives written permission to the requesting team to make such contact. Communication through a player agent, representative, or other third party is also prohibited. Rule 908 Vandalism / Destruction of Property No player, owner, officer, or representative of a club shall intentionally damage or destroy the physical property of another club. This prohibition shall extend to the damage and destruction of locker rooms or other area of a leased or owned stadium facility and the host hotel. Those found in violation shall be responsible for the full cost of proven damages, plus a punitive fine from USL commensurate with the nature of the act(s). Rule 909 Other Misconduct Any and all other conduct, acts, transactions, or practices which are not in the best interests of soccer or USL are prohibited and shall be subject penalties imposed by USL, such as permanent ineligibility, temporary for a period of time, suspension of voting rights, suspension from playing, or suspension of an individual from sitting on committee or advisory board, as the facts in the particular case may, in his opinion, warrant. Page | 32 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1000 – Governing Bodies and Committees Rule 1001 USL Board of Directors The USL Board of Directors is made up of members who are elected by the shareholders of USL. The USL Board of Directors manages, oversees, and implements policy for all Leagues within the USL system. Rule 1002 Executive Director The Executive Director is the highest-ranking officer of USL, regardless of this individual’s job title, and has the power to: - - - Prepare the schedule for League play and playoffs/championship. Propose and interpret the rules. Serve as the final appeal in protested games. Exercise disciplinary powers conferred upon him by the League Regulations and Standards. Conduct the day-to-day affairs of USL and shall employ any administrative staff necessary to conduct USL business at salaries and terms as determined by the Executive Director. Have full authority to take any action that is deemed necessary to prevent or discourage conduct by a member(s) or any other person(s) which is not in the best interest of USL, or which is necessary or desirable to preserve or protect the integrity or reputation of the league, its members, or the sport of soccer. Make known and enforce the provisions of these League Regulations and Standards. Be responsible for all funds and securities of the League. Shall receive all duties, fines, assessments, and other revenues paid to USL and shall deposit all such revenues in depositories as determined by the Executive Director. Shall keep an accurate account of all money for payment of accounts, fees, and dues and shall make such payments as shall be due by the league. Serve as an ex-officio member on all league and/or divisional committees. Delegate such authority to USL employees as necessary to carry out rules, operations, and any other USL business. Rule 1003 League Directors Each USL League will have a full-time Director of Operations. League Directors shall have the same power as the Executive Director subject to the direction, control, and supervision of the Executive Director. Rule 1004 Owner’s Advisory Council The Owner's Advisory Council shall be made up of an ad hoc panel as appointed by the USL President. This panel, which may be convened or disbanded at the discretion of the Executive Director, shall have no authority to make policy. Rule 1005 Board of Governors and Executive Committees The League Executive Committee is made up of elected representatives and at-large appointees. Rule 1006 Standing Committees The Executive Director shall have the discretion to appoint, prescribed duties for, and disband all League Committees: - National RAD Committee Competition Committee Minimum Standards Committee Labor Committee Marketing Committee Referee Committee MLS Committee - Any other special committee deemed necessary for the welfare of the League. Page | 33 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Registration Procedures & Roster Regulations 1100 – General Registration Rule 1101 Regulations Governing Players The regulations governing all players competing in USL, along with the status, rights and privileges of these players are set by FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, and the appropriate Federations. Rule 1102 Registration Deadline All player registration information must be submitted to USL and the appropriate Federation at least two (2) weeks prior to the start the respective League’s season. Failure to comply may result in players being declared ineligible. Once the season begins, all registration paperwork must be submitted to USL no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday (team’s local time) and the appropriate Federation no later than 12:00pm (team’s local time) on Thursday. In the case of a midweek game, the paperwork must be received by USL forty-eight (48) hours in advance and the respective National Federation twenty-four (24) hours in advance. Rule 1103 Master Roster The Master Roster consists of up to twenty-six (26) Eligible and/or Ineligible Players and is the official player roster of the team as set by USL. - A maximum of eight (8) players on the Master Roster may be Foreign Players. - An amateur team may carry up to 11 professional players on their Master Roster provided they are not being paid per the terms of their contract ($0 contracts/compensation). Rule 1104 Master Roster Changes Whenever a team makes a change to its master roster, notification must be sent in writing to USL. Changes are not approved until USL confirms in writing and makes the changes on the USL website. Rule 1105 Master Roster Freeze No team will be allowed to sign, receive a player on loan, and/or replace players after the Roster Freeze date. All trades, transfers and/or loans between teams must be finalized and approved by USL prior to this time. USL will not allow “deals in progress” nor “extensions” to go beyond the deadline for any reason. Teams may register a player before the Roster Freeze date that is not classified as a fully Eligible player (i.e. missing international clearance, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, etc.) but the player will not be permitted to play until cleared by USL. Should such a player remain an Ineligible Player after the Roster Freeze, the team cannot replace that player on its Master Roster. The date of the Roster Freeze will be determined on an annual basis by USL in conjunction with the Executive Committee. Page | 34 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1200 – Player Classifications Rule 1201 Professional Player A professional player is a player who signs a professional registration form with the team’s appropriate Federation, a professional player contract with USL and receives, or has received payment beyond actual and reasonable expenses for playing soccer. A professional player may only be registered with one team and may play only for the team to which he is registered, except in the following two instances: - team has filed an executed loan agreement with USL and the appropriate Federation, and paid the applicable fees. - player competes for another team in an exhibition, all-star, benefit or some other non-League game with the consent of the team holding his contract. Rule 1202 Amateur Player An amateur player is a player who signs an amateur registration form with the team’s applicable Federation, an amateur registration form with USL, and does not receive payment for playing soccer. Amateur players may be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses as allowed by the applicable Federation, USL, NCAA or NAIA rules. An amateur player may only be registered with one W-League team and may not be loaned to another team. Because amateur players are not held to contracts, they are free to leave a team at any time, provided he returns the team’s equipment. An amateur player may be registered simultaneously with both a USL professional and a USL amateur team. An amateur player that has been registered with one team, amateur or professional, for at least one-half (50%) of its games may not play for another team in the same League without written authorization from the original team. USL will reserve the right to review a player’s appeal if he is denied permission to play for another team. A player who wishes to sign with a professional team as an amateur must have completed their College Eligibility or be advised that upon signing as an amateur player on a Professional team, they lose all college eligibility. An amateur player may only be registered for the playing year, which begins the first of the year (Jan. 1) or not more than sixty (60) days prior to the first league game and extends through the last league competition. Amateur Reinstatement A professional player who is currently registered with any team can be reinstated as an amateur only with the permission of that team and the Amateur National State Association or Professional League with which the team is affiliated. An application for reinstatement to amateur status must be made on the USSF / CSA Amateur Reinstatement Form and both the completed form and the applicable fee ($50.00) must be filed with the appropriate Federation. The Federation shall issue approval of the reinstatement to amateur status within fourteen (14) days after receipt, appropriate fees, and compliance with Federation rules. However, the player’s reinstatement to amateur status is not effective until the day after the thirty (30) day time period has elapsed from the day that the player competed in his last match with his/her team as a professional player. This is in accordance with FIFA’s Regulations Governing the Status and Transfer of Football Players. A professional player who is not currently registered as a professional player with any professional division team or league, who has not been a party to a professional player contract with a professional division team or league for a period of one year or longer, and who has not applied for reinstatement as an amateur, shall be automatically reinstated to amateur status by the Secretary General unless the player affirmatively states in writing that he/she does not wish to be reinstated to amateur status. Rule 1203 Registered Player A registered player is a professional player or amateur player who has submitted all of the necessary registration documents as required by their team’s applicable Federation and USL. Professional and amateur players may participate in any competition under the jurisdiction of the League provided they are duly registered in accordance with the regulations of USL and their team’s applicable Federation. Page | 35 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Rule 1204 Eligible Player An Eligible Player is a player who is properly registered with the League and their team’s appropriate Federation, and who is not subject to any kind of suspension, is considered an eligible player. You can view the player rosters that specify the eligibility of current and newly registered players of your team when you log in to your USLsoccer.com Team page. Teams using players before they have been properly cleared to compete by USL or their team’s appropriate Federation will be subject to the appropriate disciplinary actions. Rule 1205 Ineligible Player An Ineligible Player is a player listed on the Master Roster, but not eligible to play due to reasons such as missing registration paperwork, awaiting international clearance, serving a League suspension, or not being listed on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet, or any player who enters the game after the substitution allotment has been used shall be considered an ineligible player (not limited to these examples). Knowledge of the eligibility status of a player is ultimately the responsibility of the team, not the referee. The penalties for using an ineligible player during the regular season are as follows: 1st Violation - Player on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet, but did not play OR - Player participates in match earned in match and one (1) point deduction $250 $250 fine, forfeiture of any points 2nd Violation* - Any player on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet earned in match and two (2) point deduction* $500 fine, forfeiture of any points 3rd Violation** - Any player on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet points earned in match and three (3) point deduction* $1000 fine, forfeiture of any * In second or third violations where aggrieved team does not earn full points, a forfeit will be awarded. **League reserves the right to suspend or terminate franchise in the event of a third violation in a single season. A team violating these regulations during a Playoff game shall forfeit the match or playoff series regardless of whether the player enters the match. Rule 1206 Illegal Player An Illegal Player is any player that does not appear on the Master Roster of twenty-six (26) players. The penalties for using an Illegal Player during the regular season are as follows: - Player listed on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet, but did not play - Player listed on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet and participates in match and forfeiture of the game in which the illegal player was used. $500 $500, loss of 3 points in standings Rule 1207 Foreign Player Each team is permitted a maximum of eight (8) Foreign Players on the Master Roster and eight (8) Foreign Players on the Official Game Day Lineup Sheet. U.S. and Canadians citizens are not considered Foreign Players. Documented Resident Aliens/Green Card holders (in the United States only) & Landed Immigrants (in Canada only) shall not be considered Foreign Players for teams based in those respective countries. Additionally, documented refugees and asylees (in the United States only) shall not be considered Foreign Players. Page | 36 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Foreign Player Visa USL requires a copy of any Visa for foreign players. The USL Registrar and Legal Department will securely keep a copy of these Visas on file. Teams are responsible for ensuring proper immigration paperwork/visas for all foreign citizens (in accordance with Federal Law). Rule 1208 Free Agent A free agent is a player not currently registered with a professional team. Page | 37 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1300 – International Clearance An international clearance is an official release from a foreign national association where a particular player competed before joining his present team. Teams are prohibited from registering any foreign player without a proper international clearance, recognized and approved by the respective National Federation. FIFA requires all players over the age of 12, regardless of their ability or citizenship, to receive an international transfer clearance (“ITC”) from their former country when they are attempting to register to play soccer in a different country (i.e., the United States). U.S. Soccer is responsible for obtaining that ITC on behalf of all players in the U.S. participating in affiliated leagues. FIFA, however, prohibits the transfer of players between the ages of 12 to 17 (minors) unless the player meets one of two exceptions: (a) The player has moved with his/her parents to the U.S. for reasons other than playing soccer (e.g. work); or (b) The player and prospective club are both located within 30 miles of an international border. If the player can prove to FIFA that either of the two exceptions above has been met, U.S. Soccer would be permitted to request the ITC for that minor player. If the player does not meet one of the two exceptions above, the available options to register are listed below. In 2009, FIFA instituted the FIFA TMS system. TMS is an online method to provide FIFA with documentation to prove that a player fits either of the two exceptions above. Documents are uploaded into FIFA’s system and are reviewed by FIFA, who then makes the final determination on whether an ITC request could be fulfilled for a minor player. However, U.S. Soccer has received a limited exemption from FIFA from the requirement to use the electronic FIFA TMS system. U.S. Soccer is now responsible for the documentation, review and determination of whether a player meets either of the two exceptions above. Although required to uphold the same standards as FIFA, U.S. Soccer is able to review the documents on an expedited basis and determine whether an ITC request could be made for a minor player. International Transfer Clearance Options Under FIFA’s rules, there are four options by which a player born outside of the U.S. can register with an affiliated league: 1. 2. 3. 4. Entry Prior to Age 12 First Registration Minors ITC Request 1. Entry Prior to Age 12 Players who were born outside of the U.S. but entered the country to live prior to their 12 th birthday simply need to provide proof in order to be cleared to register with U.S. Soccer. The document being used as proof should have the player’s name, a date that is prior to the player’s 12th birthday, and show that the player was taking part in day-to-day life in the United States. Acceptable forms of proof documentation include, but are not limited to, the following: - School report cards - Doctor records - Immunization records - Certificate of Baptism - Previous registration history with a sports program Page | 38 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Unacceptable forms of proof documentation include, but are not limited to, the following: - Passport entry page - Class Photo from 3rd Grade that does not individually identify each student - Letter from player/parents verifying the date they moved to the country In order to be cleared via this method, the player should complete the following steps: 1. Complete the Proof of Entry Prior to Age 12 Form 2. Obtain a copy of some form of official document that proves the player was living in the United States prior to their 12th birthday per examples listed above 3. Send a copy of both the P-12 Form and proof document to League and U.S. Soccer Federation 4. Player’s documentation is reviewed by U.S. Soccer and approval sent to League. Players should communicate with their State Associations to verify whether clearance has been granted. Please note that children have medical privacy rights and there is no obligation to release any information concerning a child's medical history or identifiers. 2. First Registration For U.S. Citizens: U.S. Citizens born outside of the U.S. may be cleared to register by simply completing and signing the First Registration Form. This process is available to all players, regardless of current age and skill level. The player (and guardian, if player is under the age of 18) should complete and sign the First Registration Form and forward the document to their League and U.S. Soccer. U.S. Soccer will review the document and notify the affiliated member within 5 days whether the player is free to register or not via the First Registration process. In order to be cleared via this method, U.S. Citizens born outside of the U.S. complete the following steps: 1. Fill out the First Registration Form 2. Submit the completed form to League and U.S. Soccer 3. U.S. Soccer reviews the paperwork and will notify affiliated member if player is clear to register For Non-U.S. Citizens: A player born outside of the U.S. who is currently aged 18 or over may also be cleared to register by the First Registration process, however there is an additional step required. Once the First Registration Form is completed and submitted, U.S. Soccer will contact the foreign federation of the player and inquire whether they have any registrations, at any level, for the player in question. If no response is given within seven (7) days or the foreign federation confirms there was no previous registration, U.S. Soccer will notify the league member that player is free to register. If the foreign federation states, however, that the player had been previously registered, the player cannot use the First Registration method and will have to use one of the other three methods to obtain international clearance. In order to be cleared via this method, Non-U.S. Citizens born outside of the U.S. complete the following steps: 1. Fill out the First Registration Form 2. Submit the completed form to State Association/League and U.S. Soccer 3. U.S. Soccer will confirm with the foreign federation the accuracy of the form and will inform the League if the player is clear to register or if other steps should be taken to obtain international clearance via one of the other methods. 3. Minors Anyone player under the age of 18 who is not eligible for the Prior to 12 option, will be required to go through the FIFA TMS process in order to obtain their international transfer clearance. FIFA’s Regulations, state that international transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18. There are three exceptions to the rule: 1. The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football. 2. The transfer takes place within the territory of the European Union Page | 39 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 3. The player lives and the club wishing to register the player are both located no further than 50km (roughly 30 miles) of an international border U.S. Soccer will use exceptions #1 and #3, as the second exception deals only with players in Europe. In 2009, FIFA instituted the FIFA TMS system. It is an online method to provide FIFA with documentation to prove that a player fits either of the two exceptions above. Documents are uploaded into their system and are reviewed by FIFA, who would make the final determination on whether an ITC request could be requested for a minor player. However, U.S. Soccer has received a limited exemption from the requirement to use the electronic FIFA TMS system. U.S. Soccer is now responsible for the document review and determination on whether any player meets either of the two exceptions above. Although required to uphold the same standards as FIFA, U.S. Soccer is able to much more quickly review the documents and determine whether an ITC request could be requested for a minor player. In order to get registered under this process, the minor player (and parents) should follow these steps: 1. Collect required documentation to prove that the player meets the first of the above-given exceptions: - Player’s Passport - Player’s Birth Certificate - Player’s Parents’ Passports - Player’s Parents’ Work Visas (if available) - Player’s Parents’ Proof of Residence (Water bill, lease agreement, etc.) - Player’s Parents’ Proof of Employment (Pay Stub, Employment Verification Letter, etc. - Completed ITC Request Form (For more information on what is required in these documents, please refer to the “Protection of Minors Pertinent Facts Document” provided by FIFA 2. Forward documentation to League and U.S. Soccer Federation 3. U.S. Soccer will review documentation and determine whether any exception to the general prohibition by FIFA on the international transfer of minors has been met. 4. If U.S. Soccer determines that an exception has been met, we will immediately request the player’s international clearance from their former federation. 5. The foreign federation has thirty (30) days to respond to our request. 6. Once a response is received, U.S. Soccer will notify the State Association/League via e-mail 7. If no response is received after 30 days, U.S. Soccer will issue a Provisional or temporary clearance, which will allow the player to register immediately, and notify the League. 4. ITC Request All players age 18 and over participating in affiliated leagues, who are not eligible for the Prior to 12 or First Registration option, will be required to complete the ITC Request Form (ITC 5-11). The form should be forwarded to the player’s League and U.S. Soccer Federation for processing. U.S. Soccer will then issue a formal ITC Request to their player’s former federation. Per FIFA regulations the foreign Federation has up to 30 days from the date the ITC was formally requested to respond after which U.S. Soccer can issue a provisional international transfer clearance. In order to complete this process, the player should follow these steps: 1. Complete the ITC Request Form, including Section B 2. Forward documentation to League and U.S. Soccer Federation 3. U.S. Soccer will process and request the player’s international clearance from their former federation. 4. The foreign federation has up to thirty (30) days to respond to our request. 5. Once a response is received, U.S. Soccer will notify the League via e-mail 6. If no response is received after 30 days, U.S. Soccer will issue a Provisional or temporary clearance, which will allow the player to register immediately, and notify the League. Page | 40 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 2014 FIFA International Transfer Windows International Clearances may not be transferred or received if in conflict with FIFA Transfer Window regulations. - Primary Window: February 18 – May 12 - Secondary Window: July 8 – August 6 Page | 41 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1400 – Player Registration Player Registration Documents Below is a complete list of registration documents that are either required or may be necessary to complete a player’s registration with a USL team: - CSA Amateur Reinstatement Form CSA International Transfer Application CSA Player Registration Form USL Standard Loan Agreement USL Professional Player Contract USSF Amateur Reinstatement Form USSF International Clearance Waiver Form USSF ITC Request Form_CSA USSF ITC Request Form_USSF USSF Player Registration Form USSF Proof of Entry Prior to Age 12 USSF First Registration Form W-League Amateur Registration Form W-League Waiver and Liability Release Form W-League Insurance Acknowledgement Form W-League Contract for Professional Players on Amateur Teams Player Registration Scenarios Professional Player on Professional Team The following documents are required to register a professional player on a professional team: - USSF Player Registration Form OR CSA Player Registration Form - USL Standard Player Contract - Proof of Identification (birth certificate, passport, green card) - Waiver and Liability Release Form - Insurance Acknowledgment Form - Proof of Work Authorization Professional Player (Canada, USA) on Amateur Team The following documents are required to register a professional player on an amateur team: - USSF Player Registration Form OR CSA Player Registration Form - USL Contract for Professional Players on Amateur Teams ($0 compensation) - Proof of Identification (birth certificate, passport, green card) - Waiver and Liability Release Form - Insurance Acknowledgment Form Amateur Player (Canada, USA) on Amateur Team The following documents are required to register an amateur player on an amateur team: - W-League Amateur Registration form - Proof of Identification (birth certificate, passport, green card) - Waiver and Liability Release Form - Insurance Acknowledgment Form Page | 42 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Amateur Player (Canada, USA) on Professional Team The following documents are required to register an amateur player on an amateur team: - USSF Player Registration Form OR CSA Player Registration Form - USL Standard Player Agreement for Amateur Players on Pro Teams - Proof of Identification (birth certificate, passport, green card) - Waiver and Liability Release Form - Insurance Acknowledgment Form Additional Documents That May Be Required The following documents may also be required to register a player: - USSF ITC Request Form - CSA ITC Request Form - USSF Amateur Reinstatement Request Form - CSA Amateur Reinstatement Request Form - Foreign Player Visa Player Registration Procedures Below are the appropriate procedures to properly register players: Amateur Player Registration - Gather the appropriate registration documents as previously listed - Team and Player must complete, sign and date all required forms - Log in to team page at www.uslsoccer.com/2014login - Click the ‘Roster Admin’ tab - Add Player to Roster. Search for Player’s name before adding to ensure the player is not already in the system. Female players may be in the system under the birth name rather than their married name so both names should be searched. - Add missing/updated biographical information as needed - Upload Player’s Proof of Identification - Upload Player’s headshot - Send all registration documents to USL Registrar via fax, mail, or scan/email - USL Registrar will review the registration documents. If there isn’t any missing and/or incorrect information USL Registrar will sign and return the registration documents - Team should keep a file of all registration paperwork for players - Team submits registration fee online - Once all the appropriate registration documents have been approved and the registration fee has been paid the USL Registrar will change the Player’s status to ‘Eligible’ and make the Player’s name visible to the public. If the team prefers to keep the Player’s name confidential for an upcoming news release the team should notify the USL Registrar Professional Player Registration - Gather the appropriate registration documents as previously listed - Team and Player must complete, sign and date all required forms - Log in to team page at www.uslsoccer.com/2014login - Click the ‘Roster Admin’ tab - Add Player to Roster. Search for Player’s name before adding to ensure the player is not already in the system. Female players may be in the system under the birth name rather than their married name so both names should be searched. - Add missing/updated biographical information as needed - Upload Player’s Proof of Identification - Upload Player’s headshot - Send all registration documents to USL Registrar via fax, mail, or scan/email - USL Registrar will review the registration documents. If there isn’t any missing and/or incorrect information USL Registrar will sign and return the registration documents Page | 43 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL - Team must MAIL copies of the signed Registration Form, USL Player Contract and $50 check to U.S. Soccer or CSA. Team should keep a file of all registration paperwork for players Team submits registration fee online Once all the appropriate registration documents have been approved and the registration fee has been paid the USL Registrar will change the Player’s status to ‘Eligible’ and make the Player’s name visible to the public. If the team prefers to keep the Player’s name confidential for an upcoming news release the team should notify the USL Registrar Page | 44 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1500 – Player Release Transfer or Release of Players - A player shall not sign for another team until properly released from the player’s former team. - Players may ask for their release by applying directly to their teams. In the event a request by a player for his release is refused, the matter may be brought to the attention of USL Management. - Before any player is released or transferred, the player must turn over all held property, which belongs to the team. - No loan, transfer, or registration of players may be executed after the Roster Freeze date. - As a general rule, a player that has been registered with one team, amateur or professional, for at least one-half (50%) of its games may not register for another team in the same League without written authorization from the original team. USL will reserve the right to review a player’s appeal if he is denied permission to play for another team to determine whether extenuating circumstances exist. Amateur Players USL franchises must notify the USL Registrar in writing when the team is releasing the player. Player is obligated to turn over all held property that belongs to the team before that player may register with another USL team. Players may request to be released and, if denied by team, bring the matter to the attention of the USL Registrar. Professional Players Teams are bound by FIFA regulations when a player is released from a team roster. If a team “releases” a player and does not notify USL, this player will remain under contract with the team and on that USL team’s Master Roster. A team may terminate a contract subject to the specific terms of the player’s contract. Upon termination, all rights and obligations of the team and player expire, provided the team’s actions are in accordance with the USL Standard Professional Player Contract or USL Contract for Professional Players on Amateur Teams and FIFA regulations. Procedure to Release a Professional Player - Team must notify the player of the contract termination in writing on team letterhead and copy the USL Registrar. - Team must fill out the “Release Portion” of a new applicable Federation Registration Form and obtain signatures. - Send copies of Registration Form and termination letter to the USL Registrar. Page | 45 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1600 – Player Loans Loaning Player To/From Another Team (Professional Teams Only) Loans may not extend beyond length of current contract term. A player loan may be canceled at any time by the loaning team by forwarding a properly completed notice of loan cancellation to the team’s Federation and the USL Registrar. Domestic Loan To loan a player to another team, complete the loan portion of a new player Federation Registration Form with a start date and end date. Submit it to USL for approval along with a copy of the USL Standard Loan Agreement signed by both parties on team letterhead. Upon signed approval, the Registration Form and Loan Agreement (signed by USL Registrar) will be forwarded to team’s Federation with a copy of the applicable loan agreement. Domestic Loan to Amateur Team To loan a player to another team, complete the loan portion of a new player Federation Registration Form with a start date and end date. Submit it to USL for approval along with a copy of the USL Standard Loan Agreement signed by both parties on team letterhead. Upon signed approval, the completed loan form should be given to the amateur team who must file it with their Amateur State Association, who then forward the completed loan form and fee on to the Federation. A paid professional player on an amateur team may affect collegiate eligibility of amateurs – loans to PDL and W-League teams will not be accepted. International Loan To loan a player to another team, complete the loan portion of a new player Federation Registration Form with a start date and end date. Submit it to USL for approval along with a copy of the USL Standard Loan Agreement signed by both parties on team letterhead. Upon signed approval, the Registration Form and Loan Agreement (signed by USL Registrar) will be forwarded to team’s Federation with a copy of the applicable loan agreement. The team the player is being loaned to must submit a request for International Clearance via the TMS system to their Federation in order to receive the ITC from your team’s Federation. Player must send ITC back to your team’s Federation upon completion of the loan. All loans must be completed within the Transfer Window for the team receiving the player. Loan Agreements For loans to another team, use the USL Standard Loan Agreement. For loans from another team, use the team’s league loan agreement form (i.e., Professional Indoor Soccer League – USL Loan Agreement). Page | 46 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1700 – Player Transfers Transferring Player to Another Team (Professional Teams Only) Domestic Transfer To transfer a player to another team, complete the transfer portion of a new player Federation Registration Form and submit it to USL for approval along with a copy of the applicable transfer agreement signed by both parties on team letterhead. Upon signed approval, the Registration Form and Transfer Agreement (signed by USL Registrar) will be forwarded to team’s Federation with a copy of the applicable transfer agreement. Domestic Transfer to Amateur Team Player transfers to amateur teams are not permitted. Player must be released. International Transfer To transfer a player to another team, complete the transfer portion of a new player Federation Registration Form and submit it to USL for approval along with a copy of the applicable transfer agreement signed by both parties on team letterhead. Upon signed approval, the Registration Form and Transfer Agreement (signed by USL Registrar) will be forwarded to team’s Federation with a copy of the applicable transfer agreement. The team the player is being transferred to must submit a request for International Clearance via the TMS system to their Federation in order to receive the ITC from your team’s Federation. Upon receipt of ITC request at your team’s Federation, player will be released from current team to allow the transfer to be completed. All transfers must be completed within the Transfer Window for the team receiving the player. Page | 47 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1800 – Professional Contract Options Professional Contract Option (Professional Players Only) Exercising Per the USL Standard Professional Player Contract, the team must send written notice within 30 days after the date specified for termination of the contract (indicated in paragraph one) to both the player and the USL Registrar indicating the team is exercising the option as set forth in the contract. Should it be disputed by the player that the written notice was never received, team must be able to provide proof that the notice was delivered (i.e., certified mail or signature). Declining Within 30 days after the date specified for termination of the contract (indicated in paragraph one), teams shall notify both the player and the USL Registrar in writing that the team will not be executing the option as set forth in the contract and that the player is being released from the team’s roster. Should it be disputed by the player that the written notice was never received, team must be able to provide proof that the notice was delivered (i.e., certified mail or signature). Page | 48 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL 1900 – Termination of Contracts By a Player In conjunction with the conditions set forth by the standard player contract, USL will recognize the following as cause for termination of contract: - Player may terminate this contract in the event of a material breach of the duties and obligations by team if he notifies team and USL in writing, via certified mail, of the breach and team fails to remedy the breach within seven (7) calendar days. team shall, within seven (7) calendar days, either: (1) cure breach; or (2) release player from contract and registration; or (3) submit evidence to the USL, with a copy to player, disputing that team is in breach of this contract. Termination of this contract by player shall not relieve team of legal obligation for past compensation due. By a Team In conjunction with the conditions set forth by the standard player contract, USL will recognize the following as cause for termination of contract: - Team may terminate this contract by reason of Player’s material breach of the contract terms. Player shall have the right of appeal to the USL as to whether a material breach occurred; additionally, - This contract is not guaranteed by Team and Player may be released at any time. However, Team recognizes that in the event of release not predicated on Player’s material breach this Contract is subject to the principles set forth in the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players where applicable and unalterable. - Team is bound by FIFA regulations when / if Player is released from the Master Roster and is required to notify Player (copy USL) in writing. If this contract extends beyond one season and the team seeks to remove itself from any obligation under this contract, notice must be received by the player after the last game of the league’s previous season and before the first league match of the following season. If notice is not received the contract will be considered effective for entirety of the season. The notice must be writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if delivered in person or mailed via (postage prepaid) “certified-signature”. The notice must be sent to the address set forth in this Contract or to such other address as such other party may previously have furnished to the sender in writing. USL will only formally remove Player from the team’s Master Roster when it receives the written notification which includes the respective Federation form with the release portion filled out and a copy of the letter that was sent to Player, or will otherwise recognize Player as under continued contract with Team. Team may terminate Contract subject to the specific terms of Player’s contract. Upon termination, all rights and obligations of Team and Player expire, provided Team’s actions are in accordance with the USL Standard Professional Player Contract and FIFA regulations. Guidelines for Contract Dispute Resolution In the case of a dispute between player and team or between teams, USL shall evaluate the evidence submitted and allow seven (7) days for a response from the disputed party. In conjunction with the conditions set forth by the contract, USL will recognize the following as cause for termination of contract by the player: - In the event of a material breach of the duties and obligations by a team, a player may terminate a contract by notifying the team and USL in writing, via certified mail. From the time the team and USL are notified by the player, the team has seven (7) days to remedy the breach, release the player from the contract, or show written evidence to USL (with a copy to player) that the team is not in breach of the contract. Termination of contract by player shall not relieve the team of legal obligation for past compensation due. USL shall render its decision on the status of the player's contract and registration within seven (7) days from the last receipt of evidence from either party. The USL decision on these matters may only be appealed to binding arbitration as referenced in the USL Standard Professional Player Contract or USL Contract for Professional Players on Amateur Teams. Page | 49 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Public Relations USL Communications Staff The main purpose of the communications staff at United Soccer Leagues is to help all USL clubs promote their teams, players and coaches. With our varied backgrounds in professional sports and the media, we have the experience necessary to help guide you as you create an effective communications platform that allows your club to garner the attention it deserves. The first and most obvious resource for promoting teams is through our website at www.wleaguesoccer.com. With a team page devoted specifically to your clubs, we rely on you to provide us with news about your club and teams. Please email us any news releases or feature story ideas related to your club and remember to include photos. Another part of our role is providing advisement to clubs regarding successful communications and new media. Our staff can assist in formulation of press releases or the pitching of deserving stories to national soccer media. Our staff is also available to assist your club’s social media efforts, including the creation of Facebook and Twitter pages and advisement regarding the best uses of social media. Effective Public Relations Many tools are at your disposal to help you stay in contact with the public. One of the least expensive and most effective ways to do this is to utilize the media: newspapers, internet, television and radio. Taking advantage of opportunities with the news media starts with your ability to deliver your news to the media outlets in a consistent and professional way. This is especially true with soccer, a sport that is not readily accepted by mainstream sportswriters and editors. If they have to work too hard to get news of your team, it might not ever make the paper. Soundbites of PR Advice - Understand in advance what media are looking for. Some want phone calls. Some want releases sent strictly by e-mail. - Know which stories fit a particular newspaper and which stories don’t have a chance. For example, does your newspaper have room for feature stories, or is hard news your only chance for coverage? - What do media want the most? Our experience tells us the media want compelling stories – especially those with some interesting twists. - Remember that all media work on tight deadlines. You must be familiar with these deadlines in order to plan mediaoriented team activities that present good opportunities for coverage. - Be proactive. As the primary public relations contact for your team, you are in the best position to positively influence media coverage. If you sit back and wait for the media to come out, odds are you will never see them. Visit your media outlets on their turf, or invite them out to practice. Be sure to always follow up with phone calls. Take pride in producing well-written news releases, advance game notes, timely press advisories and well-planned media days. - Take an interest in the work of your media professionals. Give them a call / e-mail to compliment them on a story well done – even if it is not about your team. A quick phone call now and then provides you with a perfect opportunity to pitch a future story or bring the reporter up to speed on the team. - Make the media’s job as easy as possible. Above all, success in dealing with the media depends on you. Do everything in your power to make their job easier so that the media know they can rely on your help, chances are you'll be able to get that desired coverage or place that big story. Website & Internet Operations A team website is the ultimate resource for both fans and the media. Fans are more likely to become involved if they are up to date on team news and details. Being graphically pleasing to the eye is good, but it is not the most important aspect of a website. Page | 50 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL The following items and features should be present on your team site: - League logo that links to League website: www.wleaguesoccer.com Team Contact Info – address, phone, fax and e-mail Schedule with promotions (and scores as season continues) Ticket Prices and Outlets News/press release archive Statistics/stats archive from past years/postseasons Player bios/photos & stadium information/directions Merchandise info (pictures & prices with a mailing address) Links to team social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter) Team Access Each team has access to their team page on the W-League websites to edit their contact information and other information and settings. The login access will be provided to the teams at the beginning of each season. This access will also allow team administrators to gain access to the USL Operations Department on the site. News Releases Press releases are a good starting point for building media interest in your team and studies have shown that nearly 60 percent of the editorial content of two of the nation's most respected newspapers, the New York Times and the Washington Post, were generated by news releases and other public relations efforts. News Release Checklist - Write a news release only when you have something important to announce. - Write a headline that is to the point. (One line – two maximum) - Write your release in the "inverted pyramid" style, with the most important facts at the beginning to the least important in descending order. - Try to anticipate most of the questions the media would ask about your announcement. - Attribute the announcement to an official source (i.e., GM or Owner) other than yourself. - Triple-check all the facts and other information for accuracy. - Include a release date, a contact name, phone number and e-mail address. - Edit your final draft so it’s free of spelling and grammatical errors then have co-workers double-check the final draft. - Release news only after you have obtained all the necessary approvals. - Issue the release on professional looking company letterhead with team logo and address. Datelines Include the date the release was issued. Type “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” somewhere above the body of the release. A dateline (i.e., “TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2012)--”), which tells the reader where and when the information is being generated, should open all releases. Headlines Unless the headline is obvious, you may want to write the news release first, and then add the headline to the top. Remember to keep it succinct and to the point. It should grab the attention of the media without having to sensationalize. Cuteness and puns are not always appropriate and can often be confusing. *An email press release should have the headline as the email’s subject, not “Team FC release” Quotes Quotations should be used in most releases for a variety of reasons: 1) to lend authority to a statement you make or facts you submit in your release; 2) to add opinion to an announcement; and 3) to gain insight from an individual speaker. Some officials give their public relations director the authority to create quotes for them. If you do, make sure all quotes are approved before sending out the final draft. Page | 51 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Distribution Each USL team is required to e-mail all news releases to USL. If it’s big news, we can send it out via e-mail to our extensive national media list for wider readership. Game Notes Each team should create a packet of updated game notes to distribute to the media each week of the season. If done well, game notes offer a complete overview of the season and are extremely helpful to the media. Copies of the game notes should be available in the press box one hour before the game with a few copies placed in the visitors’ locker room. Creating stat sheets/briefs for season ticket holders or VIPs is encouraged. Game notes can take on several forms, but should include most or all of the following: - Probable starters (for both teams) Team roster (w/pronunciations) Brief injury report (for both teams) Interesting team/player notes (for both teams) Team Statistics & League stat leaders Game-by-game results Stats-at-a-glance and/or highs and lows Mini-bio’s for all players (one long paragraph) League standings Game Previews It is recommended that each club produce a weekly game preview release that is emailed to local media and USL Communications. In the case of back-to-back games, one release will suffice for both games. Previews should be no less than four paragraphs in length. Game Recaps It is recommended that the home team for each game produce and email a game recap release following the completion of the game. Recaps should be no less than four paragraphs in length. This release will be emailed to local media and USL Communications. USL Media Guide The single most important public relations tool that USL provides each franchise annually is the USL Media Guide. For the purpose of producing this guide, each team must provide passport-style headshots (color) of staff members and/or the coach. Any new team logos are required as well. USL cannot produce this guide without the timely assistance of each and every team. Team Media Guides Team Media Guides are invaluable as a public relations tool, but can also serve your marketing, advertising, and operational needs. Each team should produce some type of media guide whether it is spiral-bound by a local printer or a stapled/collated packet produced in-house. A complete, professional-looking media guide is necessary for all teams, no matter the size or budget. Most importantly, the media guide should be very organized and easy to read to make the reporter’s job easier. The following items should be included: - Color cover with team, league logos Table of contents & Staff/Team Directory League-required ads Team feature/previous season recap Numerical/alphabetical rosters Regular season schedule (provided and required by the league) Team History/previous season’s results Bios (with headshots) for coach/players Page | 52 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL - Stadium/ticket Information Previous season’s statistics Key media list Final League Statistical Leaders & League Standings Postseason recap Team profiles (all league teams) All media outlets including print, TV, and radio should get a copy. In addition to distributing the media guide to the media, existing sponsors may find these useful to see the scope of the league and will react positively when they see its place in the larger picture. Friends, supporters and VIPs could be thanked for their efforts by receiving a complimentary copy. You may also sell them to fans or offer a free media guide as a prize at games. Even if someone uses the book once, it has served them well. Page | 53 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Media Relations Activities Press Conferences Press Conferences are a vital tool in making the following major announcements: - Introduce a new coach or player(s) Announce a team name and/or mascot Announce the signing of a major sponsor (in cooperation with that sponsor) Any other major announcement (i.e., new ownership, new stadium) Do not get in a habit of having a press conference for just anything. The media will get tired of them and when you do have a major announcement, the response will be lukewarm. The following are some helpful tips for planning and running a successful press conference: - Send the media an advisory announcing the press conference approximately 3-5 days in advance Make follow-up calls a few days in advance as a reminder and for an accurate headcount Make sure the press conference is at a time that can accommodate both media and the speakers (preferably 10 a.m. – 2.p.m.) Write a release accompanying the press conference (to be given to the media as they exit) which states the details of the announcement Hold the press conference at a neutral, easily recognizable site (i.e., sponsor hotel’s ballroom) Set up a rectangular head table with a podium and microphone and place banners behind Set up a table outside the room with press materials (press kits, media guides, brochures) Have an outline for speakers, which includes the order of speakers and a rough timeline Allow for a question-and-answer session for the media, followed by one-on-one interviews Arrange a photo opportunity with members following the program Media Day Holding a Media Day is a perfect opportunity to kick off the soccer season with local media. It’s a great chance to really welcome and begin re-establishing close relationships with the media, introduce the team, hand out media guides and press credentials, and start generating weekly coverage of the team. It’s also an ideal setting for the media to interact and actually get to know the players. Media Day is basically a social event, but it should involve one or more of the following elements: - A brief address and player-by-player introduction of each team member An abbreviated practice session Involving the media in a short scrimmage with the team or drills conducted by the players A luncheon or snacks following the on-field activities Encourage players to be proactive, friendly, and accessible with all members of the media. This is a great environment for reporters to do interviews and gather material for individual player profiles and features. Local Television Broadcast Teams must send the league a copy of the PENDING contract with the local broadcast partner for approval. No local television broadcast, unless otherwise approved, during league national broadcast games Local and Online Radio Broadcast Teams must send the league a copy of the PENDING contract with the local broadcast partner for approval. Page | 54 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Game Day Public Relations Public Address Protocol While each W-League team shall determine what game presentation elements work best in its market after taking into account local traditions and customs, all league public address announcers will be required to adhere to a certain standard of professionalism. The following is designed to serve as basic requirements and guidelines for all matters pertaining to public address announcements, conduct and decorum of announcers and the playing of music at games of teams affiliated with United Soccer Leagues. Official Language All public address announcers who work at games of USL-affiliated leagues are required to speak clearly enunciated English. A bilingual or a second Spanish-speaking or French-speaking public address announcer is allowed and, depending upon the market’s demographics, is encouraged. Public Address Announcing Style The role of the public address announcer is to fill in facts not observed by the fans in attendance and to add additional information which supports the overall game presentation. As such, the public address announcer shall not act as a play-byplay person oe as one who is calling a radio or television broadcast. Public address is an entirely different proposition and, as such, should be treated differently. Talk during the game itself shall be limited to points of clarification – not every corner kick, free kick or out-of-bounds play. Game announcements (excluding pre-game, half-time, and post-game) shall include: - League sponsor announcements (required for all teams) Team sponsor announcements Announcements on crowd control Scores, assists, goal times, injuries, & substitutions Cautions and send-offs Scores of other USL games League standings Miscellaneous league announcements Introductions of Teams During the introduction of the teams, the public address announcer shall, after welcoming the fans, first introduce the game officials, followed by the visiting team and then the home team. Coaches shall be introduced from the sideline, following the introduction of the teams. Volume The volume of the stadium sound system shall not be overbearing to the point where it becomes irritating to the fans. Volume levels, which vary depending on the size of the crowd, should be adjusted according to the individual event, stadium or locale. Teams shall be especially cognizant of the volume during matches that are broadcast on television. In some cases, teams may be asked to lower the volume to ensure a satisfactory broadcast. No Cheerleading or Coaching from the PA Announcer While all public address announcers are encouraged to generate enthusiasm for the home team, home PA announcers shall not show blatant favoritism for the home team during pre-game introductions, and shall not during the course of the game become a cheerleader or a coach for the home team. Rather, the PA announcer should always strive for professionalism, remembering that there are ticket-buying fans in attendance from both teams. Further, any editorial remarks with regards to players, coaches and referees are strictly prohibited. Page | 55 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Crowd Conduct Messages The Public Address Announcer shall read the following crowd conduct message prior to each game: "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. The [name of home team] and USL request that you refrain from tossing any objects onto the field. If a game ball enters your seating area, please return it to the nearest ball retriever or to the field of play. Any spectator entering the field or interrupting play in any manner shall be ejected and subject to arrest. The [name of home team] and USL thank you for your cooperation." Music Music shall not be played while the ball is in play. However, music may be played at game stoppages and carry slightly into the restart of the game following the stoppage. Sound Effects Electronic crowd noise of cheerleading and special effects to build enthusiasm at games is permitted. However, any sounds generated for the purpose at making fun of or making disparaging remarks about the visiting team are strictly prohibited. Press Box Operations Depending on your stadium venue, you may have an elegant two-tiered press box or a few rows of bleachers designated for the media. No matter what the accommodations, you must establish a professional atmosphere. Servicing the Media The home team PR Director, contact or a capable assistant should be present to accommodate the working media before, during and after all games. The same individual should personally greet each member of the media before the game to offer any assistance and fulfill any specialized needs. The Press Box Supervisor shall ensure all working media have each team’s game day program and media guide; the League’s media guide; current standings; current leading scorers and goalkeeper statistics; home and visiting team game day notes; home and visiting team game rosters; injury report; and other pertinent information, no later than thirty (30) minutes before kickoff. Press Materials Place an adequate number of league media guides, team yearbooks, game notes (from both teams, when applicable), recent team releases and recent league releases/statistics in a conspicuous place for media to pick up upon entering the press box. Ask media members who attend if they need any other materials or background information. Game-Day Interns One of the most valuable resources for press box operations on game days is a good game day intern or group of interns. Reliable interns, which can be anyone from a volunteer to a high school soccer player, can fill a variety of roles and monitor the press box when you’re unable. Press Food Provide plenty of food and drinks for the media prior to the game and assign someone to monitor the media snack area, keeping it stocked and clean. Separate the media snack area from the press box work area. Do not combine the media snack area with VIP food area. Make your media guests feel special, but separate. Phones Make sure there is at least one working telephone line for media use only. Also, having both a fax machine and copier in the press box is ideal. If there is no fax machine in the press box, offer to fax information from your office after the game. Having multiple active lines available for internet use is vital for media and visiting teams. A reporter may not bother much with a story on your team if they know they have to file the story from another location after the game. Page | 56 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Press Box Seating Depending on the size of the press box, a seating chart may be necessary to make sure the most important media have the best seats. In this case, list seats by number with corresponding names and post it near the entrance of the press box at least one hour in advance of kick-off. Also, place a nametag with name and affiliation at each seat in the press box for quick reference. Of course, leave adequate space for the team scorekeeper, PA announcer and yourself. Do not allow any VIPs, players’ family and friends, fans or any non-working media in the press box. Credentials, TV, and Photos Photographers are allowed along both endlines (not directly behind the goal) and along the opposite sideline from the benches. All credentials must include the following conditions on the back: NOTICE OF CREDENTIAL USE CONDITION This credential is issued solely to provide stadium access to an individual with a legitimate working function at a game involving a member team of United Soccer Leagues. The bearer must be on a specific assignment (as employee or agent for the organization to which this credential is issued). It is non-transferable. Any unauthorized use of this credential subjects bearer to ejection from the stadium and possible prosecution for criminal trespass. Resale or attempted resale is grounds for seizure and cancellation. The use of any and all media of United Soccer Leagues (USL) events or excerpts thereof shall be limited to news coverage by the accredited organization unless expressly authorized in writing by USL. Any other use including, but not limited to, advertising, promotional contests and sweepstakes or other trade purposes requires prior specific written approval from USL. Permission to film or tape USL games may be revoked at any time by USL. All ownership copyright and property rights in USL games, the telecast thereof and in the events and activities conducted in the stadium shall remain the sole property of USL, and no such rights are conferred or to be conferred or created on behalf of any other person or entity by the issuance of this credential. The bearer of this credential and his or her employer assume all risk and danger of personal injury and all other hazards arising from or related in any way to this event and shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless USL, its member teams, other agents and employees from and against all liability, loss, damages or expense resulting from or arising out of his or her presence at the stadium. The bearer grants permission to USL to utilize the bearer’s image, likeness or voice in connection with any broadcast, photograph or other production of this event via any media and for any purpose. Each team is responsible for designing and printing a credential that media members can use for stadium admission and display inside the stadium for access to the press box, field and locker rooms. Laminate the pass so they can be used all season long. Media credentials should be divided into the following three categories: PRESS PHOTO ENG All press, including newspaper, internet, radio and TV talent All photographers All TV engineers and production crew Any qualified member of a legitimate news organization must receive a pass if requested. Page | 57 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Scoresheet Guidelines The official scorer should use the blank score sheet form provided by the league office for all USL games. Please make sure the official scorer is familiar with each category of the game score sheet. For all games, fill the score sheet out completely, accurately and legibly. If you miss an assist or some other nugget of information, ask the fourth official or the team bench for assistance. It will be easier if you use blank copies for the first and second half and then transfer that information onto the official score sheet. Scorekeeper Since most of the important statistics come from the scoresheet. The following guidelines must be followed: - Select a competent scorekeeper whose sole responsibility on the day of the game is to complete the media report. The scorekeeper should also have a firm grasp for the rules of the game. The team scorekeeper must print clearly and legibly and should enter his/her name. The scorekeeper should use a copy of a score sheet for tallies during the game and fill out the official carbon version of the score sheet after the game is over that includes real numbers. League Check the league(s) applicable to the teams playing. Date/Time Use the month/day/year format (07/15/13) for the date, followed by the local kickoff time (7:35 p.m.) Stadium Enter the venue in which the game is being played. Weather Enter the weather conditions at the time of kickoff (76 degrees, sunny) Attendance The most common item missing from score sheets is the attendance. Someone should be designated to obtain the attendance figure or the official scorer should make an estimate and indicate that the figure is an estimate. Game Officials Enter the names of each of the four game officials. Game Notes Use this space to note interesting things about the game or players. (Example 1: The Roadrunners have now won seven consecutive games; Example 2: Julian Marcos has scored a goal in five consecutive games; Example 3: Thunder broke the alltime single game team attendance record.) Linescore Write in the “city” names of the visiting and home teams in the spaces provided. In the spaces provided for scores by half, write in numbers (2) rather than two slashes (//). Scoring Summary Write out the team name and the minute in which the goal was scored, followed by the goal scorer and the person credited with the assist. You may use a player's last name only as long as there is no other player on the field with the same last name. If a goal is scored without an assist, please indicate this by putting a dash in the Assist field, or leaving it blank. If a goal is scored on a penalty kick, please indicate this by writing "penalty kick" or "PK" in the Assist field. Page | 58 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Visiting Team & Home Team Official Game Day Lineups Fill in the goalkeeper for each team above the team's respective rosters. Fill in starting players by position (defenders then midfielders then forwards) in the first 10 rows. Do not list players numerically or alphabetically. Include the player's number and full name (last name then first name). For field players, list, the number of minutes played by that player, followed by the number of goals, assists, shots, and fouls. Leaving a box blank indicates zero. Goalkeepers Enter the number of shots faced (SHFC), saves, and goals against (GA). If stats and minutes are not filled in, the league will designate the first goalkeeper listed as the starting goalkeeper. Goals, assists, shots and fouls should be entered in the field player stats section. Goalkeepers may be included in field play stats. Minutes played by goalkeepers in the field play section should account for minutes in goal and minutes in field should the goalkeeper become a field player during the course of the match. Shots Fill in the totals for each half for each section. A shot is defined as "any attempt which is taken clearly with the intent to score and is directed so that it enters the goal, hits the crossbar or goalpost, could have entered the goal if it had not been prevented from doing so, or has traveled past the goal in close proximity to the goal." The scorer should use sound judgment to define "close proximity to the goal." Saves Fill in the total for each half for each section. In order for a goalkeeper to be credited with a save, he must have stopped a shot from going into the goal. In order to credit a save, there must also be a shot. Catching a cross does not constitute a save, as there was no shot and the ball, most of the time, was not traveling into the net. If the goalkeeper does catch or deflect the ball, stopping it from going into the net, please give him a save. On the same note, you must give the crossing player a shot, even if the shot originated as a pass/cross. Fouls Fill in the total for each half for each section. Each time a player is charged with a violation of the Rules of the Game that results in a direct or indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team, he shall be charged with a foul. Offside is not considered an individual foul, nor is a throw in. A caution (yellow card) or an ejection (red card) is not a foul in and of itself, and should not be recorded as such; however, a high percentage of the time a foul will precede the caution or ejection. Cautions/Ejections Enter the abbreviated team name (i.e., Nashville-NSH), enter whether it was a caution (C) or ejection (E) and enter the minute of the game the card was issued, followed by the player's last name and the reason for the card. Use the codes listed in the chart at the end of this section to indicate the reasons for misconducts issued in a game. Recording Substitutions Write out the team name and the minute in which the substitution was made, followed by the player who entered the game and then the player that exited the game. You may use a player's last name only as long as there is no other player on the field with the same last name. When a substitute enters the game, the player should be entered in the appropriate row below the starters. Once again, the minutes for a substitute are the actual minutes played. The minute on the clock should be entered in the minutes for the player being substituted for. The total minutes played of the player being substituted for and the substitute should add to the minutes played in the game (either the normal 90 or overtime), unless one of the players is ejected. If a substitution is made during the final minute, the player leaving the game will get credit for eighty-nine (89) minutes played and the substitute will get one minute even if he entered at 89.50 or during stoppage time. Page | 59 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Offsides/Corners Fill in the appropriate areas. Penalty Kicks For any penalty kicks taken during regulation or overtime, enter the minute of the kick, the team taking the penalty kick and the shooter taking the kick. Then, circle "G" for goal, "S" for save, or "M" for miss. Minutes The game clock should begin at zero and climb to 90:00. Goals A goal scored thirty (30) seconds into the match will be recorded as a goal in the 1st minute. A goal scored at 57:15 will be recorded as a goal in the 58th minute. Completed Score sheet A score sheet has not been completed until it has been initialed by both coaches and signed by the referee. By having the coaches initial the score sheet, they are afforded an opportunity to verify its accuracy (i.e. make sure assists are credited to the proper players). The referee must sign the score sheet to verify the score and the misconducts issued. Statistics In order to get maximum coverage from media outlets, you should update team and player statistics the day after each game and make copies available. All key statistics (goals, assists, cautions, ejections, and goalkeeper information) should be generated from the official game score sheets. At a minimum, player statistics should include games played, goals, assists, points scored, and minutes, as well as goals allowed and goals-against average for goalkeepers. You can expand your statistical report as you see fit. While the league keeps official statistics for all the leagues, each team should keep its own statistics to compare against those produced by the Public Relations Department to ensure accuracy. Assists An assist is simply defined as any pass that directly leads to a goal. The key here is the word “directly.” The pass must lead directly to a shot that results in a goal. An assist is not given following a pass where a player dribbles on his own to elude several defenders before scoring. Note: USL does not recognize double assists and will not include them in official league statistics. Calculating Goals-Against Average One of the easiest but most unfamiliar statistics to calculate is goals-against average. has nothing to do with the number of games, but is a function of actual minutes played in goal. Simply put, it equals Goals Allowed x 90 Minutes Played Here's an example: John Swallen has allowed 29 goals in 2,397 minutes, so we calculate his GAA as: 29 X 90 = 2,610 ÷ 2,397 = 1.09. (Round off the answer to two figures to the right of the decimal.) Own Goals The player who propels the ball into the opposing team's goal for a score is awarded a "goal." However, when a player propels a ball into his own team's goal with the intent either to pass back to a teammate or clear the ball out of danger, the goal is not credited to an individual, but is scored as an “own goal.” The goal should be entered in the scoring summary as “Own Goal” with the player’s name in parentheses. No player can receive a goal or an assist on an own goal, but it is still credited against the goalkeeper. Page | 60 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL - Example 1: Defender intercepts a pass from attacker "A" intended for attacker "B". The defender dribbles a few yards, then turns to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper. Inadvertently, he kicks the ball into his goal. Score the play as an own goal. - Example 2: Attacker "A" lofts a cross for attacker "B" in front of the goal. The defender leaps and attempts to head the ball out of danger, but instead, knocks the ball into his own goal. Score the play as an own goal. If a shot bounces off the defender's body into the goal, the attacker is credited with a goal. If, however, the defender was able to control the shot and then inadvertently kicked or headed the ball into his own goal in an attempt to clear the ball, the goal is recorded as an "own goal." Deflections An attacking player whose shot is deflected into the goal by the goalkeeper or by a defending player receives credit for a goal provided the momentum of the shot is what carried the ball into the goal. - Example 1: Attacker "A" shoots and the goalkeeper dives attempting to make the save. The goalkeeper gets a hand on the ball, but the ball's momentum carries it into the goal. Score the play as a goal for "A". - Example 2: Attacker "A" shoots, catching the goalkeeper off guard. The shot caroms off the goalkeeper's leg and rolls into the goal. Score the play as a goal for "A". - Example 3: Attacker "A" shoots. The shot is wide, but strikes a defender and caroms into the goal. Score the play as a goal for "A". - Example 4: Attacker "A" shoots and a defender attempts to block the shot. The defender actually touches the ball, but the momentum of the shot carries the ball into the goal. Score the play as a goal for "A". An attacking player whose pass is deflected into the goal by a defender or whose pass is mishandled by the goalkeeper and allowed to enter the goal shall receive credit for a shot and a goal, provided momentum of the pass is what carried the ball into the goal. - Example 1: Attacker "A" lofts a high ball in front of the goal intended for attacker "B". The goalkeeper attempts to intercept the pass, but the ball slips through his hands and bounces into the goal. Score the play as a goal for "A". - Example 2: Attacker "A" takes a corner kick, and the goalkeeper's misplay allows the ball to carom into the goal. Score the play as a goal for "A". Changes to Statistics All changes must be submitted via email at [email protected]. Phone calls will not be accepted. All changes must be attributed to a match report and submitted by Friday the week (Mon-Sun) following the match in question (maximum eleven (11) days). All stats are official as of that time and will not be changed. Page | 61 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Social Media It is required for teams to host and maintain a Facebook fan page and a Twitter account. The following format should be used when sending Twitter updates to ensure consistency: Pregame Tweet (use each team’s Twitter handle and hashtag #WLeague) We are getting ready for kickoff in Seattle, WA as @SoundersWomen hosts the @LABluesSC. #WLeague Kickoff Tweet Kickoff by @SoundersWomen and we are underway here in Seattle, WA… Halftime Tweet (use each team’s Twitter handle and hashtag #WLeague) H/T: @LABluesSC 1, @SoundersWomen 1, Seattle’s Alex Morgan scores late to tie the game at half. #WLeague Scoring Tweet (use each team’s Twitter handle and hashtag #WLeague) GOAL! Morgan has her second goal of the game to put @SoundersWomen up 2-1 vs @LABluesSC. Morgan scores her 13th goal of the season. #WLeague Postgame Tweet (use each team’s Twitter handle and hashtag #WLeague) F/T: @SoundersWomen 2, @LABluesSC 1, Morgan’s double earns Seattle two wins vs. the Blues this season. #WLeague -- Note: As a courtesy to your visitors and their fans, if you do decide to provide live scoring updates, make sure both team’s goals are accounted for throughout the contest. Stats Tweet (use each team’s Twitter handle and hashtag #WLeague) F/T Stats: Total Shots -- SEA 17, LA 14; Shots on Goal -- SEA 10, LA 7; Corners – SEA 5, LA 8; Saves -- SEA 5, LA 9. #WLeague. It is recommended that teams use their Facebook fan page address (ex: facebook.com/USLWLeague) and Twitter handle (ex: twitter.com/USLWLeague OR @USLWLeague) in the following mediums: In-game PAs over loudspeakers Team Media Guide All press releases Business cards Radio spots On promo items Newsletters Game Day Programs Team Website Footer on all news items Email signature Television spots In-stadia signage/banners The following Twitter Hashtags (ex: #USLSoccer) and Twitter Handles (ex: @USLsoccer) must be used when referencing USL or one its leagues: HASHTAGS (case sensitive: must use this format when typing out) USLsoccer = #USLsoccer USL PRO = #USLPRO PDL = #PDL W-League = #WLeague MISL = #MISL S20 = #S20 SYL = #SYL Page | 62 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL ACCOUNTS (case sensitive: must use this format when typing out) @USLsoccer @USLPRO @USLWLeague @USLPDL @SUPERYLeague @SUPER20League @MISLsoccer Page | 63 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL NCAA College student-athletes represent a large portion of many amateur teams. Teams playing in USL Amateur Leagues are required to follow strict guidelines set forth by the NCAA and USL so as not to endanger the eligibility of players. The following guidelines are specific items taken from the NCAA Rules and Regulations Manual and apply not only to USL amateur teams but also USL professional teams. Teams will be notified should there be any changes in the rules. College Player Eligibility for USL Amateur Teams - Any player signed to or enrolled in college on scholarship or as a walk-on qualifies as a collegiate player for that school. - Any Division I, Division II, Division III, or NAIA player, with or without remaining NCAA eligibility, is permitted to play on a USL Amateur team. - College players are not permitted to train, practice or play with any USL Amateur teams during their scheduled season. - USL Amateur teams ARE NOT to promote the respective leagues as professional or semi-professional. Both leagues are amateur and are affiliated with US Soccer. - USL Amateur teams cannot provide any players more than actual and necessary expenses or they will be considered a professional team. - USL Amateur teams are permitted to employ college players as camp coaches for summer youth soccer camps, but no amateur or professional players on a USL Amateur team are permitted to receive any compensation for playing. - College players are also not permitted to receive any complimentary equipment or apparel from USL Amateur team sponsors. College players must either turn in all team equipment at the end of the season or purchase it from the team at fair market value. Participation in Outside Competition A student-athlete may compete outside of the institution’s declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition, provided: - Such participation occurs no earlier than May 1st. The competition is approved by the institution’s director of athletics. No class time is missed for practice activities or for competition. A student-athlete may compete outside of the institution’s declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition during any official vacation period published in the institution’s catalog. Limit on Number of Players from an Institution - A Division I member institution may permit not more than five student-athletes with eligibility remaining in intercollegiate soccer to practice or compete out of season on an outside, amateur soccer team (competition on an outside team permitted only during the summer). There is no limit on the number of soccer student-athletes from the same Division II or III institution. However, in all three divisions, if more than five student-athletes from the same institution participate on a foreign tour, the foreign tour may have to be certified in accordance with the legislation applicable to an institutional foreign tour. Furthermore, as with Division I players, it would be impermissible for Division II or III student-athletes to participate on an outside team during their institution’s intercollegiate season. - The legislative services staff determined that high-school, two-year or four-year college prospects that have been accepted for enrollment in an institution and participate on an outside team with student-athletes from that institution's team is not included in the limitations governing the number of student-athletes with remaining eligibility. Involvement of Coaching Staff - No member of the coaching staff of a member institution may be involved in any capacity (e.g., coach, official, player or league/team administrator) at any time (during the academic year, vacation periods, and summer) with an outside team that involves any student-athlete with eligibility remaining from the institution’s soccer team. Page | 64 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Reimbursement of Player Expenses for Outside Competition USL Amateur teams are permitted to provide actual and necessary expenses or reimbursement to team members for those expenses during the season of league competition only if the expenses: - Are reasonable for the amount for travel, meals, apparel, and/or equipment used by the individual for team pursposes. - Are for practice or competition and not an incentive or based on performance Involvement with Professional Teams Tryout Before Enrollment In soccer, prior to initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual may participate in a tryout with a professional team or league, provided he or she does not receive more than actual and necessary expenses to participate. Tryout After Enrollment. After initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual who has eligibility remaining may try out with a professional athletics team (or participate in a combine including that team) at any time, provided the individual does not miss class. The individual may receive actual and necessary expenses in conjunction with one 48-hour tryout per professional team (or a combine including that team). The 48-hour tryout period shall begin at the time the individual arrives at the tryout location. At the completion of the 48-hour period, the individual must depart the location of the tryout immediately in order to receive return transportation expenses. A tryout may extend beyond 48 hours if the individual self-finances additional expenses, including return transportation. A self-financed tryout may be for any length of time, provided the individual does not miss class. Outside Competition Prohibited During a tryout, an individual may not take part in any outside competition (games or scrimmages) as a representative of a professional team. Practice Without Competition Before Enrollment In soccer, prior to initial fulltime enrollment in a collegiate institution, an individual may participate in practice sessions conducted by a professional team, provided he or she does not receive more than actual and necessary expenses to participate. Practice Without Competition After Enrollment In soccer, after initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual may participate in practice sessions conducted by a professional team, provided the individual does not: - Receive any compensation for participation in the practice sessions. - Enter into any contract or agreement with a professional team or sports organization. - Take part in any outside competition (games or scrimmages) as a representative of a professional team. Competition against Professionals An individual may participate singly or as a member of an amateur team against professional athletes or professional teams. Competition with Professionals An individual shall not be eligible for intercollegiate athletics in a sport if the individual ever competed on a professional team in that sport. However, an individual may participate in competition with a professional on a team provided the professional is not being paid by a professional team or league to play as a member of that team. Page | 65 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Exception – Competition Before Initial Full-Time Collegiate Enrollment In soccer, before initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual may compete on a professional team provided he or she does not receive more than actual and necessary expenses to participate on the team. (Adopted: 4/29/10 effective 8/1/10; applicable to student-athletes who initially enroll full time in a collegiate institution on or after 8/1/10) Professional Coach College players (NCAA Div. I, II, III and NAIA) are permitted to play under a professional coach as long as the professional coach is paid by the amateur team. The NCAA guideline states that a professional coach does not cause the team to be classified. Contracts and Compensation An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has entered into any kind of agreement to compete in professional athletics, either orally or in writing, regardless of the legal enforceability of that agreement. Exception—Before Initial Full-Time Collegiate Enrollment—before initial full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual may enter into an agreement to compete on a professional team provided the agreement does not guarantee or promise payment (at any time) in excess of actual and necessary expenses to participate on the team. Page | 66 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL International Matches An International Match is defined as a game between two teams, both of which are registered with the respective Federations of two (2) different countries. For purposes of U.S. Soccer, a match between two (2) teams, one of which is made up of players from more than one Federation (All-Star team), is also considered an International Match. Note: Games between US and Canadian USL teams have been sanctioned and are not subject to these procedures. Procedures to follow when hosting an international match / tournament - Fill out the appropriate U.S. Soccer application and pay the appropriate fee at least forty-five (45) days prior to the event if a tournament, and twenty-one (21) days prior to the event if a single game. Include information on the venue for the event and proposed ticket prices. - Rules for a tournament (competitions that include three or more teams) must be approved by U.S. Soccer, with the ultimate authority being FIFA. - Post requisite performance bond with U.S. Soccer no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the event. - If there is to be radio or television broadcast from the international event, the sponsoring organization must apply to U.S. Soccer at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of the event for clearance of broadcast rights. - Fill out a U.S. Soccer Game Financial Report form, which includes itemized stadium accounting and the appropriate payment, and forward it to U.S. Soccer within thirty (30) days following the completion of the event. Additional rules, regulations and procedures for organizing international matches are found in the U.S. Soccer Official Administrative Rule Book, which includes a section on the staging of international matches. Please visit U.S. Soccer’s website for additional information: www.ussoccer.com. Procedures necessary when desiring to travel abroad Submit to U.S. Soccer at least ninety (90) days prior to date of departure the following: - Application for Foreign Travel. A copy of the official brochure, pamphlet, invitation or other applicable material of the Tournament or Games host. A copy of the Official Roster that includes all players and team officials, signed and / or stamped by the appropriate registrar. A $25 processing fee and any applicable late fees. The Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act signed compliance. Canadian-based USL teams Provincial Associations, District Associations, Leagues and Clubs wishing to arrange exhibition games in Canada between their own team(s) and teams from another Federation shall request permission in writing from the Secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) at least fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled date of the proposed game. Applications will not be accepted from any other person or organization. The CSA shall have full power and authority to sanction or veto any such games. The following documentation must accompany applications: - Written approval of the CSA or League in Membership with respect to applications from their affiliated league and clubs. Written approval of the Federation of the foreign team(s). A legally binding commitment indemnifying the CSA from any claims arising from the event. A copy of the draft contract with the foreign professional team(s) clearly identifying the organizer’s obligations to the foreign team. Permission may be granted by the CSA for an additional game involving a professional team from another Federation which has received prior approval for a tour in Canada, providing application is made to the Secretary of the CSA at least forty-eight 48 hours before the date of such game. Page | 67 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Reviews, Appeals and Discipline Complaint This is a request for assistance, a rule interpretation, for a rule to be created because facts require it, or a belief that a wrong has been done that requires correction. No complaint can overturn the result of a game, although point forfeiture and other penalties may result from a complaint that has been upheld. All Complaints must: Specifically refer to the League Regulation and Standards or USL policy that is being violated. Please indicate the exact rule number when submitting complaint if applicable. Should a League Regulation or Standard not exist to resolve your complaint, provide a simple statement on the general Multi-Use Complaint Form. Types of RAD USL has four (4) types of RAD. There are no additional types of complaints accepted unless USL permits it. As a USL member, your team management and players agree to utilize this process exclusively for the resolution of all disputes. Each type has its own progressive steps of review and final resolution. Each type and each step have very exacting requirements, both in format and timing. The party that misses or errs in format and/or does not adhere to time schedules loses a complaint, all rights to proceed, and the decision, or in some cases the non-decision. I. Competition A complaint about events that occur on the field during a game, pre-game, or post-game affecting some component or outcome of the game. II. Team Official A complaint between your team management and management and/or players of another team that is not about events on the field or surrounding a game. These complaints are purely business and have no direct impact on a game’s outcome. III. League Official A complaint about the League, League Office, a USL officer, staff member, and/or League Official of some type, including Senior Executives and Executive Committee members acting in their official capacity (not as team owners, but as a League Official). IV. Game Official A complaint about a referee, linesman or related person. RAD Panel USL shall have the authority to convene a three (3) person RAD panel from the pool of team owners and/or executives of disinterested USL teams to hear Type II or Type IV complaints when it deems referral to be in the best interests of the League. Page | 68 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL Filing a Complaint RAD Complaint, Type I (Competition) A complaint about events that occur on the field of play during a game, pre-game or post game, affecting some component or outcome of the game. These complaints have a direct bearing on the game, future game and/or game outcome(s). A complaint may involve: - Players, field, or bench including coaching, statistical, or other person supportive of the game itself - Management, coaches, trainers and related personnel - Fans, spectators or camera-media persons 1. The complaint must be completed in writing, including a required proposed outcome, within two (2) working days of the event. A Friday game requires a complaint by Tuesday at 5:00pm. A Saturday or Sunday game would require a complaint (at the latest) also by Tuesday at 5:00pm. All times are local as to the person required to make the submission. Earliest submission is requested. 2. The complaint must be accompanied by a cashier’s check in the amount of $100.00 USD made out to United Soccer Leagues, LLC to cover administrative cost for the complaint. This must be postmarked within two (2) workdays of the event. 3. The only extension of time will be for an event or events that are not discovered until later, in this case, forty-eight (48) hours from discovery of the time when the event could or should have been discovered by you. This should be a very rare occurrence. An extension can be granted only in writing and only upon a detailed request to USL. 4. The complaint and other available documentation must be faxed, emailed, or express mailed prior to the deadline to USL and the Person/Team complained about. Use the Multi-Use Complaint Form, which can be supplemented as needed by additional sheets. 5. A video (DVD format) of the game must accompany (follow) the written communication, sent overnight to USL. If the complaint is pre- or post-game related and no video exists there is no need to send a video. A video must accompany all other complaints. No complaint will be considered without the available video. 6. The Team complained about will have twenty-four (24) hours to communicate a position, written response, and objections. A copy of the written communication needs to go to the complaining party so they know the response as well as USL. 7. USL will make a decision within seven (7) working days following receipt of the original complaint. Note: This is a fast process. Discipline, if warranted, must be immediate and impact the next game, if possible. 8. Should either party desire a continuance, one may be granted at the sole discretion of USL. Written communication detailing the requested continuance, agreed-upon time frame, and clear reasons why adherence to the regular policy is not possible or not advisable is required. 9. Nothing precludes the parties privately and/or at the direction of USL from mutual attempts at resolution. Teleconferencing may be required, as may be beneficial. 10. If more than one (1) Team entity, player, etc., is involved in the complaint or there are similar complaints, one (1) representative shall be selected to represent the others and proceed on behalf of all of them, final binding and exclusive resolution of any and all complaints, regardless of form. Failure to proceed at any level shall be treated as an acceptance of the written previous decision. Points from league standings may be deducted due to disciplinary action. Page | 69 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL RAD Complaint, Type II (Team Official) A complaint between your team management and another team management and / or players that is not about events upon the field or surrounding a game. These complaints are purely business and have no direct impact on a game’s outcome. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The complaint must be completed in writing, including a required proposed outcome within ten (10) days of the event, faxed not later than 5:00pm on the tenth (10th) day. All times are local as to the person required to make the submission. Earliest submission is requested. The complaint must be accompanied by a cashier’s check in the amount of $100 made out to United Soccer Leagues, LLC to cover administrative cost for the complaint. This must be postmarked within two (2) workdays of the event. The only extension of time will be for an event or events that are not discovered until later, in this case ten (10) days from discovery or the time when the event could or should have been discovered by you. This should be a very rare occurrence. An extension can be granted only in writing and only upon a detailed request to USL. The complaint and other available documentation must be faxed, emailed, or express mailed prior to the deadline to USL and the Person/Team complained about. Use the Multi-Use Complaint Form, which can be supplemented as needed by additional sheets. A video (DVD format) of the game must accompany (follow) the written communication, sent overnight to USL. No complaint will be considered without the best possible video available, if applicable. The video is sent directly to USL. The Team complained about will have seventy-two (72) hours to communicate a position, written response, and objections. A copy needs to go to the complaining party so they know the response as well as USL. USL will either: refer the complaint to a RAD committee who shall render a decision within seven (7) days of consideration of evidence or make a decision within seven (7) working days following receipt of the original complaint. Note: This is a deliberate process. Discipline, if warranted, must be immediate and impact appropriate. If more than one (1) Team entity player, etc. is involved in the complaint or there are similar complaints, one (1) representative shall be selected to represent the others and proceed on behalf of all of them. Page | 70 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL RAD Complaint, Type III (USL/Official) A complaint about the League Office or a USL Official (Note: all complaints regarding actions or inaction on the part of USL officers, employees, staff members and Executive Committee members acting in their official capacity as league officials are to be brought as complaints against the League Office). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The complaint must be completed in writing, including a required proposed outcome within two (2) workdays of the event. A Friday game requires a complaint by Tuesday 5:00pm. A Saturday or Sunday game would require a complaint (at the latest) also by Tuesday at 5:00pm. All times are local as to the person required to make the submission. Earliest submission is requested. The complaint must be accompanied by a cashier’s check in the amount of $100 made out to United Soccer Leagues, LLC to cover administrative cost for the complaint. This must be postmarked within two (2) workdays of the event. The only extension of time will be for an event or events that are not discovered until later, in this case, forty-eight (48) hours from discovery or the time when the event could or should have been discovered by you. This should be a very rare occurrence. An extension can be granted only in writing and only upon a detailed request to USL. The complaint and other available documentation must be sent prior to the deadline to the person complained about as well as USL. Use the Multi-Use Complaint Form, which can be supplemented as needed by additional sheets. The person complained of will have seven (7) days to communicate a position, written response and objections. A copy needs to go to the complaining party so they know the response as well as USL. USL will render a decision within seven (7) working days following receipt of the original complaint. Note: This is a fast process. Discipline, if warranted, must be immediate and impact the next game, if possible. Should either party desire a continuance, one may be granted at the sole discretion of the USL. Written communication detailing the requested continuance, agreed-upon time frame, if possible, and clear reasons why adherence to the regular policy is not possible or not advisable is required. Nothing precludes the parties privately and/or at the direction of USL from mutual attempts at resolution. Teleconferencing may be required. If the complaint has not been satisfactorily settled via the USL decision, the complainant and/or Respondent has up to a maximum of seven (7) days to request a final determination by a USL Arbitration panel chosen from a list of disinterested USL owners and general managers within the particular league of the complaint agreed upon by the parties. A request for arbitration shall be accompanied by a cashier’s check in the amount of $200 made out to United Soccer Leagues, LLC. Page | 71 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute 2014 W-LEAGUE OPERATIONS MANUAL RAD Complaint, Type IV (Game Official) A complaint about a referee, linesman, or related person. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The complaint must be completed in writing, including a required proposed outcome within two (2) workdays of the event. A Friday game requires a complaint by Tuesday 5:00pm. A Saturday or Sunday game would require a complaint (at the latest) also by Tuesday at 5:00pm. All times are local as to the person required to make the submission. Earliest submission is requested. The complaint must be accompanied by a cashier’s check in the amount of $100 made out to United Soccer Leagues, LLC to cover administrative cost for the complaint. This must be postmarked within two (2) workdays of the event. The only extension of time will be for an event or events that are not discovered until later, in this case, forty-eight (48) hours from discovery or the time when the event could or should have been discovered by you. This should be a very rare occurrence. An extension can be granted only in writing and only upon a detailed request to USL. The complaint and other available documentation must be sent prior to the deadline to USL and the Person complained about. Use the Multi-Use Complaint Form, which can be supplemented as needed by additional sheets. A video (DVD format) of the game must accompany (follow) the written communication, sent overnight to the USL. A video must accompany all complaints. No complaint will be considered without the best possible video available. USL will either refer the complaint to a RAD committee who shall render a decision within seven (7) days of consideration of evidence or make a decision within seven (7) working days following receipt of the original complaint. Note: This is a fast process. Discipline, if warranted, must be immediate and impact the next game, if possible. Should either party desire a continuance, one may be granted at the sole discretion of the League. Written communication detailing the requested continuance, agreed-upon time frame, if possible, and clear reasons why adherence to the regular policy is not possible or not advisable is required. Nothing precludes the parties privately and/or at the direction of USL from mutual attempts at resolution. Teleconferencing may be required. Page | 72 © 2014 United Soccer Leagues, LLC, All rights reserved. Confidential: do not copy or redistribute
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