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Policy
Manual
(revised 7/20/2014)
LSA POLICY MANUAL
Policy 201-1
100% Registration Rule
In order to protect the membership of LSA and the assets of its membership, the following
policy is adopted:
1. Only clubs that register 100% of their soccer players and teams with LSA will be
afforded full rights and coverages of the association including but not limited to:
a. Primary General Liability on all club-sanctioned events, such as practices,
games, camps and tournaments. Covered persons include: all officers,
directors, coaches, employees, official team members, referees, teams,
leagues and volunteers while acting on behalf of the LSA.
b. Accident Medical Expense Policy for all registered team members, coaches,
managers, referees, officials and volunteers of the teams of the
association/club. Covered activities include: scheduled games, team practices
or sponsored activities that are under the direct supervision of a team official;
or sanctioned local or national tournaments. Pay per claim for injuries on
excess basis after the insured has been reimbursed for medical expenses by
other insurance programs and after $500 deductible has been satisfied.
c. Director and Officer Liability coverage for all members of club’s Board of
Directors and office staff.
d. Coaching education at low membership rates for all club affiliated coaches
and volunteers. Access to clinics and further education by State DOC and
State Staff.
e. Risk management (KidSafe Program) by LSA for all officers, directors,
coaches, employees, and club volunteers.
f.
Participation in all LSA sanctioned events.
g. Voting privileges based on 100% registration.
2. Clubs who split registration between USSF affiliates will be provided with restricted
liability coverage:
a. Primary General Liability for all LSA sanctioned events, such as practices,
games, camps and tournaments involving LSA registered teams only. Covered
persons include: LSA registered coaches and official team members while
acting on behalf of LSA.
b. Accident Medical Expense Policy for all registered team members and coaches
of the team registered with the LSA. Covered activities include: scheduled
games, team practices or sponsored activities that are under the direct
supervision of a team official; or sanctioned local or national tournaments.
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Pays per claim for injuries on excess basis after the insured has been
reimbursed for medical expenses by other insurance programs and after $500
deductible has been satisfied.
c. Coaching education at low membership rates for only LSA team affiliated
coaches.
d. Risk management (KidSafe Program) by LSA for only LSA registered coaches.
e. Participation in all LSA sanctioned events for only LSA affiliated teams.
f.
Voting privileges based on LSA registration
If a club fails to prove 100% registration with LSA and another US Soccer affiliate including
failure to respond to the annual questionnaire within 30 days LSA will have the right to:
1. Declare the club not in good standing and the club would lose participation rights and
privileges; and
2. Suspend voting privileges.
These rights would be restored when proof of registration with LSA and another US Soccer
affiliate is provided.
Policy 202-1
Conflicts of Interest Statement
The officers, employees and representatives of the Louisiana Soccer Association are expected to
avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety. On an annual basis, each officer,
employee or appointed representative shall file with the LSA Executive Director a signed copy of
the following Conflicts of Interest Policy.
LOUISIANA SOCCER ASSOCIATION CONFLICTS OF INTEREST STATEMENT
For Officers, Directors, Staff Members, and certain Consultants:
No member of the Board of Directors shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or
indirectly, by reason of his or her participation with the Louisiana Soccer Association.
Each individual shall disclose to the organization any personal interest which he or she may
have in any matter pending before the organization and shall refrain from participation in any
decision on such matter. The Secretary shall record in the minutes of the Board Meeting the
potential conflict of interest, and the use of the procedures and criteria of this policy.
Any member of the Board or Staff who is an officer, board member, a committee member, or
staff member of a client organization or vendor of the Louisiana Soccer Association shall identify
his or her affiliation with such agency or agencies; further, in connection with any committee or
board action specifically directed to that agency, s/he shall not participate in the decision
affecting that agency and the decision must be made and/or ratified by the full board.
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Any member of the Board, Staff, and certain Consultants shall refrain from obtaining any list of
clients for personal or private solicitation purposes at any time during the term of their
affiliation.
At this time, I am a board member, committee member, or an employee of the following
organizations:
Now this is to certify that I, except as described below, am not now nor at any time during the
past year have been:
1) A participant, directly or indirectly, in any arrangement, agreement, investment, or other
activity with any vendor, supplier, or other party doing business with the Louisiana
Soccer Association which has resulted or could result in personal benefit to me.
2) A recipient, directly or indirectly, of any salary payments or loans or gifts of any kind or
any free service or discounts or other fees from or on behalf of any person or
organization engaged in any transaction with the Louisiana Soccer Association.
Any exceptions to 1 or 2 above are stated below with a full description of the transactions and
of the interest, whether direct or indirect, which I have (or have had during the past year) in
the persons or organizations having transactions with the Louisiana Soccer Association.
Signature:________________________________
Date: ___________________
Printed:__________________________________
(Copy of this form can be downloaded from LSA Website.)
Policy 202-2
Employee Protection (Whistleblower) Policy
If any employee reasonably believes that some policy, practice, or activity of The Louisiana
Soccer Association (“LSA”) is in violation of law, a written complaint must be filed by that
employee with the Board President or Vice President - Youth.
It is the intent of LSA to adhere to all laws and regulations that apply to the organization and
the underlying purpose of this policy is to support the organization’s goal of legal compliance.
The support of all employees is necessary to achieving compliance with various laws and
regulations. An employee is protected from retaliation only if the employee brings the alleged
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unlawful activity, policy, or practice to the attention of LSA and provides the LSA with a
reasonable opportunity to investigate and correct the alleged unlawful activity. The protection
described below is only available to employees that comply with this requirement.
LSA will not retaliate against an employee who in good faith, has made a protest or raised a
complaint against some practice of LSA, or of another individual or entity with whom LSA has a
business relationship, on the basis of a reasonable belief that the practice is in violation of law,
or a clear mandate of public policy.
LSA will not retaliate against employees who disclose or threaten to disclose to a supervisor or a
public body, any activity, policy, or practice of LSA that the employee reasonably believes is in
violation of a law, or a rule, or regulation mandated pursuant to law or is in violation of a clear
mandate of public policy concerning the health, safety, welfare, or protection of the
environment.
My signature below indicates my receipt and understanding of this policy. I also verify that I
have been provided with an opportunity to ask questions about the policy.
___________________________________
Employee Signature
Policy 202-3
_____________
Date
Document Retention/Destruction
A. OVERVIEW
This policy specifies how important documents (hardcopy, online or other media) should be
retained, protected and eligible for destruction. The policy also ensures that documents are
promptly provided to authorities in the course of legal investigations or lawsuits.
B. DOCUMENT RETENTION SCHEDULE
The following types of documents will be retained for the following periods of time. At least
one copy of each document will be retained according to the following schedule.
1. Corporate Records
Article of Incorporation to apply for
corporate status
IRS Form 1023 (in the USA) to file for taxexempt and/or charitable status
Letter of Determination (for example, from
the IRS in the USA) granting tax-exempt
and/or charitable status
By Laws
Board policies
Resolutions
Board meeting minutes
Sales tax exemption documents
Tax or employee identification number
designation
Annual corporate filings
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
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2. Financial Records
Chart of Accounts
Fiscal Policies and Procedures
Audits
Financial statements
General Ledger
Check registers/books
Business expenses documents
Bank deposit slips
Cancelled checks
Invoices
Investment records (deposits, earnings,
withdrawals)
Property/asset inventories
Petty cash receipts/documents
Credit card receipts
3. Tax Records
Annual tax filing for the organization (IRS
Form 990 in the USA)
Payroll registers
Filings of fees paid to professionals (IRS
Form 1099 in the USA)
Payroll tax withholdings
Earnings records
Payroll tax returns
W-2 statements
4. Personnel Records
Employee offer letters
Confirmation of employment letters
Benefits descriptions per employee
Pension records
Employee applications and resumes
Promotions, demotions, letter of reprimand,
termination
Job descriptions, performance goals
Workers’ Compensation records
Salary ranges per job description
I-9 Forms
Time reports
5. Insurance Records
Property Insurance policy
Directors and Officers Insurance policy
Workers’ Compensation Insurance policy
General Liability Insurance policy
Insurance claims applications
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
3 years
3 years
Permanent
Permanent
7 years
7
7
7
7
years
years
years
years
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
7 years after termination
7 years after termination
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5
5
5
3
years after termination
years
years
years after termination
years after termination
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
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Insurance dispersements / denials
Permanent
6. Contracts
All insurance contracts
Employee contracts
Construction contracts
Legal correspondence
Loan / mortgage contracts
Leases / deeds
Vendor contracts
Warranties
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
7 years
7 years
7. Donations / Funder Records
Grant dispersal contract
Donor lists
Grant applications
Donor acknowledgements
Permanent
7 years
7 years
7 years
8. Management Plans and Procedures
Strategic Plans
Staffing, programs, marketing, finance,
fundraising and evaluation plans
Vendor contacts
Disaster Recovery Plan
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
C. DOCUMENT PROTECTION
Documents (hardcopy, online or other media) will be stored in a protected environment for
the duration of the Document Retention Schedule. Computer backup media will be included.
D. DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION
Hardcopy of documents will be destroyed by shredding after they have been retained until
the end of the Document Retention Schedule. Online copies will be destroyed by deletion or
other proven means to destroy such media after they have been retained until the end of
the Document Retention Schedule.
E. PROVISION OF DOCUMENTATION FOR INVESTIGATIONS OR LITIGATION
Documents requested and subpoenaed by legally authorized personnel will be provided
within 5 business days. The LSA President and Executive Director will authorize provision.
No documents will be concealed, altered or destroyed with the intent to obstruct the
investigation or litigation.
Policy 202-4
Availability of Registration and Personal Information
A. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
Louisiana Soccer Association’s electronic communications systems are to be used only for
business purposes. The organization has the right of access to all electronic communications
and all information on organization’s provided computers. No individual should have any
expectation of privacy with regard to messages sent or received. Electronic communications
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should only be used for appropriate business purposes and not for personal business, making
harassing or threatening statements, transmitting offensive messages, chain e-mails, posting
to Internet message boards or expressing personal opinions on non-business related matters.
1. The term “electronic communications” includes each of LSA’s electronic communications
systems, including, without limitation, telephone, electronic mail, and the Internet.
2. “Protected information” collectively refers to proprietary financial information,
confidential information, organizational charts, or similar unpublished materials.
Any individual who violates this policy or uses the electronic communications systems for
improper purposes shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of
employment, and possibly, other legal remedies.
B. AVAILABILITY OF REGISTRATION AND PERSONAL INFORMATION
Player and team registration information have multi-level access requirements. Access is
always available to the team, the club and the state association. Ownership of the registration
always remains with the club.
With this in mind, it is within the domain of the club as to who other than the team from within
the club may have access to registration information.
At the state level there must be specific safeguards to protect the interest of the players, youth
and their families in particular and well as the clubs and coaches in terms of control of
registration information. These interests revolve around issues of risk management, privacy,
and club domain. In addition, the same issues and concerns of privacy shall also be accorded
Louisiana Soccer staff and volunteer leaders.
The following methods of control for the dispersal of information are the Louisiana Soccer
policy:
1. STAFF ACCESS
a. State administrative staff shall have access to this information for the normal
registration process in order to meet national requirements.
b. The state administrative staff shall have access in order to provide certain aspects of
this information for the day-to-day operations in relation to mailings and similar such
activities.
c. Otherwise staff will not provide information to anyone unless it meets one of the
criteria below and is in writing from the appropriate authority.
2. BOARD ACCESS
a. The Youth Vice President and Adult Vice President shall have full access to all
registration information.
b. Access should also be granted to the President for purposes of investigation of
issues that requires specific player or coach information.
c. Access should also be granted to the Youth Commissioners (youth programs only)
and Adult Commissioners (adult programs only) in order for them to review
compliance with registration and similar procedures, but only for information from
within their own program and division.
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d. Information desired by a director outside of his own program or division should only
be allowed by authorization of the appropriate program director and the approval
should always be in writing.
C.
EMAIL MARKETING
1. Single-use email address marketing rental is available on a more limited basis for
LSA programs or related soccer events, sponsorship requirements and
colleges/universities to reach our membership with communications, promotions and
college camp advertisements. Club camps, clinics, and try-outs are not available for
email marketing.
2. The cost is $250.00 per email marketing promotion for colleges/universities. For
other entities, the purchase of just email addresses will cost $.10 per email address.
Once an order is placed and processed there will be no refunds and full amount due
if the emailing piece is cancelled.
3. All LSA members with a sanctioned club tournament will receive one free email
marketing promotion per tournament as part of their sanction fee benefits.
Tournament email marketing will include only adult coaches, managers and
volunteers. It will be the club’s responsibility to complete an email marketing
application with a desired promotion date. Members may purchase one additional
emailing promotion at $500.00 or as part of an advertising package.
4. All requests will be processed through LSA’s approved email provider to insure the
confidentiality of member information. No email information will be provided directly
to a requesting outside source.
5. Email marketing list rentals are requested by completing an application form with the
required demographic needs and confidentiality statement. An example of the
emailing piece and payment is required to process the request.
6. To ensure the quality of advertising, the Louisiana Soccer Association retains the
right to preview and approve or deny any emailing request to ensure appropriate
content for our audience.
D.
MAILING LISTS
1. Single-use mailing list rental is available for members, sponsors, colleges and
soccer-related businesses to reach the membership with communications,
tournament promotions and appropriate product advertisements.
2. To ensure the quality of advertising, the Louisiana Soccer Association retains the
right to preview and approve or deny any mailing to ensure appropriate content.
3. All requests will be processed through an approved bonded mailing to insure the
confidentiality of member information.
4. Mailing list rentals are requested by completing an application form with the
required demographic needs and confidentiality statement. An example of the
mailing piece and payment is required to process the request. Once approved, the
mailing information will be sent directly to a bonded mailing house. LSA can
recommend a bonded mail house if one has not already been selected.
5. The cost is $.10 per address with a minimum order of $500.00. LSA members are
not required to meet the minimum order of $500.00 and will only be charged by the
quantity amount requested. Once an order is placed and addresses sent to a
bonded mailing house there will be no refunds and full amount due if the mailing is
cancelled.
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Policy 202-8
Rules Committee
1. All amendments to the Bylaws proposed for consideration at a meeting of the State,
Youth or Adult councils shall be submitted to the Rules Committee at least 60 days prior
to the called meeting. The Rules Committee shall prepare their report and
recommendations prior to 30 days before the called meeting for distribution as required
by the Bylaws.
2. All applications for membership will be submitted to the Rules Committee upon receipt.
The Rules Committee shall prepare their report and recommendations prior to the
granting of provisional status by the Executive Committee.
3. All amendments to Policies and procedures proposed to the Executive Committee shall
be submitted to the Rules Committee and the Executive Director at least 14 days prior
to the meeting at which their adoption is proposed. The Executive Director shall
immediately notify the presidents of member clubs of the proposed change. The Rules
Committee shall prepare their report and recommendations prior to convening of the
Executive Committee meeting. The Executive Director will report any response from
member clubs to the Rules Committee and the Executive Committee.
Policy 203
Bank Accounts
All LSA Bank accounts in the LSA’s Name will have the following allowable signatures: the LSA
President, the LSA Vice President of Youth, the Treasurer and the Executive Director.
Policy 204
Club Affiliation
LSA will affiliate as a club any properly constituted local soccer group if all requirements
of affiliation are met. Membership in LSA, and its affiliate members, shall be open to all
soccer players, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators, and officials not subject to
suspension under USSF Bylaw 241, Section 4, and to any amateur soccer organization in
LSA’s territory. LSA does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race,
color, religion, age, sex, or national origin.
204.1 A prospective club must submit a completed affiliation packet to the LSA office
not later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of a scheduled meeting of the
LSA State Council.
204.1.1
The complete packet will consist of:
204.1.1.1
Completed affiliation application form.
204.1.1.2
First year affiliation fee of $50 and application fee of $75.
Fee is refunded if applicant is not accepted.
204.1.1.3
Proof of registration with the state of Louisiana as a
business. Registration as a non-profit corporation is
strongly preferred.
204.1.1.4
Documentation indicating the formation of a governing
body (Board of Directors) to uphold the LSA Bylaws and
rules of this organization. The Governing Body should
consist of but is not limited to a President, a VicePresident, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. A complete list of
the officers and certified referee assignor with addresses,
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204.2
204.3
204.4
204.5
phone numbers, and e-mail addresses must be submitted
to the LSA Office with the application for affiliation and
each year thereafter by September 1. One person does not
constitute a governing body.
204.1.1.5
Documentation indicating the formation of a constitution
or Bylaws of the organization which are within the
guidelines set by LSA and USSF. These governing rules will
include organization structure, membership, funding and
playing guidelines. These are to be sent to the LSA Office
with the affiliation application and changes to these rules
each year thereafter by September 1.
204.1.1.6
Provide location of fields to be used, contractual
agreement with field owner(s) or written proof of field
availability through at least the current seasonal year and
general description of area to be serviced by the club.
There must be at least two (2) full-size fields for practice
or game use. Exemptions to the minimum number of fields
may be requested in writing and must be submitted with
affiliate application.
204.1.1.7
Proof of contact with the State Referee Committee
Chairman indicating Louisiana referees’ capability to serve
the new club. It must also indicate applicant’s intentions
for holding referee clinics in their area. All clubs must have
a certified referee assignor.
204.1.1.8
Proof of contact with the state Director of Coaching (DOC)
indicating intent to hold coaching clinics in the area if the
organization will operate a youth program.
LSA will verify that the application is complete and all necessary supporting
documentation is present. For any affiliation application not completed by thirty
(30) days prior to the date of a scheduled LSA State Council meeting, all
documentation and/or fees will be returned to the applicant or held by the LSA
office for re-filing at a later date.
LSA will notify all current affiliates in good standing, by means deemed
appropriate, of the application and request that any objections to the application
be submitted no later than seven (7) days prior to the next scheduled meeting of
the LSA State Council.
Any new affiliate that will sponsor a youth program must coordinate with the
local referee association or the State Referee Committee to hold an entry level
(Grade 8) referee course within their first 12 (twelve) months of affiliation and
must submit in writing to LSA the date and the place of the course after the
completion of the course.
204.4.1
If a course is already scheduled in the area by the referee
association, the new affiliate must advertise and promote the
course through its website/contact lists and provide proof of
support to LSA.
204.4.2
Failure to do this may result in non-renewal of the club’s
affiliation.
A new affiliate, once approved by the LSA State Council, is immediately afforded
all rights of membership in LSA.
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204.6 Once approved for membership, the affiliate must register with LSA a minimum
number of seventy (70) new players who have not been previously registered
with an affiliated LSA club in the current or previous seasonal year no later than
60 days after approval if the new affiliate sponsors a youth program. A new
affiliate that does not register at least seventy (70) new players as described
above must re-apply for membership at the State Council meeting during the
next AGM.
204.7 Once approved, new affiliates must operate at the youth level a recreational
program only for the first two years if the new affiliate sponsors a youth
program.
204.7.1
Beginning with the third year of affiliation, clubs may operate
recreational and competitive programs and be eligible for all LSAsanctioned and sponsored activities.
204.7.2
If the State Council approves by a 2/3 vote, an exemption
may be granted to this requirement.
204.8 Groups or organizations that are interested in affiliating with LSA prior to a
regularly scheduled meeting of the State Council may be granted provisional
status by a vote of the Executive Committee.
204.8.1
Provisional status may not be granted by the LSA Executive
Committee at the January or July board meetings due to their
proximity to State Council meetings.
204.8.2
While on provisional status, a group or organization may register
players for the purpose of conducting a soccer program and
fielding teams.
204.8.3
A group or organization on provisional status has no voting rights
in LSA, is subject to all the rules and regulations of LSA and
cannot participate in state tournaments or travel out of state
without LSA approval.
204.8.4
A group or organization that is granted provisional status has a
maximum of two (2) state council meetings from the date that it
was granted provisional status to obtain regular membership in
LSA through a vote of the State Council.
204.8.5
If the group or organization fails to obtain that membership
status, it must reapply for membership and cannot be granted
provisional status a second time.
204.9 MEMBERSHIP
204.9.1 Members are defined as:
204.9.1.1
Club membership – an organization, club, or association in
good standing and recognized by the LSA State Council as
having met all requirements of affiliation.
204.9.1.1.1 LSA does not recognize individual teams or players
as members.
204.9.1.1.2 LSA does not recognize a club that has a singleperson Board of Directors.
204.9.1.2
Associate membership - Any municipal organization
operating a youth or adult soccer program as a park and
recreation department, as part of either a city or parish
government operation; any organization that operates
youth programs for multiple sports under the same
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banner; any organization sponsoring indoor soccer
programs and/or competitions; or any organization that
operates as a part of a national non-profit organization,
such as the YMCA, devoted to youth development is
eligible for admission as an “associate member.”
204.9.1.2.1 Associate members are entitled to a number of
benefits that full LSA members also receive.
Associate members may not participate in LCSL,
state recreational cup, or state competitive cups.
204.9.1.2.2 Associate members are entitled to register players
who are also registered as players with full
members. In the event of a conflict, the full
member association obligation is expected to take
precedence in every situation.
204.9.1.2.3 Associate members are entitled to representation at
meetings of the state council, youth council, or
adult council but are not entitled to a vote without
full membership.
204.10 MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING
204.10.1
In order to be in “good standing” with LSA, members must:
204.10.1.1
Register 100% of all players, coaches, administrators and
volunteers who will have direct interface with its players
each seasonal year with LSA or a USSF affiliate.
204.10.1.2
Pay all necessary fees, fines, and dues to LSA in a timely
manner when invoiced.
204.10.1.3
Agree to comply with all LSA Bylaws, rules, and policies as
may currently be in effect or may be instituted in the
future as well as the Bylaws, rules, and policies of other
organizations with which LSA may be affiliated now or in
the future.
204.10.1.4
Agree that the rules and policies of LSA take precedence
over the rules and procedures of affiliates when there is a
conflict or in the absence of such rules or policies.
204.10.1.5
Insure that any form of suspension, penalty or fine
(whether it is club, state, regional or national in origin)
ruled upon a member player coach, club officer, team,
club, association or organization is honored completely to
the full extent of the suspension, penalty, or fine and that
fines are paid in a timely manner and in full.
204.10.1.6
Inspect all fields to be used by the member club
practices or games each seasonal year prior to practices or
games on any fields.
204.10.1.7
Submit a current copy of its Bylaws and policies to LSA to
insure compliance with the USSF, US Youth Soccer and
LSA Bylaws and policies.
204.10.1.7.1 LSA has the right to require an affiliate to make
appropriate corrections or changes to Bylaws or
policies in a seasonal year. Failure to comply with
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such a request may result in loss of good standing
if determined by a 2/3 vote of the LSA Executive
Committee.
204.11 MEMBERS NOT IN GOOD STANDING
204.11 Failure to enforce all rules of LSA, US Youth Soccer or USSF may result in
the club, association or organization being declared “not in good
standing” by a 2/3 vote of the LSA Executive Committee.
204.12 Should a club fail to meet the requirements, fail to adhere to all rules of
LSA,US Youth Soccer or USSF, or fail to pay all monies due LSA or any
LSA program or be declared not in good standing, the LSA Executive
Committee is empowered to cancel affiliation, place the club on notice to
conform and/or place the club in question before the State Council for a
ruling.
Policy 206
Fees
Policy 206-1
Youth Fees
REGISTRATION
Youth Club/League Affiliation Fee
Player Registration Fee – Recreational Player
Player Registration Fee – Competitive Player
Player Registration Fee (Summer of Current year, After State Cups)
Player Registration Fee – Associate Member
Player Registration Fee – Special Programs Player
$50.00
$10.00
$30.00
$8.00
$5.50*
$5.00+
*To qualify for this rate, the group must meet existing LSA requirements to be an associate
member AND must carry Excess Accident Insurance with a medical limit of at least $25,000.
Those who do not meet this requirement will pay the $10 recreational/academy player rate.
+To qualify for this rate, which is a 50% reduction on the LSA recreational/academy player
rate, the player must not be participating on a competitive team and must be classified as
either a Soccer Across America player or a TOPSoccer player AND must also have received a
minimum of a 50% reduction in player registration fees from the member club/association.
Interscholastic League Fee
Player transfer fee
International Player Clearance
Interstate player release
Guest Player
TEAM ENTRY FEES
Louisiana Competitive Soccer League (LCSL) fee
US Youth Soccer LSA Competitive State Cup entry fee
Louisiana Recreational State Cup entry fee
$25 per season
$15.00
No LSA fee
$5.00
No LSA fee
$80.00
$600
$325
APPLICATION TO HOST U.S. TEAMS IN TOURNAMENT/GAMES
LSA FEES:
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Application to Host Tournament
180-90 days prior to event
89-60 days prior to event
30-59 days prior
less than 30 days prior
APPLICATION TO HOST FOREIGN TEAMS
LSA Foreign team application fee
Hosting Foreign team(s) in a tournament
USYS application fee:
less the 150, more than 90 days prior
less than 90, more than 60 days prior
less than 60, more than 30 days prior
less than 30 days prior to event
USSF application fee:
60 or more days in advance
less than 60 days in advance
Hosting Foreign team(s) in Friendly Games
USYS application fee:
less than 60, more than 30 days prior
less than 30 days prior
USSF application fee:
60 or more days in advance
less than 60 days in advance
(The above plus applicable LSA fees)
No fee
$25.00
$50.00
$100.00
$25.00
$25.00
$50.00
$75.00
$100.00
$50.00
$100.00
$25.00
$50.00
$50.00
$100.00
YOUTH TRAVEL TO TOURNAMENT/GAMES
Notice of Travel – within the U.S.
No LSA fee
Notice of Travel must be received in the LSA office prior to the first day of travel.
(See Policy 308 TRAVEL PROCEDURES)
Application for Foreign Travel
LSA – fees as stated above apply
USSF- 90 days prior to travel
90-60 days prior
60-30 days prior
less than 30 days
Policy 206-2
$25.00
$50.00
$75.00
$125.00
Adult Fees
REGISTRATION
Adult Club/League Affiliation Fee
1st Team LSA Player Registration Fee
1st Team LSA Liability Only Player Registration Fee
1st Team LSA Indoor Only Player Registration Fee
$50.00 ($25.00 if
club/league also has
youth affiliation)
$25.00
$15.00
$13.00
14
2nd Team LSA Player Registration Fee
2nd Team LSA Liability Only Player Registration Fee
2nd Team LSA Indoor Only Player Registration Fee
Player Transfer Fee
Temporary Player Pass
Under-23 State Select Team Fee
TEAM ENTRY FEES
LSA Adult State Cup entry fee
National Cup Fees
$8.00
$5.00
$4.00
$3.50
$10.00
TBD
TBD
As Required
APPLICATIONS TO HOST N. AMERICAN TEAMS
Applications to Host Tournament
120-90 days prior to event
89-30 days prior to event
less than 30 days prior
No fee
$25.00
$50.00
APPLICATIONS TO HOST FOREIGN TEAMS
Hosting foreign teams in a tournament/games
LSA Fees
$100.00
USASA foreign team tournament fees
180 days or more in advance
90-150 days prior
60-89 days prior
30-59 days prior
29 days or less in advance
No fee
$25.00
$50.00
$75.00
$100.00
USASA foreign team game fees
120-60 days prior
30-59 days prior
29 days or less
No fee
$25.00
$50.00
NOT IN GOOD STANDING FEES:
Upon receiving the initial communications regarding overdue Registration Fees (unpaid 60 days
from the date of the invoice payment terms), the delinquent Club will have five (5) business
days to pay all fees before they will be placed into NOT IN GOOD STANDING status at the
discretion of the LSA Executive Director.
Once a Club is placed into the NOT IN GOOD STANDING status, the following additional fees
will be charged, and must be paid together will all outstanding fees prior to a club being
released from NOT IN GOOD STANDING status.
The fees are as follows:1st occurrence during a seasonal year - $50.00
2nd occurrence during a seasonal year - $100.00
3rd and subsequent occurrences during a seasonal year - $200.00
15
All player, coach & registered volunteer insurance is suspended until the club is reinstated into
Good Standing. While Clubs are placed Not in Good Standing, its member teams and players
cannot participate in any LSA-sanctioned activities (including but not limited to practices, State
Select Program activities, state league matches, state tournaments or sanctioned invitational
tournaments).
Players with an outstanding balance from the previous seasonal year for participation in
ODP/State Select will receive notification at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the
new seasonal year detailing the outstanding fees owed and explaining the penalties associated
with the delinquent balance.
Any player who has an outstanding balance from the previous seasonal year for participation in
ODP/State Select programs may not participate in the current seasonal year’s ODP/State Select
programs until the outstanding balance is paid in full.
Policy 206-3
Referee Fees
GAME FEES
Age Group
Duration
U9/U10 (6v6)
50
U9/U10 (8v8)
50
U11
60
U12
60
U13
70
U14
70
U15
80
U16
80
U17
90
U18
90
U19
90
Shoot Outs*
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
LSA State Tournament Rate & LCSL Rate
CR
AR
4th
Stand by
25
15
N/A
N/A
30
20
20
10
30
20
20
10
30
20
20
10
35
25
25
12
35
25
25
12
40
30
30
15
40
30
30
15
50
40
40
20
50
40
40
20
50
40
40
20
30
20
20
* Only for Shootouts that occur outside of a game situation (Such as for team advancement in
Tournament) where additional referees are needed to be called in to conduct the shootout.
Bonus Pay (State Cup Only)
Grade 7 Referee
$ 3.00 per Game
Grade 5 & 6 Referee
$ 5.00 per Game
ASSIGNMENT FEES
$4 per game (when assigned by the club’s local assignor)
$90/per day of State Cup as on-site assignor
Policy 208 Expense Reimbursement
A. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES
16
Reimbursement of expenses incurred in the scope of LSA business can be made following the
procedures below and with prior approval.
1. All eligible expenses for officers are accepted as legitimate; however, if charging the
travel/expenses to a program not under your authority, approval must be received from
the officer in charge of that program. Consult the Treasurer or the approved budget.
2. All eligible expenses of a committee person, State Select Team coaches, or persons
other than officers must have advance approval from the LSA Officer in charge of the
program being charged and reimbursement forms must be signed by that officer. Each
LSA Officer is responsible for the expenses being charged to the programs they handle.
3. Director of Coaching and State Coaching Staff must have advance approval from the
Vice President-Youth, Vice President-Adults or the LSA President. Expense
reimbursement forms must be signed by the officer giving advanced approval.
4. The LSA Executive Director or other paid employees must have advance approval from
the Treasurer or the LSA President. Expense reimbursement forms must be signed by
the officer giving advance approval.
5. All expense reimbursement forms must be approved by the appropriate program person
and then submitted to the LSA Office. Reimbursement will then be made within thirty
(30) days. Expenses submitted to the LSA Office ninety (90) days after they are incurred
will not be paid. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT FORMS ARE NOT TO BE MAILED DIRECTLY
TO THE TREASURER.
6. BE CONSERVATIVE! Do not send more people than necessary or authorize unnecessary
items. Expenses shall be actual, reasonable, and proper that are necessary in the
conduct of approved LSA business.
7. LSA does not pay for alcoholic beverages! LSA does not reimburse for personal
expenses, such as traffic citations, cost of clothing, personal medical expenses, valet,
entertainment, loss of personal property, personal grooming, or other personal
expenses.
8. Be specific when coding expense account forms. If you are requesting reimbursement
for more than one type of coding (i.e. boys State Select Team, girls State Select Team,
youth tournament, etc.) it might be best to use a separate expense form for each
program.
B. ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
1. TRAVEL: Price per mile to be set using IRS guidelines for non-profit organizations for
travel over 35 miles to be adjusted annually beginning each LSA fiscal year. Group travel
by persons living in the same area should be considered whenever possible. The amount
reimbursed for travel by private automobile will not exceed the amount of reasonable air
transportation. Air travel value will be based on 21 days prior to travel using the lowest
air fares and from the major airport closest to your home. If it is necessary to fly from a
different city due to the availability of flights, LSA will pay mileage to and from the
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airport. Parking will be paid only if necessary. Officers flying from the city of their
residence will not be reimbursed for mileage to and from the airport. AIR TRAVEL MUST
BE BOOKED TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OR MORE IN ADVANCE AND NO ONE-WAY
TICKETS TO DESTINATION OR ONE-WAY TICKET RETURNING FROM DESTINATION
ARE PERMITTED. One-way tickets might be purchased if party has another way home at
no expense to LSA. LSA will not reimburse for changes made after ticket is booked or
purchased except in extreme emergencies. If transportation is provided, no mileage will
be reimbursed. Local mileage is not reimbursable except when circumstances dictate
excessive travel is required.
2. Under our current Business Auto policy, LSA has Hired Auto Liability in the amount of
$1,000,000. LSA does NOT have Hired Auto Physical Damage (comprehensive and
collision). LSA Hired Auto Liability coverage extends only to official trips on behalf of LSA
and not to personal use of vehicles. This coverage does NOT extend to the
transportation of soccer players. When you are authorized to enter into a rental
agreement, you should sign the contract as "John Doe on behalf of Louisiana Soccer
Association" as this will help to clarify that the rental is for business purposes. Liability
coverage should be rejected since LSA already has Hired Auto Liability in the amount of
$1,000,000. However, the LSA officials should purchase the Collision Damage Waiver to
protect against damage to the vehicle itself. LSA policy does not cover collision damage
and the only endorsement we can obtain will not have as broad a coverage as the rental
company. LSA does not cover transporting players in owned or rented vehicles.
Authorization for a rental car should be obtained in advance of travel.
3. LODGING: For actual expenses. Find lodging that is reasonable. Receipts are required.
No expenses paid for Pay-TV channels, movies, or games. Internet access charges will
not be allowed unless pre-approved. No expenses paid on items from a personal bar in
the hotel room but this could be counted in meal allowance expense except for alcohol.
Tips will be paid at reasonable costs, maximum of $4.00 check-in and $4.00 check-out.
4. MEALS: When overnight travel is required, reimbursement for meals will be limited to
actual expenses up to $40.00 per day maximum- itemized receipts for all meals are
required. If the event attended has certain meals included such as luncheons, banquets,
etc. attendance is expected at these events, thus cutting down on the cost of meals.
Certain events may have different limitations. NO MEALS WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR
ONE-DAY TRAVEL. LSA DOES NOT PAY FOR THE MEALS OF GUESTS UNLESS
APPROVED BY LSA PRESIDENT. Tips will be counted in the per day allowance.
5. REGISTRATION FEES: LSA will pay all required registration fees for officers attending
approved functions. Late fees will not be paid unless the error in submitting such items
in a timely manner lies with LSA or if the late fees are approved by the Executive
Committee and/or the Program Committee. LSA does not pay registration fee for family
or guests.
Exceptions to any of the above can be made by the appropriate officer if necessary. Exceptions
should be documented. Certain events may supersede reimbursement amounts and expenses.
Policy 208-1
Expense Reimbursement - Mileage
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TRAVEL
Travel over 35 miles one-way
Policy 208-2
$0.50/mile
State Youth Select Program Finances
A.
The State Youth Select Program is operated as a self-funded entity within the
organization with $5,000.00 per fiscal year from the general operating funds of
the organization, which amount is dedicated to program scholarships on a need
basis.
B.
Fees to participate in the program shall be set annually in an amount to cover all
program expenses. The LSA Director of Coaching shall prepare an annual budget
for the upcoming fiscal year prior to June 1st. The budget is subject to approval
by the LSA Executive Board and shall become an overall part of the LSA Budget
presented to the membership.
C.
Any excess funds generated from year to year by State Youth Select Program
fees shall remain within the program. The LSA Director of Coaching may budget
these funds first to erase past years’ deficits, if any, and then for special projects
or other non-recurring expenses. In order to have an amount certain, the
amount budgeted shall be the excess funds from the previously completed fiscal
year.
Policy 208-3
Referee Program Finances
A.
The Referee Program is operated as a self-funded entity within the organization.
B.
Income is generated by state fees from referee registrations. The Referee
Committee shall prepare an annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year prior to
June 1st. The budget is subject to review and approval by the LSA Executive
Board for conformance with US Soccer policy and sound fiscal practices. It shall
become an overall part of the LSA Budget presented to the membership.
C.
Any excess funds generated from year to year by referee registration shall
remain within the program and carried forward to the following year’s budget.
The Referee Committee may budget these funds first to erase past year’s
deficits, if any, and then for special projects or other non-recurring expenses. In
order to have an amount certain, the amount budgeted shall be the excess funds
from the previously completed fiscal year. (Example: the amount used to prepare
the 2007-2008 budget shall be the Referee account balance at the close of 20052006 fiscal year.)
Policy 210
Hosting International Games
The USSF has very specific rules and regulations governing foreign team play and should we fail
to properly follow their procedures to host international games we could lose our affiliation, be
fined, etc. Notification of the request to host an international team must be submitted one
19
hundred eighty (180) days prior to the event and there is a $100 hosting fee for adult teams
and a $25 hosting fee for youth teams payable to LSA by the league or team wanting to host.
Referees are also chosen by the Chairman, LSA State Referee Committee, not by the local
leagues. In some cases, the strict FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME rules will apply such as
substitution. DO NOT HOST A FOREIGN TEAM WITHOUT RECEIVING THE PROPER APPROVAL.
Policy 211
Misconduct, Fights, Other Match Disturbances
Actions by persons affiliated directly or indirectly with this Association including but not limited
to players, club officials, club officials, state officials, referees, coaches, fans of a particular club,
managers, trainers, sponsors, administrators, etc. which cause disturbances at affiliated
activities including but not limited to games, tournaments, camps, clinics, conventions,
meetings, etc., shall be automatically suspended for a period of one (1) year, minimum.
“Actions of person” is herein defined to be such things as, but not limited to, starting or
participating in fights; threatening, assaulting (except for referee assaults), harassing, insulting,
invading the field of play; carrying, brandishing, or using weapons of any sort; persistent use of
foul and abusive language, and the like.
Actions by persons not directly or indirectly affiliated with this Association (fans not associated
with a particular club, spectators, and members of the general public) which cause disturbances
shall be reason for referees, club and/or state officials to investigate on the spot and identify
and report to security or local police departments the person or persons causing the
disturbance. A written report within 48 hours of said disturbance shall be forwarded to the LSA
State Office which shall contact the appropriate LSA Affiliated Club.
Referees and club officials are hereby instructed to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Abandon matches at which disturbances of the type described above occur
regardless of whether or not the perpetrators are affiliated with this Association;
Investigate and identify the person(s) involved as far as possible under the given
circumstances;
Call in security or local police if necessary;
Send a written report to the LSA State Office within 48 hours.
The one (1) year minimum suspension cited above shall be from all soccer activities, shall not
be reduced by any affiliated club rules governing similar actions, and shall be increased as
necessary by the appropriate LSA Division if, upon review of the written report, the appropriate
division deems it necessary to do so.
NOTE: It shall be the policy of this Association that any fan of a particular club who causes a
disturbance such as those referenced above shall be given a term of suspension (one year,
minimum) during which time a second disturbance caused by him/her shall be grounds for
automatic (without further investigation) disbanding and dissolution of the particular club.
Policy 212
A.
PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT A HEARING OR APPEAL
PURPOSE
20
B.
1.
Requires all hearings and appeals will be conducted per USSF Bylaw 701 and
Policy 701-1 as minimum requirements which nothing herein shall supersede.
2.
To provide guidelines and requirements for LSA and its clubs and club members,
to file a complaint or grievance and how and who may convene
Hearings/Disciplinary Committees or Protest/Appeals Committees to review club
or LSA Constitutional By-laws or Policy violations and further, to assure that such
hearings are convened under fair and equitable circumstances for all parties
involved.
3.
The requirement for Clubs to have written procedures for resolving internal
disputes or violations of their individual club or club by-laws or rules and
regulations to include established lines of protest/appeal for individuals who may
wish to appeal a club ruling or imposition of a disciplinary action.
4.
Individuals and their associated Clubs shall be called before a Disciplinary
Committee and Hearing Boards for specific By Law or Policy violations or for
conduct detrimental to the aims and objectives of LSA or its affiliated members.
Requirement for a fair and impartial hearing in a timely manner.
5.
Establish the line of authority for LSA protests/appeals is provided for in the LSA
Constitution and these by-laws. All avenues of appeal must be exhausted at all
levels below the Executive Board before LSA will consider hearing an appeal.
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEES / APPEAL COMMITTEES Responsibilities:
1.
Three (3) to five (5) members to include a chairman, none of whom have a
direct tie to parties in dispute, or where a direct conflict of interest is readily
apparent or could be reasonably claimed.
2.
One vote per member with the Chairman voting only in a tie.
3.
Members of the LSA Executive Committee may serve as the LSA Appeals/Hearing
Committee(s) (per the LSA constitution) depending on the level of the offense.
4.
Members should be thoroughly knowledgeable of club/club and LSA rules and
regulations, policies and procedures, findings of previously convened boards
having heard similar cases, Laws of the Game, etc.
5.
Chairperson should be an individual who can fully accept responsibility for
carrying out ALL details of conducting a hearing/appeal with special emphasis on
the pre-hearing and post-hearing details. No member of the LSA Board may
serve as the Chairperson for the Disciplinary or Appeals Committee.
6.
No member of the LSA Executive Committee shall serve on any appeal of
Disciplinary Committee below the state level. Once a person serves as a
member of a Disciplinary Committee on any matter, that person shall not be
eligible to serve on the Appeal Committee considering the same matter.
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C.
HEARING PROCEDURES
1.
PRE-HEARING
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
2.
Any person, committee or club against whom a grievance is filed is
entitled to a hearing. All grievances must state the full names of the
complainants and must include with specificity a complete statement of
the acts which constitute the grievance including the relief sought.
The grievance should be addressed the Club President or LSA Executive
Director and should be hand delivered or sent by mail or email.
The President of the Club or the Executive Director of LSA shall promptly
review the grievance and determine if it holds merit. If so, the President
of the Club or LSA shall convene a Hearing Board.
Hearing Board (Disciplinary Committee) must be called by the convening
authority it represents: i.e. Club or LSA. For LSA, it is the Board of
Directors/Executive Committee (per the LSA Constitution/By-Laws or
Policies). Once the convening authority has made this call, there shall be
no discussions on the matter between the Disciplinary Committee
members or LSA Board members involved in any level of decision making
except to provide explanation of procedures.
Chairperson of the Hearing Board to be convened must notify, in writing
and e-mail, all parties directly involved, advising the individual(s) of the
specific grievance filed, or protest/complaint submitted, the sponsor of
the complaint (individual or association), along with the proposed
date/place/time for the scheduled hearing, their rights per USSF 701 and
the possible consequences if the charges are found to be true. All
documents sent by the complainant will be sent to the accused individual
and club president.
Hearings will take place within two weeks after notice given, and are
scheduled at a readily accessible location, and at a time/date mutually
convenient to all interested parties. A reasonable time must be given for
the accused party to prepare a defense. The accused party may request
up to 1 additional week and must confirm the acceptance of the proposed
date, time and place within 1 week of the notice in writing or by e-mail.
The Chairperson shall request a list of potential witness from both
party(s) that they may bring with them who have direct knowledge of
facts pertinent to the subject matter under review and provide to the
other party. Furthermore, the parties have the right to confront and
question the witnesses concerning these facts.
Each party shall have the right to have an individual present at the
hearing to assist the party in presenting the party’s case. Such individual
may, but not required, to be an attorney and shall have the right to be
present in the hearing room next to the person they are assisting.
The Chairperson may request a more detailed report of the grievance or
game incidents described in a normal Referee Report Form/Misconduct
Report Form, unless the Referee/person reporting is personally appearing
at the hearing.
HEARING
22
Hearings shall be tape recorded by the Hearing Board ONLY. If the decision of
the Disciplinary Committee is appealed, a transcribed copy of the taped hearing
shall be made available, upon request, to the Appeal Committee and to the
parties within 72 hrs of the notice. The Chairman of the Hearing Board shall
verify the accuracy of the transcribed copy.
a.
Format of Hearing
1)
2)
3)
4)
b.
Principal Parties, Witnesses
1)
2)
c.
All concerned parties should understand that hearings of protest
and appeals, disciplinary actions imposed, etc., are not legal
proceedings and that LSA merely provides a procedure for
resolving internal disputes or imposing discipline for violations of
its Constitution, By-laws, and Policies.
The individual(s) filing the grievance will present their oral and
written evidence and arguments to the Disciplinary Committee
first. If witnesses are called to corroborate facts, the accused has
the right to question the witnesses. Ample time shall be allowed
for questions and answers from the hearing committee.
The individual(s) named in the grievance, should then present
their responses to these issues and, ample time for questions and
answers from the hearing committee.
The Hearing Board will limit the hearing discussion to only those
matters specifically identified in the grievance.
If testimony is given by a minor, it is required that he/she be
accompanied by a parent.
Following testimony and completion of questions and answers by
the Hearing Board, the witness or party may be excused and
required to leave the hearing site.
Deliberation and Hearing Board Report
1)
The Hearing Board will deliberate and arrive at a decision of guilt
or innocence and render the appropriate sanction.
2)
The Hearing Board will compile the following report to be sent to
all parties within 14 days of the hearing:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Names of Chairperson.
Date/Place/Time hearing was conducted.
Names of principal parties and witnesses.
Detailed nature of charges.
Decision reached and sanction given (majority decision).
Rationale for decision (specific rules violation, violation of
constitution, by-laws, policies and precedent form previous
decisions made, etc.).
23
(g)
3)
4)
3.
The right to appeal and to whom the appeal should be
made to.
Disciplinary sanctions should be reasonable within the concept of
the “punishment fits the crime”. Excessive disciplinary actions can
be expected to result in continuing appeals.
Hearing Board members should receive copies of above report to
verify accuracy.
POST HEARING
The Hearing Board Chairman will see that all parties (person filing charge and
accused), the Club President and LSA are notified within fourteen (14) days of
the outcome and any disciplinary decision taken. This notification shall be
conveyed via mail and e-mail.
D.
a.
Such notification shall also include the procedure and appropriate line of
appeal within the LSA organizational structure and/or higher, if
applicable, should either party(s) wish to appeal further.
b.
Written notifications should be sent Registered Certified Mail/Return
Receipt Requested.
c.
LSA Executive Director shall post on the LSA website the outline of the
grievance and the Committee decisions.
APPEAL PROCEDURES TO LSA
1.
APPEAL PARTY OBLIGATIONS
a.
The appeal must be in writing and describe in detail the grounds for the
appeal. The notice of appeal shall be completed and signed by the
appealing party. It shall be sent by Registered Certified Mail, Return
Receipt Requested or by e-mail to the Convening Authority to hear the
appeal. This must be done within ten (10) days of receipt of the adverse
ruling of the hearing board. The postmark date must be within the time
for filing an appeal. Only the Appeal Committee Chairman can extend the
time needed to submit the appeal. The appeal and all appeal
documentation shall include an original and four (4) copies including:
1)
2)
3)
A list of all documents placed in evidence at the original
hearing/appeal level below the State level. The list will state
which documents are in the hands of the appealing party and
what documents are in the hands of the opposing party.
Copies of all documents in the hands of the appealing party
(evidence not listed in the notice of appeal may not be submitted
without the advance permission of the Appeal Chairman).
Arguments supporting the appealing party’s position on each of
the issues.
24
2.
3.
b.
The appeal will be sent to the LSA Office with the applicable fee of
$200.00 in the form of a money order, certified check, or cashier’s check
made payable to LSA. If the appeal is upheld, the fee will be returned.
c.
A copy of the appeal with all documents shall be sent to the other party
in the controversy by the appealing party.
d.
Parties filing an appeal shall have access to all pertinent information
regarding their appeal. Affiliated soccer organizations shall not deny
access to any information that could apply to the appeal.
HEARING BOARD OF THE APPELLANT:
a.
Within seven (7) days after receipt of the notice of appeal, the hearing
board of the appellant shall send the LSA Appeal Committee and the
appealing party copies of the documents stated in the notice of appeal to
be in the opposing party’s hand or an explanation of their absence.
b.
At the same time, arguments of the issues shall be sent to the LSA
Appeal Committee and the appealing party.
c.
A transcript of the hearing, this shall also be sent to the LSA Appeal
Committee.
LSA APPEAL Committee AUTHORITY
a.
The Appeal Committee will either meet to discuss the appeal or
accomplish this by telephone. A full hearing with parties involved need
not be held unless it is felt that it would benefit the appeal board
members.
b.
The LSA Appeals Committee shall have the right to decline a hearing if:
1)
2)
3)
4)
The appeal does not pertain to the original protest or the
decisions of the lower appeal/hearing authority;
The appeal is filed by party other than the original party to the
protest/appeal;
The proper procedures have not been followed in appeal to LSA;
or
The information necessary to make a fair and just decision on the
appeal has not been furnished.
c. Only the issues of the hearing can be addressed including proper hearing
procedure and prior precedents. No new evidence can be introduced that
does not pertain to the appeal issues.
d.
A decision must be reached within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice
of appeal. If a decision is not reached within ten (10) days, the party
25
filing the appeal may submit the appeal to the next higher level without
determination and the appeal fee submitted will be applied at the next
level.
e.
LSA relinquishes its appeal authority on protests or appeals related to
State Tournament Competitions involving individuals/teams that would
advance in those competitions to the competition committee(s) of those
competitions to hear the protest or appeal and render a decision. Their
decision is final. If is the responsibility of these competition committee(s)
to establish the line of authority for appeals and publish it in the rules of
the competition.
f. In the case of decisions rendered on protests or appeals related to State
Tournament Competitions where individuals/teams would not advance in
those competitions, normal appeal procedures apply.
g.
Policy 213
A written notice to the appealing party and the hearing board of the
appellant will be sent by Registered Certified Mail, Return Receipt
Requested detailing the outcome of the appeal and the procedures for
further appeal.
Procedures to Conduct a Hearing or Appeal, Disciplinary
Action Committees / Hearings / Protest / Appeal
Committees
D & A Committees hearing matters involving a referee cannot have a majority membership of
current registered referees.
POLICY 214 ASSAULTS
The USSF gives jurisdiction of hearing referee assaults to the responsible State Association
which is directly affiliated with the USSF and in which association is vested the highest appellate
jurisdiction in which the offense shall occur. Any referee assault case is referred to the
Discipline and Appeals Committee that is defined in the LSA Bylaws.
Assault Hearings are conducted in compliance with US Soccer Federation Policy 531-9 and 53110, and Bylaw 701.
POLICY 215 REVIEW REQUIREMENTS FOR SUSPENDED MEMBER
215.1 Any LSA suspended member who requests a suspension review and
reinstatement must comply with these requirements:
215.1.1 Length of Time Served and Bond
215.1.1.1 Five (5) years or less suspension – a minimum of one year must be
served before the suspended member may ask for a suspension
review and reinstatement. The suspended member must post a
$100.00 bond (certified or cashier’s check only, made payable to
LSA).
215.1.1.2 More than five (5) years suspension – a minimum of two years must
be served before the suspended member may ask for a suspension
review and reinstatement. The suspended member must post a
26
$200.00 bond (certified of cashier’s check only, made payable to
LSA).
215.1.2 A letter from a current or past club or State officer requesting a suspension
review and reinstatement for the suspended member, listing club affiliation
and title.
215.1.3 A letter from one other LSA member requesting a suspension review and
reinstatement for the suspended member, listing club affiliation.
215.1.4 A letter from the suspended member requesting a suspension review and
reinstatement. The suspended member should state which club he was
affiliated with at the time of suspension, the date of the suspension and the
sentence imposed, and which club or sponsoring officer and other LSA
member are submitting letters requesting a suspension review and
reinstatement for the suspended member. The suspended member should
print clearly his full name, address and telephone number.
215.1.5
All letters should be submitted in English.
215.1.6
All requirements for a suspension review and reinstatement must be
submitted to the LSA Office by June 1 of that seasonal year. The LSA
Executive Committee will review suspensions prior to the AGM of each
seasonal year.
215.2 Upon receipt of the requirements by a suspended member for a suspension review
and reinstatement, notification will be sent to LSA Executive Committee members,
the clubs involved, and the suspended member.
Policy 301-1
Louisiana Academy Program (LAP)
The Louisiana Academy Program (LAP) seeks to improve individual player development,
satisfaction, and retention, and to build a less pressured youth soccer environment for coaches,
adult spectators, and match officials. Specific program guidelines for each seasonal year are
posted on the LSA website.
A. LOUISIANA ACADEMY PROGRAM (LAP) DESCRIPTION
1. The LAP will be offered for the true U9 - U10 player age groups (U8 players may
participate at the U9 age group if approved by the Club Academy Director).
2. In addition to these LAP rules, the rules and policies of LSA and USYSA are applicable.
3. Associations must apply to implement and participate in the Louisiana Academy Program
based on the rules herein.
4. A) A LAP Committee would be created for the governance of the LAP. The LAP
Committee will accept associations to participate in the program upon determining
compliance with these rules. The committee may recommend the application of
sanctions if an association fails to meet the criteria listed in these guidelines or
intentionally violates them.
B) The LAP Committee would be comprised of the LSA VP for Youth, the LSA Executive
Director, the LSA Director of Coaching and members selected by LSA Executive Board.
B. CLUBS/ASSOCIATIONS
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1. Clubs/associations will be accepted for participation in the LAP for a period of two (2)
seasonal years. They must participate for the full year (fall and spring seasons).
Associations must re-apply for acceptance every two (2) seasonal years.
2. Each club/association must appoint an LAP Club Academy Director for the
club/association who holds a National Youth License. Each LAP Club Academy Director
will have a period of two (2) years to obtain the National Youth License. The LAP Club
Academy Director will serve as the liaison between the local academy and the LAP
Committee. The LAP Club Academy Director must be in charge of all aspects of the
Program, including, but not limited to, the establishment of training priorities, player
admittance policy, coaching and administrative staff, selection and scheduling. He/she is
subject to the jurisdiction of the club/association’s board of directors. Director must also
successfully complete the LSA Risk Management process.
3. LSA will coordinate “LAP Liaisons” who are certified with the National Youth License and
will provide assistance to those associations needing help in curriculum planning and
development etc. There will be three (3) “LAP Liaisons” covering District 1
(Central/North Louisiana), District 2 (Southwest Louisiana) and District 3 (Southeast
Louisiana) to provide assistance.
4. Staff working with LAP must hold the Youth I & II Module qualification designed for
working with the true U6-U12 players. They will have a period of one (1) year to obtain
the Youth I & II Module qualification. Staff must also successfully complete the LSA Risk
Management process.
5. Clubs/associations must administer an LAP Parent Education Program in accordance with
the LAP philosophy established by the LAP Committee.
6. Each club/association must have an established yearly curriculum for its LAP that must
be submitted to the LSA Director of Coaching by a date set by LSA. Help in creating an
LAP curriculum will be provided by LSA Director of coaching, the local “LAP Liaison,” and
the LAP Committee.
7. Each club/association will be required to have a representative (or representatives)
attend two seasonal scheduling meetings: one for the fall season and one for the spring
season.
C. PLAYERS
1. Players must be registered with the LSA.
2. Clubs/associations may have a LAP, a Competitive Program and a Recreational Program,
but a player registered in LAP may not participate/register in Competitive or Recreational
soccer. The player must choose to participate in only one of the available player
options.
3. All players within an association’s LAP will be registered directly to the Academy pool
with their association and will not be assigned to a specific team.
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4. Only a true U9 and/or U10 player by current USYSA guidelines is eligible to participate in
the LAP.
5. Players are registered to a club Academy pass.
6. Players may be assigned to teams on a game-to-game basis.
7. Players may participate in Non-Academy (outside) tournaments.
8. Players in match attendance are required to play a minimum of one half of each match
and preferably more.
9. Each player will receive a minimum of two written evaluations per year from their
club/association’s LAP that is approved by the LAP Club Academy Director; one in the
second half of the fall season and one in the second half of the spring season.
POLICY 302 PLAYER / TEAM REGISTRATION
302.1 Clubs must register players with LSA at least once per seasonal year.
302.1.1
If the club has multiple registration periods, only the new players,
not returning players, should be registered with LSA for the new
registration period.
302.1.2
Clubs should insure that there are no currently suspended persons
being registered.
302.2 All LSA affiliates must register every soccer player, coach, or team that is
administered by the organization through LSA or another USSF affiliate.
302.3 Once a player is entered into the LSA online registration program clubs shall
have sixty (60) days to place players on teams or pools as defined by your level
of play and submit payment of the player’s registration fee to the LSA Office for
the player to receive insurance coverage.
302.4 If the registration process of assigning a player to a team is not completed within
sixty (60) days and associated fees are not submitted within thirty (30) days of
invoice, insurance coverage will not commence until the registration and
associated fees are submitted and a player is not eligible to participate in any
activities.
302.5 PLAYER RESIDENCY
302.5.1
A youth player must register each seasonal year with LSA if he or
she resides in Louisiana with his or her parent or guardian; or, for
a student in residence at a boarding school, college, or university,
the player may register with LSA if the boarding school, college,
university, or division of the college or university is located in
Louisiana.
302.5.2
Any other questions of residency may be determined by the State
Association, such as LSA if applicable, in which the player is
registered to vote or holds a current driver’s license.
302.5.3
Any youth player who legally resides in Louisiana who wishes to
play on a team that is a member of a state association other than
LSA must receive written permission from (1) LSA, where the
player resides; and (2) the state association of the team on which
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the player wishes to play. Permission must be obtained each
seasonal year.
302.6 REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
302.6.1
The club must have each player’s parent/guardian complete and
sign a registration form that provides basic player data, including
birthdate, and the approved waiver language.
302.6.2
Once the form is signed the player is bound to that club for the
seasonal year.
302.6.3
Registration forms are not to be sent to the LSA Office. The club
or parent must enter all of the registration information into LSA’s
online registration program.
302.6.4
The LSA per-player fees must be sent to LSA within 30 days of
invoice. These fees cover player insurance costs, in addition to
affiliation fees.
302.6.5
Before participating in any LSA activity, coaches and team
managers must register and successfully complete the Risk
Management process including completion of a disclosure form.
302.6.6
Any registered adult who may work with players in a coaching
capacity must have a laminated properly prepared pass with his or
her photo and signature as issued by LSA. Electronic player
passes available through GotSoccer are also permissible.
302.6.7
Registered adults are permitted to participate in LSA-sanctioned
events or games as coaches or assistant coaches for their club.
302.6.8
Any club that intentionally submits false or inaccurate information
to affect a player or coach will be subject to disciplinary actions.
302.6.9
After the registered players are organized onto teams, clubs must
submit the team electronically to LSA for approval.
302.6.9.1 Teams should not be submitted to LSA without being
assigned a coach who has successfully completed risk
management.
302.6.9.2 Rosters are not frozen at this time because new players
may be added as needed.
302.6.9.3 Rosters must indicate Recreational or Competitive team.
302.6.9.4 Roster size limits (if applicable) are detailed in Policy 302.10.
302.7 SOCCER ACROSS AMERICA
302.7.1
A “Soccer Across America” player is a player who has been
identified as “at-risk.” “At-risk” means a child who falls under one
of the following categories: low-income (meets standards for
federal free or reduced-lunch program), raised by grandparents or
foster parents, or from neighborhoods with a high rate of crime,
gangs, or drugs.
302.7.2
For a Soccer Across America program endorsed by a member
club/association to be registered, an Application for Participation
in Soccer Across America, approved and signed by the member
club/association President or Executive Director and club program
director must be submitted annually to LSA. A completed Soccer
Across America program history report must be filed with the
state office at the conclusion of each playing season, with a
minimum of one (1) to be filed each LSA seasonal year.
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302.7.3
Registrations for Soccer Across America players and coaches must
include correctly prepared and transmitted information for all
registered players and coaches. A reconciliation report showing
registrations charged per player must accompany the information.
302.7.4
There is no minimum or maximum roster size established by LSA
for teams in this program. Transfer forms are not required when
a player moves from one Soccer Across America team to another
during a seasonal year.
302.8 The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPSoccer)
302.8.1
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a communitybased training and team placement program for young athletes
with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association/club
volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of
learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental
or physical disability.
302.8.2
For a “TOPSoccer” program endorsed/sponsored by a member
club/association to be registered, an Application for Participation
in TOPSoccer, approved and signed by the member
club/association president or Executive Director and club program
director must be submitted annually to the state office. A
completed TOPSoccer program history report must be filed with
the state office at the conclusion of each playing season, with a
minimum of one (1) to be filed each LSA seasonal year.
302.8.3
Registrations for TOPSoccer players and coaches must include
correctly prepared and transmitted information for all registered
players and coaches. A reconciliation report showing registrations
charged per player must accompany the information.
302.8.4
There is no minimum or maximum roster size established by LSA
for teams in this program. Transfer forms are not required when a
player moves from one TOPSoccer team to another during a
seasonal year.
302.9 LEVELS OF PLAY
302.9.1
RECREATIONAL
302.9.1.1 The club shall accept as participants any and all eligible
applicants (subject to reasonable terms of registration).
302.9.1.2 Assigning players to recreational team rosters on the basis
of talent by the use of tryouts, invitations, recruiting or any
like process is prohibited.
302.9.1.3 All teams registering in age groups U-10 and younger must
play at the Recreational level.
302.9.1.4 LSA strongly recommends that all players on a recreational
team be guaranteed at least 50% playing time in each match.
302.9.2
COMPETITIVE
302.9.2.1 Teams may be formed by tryouts or other method of
selection.
302.9.2.1.1 Member clubs must be affiliated with LSA at
the start of the Tryout Period in order to form
Competitive teams for the following seasonal year.
Provisional status does not qualify a member club
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as being affiliated.
302.9.2.1.2 Competitive team tryouts for the following seasonal
year shall be conducted by member clubs after the
conclusion of the State Cup Tournaments in that
age bracket during the established Tryout Period.
Results from these evaluations/tryouts will be used
to form Competitive teams.
302.9.2.1.3
At the conclusion of the Tryout Period, an
established “Dead Period” will ensue.
Teams may not conduct tryouts or directly
solicit players
during the Dead Period. During the Dead Period, a
club representative, including but not limited to a
coach, may respond directly to questions posed by
a parent/guardian or player who participated
in the tryouts.
302.9.2.1.4 Invitations for team membership may
be extended to players no earlier than the
Invitation Date. The invitations must be sent by
one or more of the following methods:
302.9.2.1.4.1 USPS mail to players
postmarked no earlier than
the established Invitation
Date for the given age
group.
302.9.2.1.4.2 Posted as a roster on a
website but no earlier than
the established Invitation
Date for the given age
group.
302.9.2.1.4.3 Email notification no earlier
than the established
Invitation date for the given
age group.
302.9.2.1.5 The dates of each age bracket Tryout
Period, Dead Period, and Invitation Date
for the following soccer year will be
established and announced by LSA at
the State Association Midyear Meeting.
The dates will be established
using the following parameters:
302.9.2.1.5.1 U11-U13 Teams
302.9.2.1.5.1.1
The Tryout Period shall
commence the Monday after
the conclusion of U11 and
U12 State Tournament
Championship Weekend.
The Tryout Period
shall end 25 days later.
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302.9.2.1.5.1.2
302.10
The Dead Period shall
commence the 4th Friday
after the Tryout Period
starts. The Dead Period shall
end at 12:01 a.m. on the
Thursday following the
invitation date.
302.9.2.1.5.1.3
The Invitation Date shall be
the first Tuesday after the
Dead Period starts.
302.9.2.1.5.2 U14-U19 Teams
302.9.2.1.5.2.1
The Tryout Period shall
commence the Monday after
the conclusion of U17-U19
State Tournament
Championship Weekend.
The Tryout Period shall
end the Thursday prior to the
commencement of USYS
Regionals.
302.9.2.1.5.2.2
The Dead Period shall
commence the day after the
Tryout Period ends. The
Dead Period shall end at
12:01 a.m. on the second
calendar day following the
invitation date.
302.9.2.1.5.2.3
The Invitation Date shall be
the day after USYS Regionals
ends.
302.9.2.1.6 Players shall accept in writing, by email, or by
online registration to only one team.
302.9.2.1.7 Players who are not placed/selected by
this procedure may contact any team
with openings after the Dead Period.
302.9.2.1.8 Teams may conduct additional tryouts
after the Dead Period.
302.9.2.2
Teams may participate in a league sanctioned and
approved by LSA.
302.9.2.3
No player younger than the age of nine may
participate on a Competitive team.
ROSTERS
302.10.2 LSA roster limits are as follows:
302.10.2.1 Under 4, Under 5 and Under 6 have a minimum
roster size of four (4) players with no maximum
roster size.
302.10.2.2 Under 7 and Under 8 have a minimum roster size
of five (5) players with no maximum roster size.
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302.10.2.3
Under 9 through Under 19 recreational teams have
a minimum roster size of seven (7) players with no
maximum roster size.
302.10.2.4 Under 11 and Under 12 competitive teams have a
minimum roster size of seven (7) players with a
maximum roster size of eighteen (18).
302.10.2.5 Under 13 through Under 19 competitive teams
have a minimum roster size of seven (7) players
with a maximum roster size of twenty-two (22).
302.10.2.6 There are no exceptions to the maximum roster
size.
302.10.3 All youth rosters will be set as of the “Roster Freeze Date” for
each defined competition. After that date no player may be
added to any roster of teams eligible for state competitions
until after those competitions are completed.
302.10.4 Only rosters and player passes generated from the LSA online
program are acceptable.
302.10.4.1 Teams participating as LSA-affiliated teams in LSAsanctioned invitational tournaments shall only use
LSA- generated team rosters and player passes.
Clubs hosting invitational tournaments are required
to enforce this rule.
303
DUAL REGISTRATION
303.1 A youth player may be on the roster of one and only one team and/or registered
to one and only one club during the seasonal year with the exception of the
following circumstances:
303.1.1
Permission has been granted to be a guest player on a team
303.1.2
The competition the team is participating in allows the use of the
club pass. The competition rules will govern how a player from
within the club may be rostered on another team within their club
in addition to the team they are initially rostered
303.1.3
A transfer has been approved by LSA.
303.2 This does not apply to:
303.2.1
Youth players who participate in a soccer program with an LSA
associate member
303.2.2
Youth players who participate in an interscholastic league with
LSA member club/association.
303.2.3
Youth players who play on an adult team(s) and a youth team
303.2.4
Youth players participating in a summer league sponsored by an
LSA member club/association;
303.2.5
Players selected to the State Select Team
303.2.6
Players participating with an affiliated indoor soccer club.
303.3 INTERSCHOLASTIC (SCHOOL-BASED) TEAMS
303.3.1
LSA-affiliated clubs/associations may sponsor school-based
(interscholastic) leagues in addition to the recreational, and
competitive teams already included in the potential offerings.
303.3.2
An interscholastic team is not eligible for competition in
recreational or competitive state cup.
34
303.3.3
303.3.4
303.3.5
303.3.6
303.3.7
303.3.8
Its roster may be comprised of all-male, all-female, or co-ed
players.
Players may be registered with an LSA-affiliated club/association
for recreational or competitive teams in addition to their
interscholastic team.
At the high school level, it is important to understand the most
current Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA)
requirements and rules regarding players, coaches, and working
together during the season outside of the high school season.
There is no minimum or maximum roster size established by LSA
for teams in this program.
Players who are not currently members of an LSA-affiliated
club/association must join the sponsoring member
club/association at a rate specified by the club/association. The
LSA-affiliated club/association must pay LSA the per-player
registration fee as listed in Policy 206 for these players.
LSA-affiliated clubs/associations that sponsor an interscholastic
league must also pay a league affiliation fee as listed in Policy
206.
303.4 SUMMER PLAY
303.4.1
LSA affiliated clubs/associations may operate summer playing
leagues that may be comprised of players who have registered
with any LSA affiliated club/association during the current
seasonal year who have completed their playing season and/or
whose age group has completed its State Cup/Presidents Cup for
the seasonal year.
303.4.2
Transfers are not required for summer play.
303.4.3
Any player not registered with LSA in the current seasonal year
may register under the special summer registration rate as set
forth in Policy 206-1.
303.5 Players who participate as a recreational player in single-season (for example,
fall only) playing clubs/associations that are LSA-affiliates may register with
another LSA-affiliated club/association for a subsequent playing season within
the same seasonal year.
Policy 304 Age Groups
304.1 For all state and national Competitions, these age groups are mandatory.
Local clubs or in-house groups only for play within that club or group may vary
age groups. Teams with varied age groups would be required to play at the
highest age level represented if playing outside of the club.
304.2 Age groups shall be comprised of youth players who are, before the first day of
August of the immediately prior seasonal year:
304.2.1
under 19 years of age
304.2.2
under 18 years of age
304.2.3
under 17 years of age
304.2.4
under 16 years of age
304.2.5
under 15 years of age
304.2.6
under 14 years of age
35
304.3
304.4
304.5
304.6
304.7
304.2.7
under 13 years of age
304.2.8
under 12 years of age
304.2.9
under 11 years of age
304.2.10
under 10 years of age
304.2.11
under 9 years of age
304.2.12
under 8 years of age
304.2.13
under 7 years of age
304.2.14
under 6 years of age
304.2.15
under 5 years of age
304.2.16
under 4 years of age
A player must be at least three years of age at the time of registration.
Playing down in age is prohibited at all competitive levels of play.
304.4.1
All clubs shall require proof of birth at registration and maintain a
copy of this proof in their files for competitive players. It is the
responsibility of the club to be accurate when registering players
within their proper age groups. Any club or team that has falsely
registered a player shall be subject to reprimand and incur
possible fine as a part of the reprimand.
304.4.2
Proof of age shall consist of a birth certificate, or birth registration
issued by an appropriate government agency; passport; alien
registration card issued by the United States Government; a
certificate issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service
attesting to age; or a Certification of an American Citizen born
abroad issued by the appropriate government agency. Hospital,
baptismal or religious certificates are not acceptable.
Recreational players may play down in age at the discretion of the local
club/association in order to remain with players of the same grade level, but are
prohibited from doing so at any competition outside of the local club/association
including any LSA or invitational tournaments. In the interest of all parties, under
no circumstances should a player be permitted to play down more than three
age groups below true age.
Playing up in age is not recommended but has been allowed to accommodate
special requests.
U19 players who are in the 12th grade will be allowed to be rostered on a U18
team for the purposes of in-state competition, including LCSL play and
appropriate invitational in-state tournaments.
304.7.1
Each team is allowed a maximum of three (3) U19 players per
U18 team.
304.7.2
The team with the U19 player(s) may be able to participate in U18
invitational tournaments at the discretion of the out-of-state
invitational tournament, but may be required by the tournament
to play in a U19 division or participate in the tournament without
the U19 player at the tournament’s discretion.
304.7.3
The U19 player is ineligible for U18 State Cup play.
304.7.4
A U18 team with a rostered true U-19 player is ineligible to
participate in the Region III Premier League and National League.
304.7.5
The Louisiana Soccer Association Twelfth Grade Certificate/Waiver
must be completed and submitted to the LSA Office in order for
the player(s) to be eligible for competition.
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304.8 Under 4 players should be placed in a pool of players and not on teams.
Policy 305-1
Guest and Club Pass Players
A. LSA GUEST AND CLUB PASS PLAYER POLICY
1. Inter-Club (not within the same club)
a. Guest players are allowed for friendly games and invitational tournaments when
allowed by tournament rules. Guest players are not allowed for LCSL games or State
Tournaments.
b. Under no condition can a player on a competitive team participate as a guest player
on a recreational team unless that team is playing in an open or competitive
tournament.
c. Players 8 years old and younger cannot become guest player on older teams.
d. Guest player release forms must be completed, signed by all appropriate parties,
attached to the team roster, received and approved by LSA no later than the close of
business on the day preceding the event in which the player will guest play. Guest
Player forms may be faxed to the LSA office.
e. During the period of time covered by the guest player release form, a guest player
may play only for the team on which he/she has been approved as a guest. The
guest player cannot play for his/her registered team during this period.
f.
Guest playing prevents a player from transferring to the host team during the
current soccer season unless the player was registered with a club outside of
Louisiana.
a. Failure to abide by these established LSA guest player policy and procedures may
result in the offending coach’s suspension.
2. Intra-Club (within the same club)
a. A team may use an unlimited number of players from other teams within the same
club, subject only to the applicable rules of competition (including state competitions
and LCSL).
b. No approval or authorization by LSA is required, unless the rules of competition
require it.
c. There is no limit on the number of times a player may participate as a club pass
player for teams within the player’s own club, subject only to the applicable rules of
competition.
d. Playing as a club pass player on a team within the player’s club does not affect the
ability of the player to play for his/her own team if permitted by the applicable rule
of competition.
37
e. Club pass playing for another team within the same club does not affect the player’s
ability to transfer to the host team during the soccer season.
B. PROCEDURES TO USE GUEST PLAYERS AND TRAVEL OUT OF STATE
1. To protect player eligibility and insurance coverage of LSA members, the use of guest
players shall be in accordance with the following procedures:
a. Inter-Club Guest player release forms must be completed, signed by all appropriate
parties, attached to the team roster, and submitted with the application to travel.
Guest player must be manually added to the team roster. Please include the player’s
full name and ID#.
b. Intra-Club/Club Pass: Guest player must be manually added to the team roster.
Please include the player’s full name and ID#. The roster must be submitted with
the application to travel.
c. If a guest player is added to a roster after the travel permit has been approved, the
guest player form (signed by the coach and league roster and approved by LSA) and
an updated roster must be submitted to the LSA Office and approved prior to the
team’s departure. It is recommended that the coach bring the league approved
guest player forms and roster to the event.
POLICY 306 TRANSFER / RELEASE OF YOUTH PLAYERS
306.1 A player registers with an affiliated club of his/her choice for a seasonal year.
306.1.1
US Youth Soccer affirms that “any player signing a player
registration form is bound to that team for the entire seasonal
year unless he/she requests a transfer or is released. All requests
for a transfer or release shall be submitted to the affiliated State
Youth Association in writing on the form provided, stating the
reason for the request for transfer or release.”
306.2 LSA acknowledges that some modifications to the US Youth Soccer statement are
necessary to accommodate recreational programs that reassign players at the
beginning of each playing season within a year and to allow for the normal reregistration that takes place prior to each playing season. The following
statewide policies and procedures are meant to provide an orderly and
reasonable player transfer/release method consistent with the guidelines and
intent of the national policy.
306.3 A “transfer” shall be defined as adding a currently US Youth Soccer registered
player to a roster or a player who returns to the same roster.
306.4 Transfers are required when:
306.4.1
A player has registered with an affiliated club for a seasonal year
after August 1, and wishes to move to another affiliated club
during that same seasonal year whether that club is in state or
out-of-state.
306.4.2
A player transfers onto or from a Competitive team. A
Competitive team shall be limited to a total of five (5) transferred
players per seasonal year. No exceptions may be made to this
maximum limit.
306.4.3
A competitive team disbands. A transfer/release form must
38
be submitted for each player moving to another team. The club
releasing the player must sign off on the form; however the
signature of the releasing coach is not required.
306.5 Transfers are not required when:
306.5.1
A previously unregistered player registers for the first time in a
seasonal year. (Previously unregistered means a player who has
not been registered to play soccer with any US Youth Soccer
affiliate during the current seasonal year.)
306.5.2
A player in an affiliated club’s recreational program moves from
one team to another within that club’s recreational program. All
recreational teams may have unlimited transfers.
306.5.3
A player changes clubs for a new seasonal year.
306.5.4
A recreational team disbands and the club releasing the player
acknowledges in writing to LSA that the team has disbanded with
no other recreational playing opportunities in the same age group
at that club. The player must be registering with a new
recreational team at a new club for this provision to be effective.
306.5.5
A recreational player who participates with a club with a single
playing season (for example, fall-only) participates with another
club on a recreational team in a subsequent playing season in the
same seasonal year.
306.5.6
A player’s team has completed all spring playing season games,
including playoff or tournament games, in which his/her team is
involved and after conclusion of their age-specific state
tournament, and the player registers with a different club of
his/her choice for the NEXT seasonal year.
306.6 TRANSFERS FOR PLAYERS ON COMPETITIVE TEAMS:
306.6.1
No team belonging to any club (defined in these rules as any LSA
affiliated and/or sanctioned soccer organization whether
designated a club, association, academy or by any other name)
may receive or accept any player transfer from any other LSA club
between August 1 and the last game of the State Cup for that
age/gender group at the conclusion of the season except under
the following exclusive circumstances:
306.6.1.1
Players who moved more than 50 miles during the
calendar year from the community of their former club
prior to requesting a transfer shall be exempt from
rule.
306.6.1.2
Players who are on a team that is disbanded by an LSA
club during the period between August 1 and the
conclusion of the State Cup tournament for the age/sex of
those players shall be exempt from this rule.
306.6.1.3
Any extenuating circumstances that are agreed to by both
clubs as being in the best interest of the player and both
clubs, with approval signatures required by both clubs.
When both clubs agree to the transfer, the transfer will
then be forwarded to the LSA Office for final approval.
306 After a player’s team has completed all Spring playing season games including playoff
and/or tournament games in which his/her team is involved and after conclusion of their
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age-specific state tournament, the player may register with any club of his/her choice for
the NEXT seasonal year without having to submit a “Request for Transfer/Release” form.
306.7 PLAYER RELEASE
306.7.1
Any player wishing to drop from a club and not participate on any
team for the remainder of the seasonal year may complete section
“A” of the Player Transfer/Release form and submit it to his/her
club with no payment or club approval needed.
306.7.2
Once a player has released their position on a team through a
properly executed LSA Transfer/Release form, he/she has no
player status with LSA until transferred to another affiliated team
during that seasonal year.
306.7.3
LSA will abide by the US Youth Soccer rule for a player to be
released from a team by a coach only if the player is unable to
play for one of the following reasons outlined below. To affect
such a release, the coach must complete and sign the LSA Youth
Player Transfer/Release form and submit it to the club president
or executive director for completion:
306.7.3.1 The player has violated US Youth Soccer rules or state
disciplinary rules.
306.7.3.2 The player has moved beyond a reasonable travel
distance.
306.7.3.3 The player is injured in such a manner that he/she will be
unable to participate for the remaining playing season.
306.7.3.4 The player is deceased.
306.8 COMPLETION OF A TRANSFER OR RELEASE
306.8.1
Complete the Request for Player Transfer/Release form.
306.8.2
LSA either approves or disapproves the Transfer/Release
and distributes the copies.
306.8.2.1
A player may not participate with his/her new team
until the transfer is approved at the LSA level and
confirmation is received by the new club/team.
306.8.3
A coach wishing to drop a player in accordance to the US
Youth Soccer rule described in Policy 306.7.3 must
complete the appropriate sections of “A” and “B” and
forward the form to the club for completion and
forwarding to LSA. Documentation of which of the four
possible reasons outlined in 306.7.3.1 through 306.7.3.4
must accompany the release form in order for LSA to
approve the release for this reason.
306.8.4
State approval is needed on every transfer or release
except when a player is deceased. Club approval is not
sufficient.
POLICY 308 TRAVEL PROCEDURES
308.1 Out-of-State Travel
308.1.1
Travel permits are mandatory for team activity outside of
Louisiana and permission to travel is under the control and
approval of LSA through the LSA office.
308.1.2
The state associations in Region III have agreed to waive the
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requirement for a travel permit from teams in other Region III
states.
308.1.3
Invitational tournaments may still choose to require a travel
permit at the discretion of the tournament. LSA provides notice
of travel for teams participating in such a tournament.
308.1.4
LSA teams are prohibited from playing non-affiliated teams/clubs,
in non-sanctioned tournaments, or traveling outside of Region III
without permission. Sanctions or penalties could result against
the coach, the team or the club as well as the potential loss of
medical insurance coverage.
308.2 US Youth Soccer Travel Policy (adopted March 20, 2010)
308.2.1
LSA uses the current US Youth Soccer travel policy. An
abbreviated version of the full policy is referenced below for LSAaffiliated clubs.
308.2.2
US Youth Travel Policy does not apply to:
308.2.2.1
the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series and the
US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup
308.2.2.2
ODP regional and national events and the ODP
Championships
308.2.2.3
teams participating in a league, approved by one or more
state associations, a region of US Youth Soccer, or US
Youth Soccer, in which teams from state associations
participate and travel from one state association to
another for regularly scheduled league matches.
308.2.3
The following definitions apply to this policy:
308.2.3.1
Travel: travel by a team and its players and team officials
to participate in a tournament or game that is not a
tournament or game approved by LSA in Louisiana.
308.2.3.2
Approved Travel: travel by a team to a tournament or
game approved by LSA such that the benefits of
membership in US Youth Soccer and LSA apply to the
tournament or game, and the use of US Youth Soccer
member passes and the US Youth Soccer team roster are
permitted.
308.2.3.3
International Tournament or Game: a tournament or
game played in the United States that is open to one or
more teams from outside the United States and the
tournament or game has been approved by US Soccer.
308.2.3.4
Non-US Youth Soccer Travel: travel by a team to a
tournament or game that has not been approved by US
Youth Soccer or any of its State Associations.
308.2.3.5
Application to Travel Form: the standard form by
a team requests LSA to approve the travel of a team and
its players and team officials to a tournament or game
approved by US Youth Soccer or another State Association,
with the form including provisions governing the use of
guest players, where allowed, to ensure that all
participating players and team officials are properly
registered with LSA.
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308.2.3.6
Alternate Player Pass: a player pass that may be
provided on request for a player on a team for use in
traveling to an international tournament or game that has
not been approved by US Youth Soccer or any of its State
Associations.
308.2.3.7
Non-US Youth Soccer Team Player Form: the form
that may be provided to a team for use by the team and
its players and team officials to travel to a tournament or
game that has not been approved by US Youth Soccer or
any of its State Associations, with the form providing basic
information contained on member passes for players and
team rosters (e.g., the name and date of birth of players
on the team).
308.2.3.8
US Soccer: the United States Soccer Federation, Inc.
308.2.3.9
US Youth Soccer: the United States Youth Soccer
Association, Inc.
308.2.4
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
308.2.4.1
US Youth Soccer does not approve the use of its member
passes and its team rosters in connection with
tournaments and games conducted by soccer
organizations that are not members of US Youth Soccer
and its State Associations. If a team believes it needs
member passes for players in connection with the team’s
participation in an international tournament or game or a
team roster for a tournament or game conducted by
soccer organizations that are not members of US Youth
Soccer or its State Associations, US Youth Soccer or the
State Association shall provide an alternate player pass or
a Non-US Youth Soccer Team Player Form, or both.
308.2.4.2
US Youth Soccer or a State Association may authorize the
use of US Youth Soccer member passes (but not rosters)
only for players traveling to participate in an international
tournament or game referred to in 308.2.4.1.
308.2.5
Approval of travel and waiver of approval only applies to
tournaments and games approved by US Youth Soccer or its State
Associations, or both, as provided by the US Youth Soccer travel
policy.
308.2.6
US YOUTH SOCCER TRAVEL
308.2.6.1
TRAVEL APPROVAL
308.2.6.1.1 An application to travel to a tournament or game is
to be submitted by a team to LSA. Such an
application is only required if (1) the tournament or
game is approved by US Youth Soccer or a State
Association of US Youth Soccer to which this policy
applies, (2) the team is traveling to a tournament
or game that is approved by a State Association
other than LSA, and (3) the travel is outside of
Region III.
308.2.6.1.2 Any application for travel that does not meet the
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requirements of the bylaws, policies, and rules of
US Youth Soccer and LSA need not be approved.
Any application that is not submitted in a timely
manner may be subject to late fees if it is
approved. Only a team and its players and team
officials who are in good standing with LSA will be
approved for travel.
308.2.6.2
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPROVED TRAVEL
308.2.6.2.1 In addition to any requirements LSA has with
regard to travel for a team and its players and
team officials, US Youth Soccer requires the
following documents to be available for review by
the organization hosting the tournament or game
for which the team’s travel has been approved:
308.2.6.2.1.1 a copy of the application to travel approved
by LSA if the travel requires such approval;
308.2.6.2.1.2 a validated roster, or copy thereof, as
issued in the manner approved by LSA;
308.2.6.2.1.3 a member pass approved by LSA, for each
player, guest player, and team official listed
on the approved roster and traveling with
the team. Each member pass for a player
must include the team information, the valid
seasonal year, the player’s name, and the
player’s verified birth date;
308.2.6.2.1.4 an authorization properly executed with
required signatures for each player to allow
emergency medical treatment;
308.2.6.2.1.5 copies of any required permissions for a
coach or player listed as a guest; and
308.2.6.2.1.6 emergency contact information.
308.2.7
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
308.2.7.1
International travel by teams of US Youth Soccer State
Associations and members of State Associations shall
comply with the requirements of US Youth Soccer, LSA,
and US Soccer.
308.2.7.2
In addition to any form and fees required to be submitted
for approved travel under this policy, US Soccer requires
its approval for a team’s travel outside the United States,
and it has procedures, additional document requirements,
and a fee that must be submitted, by its deadline prior to
that travel. Consult US Soccer for the current
requirements, procedures, and fees.
308.2.7.3
Travel out of the country cannot occur without USSF
approval.
308.2.8
NON-US YOUTH SOCCER TRAVEL
308.2.8.1
Participation in tournaments and games that have not
been approved by US Youth Soccer and its State
Associations is Non-US Youth Soccer Travel. Players, team
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officials, and teams may participate and compete in those
tournament and games and do not need approval or
permission from US Youth Soccer or their State
Associations to do so.
308.2.8.2
LSA may require reasonable notification, if it deems it
necessary, from any team and its players and team
officials seeking to participate in Non-US Youth Soccer
Travel tournaments and games. LSA may only require
notification that is reasonable to fulfill its needs, such as
scheduling a team for participation in other programs or
activities, knowing for insurance purposes in which
programs and activities LSA members are participating
providing accurate information to its members about
programs and activities in which they are participating,
providing accurate information in response to inquiries
from people involved in or associated with those programs
and activities, and monitoring compliance with US Youth
Soccer and LSA programs, activities, policies, and bylaws.
308.2.8.3
The failure to provide proper notification as required by
LSA may result in the imposition of penalties by LSA but
may not prevent or prohibit a player, team official, or team
from participating in any program or activity that is not a
program or activity of a member of US Youth Soccer or its
State Associations, except to the extent provided by US
Soccer bylaws and policies.
308.2.8.4
MEMBER PASSES AND ROSTERS
308.2.8.4.1 US Youth Soccer does not approve the use of its
member passes and rosters in connection with
tournaments and games conducted by soccer
organizations that are not members of US Youth
Soccer and its State Associations.
308.2.8.4.2 If a team believes it needs to provide the
information contained in member passes for
players in connection with that team’s participation
in an international tournament or game conducted
by soccer organizations that are not members of
US Youth Soccer or its State Associations, US Youth
Soccer or the State Association shall provide
alternate player passes at no cost or current
member passes for players participating in such an
international tournament or game. The alternate
player pass provides the basic information found on
member passes and will enable players, team
officials, and teams to participate in Non-US Youth
Soccer Travel without creating the misimpression
that those tournaments or games are approved by
US Youth Soccer or any of its State Associations.
The information provided on alternate player
passes will indicate that the players are currently
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registered players in good standing with a member
organization of US Youth Soccer.
308.2.8.4.3 If a team believes that it needs to provide
information contained in a team roster in
connection with the team’s participation in a
tournament or game conducted by soccer
organizations that are not members of US Youth
Soccer or its State Associations, LSA shall also
provide that information by means of a separate
form—a Non-US Youth Soccer Team Player Form.
308.2.8.5
No person, group, or entity shall, by affirmative
misrepresentation or by the failure to disclose material
facts, mislead any other person, group, or entity into
believing that travel to, or participating in, a tournament or
game not approved by US Youth Soccer or any of its State
Associations has been or is approved by US Youth Soccer
or its State Associations.
Policy 308-2
Friendly Matches Against Unaffiliated Teams
NON-LEAGUE GAMES WITH USSF AFFILIATED MEMBERS
1. Affiliated LSA teams may play exhibition or "friendly" games with other affiliated
USSF teams providing:
a. The opposing team is affiliated with another USSF affiliate, such as US Club
Soccer or AYSO
b. All players are registered and in good standing with their home club.
c. Teams have active roster and player cards.
d. A certificate or proof of liability insurance including for the facility, if
applicable, is provided by the non-LSA affiliated team.
2. Affiliated LSA Teams desiring to play friendly matches against colleges and/or
universities must comply with the following:
a. In-state:
1) Submit a Request to Play Unaffiliated Teams form at least seven business
days prior to the scheduled event.
2) Submit a Certificate of Insurance from the university/college.
b. Out-of-State:
1) Submit a Request to Play Unaffiliated Teams form at least seven business
days prior to the scheduled event.
2) Submit a Certificate of Insurance from the university/college.
3) Submit a Travel Permit/Notice at least seven business days prior to the
event.
Policy 309
Playing Rules
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Except as otherwise provided here, the FIFA “Laws of the Game” shall apply to any and all
competition sponsored by this organization.
A.
EXCEPTIONS TO FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME:
1.
Players must wear shin guards in all soccer activities, including practice.
2.
Unlimited substitution is allowed at the referee’s discretion.
3.
Small-Sided Games
a.
It is recommended that players U6, U8, and U10 play under the current
US Youth Soccer recommended rules for small-sided games for those age
groups. Interclub play among Recreation U11 & 12 players will play under
the official US Youth Soccer 8v8 format.
(1)
Seven (7) field players and one (1) goalkeeper per team on the
field.
(2)
It is recommended that each rostered player play in goal at least
one half of a game per season.
b.
LSA Roster limits are specified in Policy 310.
c.
The LSA Director of Coaching may make recommendations with the
approval of the Executive Committee to help the clubs implement a
successful player development program.
d.
Team participation in the Louisiana Competitive Soccer League (LCSL)
and State Tournaments shall not be required to play short-sided (smaller
teams than 11v11) unless approved by a majority of the leagues
participating in the LCSL by a vote taken at a meeting of the Youth
Competitive Committee.
4.
Some clubs have rules such as: games are played by the quarter system, goalie
can only play as goalie for one half of the game time, etc. These are club rules
and not LSA rules. Each club should inquire as to the rules of other clubs they
wish to play and/or when inviting outside teams to play they must inform the
incoming team/club of their in-house rules.
5.
Tournaments and Jamborees will be played under the LSA Tournament Rules or
rules governing jamborees found in Policy 310.
6.
It is mandatory that players participating in recreational tournaments play at
least 50% of the time in each tournament game. Written notification to
opposing coach is required for all players not playing the required amount of
time.
46
7.
Smoking and smokeless tobacco are banned from the players’ side of the field
within the State of Louisiana.
8.
Five games per tournament are the maximum number of games allowed for any
one team in any LSA Sanctioned Invitational Tournament.
If play involves a foreign team, see “Hosting an International Game” section of the LSA
Policy manual.
Policy 310
YOUTH TOURNAMENTS
CLUB INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS / JAMBOREES
310.1 Tournaments
310.1.1
If a club wishes to host any type of tournament that will
include teams from outside its own club, approval/sanction
must be given by LSA.
310.1.2
No tournament/jamboree will be approved the same dates
as LSA state tournaments.
310.1.3
Requests to host tournaments for the following seasonal
year must be submitted to LSA using the LSA-designated
form.
310.1.4
Requests to host tournaments for the following seasonal
year are considered at the annual winter scheduling
meeting conducted prior to the LSA Midyear Meeting.
310.1.4.1
The LSA Youth Vice President or his/her designee
will conduct the meeting and take into
consideration the number of referees required,
conflicts with other events, and other tournaments
hosted by the applying club.
310.1.4.2
Approval may be denied if it is determined that
these factors might prevent the host club from
offering a quality tournament.
310.1.5
If a club fails to submit for tournament approval at the
annual scheduling meeting, it may apply directly to LSA.
Upon review of the request, LSA may approve or deny the
application granting LSA sanction of the event.
310.1.6
A US Youth Soccer Application to Host Tournament or
Games form and the US Youth Soccer Hosting Agreement
form must be completed and sent to the LSA Office.
310.1.6.1
The request to host must be signed by the Club
President or Executive Director.
310.1.6.2
The general tournament rules contained in
manual will govern soccer tournaments held by
LSA affiliates.
310.1.6.3
All requests for modifications to the LSA
Tournament Rules must be shown on the
Application to Host form and submitted at least
sixty (60) days prior to the tournament dates.
310.1.6.3.1 These may include changes in field size,
47
game length, scoring, protest procedures
and roster size. The proposed rule
modification may be denied if it is felt that
the modifications are unjustified or would
be detrimental to the game.
310.1.6.3.2 Any request for modifications made after
the Application to Host Form has been
approved must be submitted in writing to
LSA in advance of the event with an
explanation of why these changes are
needed and/or were not requested initially.
This written request must also outline how
these new modifications, if approved, will
be announced to invited teams.
310.1.6.4
Clubs hosting invitational tournaments may charge
fees for parking or admission provided such fees
are identified on the Application to Host submitted
to LSA and are clearly identified on all
advertisements or web pages containing
information about the tournament.
310.1.6.5
A copy of the tournament hosting agreement and
the approved application to host must accompany
all invitations to the event. Enough time should be
allowed to fulfill this mandatory obligation as the
tournament host.
310.1.6.6
A “restricted” tournament is open only to LSA
member clubs or other US Youth Soccer-affiliated
clubs. Restricted tournaments do not need to seek
additional insurance or indemnify LSA.
310.1.6.7
An “unrestricted” tournament may have any US
Soccer affiliate member or US Soccer approved
team participate and include teams from outside of
US Youth Soccer/LSA membership. In
“unrestricted” tournaments, the following text must
be added to the hosting form, rules and invitation.
“All teams and tournament participants must abide
by the Louisiana Soccer Association’s and US Youth
Soccer’s policies, rules and regulations and are
subject to their disciplinary actions.” All teams
wishing to participate in an ‘unrestricted’
tournament that are not US Youth Soccer members
are required to provide proof of liability insurance
paperwork indemnifying LSA from harm.”
310.1.7
There is no insurance coverage of non-sanctioned events
and penalties could result if teams outside of an LSAmember club participate.
310.1.8
Denial of approval to host may be appealed to the Youth
Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
310.2 Jamborees
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310.2.1
310.2.2
LSA uses a jamboree format for U-6 and U-8 age groups.
If the jamboree is for teams within an LSA-affiliated club
only, LSA approval is not required, but these guidelines still
apply.
310.2.3
If teams outside an LSA-affiliated club will be invited, the
jamboree must be LSA-sanctioned.
310.2.3.1
A US Youth Soccer Application to Host Tournament
or Games form and the Hosting Agreement must
be approved by LSA.
310.2.3.2
The procedures outlined above in 310.1.6 must be
followed to secure approval.
310.2.4
The US Youth Soccer Modified Playing Rules of U-6 and U8 will govern play in these age groups.
310.2.5
Jamboree Format & Awards
310.2.5.1
If the number of teams warrants division into
smaller groups, there should be no interdivisional
play (i.e. semifinals and finals).
310.2.5.2
Awards should be given to all participants - no 1st
or 2nd place trophies.
310.2.5.3
Team awards are acceptable if they recognize the
team's total performance and not just won/loss
record.
310.2.5.4
Team sportsmanship awards are encouraged.
310.3 Tournament / Jamboree Requirements
310.3.1
Responsibilities of the Tournament Host Club and Host
Tournament Director
310.3.1
Set team entry fees for invitational tournaments.
310.3.2
Set up games and playing schedules.
310.3.3
Prepare fields, including the spectator boxes.
310.3.3.1 Field sizes must comply with LSA state
tournament field requirements as detailed in
312.8.4
310.3.3.2 If the minimum field sizes cannot be met,
the association hosting the tournament
must notify the invited teams at least two
weeks prior to the tournament. The invited
teams shall then decide whether to
participate or withdraw from the
tournament and they will then notify the
tournament host at least ten days prior to
the tournament. The tournament host will
refund the team's entry fee if the team has
complied with the provisions of this rule.
310.3.4
Provide for administration, registration, publicity,
awards, etc.
310.3.5
Provide a Tournament Referee who will be free at
all times to observe any game in question and to
take the necessary steps to solve any problems.
The Tournament Referee must be a currently
49
certified USSF referee assessor or senior referee
who has the approval of the LSA State Director of
Referee Assessment.
310.3.6
Obtain a certified tournament referee assignor who
will obtain referees for tournament games.
310.3.7
Provide at least one clearly identifiable field
marshal per playing site.
310.3.7.1
Prior to each game the field marshal will
inspect the field to be sure that it is free
from objects or conditions that may cause
injury. If such condition exists that cannot
be immediately corrected it shall be brought
to the attention of the referee and the Host
Tournament Director.
310.3.7.2
The field marshal shall monitor the
spectator sidelines and ensure that all LSA
Tournament Rules are being observed.
Infractions of the rules should be reported
to the event Tournament Committee.
310.3.2
Tournament Committee
310.3.2.1
There shall be a tournament committee consisting
of the Host Tournament Director (or his designee),
the Tournament Referee and one member at large.
310.3.2.2
The Host Tournament Director (or his designee)
shall be responsible for the enforcement and
interpretation of the Tournament Rules as
published.
310.3.2.3
The Tournament Referee shall be responsible for
the enforcement and interpretation of the FIFA
Laws of the Game and appropriate US Youth
Soccer modifications to those laws.
310.3.2.4
No member of the Tournament Committee shall be
allowed to officiate during this event.
310.3.2.5
This committee shall hear protests and resolve
other problems which arise during the tournament.
Decisions will be final and binding.
Policy 311 Competitive League
COMPETITIVE LEAGUE FORMAT
1.
The purpose of the Louisiana Competitive Soccer League (LCSL) shall be to
foster and advance competitive soccer in Louisiana while providing a venue for
advancement to the State Tournament through participation in the Competitive
League. The purpose shall also be to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship,
honesty, loyalty, and courage through organized athletic competition.
This league shall be open to U11 through U18 boys and girls competitive teams
as defined in Policy 302.9.2 who are in good standing with their LSA affiliated
club and the Club is in good standing with the Louisiana Soccer Association.
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Individual team standing and eligibility will be verified by the team's Club
President or Executive Director at the time of declaration for league play.
2.
COMPETITIVE TEAM COACHING REQUIREMENTS
Beginning with the 2015-2016 seasonal year, anyone registering as a head coach
or as an assistant coach with a team in the LCSL must have at least a USSF “E”
License, NSCAA equivalent, or an LSA “E-Waiver”.
a. To obtain a waiver an individual must complete the “E-Waiver Request form”
and submit it to LSA Office along with a $25 waiver fee.
b. The waiver request will be reviewed by the State Director of Coaching.
c. An approved waiver is effective until the next series of courses has
concluded.
d. An extension may be obtained once and only once for a $50 extension fee.
3.
Teams shall be admitted to the Competitive League upon receipt of:
a.
The signed Letter of Intent to Participate which has been endorsed by the
head coach and team's Club President or Executive Director.
b.
The Competitive League Fee as shown in the current Fee Schedule (Policy
206-1).
c.
A Performance Bond in the amount of $ 250.00 per Club. This bond
check will not be deposited unless a team does not complete their
obligations. If a Club’s bond check is deposited, the Club must submit
another $ 250.00 bond check within 10 calendar days of the date of
deposit or all of its teams will not be able to participate in Competitive
League or State Tournaments.
The above shall be RECEIVED at the LSA Office on or before August 8th
for U11 through U18. If the date falls on the weekend, the deadline will
be the following Monday.
If a U11 or U12 team is formed after the August 8 deadline, there will be
an additional period to add a team to the Competitive league. The
deadline for this Letter Intent will be November 15. If the date falls on
the weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.
4.
ROSTERS AND GAME ROSTERS FOR COMPETITIVE TEAMS:
a. Roster sizes for Competitive Teams will comply with Policy 302.10.
b. Games roster for Competitive Teams that allow more than 18 players on their
roster:
1. Competitive League Games and State Tournaments:
Game rosters for U13-U19 teams shall be limited to 18.
2. Competitive 2 League Games and State Tournaments for Competitive 2
and lower Competitive levels:
51
c.
All players listed on the LSA roster are eligible to play unless there
is a player serving a suspension.
Guest players (inter-club) and Club Pass Players (intra-club):
1.
Guest Players (inter-club) are NOT allowed in LCSL games.
2.
Club Pass (Intra-club) players are allowed in LCSL games.
An eligible club pass player is any any youth player who is a
registered youth player of the club.
US Youth Soccer Rule 101 defines a club as an organization
providing soccer to youth players that is a member of a state
association. Soccer clubs that have operations in multiple states
are considered different clubs for application of the club pass rule
because the soccer club in each state is registered with a different
state association.
Club Pass Players may be used in LCSL games as detailed below:
a.
A player may NOT be a Club Pass Player on a team that is
playing in lower league than the team the player is
rostered to.
For example: A player who is rostered on a Region III SPL
or PLC team cannot be a club pass player on any team
participating in LCSL. A player who is rostered on
Competitive 1 team cannot be a club pass player on a
Competitive 2 team.
b.
A player may be a Club Pass Player on a team that is
playing in higher league than the team the player is
rostered to.
For example: A player who is rostered on a Competitive 2
team can be a club pass player on a Competitive 1 team.
c.
A player may be a Club Pass Player on a team that is
playing in the same league as the team the player is
rostered to.
For example: A player who is rostered on a Competitive 2
team can be a club pass player on a Competitive 2 team.
52
5.
d.
Each team will be limited to three Club Pass players per
weekend and the team’s game report roster maximum
must still comply with the rule of the competition.
e.
A player cannot play for the team they are rostered to, IN
ANOTHER LCSL GAME, while playing as a Club Pass Player
with another team DURING THE WEEKEND. WEEKEND IS
DEFINED AS FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.
f.
There is no limit to the amount of LCSL games a team may
use Club Pass Players.
g.
A player who is playing up in age on a team is governed
by the same rules with regard to being utilized as a Club
Pass Player. The player is governed by the level of the
league the team they are rostered to is playing in.
h.
A team wanting to utilize a Club Pass player for a LCSL
game will need to complete LCSL Club Pass Player Form
pursuant to the instructions. The form will be signed by
THE TEAM COACH TO WHICH THE PLAYER IS ROSTERED
AND a club officer/director and approved by LSA and this
form will be presented at the LCSL game with game report
to the referee and opposing team manager.
i.
THE TEAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING COMPLIANCE
WITH THE CLUB PASS RULES. IF A PLAYER PLAYS FOR
THE TEAM THEY ARE ROSTERED TO WHILE THEY ARE A
CLUB PASS PLAYER TO ANOTHER TEAM, THE TEAM THEY
ARE ROSTERED TO WILL BE TREATED AS HAVING
PLAYED AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER AND THEIR TEAM WILL
BE REMOVED FROM THE COMPETITION AND HENCE WILL
NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR STATE CUP.
Competitive League and Competitive League Scheduling Policy:
a.
Competitive Scheduling:
1.
Competitive League Games in Louisiana Tournaments:
League games can be rescheduled to be played in Louisiana
tournaments. For league games to be played in a tournament, the
tournament would have to agree that the games would be full
length and the game must be the first game of the day for both
teams on any day of the tournament. Documentation of this must
be included with the reschedule request. League games cannot be
53
played in non-Louisiana tournaments. The teams playing league
games in the tournament would still be required to pay the full
tournament fee however; they would not have to pay the referees
for their league game, the tournament would pay the referees.
After the tournament schedule is released, if two teams notice
that they are playing each other and wish to count it as a league
game, they can request that the tournament allow the game to
count as a league game (MUST BE REGULATION LENGTH). In this
case if both teams agree, teams can play two league games in a
day or play a league game that is not the first game of the day at
a tournament. Documentation of the tournament’s agreement and
both teams agreement must be included with the reschedule
request and it must be submitted and approved by LSA by
Wednesday at NOON before the tournament weekend. There will
be no fine for this type of reschedule.
If a team is scheduled to play a league game in a tournament and
the team fails to apply to the tournament, it will be treated as if
the team failed to play a scheduled league game with appropriate
penalties as outlined in Policy 311.
If a tournament fails to schedule a league game at their
tournament that they agreed to host, the LSA-affiliated club that
hosted the tournament will be fined $250 for each league game
that they fail to host at their tournament. The fine will be due no
later than ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the notice of the
fine.
2.
Re-scheduling of Competitive League Games:
a) Re-scheduling of games will only be done if:
i) both teams agree to the reschedule,
ii) it is agreed to and requested according to published
reschedule procedures ten days prior to the scheduled game
date and
iii) the schedule change is approved by LSA.
b) If the game is not able to be rescheduled within the 10 day
rule, the game may be rescheduled from the current date
(only removal of game from the upcoming weekend, not
54
adding a game to the upcoming weekend) if all of the
following are done:
i) both teams agree to the reschedule
ii) the new date, time and location is determined and is
requested according to the published reschedule procedures
iii) the new date, time and location is approved by LSA by
NOON the Wednesday before the scheduled match
iv) the assignor of the current game agrees to remove the
game
v) the club of the team requesting the reschedule pays a fine
to LSA as follows:
-Within 10 days of the approved reschedule LSA must
receive the fine in the amount of two times the referee
fees of the game. From these funds the local assignor who
assigned the game will be paid and the referee crew who
was assigned to the game will be paid.
-If the fine is not paid within 10 days the Club’s
performance bond will be cashed. If a Club’s bond check is
deposited, the Club must submit another $250 bond check
within 10 calendar days after being notified by LSA that
the bond check is being cashed.
-If the replacement bond is not received by LSA within 10
calendar days, all teams within the club will not be able to
participate in Competitive League or State Tournaments.
b. Any team not playing a scheduled Louisiana Competitive League game will be
denied participation in Louisiana State Cup. The head coach of the team or
the Executive Director or President of the LSA-affiliated club may file an
appeal with the Competitive Committee Appeal Panel as defined in Policy
311.
If the team that failed to play a scheduled league game is:
1. U11-U13, the team may no longer play the remaining games as official
games and all the team’s games will be removed from the league as if the
team never participated. If this occurs in the Fall team can participate in the
LCSL in the spring, at the Regional level, but cannot participate in State Cup.
2. U14-U18, the team may no longer play the remaining game as official
games, and all the team’s games will be removed from the league as if the
team never participated.
d.
Travel Considerations for League Games:
55
1. Competitive 1 (State Wide) League games U13-U18: Each team in a
Competitive 1 league will receive generally the same number of games at
their home field, away and neutral games. Neutral is defined as where
neither team is playing at home but at location that is central to both teams.
2. U11 and U12 League Games:
Each team will be scheduled at least 2
home games at their home field per league season, unless extenuating
circumstances exist and the limitation for travel time for U11 and U12 league
games will be approximately 2 ½ hours.
3. Competitive 2 (Regional League) Games U13- U18:
Each team will be
scheduled games at their home field equivalent to at least 1/3 of their total
league games rounded down to the next whole number if it is a fraction,
unless extenuating circumstances exist. The limitation for travel time for
Competitive 2 league games will be 3 ½ hours.
e.
U11 League: There will be two seasons of league play with one in the Fall and
one in the Spring.
1.
2.
On the Letter of Intent, the club will designate what
competitive level they anticipate the team to be so that
divisions can formed.
LSA will divide the teams into divisions based on their
geographic location and club designated level of ability.
The goal will be to have three levels of play within U11. In
general 1/3 of the teams will be in Competitive, 1/3 of the
teams will be in Moderate and 1/3 of the teams will be in
Developmental. Each level of play will have two or more
divisions. The divisions within each level of play will be
balanced divisions (not an A & B).
3.
The Competitive U11 League composition will be approved
by the Competitive Committee at their August meeting.
Fall League play will commence after Labor Day and will
be completed no later than the weekend before
Thanksgiving.
a.
Each team must be available for 4 league play
weekends, 3 as primary league play weekends, one
as a make-up weekend.
b.
Designated on the team’s Letter of Intent each
team will be able to black out two weekends that
they are not available to compete in league play for
the Fall.
56
c.
The league schedule will be posted by September 1
unless that date falls on a weekend or Labor Day.
In such a situation, the schedule will be released
on the first business day after the weekend.
d.
Where possible, it will be attempted to schedule
more than one game per day on two of the league
weekends to allow teams to only have games on
one day on some of the weekends. It is desirable,
but not required that if two games are played in
one day that there is 2 hours of rest from the end
of the first game and the start of the second game.
On the weekends with games being played on both
days, teams should hopefully have one home game
each weekend and one travel game each weekend
but in some cases scheduling constraints will not
allow this.
4.
Spring League Play will commence beginning in February
and will be completed by the end of March.
a.
Based on the results of league play in the Fall, the
divisions will be realigned as follows:
The bottom two teams in Competitive will move to
Moderate and the top two teams in Moderate will
move to Competitive.
The bottom two teams in Moderate will move to
Developmental and the top two teams will move to
Moderate.
Each level of play will have two or more divisions.
The divisions within each level of play will be
balanced divisions (not an A & B). The divisions will
be formed based on results from Fall league play
with a consideration given to geography.
Teams that do not participate in the Fall league and
submit their Letter of Intent by the November 15
deadline will be placed in the Moderate or
Developmental league based on the level of play
their Club designates.
The realignment of the league will be done by LSA.
The Competitive Committee will approve the
realignment at the December meeting.
57
b.
Each team must be available for 4 league play
weekends, 3 as primary league play weekends, one
as a make-up weekend.
c.
Each team must submit by December 1, the two
black out weekends that they are not available to
compete in league play in the Spring.
d.
The league schedule will be posted no later than
January 15.
e.
Where possible, it will be attempted to schedule
more than one game per day on two of the league
weekends to allow teams to only have games on
one day on some of the weekends. It is desirable,
but not required that if two games are played in
one day that there is 2 hours of rest from the end
of the first game and the start of the second game.
On the weekends with games being played on both
days, teams should hopefully have one home game
each weekend and one travel game each weekend,
but in some cases scheduling constraints will not
allow this.
5.
f.
State Tournament: All U11 teams that complete their
Competitive league play will be eligible to participate in the
State Tournament.
U12 League: There will be two seasons of league play with one in
the Fall and one in the Spring.
1.
The State Cup results of the U11 season (the results of
league play are effectively considered as there is
realignment done after the Fall and then Spring league
play is considered as it is used for State Cup placement so
effectively the entire year’s body of work is considered)
will be used to determine the competitive level of the
team. The team must return 50% plus 1 of its previous
year roster to retain its body of work which is used to
determine the competitive level of the team. If a team
does not return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster it
will be considered a new team for league formation. Note
that the 50% test is applied to players and they do not
have to be at the same club where the body of work was
earned.
A club may petition LSA to review the make-up of a team
for the placement of that team in the Very Competitive
League as opposed to the Competitive League.
58
Such circumstances could result from a team that had
players who played up one or more age group the
previous seasonal year and the older group moves on but
the core (and potentially 50%) remains but it will be
playing in same age group as opposed to moving up an
age group. LSA can also review the roster of a team that
did not participate the previous year to insure that the
team belongs in the appropriate Competitive League.
2.
LSA will divide the teams into divisions based on their
geographic location and competitive level of play based on
U11 State Cup results with the 50% test applied.
The goal will be to have two levels of play within U12.
Approximately 1/3 of the teams will be in Very Competitive
with two or more divisions of play and the balance of the
teams will be in Competitive with two or more divisions of
play. The divisions within each level of play will be
balanced divisions (not an A & B).
3.
The divisions will be approved by the Competitive
Committee at their August meeting.
Fall League play will commence after Labor Day and will
be completed no later than the weekend before
Thanksgiving.
a.
Each team must be available for 5 league play
weekends, 4 as primary league play weekends, one
as a make-up weekend.
b.
Designated on the team’s Letter of Intent each
team will be able to black out two weekends that
they are not available to compete in league play for
the Fall.
c.
The league schedule will be posted by September 1
unless the date falls on a weekend or Labor Day.
In such a situation, the schedule will be released
on the first business day after the weekend.
d.
Where possible, it will be attempted to schedule
more than one game per day on two of the league
weekends to allow teams to only have games on
one day on some of the weekends. It is desirable
but not required that if two games are played in
one day that there is 2 hours of rest from the end
of the first game and the start of the second game.
On the weekends with games being played on both
days, teams should hopefully have one home game
each weekend ad one travel game each weekend,
but in some cases scheduling constraints will not
59
4.
allow this.
Spring League Play will commence beginning in February
and will be completed by the end of March.
a.
Based on the results of league play in the Fall, the
divisions will be realigned.
1.
The top team in each of the Competitive
leagues, based on league play in the Fall
will be promoted to Very Competitive.
The last place team in each of the Very
Competitive leagues will have the option to
remain in Very Competitive or move to
Competitive.
The Very Competitive leagues will be
balanced leagues (not an A & B).
It is possible that a team that does not play
in the Fall league and completes a Letter of
Intent by November 15, could be placed in
a top division if they are returning 50% plus
1 of its previous year roster and its body of
work from the U11 league and State
Tournament would place them in the Very
Competitive level.
2.
The remaining teams in Competitive will be
placed accordingly in divisions based on the
results of league play in Fall with
consideration given to geography. The
Competitive leagues will be balanced
leagues (not an A & B).
3.
Teams that do not participate in the Fall
league and submit their Letter of Intent by
the November 15 deadline will be placed in
appropriate division after reviewing the
team makeup and the level of play
designated by the Club. If the team played
in the league at U11 and the team has
returned 50% plus 1 of its previous year
roster, its body of work will be used to
determine the competitive level of the team
and will be placed accordingly. If a team
60
does not return 50% plus 1 of its previous
year roster it will be considered a new team
for league formation and will be placed in
the Competitive level. Note that the 50%
test is applied to players and they do not
have to be at the same club where the body
of work was earned.
b.
Each team must be available for 4 league play
weekends, 3 as primary league play weekends, one
as a make-up weekend.
d.
Each team must submit by December 1, the two
black out weekends that they are not available to
compete in league play in the Spring.
The league schedule will be posted no later than
January 15.
Where possible, it will be attempted to schedule
more than one game per day on two of the league
weekends to allow teams to only have games on
one day on some of the weekends. It is desirable
but not required that if two games are played in
one day that there is 2 hours of rest from the end
of the first game and the start of the second game.
e.
f.
e.
g.
On the weekends with games being played on both
days, teams should hopefully have one home game
each weekend ad one travel game each weekend,
but in some cases scheduling constraints will not
allow this.
State Tournament: All U12 teams that complete their
Competitive league play, will be eligible to participate in
the State Tournament
U13 League: At U13 there will be two seasons of league play:
one in the Fall and one in the Spring.
There will be three levels of league play unless the number of
teams does not allow for it.
a.
Fall League: LSA will divide the teams into the following
leagues based on the results of the previous year
Competitive State Tournaments and previous year Spring
League play.
The team must return 50% plus 1 of its previous year
roster to retain their league placement. If a team does not
return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster the team will
61
participate in the league one level below the team’s
placement as indicated by their State Cup and spring
league results. Note that the 50% plus 1 test is applied to
players and they do not have to be on the same club
where the ranking was earned.
A club may petition LSA to review the make-up of a team
for the placement of that team in the Competitive 1
League as opposed to the Competitive 2 League.
Such circumstances could result from a team that had
players who played up one or more age group the
previous seasonal year and the older group moves on but
the core (and potentially 50%) remains but it will be
playing in same age group as opposed to moving up an
age group. LSA can also review the roster of a team that
did not participate the previous year to insure that the
team belongs in the Competitive 2 League.
The levels of league play will be as follows:
b.
1.
Competitive 1 League: Comprised of 1/3 of the
teams in the age group/gender but not to exceed
eight (8) teams determined in the following order:
(1) previous year State Cup Champion, (2) previous
State Cup Finalist (3) previous year Spring Very
Competitive League Champions, if there are more
than 2, they will be chosen by their ranking at the
previous year State Cup (4) previous year State
Cup 3rd place team, (5) previous year State Cup
4th place team and so on.
2.
C1 Determination League: Comprised of the next
1/3 of the teams in the age group/gender but not
to exceed eight (8) teams.
3.
Competitive 2 League: The remaining teams will
be placed in this league. There will be two or three
balanced divisions with a consideration given to
geography.
League play will commence after Labor Day and will be
completed no later than the weekend before Thanksgiving.
1.
Each team will commit to 4 league play weekends
with a makeup weekend totaling 5 weekends.
62
c.
2.
Designated on the team’s Letter of Intent each
team will be able to black out two weekends that
they are not available to compete in league play for
the Fall season.
3.
On league weekends, teams could play on Saturday
and Sunday. An effort will be made to schedule
the games, so that a team will have one home
game each weekend.
4.
Teams can play 2 league games in one day
provided that both teams agree and that the
starting time of the second game of the day is at
least 2 hours from the ending time of the first
game of the day.
5.
The league schedule will be posted by September 1
unless that date falls on a weekend or Labor Day.
In such a situation, the schedule will be released
on the first business day after the weekend.
Spring League: LSA will place the teams in the following
leagues based on the results of the Fall League.
1.
The leagues will be approved by the Competitive
Committee at their December meeting:
a.
Region III Premier League West (South) –
The goal is to place zero, two, or four teams
in this league as mandated by Region III.
LSA is authorized to recommend Louisiana
teams to participate in the Region III PLWSouth by order of finish in the LCSL Fall U13
Competitive 1. Teams are not required to
participate in PLW-South.
LSA is also authorized to recommend a
substitute team in the event that a qualified
team disbands or elects not to participate in
PLW-South.
b.
Competitive 1 League: Will be 1/3 of the
teams in U13 minus the number of teams
participating in PLW-South. The league
must have six (6) teams and will be
comprised of the teams that participated in
63
the Competitive 1 League in the Fall that
are not participating in Region III PLWSouth and the highest finishing teams from
the C1 Determination League based on the
results of Fall league play.
c. Competitive 2 League: Should have the same
number of teams as the Competitive 1 League,
but no more than seven (7). The league will be
comprised of the teams from the C1
Determination League who were not promoted
to the Competitive 1 League and the top teams
from the Competitive 2 Fall league. The top
teams will be determined by ranking the teams
from all Competitive 2 leagues. The ranking will
be done by points and LCSL tie breakers. If the
leagues did not all play the same number of
games a % will be calculated of Points
Earned/Points Possible.
d. Competitive 3 League: Will be comprised of the
remaining teams from the Fall Competitive 2
League who are not playing in the Spring
Competitive 2 League. There will be two or
three balanced divisions with a consideration
given to geography. Each league should not
contain more than 6-7 teams.
2. Spring League play will commence beginning in
February and will be completed by the end of March.
3. Each team must be available for 4 league play
weekend, 3 as primary league play weekends, on as a
makeup weekend.
4. Each team must submit by December 1 the two
blackout weekends that they are not available to
compete in league play in the Spring.
5.
On league weekends, teams could play on Saturday
and Sunday. An effort will be made to schedule the
games, so that a team will have one home game
each weekend.
6.
Teams can play 2 league games in one day
provided that both teams agree and that starting
time of the second game of the day is at least 2
hours from the ending time of the first game of the
day.
64
7.
d.
The league schedule will be posted no later than
January 15.
State Tournament: All U13 teams that complete their
Competitive league play will be eligible to participate in the
State Tournament.
h. U14-U18 Leagues: At U14-U18 there will be multiple levels of league
play. There will be one season of league play that will be played over
the Fall and Spring season. The results of the previous year
Competitive State Tournaments will determine which league the team
will play in. The team must return 50% plus 1 of its previous year
roster to retain their league placement. If a team does not return
50% plus 1 of its previous year roster the team will participate in the
league one level below the team’s placement as indicated by their
State Cup results. Note that the 50% plus 1 test is applied to players
and they do not have to be on the same club where the ranking was
earned.
A club may petition LSA to review the make-up of a team for the
placement of that team in the Competitive 1 League as opposed to
the Competitive 2 League.
Such circumstances could result from a team that had players who
played up one or more age group the previous seasonal year and the
older group moves on but the core (and potentially 50%) remains but
it will be playing in same age group as opposed to moving up an age
group. LSA can also review the roster of a team that did not
participate the previous year to insure that the team belongs in the
Competitive 2 League.
The levels of league play will be as follows:
-Region III Premier League (if any Louisiana teams qualify) or its
successor league, Region III Premier League West – Premier.
-Region III Premier League Central or its successor league, Region
III Premier League West 2nd – PLW South
-Competitive 1
-Competitive 2
LSA will determine the appropriate number of teams to play in the
Competitive 1 League and Competitive 2 League, based on the
total number of Competitive teams in the age group. The general
philosophy will be that 1/3 of the total teams in the age
65
group/gender will be Competitive 1. The remainder of the teams
will play in Competitive 2. The Competitive Committee will
approve this at the August meeting.
1.
Region III Regional Premier League or its successor
league, Region III Premier League West - Premier:
Qualifications for admission determined by Region III.
2.
Region III Premier League Central or its successor league,
Region III Premier League West 2nd – PLW South.
Placement in these leagues will be determined as follows:
a.
LSA is authorized to recommend Louisiana teams to
participate in the Region III Premier League Central
and its successor league, Region III Premier
League West 2nd – PLW South for the slots that are
authorized to be filled by qualifications as
determined by LSA in the following order from
current year U13-U17 to participate during the
following soccer year (at the next highest age
group):
1. Current Year Competitive 1 State Champion
2. Current Year USYS Regional Champion
3. Current Year Region III Premier League Central
Champion
4. Current Year Competitive 1 State Finalist
5. Additional teams in order of finish in
Competitive 1 State Tournament.
Any team that is removed from a Region III
Premier League, hence not completing their
required league participation for NCS qualification,
will result in the team being required to participate
in the Louisiana Competitive 1 League. If the
timing of the removal from the Region III Premier
League does not reasonably allow the team to be
scheduled into the existing Louisiana Competitive 1
League, the team will not be able to participate in
the Louisiana Competitive 1 League and hence will
not be able to participate in the Louisiana
Competitive State Tournament.
LSA is authorized to add a substitute team in the
event that a qualified team either disbands or
elects not to participate in the Region III Premier
League Central or Region III Premier League West
2nd – PLW South.
66
3.
Competitive 1 League: Will be comprised of approximately
1/3 of the total teams in the age group/gender. The
league must have at least 4 teams in it. If necessary to
achieve a 4 team league, the LSA may combine two age
groups. Each team will play each other once unless there
are 5 or less teams and then each team will place each
other twice. The league will be comprised of the following:
a.
Teams from the Competitive 1 State Tournament
that are not participating in one of the Region III
Premier Leagues
b.
The balance of the teams will be the highest
finishing teams in the Competitive 2 State
Tournament, but no more than the number of
teams that are participating in the Region III
Premier Leagues.
c.
The fall portion of league play will commence after
Labor Day and will be completed by the weekend
before high school practice starts (end of October)
and will resume in the spring the weekend after the
high school championships and continue through
end of March (U14) and the first weekend in April
(U15-U18). These dates may be adjusted
depending on when Easter falls in a given year and
if adjusted will be announced at the AGM.
d.
Each team will commit to 5 league play weekends
with a makeup weekend totaling 6 weekends.
e.
Designated on the team’s Letter of Intent each
team will be able to black out three weekends that
they are not available to compete in league play for
the soccer year (including both Fall and Spring).
f.
On league weekends, teams may play on Saturday
and Sunday. On the weekends with two games on
the weekend, teams should hopefully have one
home game each weekend and one travel game
each weekend. Teams can play 2 league games in
one day provided that both teams agree and that
the starting time of the second game of the day is
at least 2 hours from the ending time of the first
game of the day.
67
g.
4.
COMPETITIVE 2 League: Will be comprised of the
remaining teams. There will be one to three balanced
divisions with a consideration given to geography. Each
team will play each other once, unless there are 5 or less
teams and then each team will play each other twice. The
league will be comprised of the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The league schedule will be posted by September 1
unless that date falls on a weekend or Labor Day.
In such a situation, the schedule will be released
on the first business day after the weekend.
Teams from the Competitive 2 State Tournament,
who are not playing in the Competitive 1 League,
and Competitive 3 State Tournament.
The fall portion of league play will commence after
Labor Day and will be completed by the weekend
before high school practice starts (end of October)
and will resume in the spring the weekend after the
high school championships and continue through
the end of March (U14) and the first weekend in
April (U15-U18). Depending on how Easter falls in a
given year these dates may be adjusted. If they are
adjusted it will be announced at the AGM.
Each team will commit to 5 league play weekends
with a makeup weekend totaling 6 weekends.
Designated on the team’s Letter of Intent each
team will be able to black out three weekends that
they are not available to compete in league play for
the soccer year (including both Fall and Spring).
e.
On league weekends, teams may play on Saturday
and Sunday. On the weekends with two games on
the weekend, teams should hopefully have one
home game each weekend and one travel game
each weekend. Teams can play 2 league games in
one day provided that both teams agree and that
the starting time of the second game of the day is
at least 2 hours from the ending time of the first
game of the day.
f.
The league schedule will be posted by September 1
unless the date falls on a weekend or Labor Day.
In such a situation, the scheduled will be released
on the first business day after the weekend.
State Tournament: All U14-U18 teams that complete
their Competitive league play will be eligible to participate
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in the State Tournament.
6.
Louisiana Competitive Soccer League Rules
a.
RULES OF PLAY
1.
Rules of Play shall be in accordance with LSA
Tournament Rules, unless hereafter noted.
2.
At the referee’s discretion, if a game must be
terminated due to inclement weather and/or unsafe
field conditions and one half of the game has been
completed prior to termination, the results of the
match at the time of termination will stand. The
game will not be replayed.
3.
Teams will surrender Player Passes and a copy of
the Game Report generated by the Software
Package designated by LSA, which includes the
Team Roster to the Referee prior to the beginning
of the game. The referee shall check the players
against the Game Report and Player Passes prior to
the start of the game. If the referee does not
perform the above check as he/she is required to,
the coaches must perform the above verification
before the start of the game.
If a team does not have their USYS player passes
and a copy of the Game Report at the start of the
game, the game may be started but they must be
present and checked by the end of the match. If
the team is unable to present passes and the Game
Report by the end of the match the opposing team
will be awarded a 4-0 win. An electronic copy of
the Game Report and an electronic copy of the
USYS player passes (provided the electronic copy
of player passes contains the pictures and shows
the front and back of the pass) will be sufficient. If
only one of the teams has a copy of the Game
Report, that Game Report can also be used to
check the other team’s players to their player
passes but the players are limited to those shown
on the Game Report.
4.
Games may end in a tie (no overtimes, etc).
5. If a Louisiana Competitive League Game does not have
3 referees, the game can be played as long as both
coaches agree. Every effort should be made to contact
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the assignor to see if referees can be obtained in a
reasonable time.
If both coaches do not agree to play the game with
less than 3 referees, then the team that had been
the home team and was responsible for scheduling
the referees will give up their home field advantage
for the rescheduled game. If the game was
originally to be played at a neutral location, then
the game will be re scheduled again at a neutral
location. The game that was not played due to 3
referees not being present will go through the
reschedule process as shown in the LCSL Procedure
document for games not having 3 referees. As a
last resort if there is no common date, the game
will be played on the makeup date scheduled for
the applicable season when the game was
originally scheduled, either Fall or Spring.
Anytime a game does not have three referees at a
league game, LSA needs to be notified. This
notification must be done regardless if the teams
agree to play the game or not.
6. A player participating in a match as part of league
and/or State Cup play must display the name and/or
logo of his/her LSA-affiliated club on the jersey or the
shorts to be worn during the match. Goalkeepers are
exempt.
b.
PLAYER MISCONDUCT
1.
Ejections (send-off): A player who is ejected (sentoff) from a game shall leave the playing area and
team sideline under the supervision of a designated
adult team representative
2.
If a player is sent-off during a game, the team
manager shall retain possession of the player pass
3.
A player who is ejected (sent-off) from a
Competitive League game shall be suspended and
as a minimum shall not be allowed to participate in
his/her team’s next playable Competitive League
game. If a suspended player participates in a
Competitive league game before serving the
suspension, that game will be recorded as a forfeit
and the player will still have to serve the one game
suspension
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c.
4.
It is the responsibility of the head coach and team
manager to make sure that suspensions are
served. They shall notify the referee of suspensions
that are being served so that the referee can
record that a specific player did not participate in
that game.
5.
The suspension for an ejection (sent-off) issued in
the final Competitive League game will be served in
the first game of the State Cup Tournament. As
with Louisiana Competitive League, any ejections in
the last game of the Sub Regional Premier League,
the suspension will be served in the first game of
the State Cup.
6.
If the suspension is not served in the next
Competitive League Game and/or State Cup game,
the suspension will be served in the next available
game (Competitive League or State Cup) and any
games played in by the player will be recorded as a
forfeit.
TEAM MISCONDUCT
A team shall forfeit a game if conduct by players, coaches
or spectators causes a game to be prematurely terminated
or abandoned. Any caution or send-off in the forfeited
game is still subject to penalties and suspensions.
d.
COACH MISCONDUCT
1.
A coach who is ejected (sent-off) shall leave the
immediate vicinity of the playing area and is
prohibited from any further contact, direct or
indirect, with the team during the remainder of that
game. If a credentialed team official is not present,
the games is terminated and the offending team
shall forfeit the game
2.
If a coach is sent-off during a game, the team
manager shall retain possession of the
player/coach pass.
3.
A coach who is ejected (sent-off) from a
Competitive League game shall be suspended and
as a minimum shall not be allowed to participate in
his/her team’s next playable Competitive League
game. The coach may not be at the soccer complex
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while serving the suspension, unless he/she is
coaching another team. If a suspended coach
participates in a Competitive League before serving
the suspension, that game will be recorded as a
forfeit and the coach will still have to serve the one
game suspension.
e.
4.
It is the responsibility of the head coach and team
manager to make sure that suspensions are
served. They shall notify the referee of suspensions
that are being served so that the referee can
record that a specific coach did not participate in
that game.
5.
The suspension for an ejection (send-off) issued in
the final Competitive league game will be served in
the first game of the State Cup Tournament. As
with Louisiana Competitive League, any ejections in
the last game of the Sub Regional Premier League,
the suspension will be served in the first game of
the State Cup Tournament.
PROTESTS & APPEALS
Protests and Appeals shall be referred to the Competitive
Committee Appeal Panel “CCAP.”
The “CCAP” will be chaired (non-voting unless necessary to
break a tie) by the Competitive Commissioner.
“CCAP” Pool: The panel for the hearing of the protest or
appeal will be comprised of designated representatives
from clubs that have teams that participate in the
Competitive League. Each club that has Competitive
teams may submit the names of 1 or 2 people who are
willing and knowledgeable to serve on a hearing panel.
Each hearing will have no fewer than three and no more
than five representatives from the “CCAP” Pool serving on
the panel.
Clubs involved in the hearing will not have anyone from
their club serve on the panel.
Each panel hearing a protest or appeal will contain the
following makeup, unless all members of the “CCAP” Pool
that meet the criteria are unable to participate and then
the panel will be comprised of those in the “CCAP Pool that
can participate:
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-“CCAP Pool” member from a Club from the outer
extremity or less soccer populated areas of the State
(Calcasieu, Crossroads, CABOSA, Natchitoches, NELSA,
Sulphur or like). Note the selection of this participant
can also fill one of the below membership number
criteria.
-“CCAP” Pool member from a Club with membership of
less than 500
-“CCAP” Pool member from a Club with membership
between 500 and 1000
-“CCAP” Pool member from a Club with membership of
more than 1000
-Remaining participants of the panel will be from any
other participant in “CCAP” pool.
-A priority in selecting the panel will be given to
“CCAP” Pool members from clubs who have attended
the previous 2 out of 3 Competitive Meetings.
1.
Protests & Appeals
a.
To be valid and eligible for consideration,
protest or appeal must be received in
writing at the LSA office within 3 business
days from the scheduled game or
occurrence of the event or decision being
appealed and must include a certified check
or money order made payable to LSA in the
amount of $200. Personal checks and cash
will not be accepted. The written protest or
appeal must include the following before
they will be considered:
i.
a written statement describing the
specific grounds for the protest or
appeal and
ii.
a clear and concise statement of the
relief or action sought by the
protesting or appealing party.
b.
Only the head coach, club executive director
or club president may lodge the protest.
c.
If involving a game the referee’s game
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report must be received in the LSA Office
before the “CCAP” can take any action.
2.
f.
d.
Any protest relating to goals, nets, or
playing field conditions shall be entertained
only if an objection had been lodged with
the game referee prior to the start of the
game.
e.
The fee required will not be refunded if the
protest or appeal is denied; however if the
protest or appeal is upheld the fee will be
refunded.
f.
An Appeal is allowed if the appeal falls
under one or more of the conditions listed
in Policy 312
Appeals of Competitive Committee Appeal Panel
a.
Decisions of the Competitive Committee
Appeal Panel may only be appealed to the
LSA Executive Board. The procedures to file
an appeal are the same as those detailed
above.
b.
Decision of the LSA Executive Committee
may only be appealed to the USSF if
applicable.
TABULATION OF RESULTS
1.
Competitive League games will be scored as
follows: 3 Points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0
points for a loss.
2.
Ties will be broken per Policy General Tournament
Rules.
3.
To apply tie breakers to age groups that have
divisions that do not have the same number of
teams the following will be used for the application
of Most Wins, Goal Differential and Goals Allowed if
they are part of the tie breakers:
a.
Most Wins: number of wins divided by the
number of games played.
b.
Goal Differential (maximum of plus or minus
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4). For example for a score of 2-1, the goal
differential for the winning team would be
+1. Another example is 5-0, the winning
team’s goal differential would be +4. If the
divisions do not have the same number of
teams, and a tie exists between two teams
in different divisions calculate a percentage.
The percentage would be calculated as
follows: Goal Differential/Maximum Possible
Goal Differential (each game’s maximum
would be assumed to be +4).
c.
Goals Allowed (no maximum). If the
divisions do not have the same number of
teams, and tie exists between two teams in
different divisions calculate the average
goals allowed per game. The average would
be calculated as follows: Goals
Allowed/Games Played
g.
REPORTING GAME RESULTS
The team manager of each team is required to post the
game score and Yellow and Red cards received by the
Friday following completion of the game. All game reports
where a red card is received or a red card suspension is
being served must be sent to the LSA Office and received
by the Friday following completion of the game. If the
above deadlines are not complied with the offending team
and club will be notified by LSA and given one week to
remedy the situation. If the situation is not remedied the
$250 Club Performance Bond check will be deposited. If a
Club’s bond check is deposited, the Club must submit
another $ 250.00 bond check within 10 calendar days of
the date of deposit or all of its teams will not be able to
participate in Competitive League or State Cup.
h.
ASSIGNORS/REFEREES
1.
Assignment of referees will be the responsibility of
Association hosting the Competitive League game.
LSA will pay to the host Association a $4.00 per
game referee assignor’s fee. Fees are to be
submitted to LSA for payment NO later than
December 31 for games played in the fall and no
later than June 30 for games played in the spring.
2. Payment of referees will be “CASH-IN-HAND” at the field by the team
managers prior to the games. Each team will contribute one-half the total
referee fees for that age group. Fees are established in Policy 206-3.
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POLICY 312 – COMPETITIVE STATE TOURNAMENTS
312.1 HOSTING STATE TOURNAMENTS
312.1.1
State tournaments are hosted by various clubs throughout the
state.
312.1.2
LSA will solicit proposals from clubs wishing to host a state
competition by November 1st of the current soccer year. The
invitation to bid will include the LSA Tournament Responsibility
Checklist, an estimate of the number of teams participating and
field requirements as well as the dates of the games.
312.1.3
Bids to host must be returned to LSA by December 1st and must
include:
312.1.3.1 A list and field map of available fields, including length and
width of each field to be use and goal sizes. If the bid is based
on multiple venues, this should be indicated with the bid to
host and field maps must be provided for all sites to be used.
312.1.3.2 A list of blocked hotel/motel rooms and the number of
rooms.
312.1.3.3 Prospective hosts for competitive state tournament games
must obtain a statement from the LSA State Games & Cup
Assignor as to the availability of referees for their location.
312.1.3.4 If a local club desires to impose fees for admission,
parking, programs, etc. their request must be submitted with
their bid to host. LSA has final approval of imposed fees;
therefore, if a bid is contingent upon a fee this also must be
noted.
312.1.3.5 The name, address, phone number(s) and email address
of the Host Tournament Director.
312.1.3.6 Any financial incentive available to LSA from local
organizations such as CVBs.
312.1.3.7 Any availability of complimentary hotel rooms for LSA staff
and tournament referees.
312.1.3.8 Any local festivals or major sporting events on the same
weekend of the state tournament.
312.1.4
If any part of the Tournament Responsibility Checklist or Policy
312 is not complied with, LSA reserves the right to reduce the
amount of the hosting fee paid to the hosting club.
312.1.5
The sites for the current year will be established by the LSA
Executive Committee. A subcommittee consisting of
the Vice President-Youth, the Competitive Commissioner, the
Recreational Commissioner, the Executive Director and the
Chairman of the State Referee Committee will examine the bids
and make a recommendation to the full Executive Committee. The
Executive Committee will vote on the sites and announce the sites
at the Winter Midyear Meeting. LSA, in consultation with the host,
reserves the right to modify the dates and locations of state
tournaments and reserves the right to re-schedule dates and
locations due to severe inclement weather.
312.1.6
Clubs hosting state tournaments cannot impose fees without the
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approval of LSA.
312.2 STATE TOURNAMENT EVENT COMMITTEE
312.2.1
The Youth Competitive/Recreational Commissioners shall serve as
the Tournament Directors of their respective tournaments. In the
absence of the respective commissioner, the LSA Executive
Director shall act as Tournament Director.
312.2.2
There shall be an event tournament committee consisting of the
LSA Commissioner responsible for the competition (or his/her
designee), the LSA Vice President Youth (or his/her designee), the
LSA Tournament Referee or the host Tournament Senior Referee.
312.2.3
The LSA Tournament Director shall be responsible for the
enforcement and interpretation of the LSA Tournament Rules as
published.
312.2.4
The LSA Tournament Referee or the host Tournament Senior
Referee shall be responsible for the enforcement and
interpretation of the modified FIFA Laws of the Game.
312.2.5
No member of this Tournament Committee shall be allowed to
officiate during this event.
312.2.6
This committee shall hear protests and resolve other problems
that arise during the tournament. Decision will be FINAL AND
BINDING.
312.3 AWARDS FOR STATE TOURNAMENTS
312.3.1
Champion and Runner-up awards (trophies or medals) will be
given to each player and coach of the first and second place
teams in all age groups of State Tournaments.
312.3.2
If a team earns first place as the only entry in an age/gender
division, awards will not be given.
312.4 ENTRIES
312.4.1
All entry forms and tournament fees must be submitted to LSA
not later than April 1 for all U11-U19 teams. If that date falls on the
weekend the due date will be the following Monday.
312.4.1.1.1 If no entries are submitted for U19 teams by the
deadline, the
LSA Adult Vice-President may assist the LSA Youth Vice-President in
identifying players and forming a team or teams for participation in the
Region III US Youth Soccer Championships.
312.4.2
Only teams that have participated in the Competitive leagues shall
be admitted to the Louisiana competitive state tournaments, with the
exception of U19 teams as there is not league play.
312.4.3
To be eligible to send teams to the Louisiana State tournament
competition, a club must have registered with LSA a minimum total of
seventy (70) players by October 1 of the current soccer year and be in
good standing with LSA for the entire year. EFFECTIVE 2015-2016
SEASONAL YEAR
312.4.4
Entry and participation in the Competitive 1 State Tournament
places a
responsibility on the Competitive 1 State Tournament highest finishing
team that is not attending Regionals as a Region III Premier League team
to represent Louisiana at Regionals, and, if successful there, at Nationals.
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312.4.4.1
The Club sponsoring the Competitive 1 State Tournament highest
finishing team that is not attending Regionals as a Region III
Premier League team will be responsible for fees and fines
charged by Region III or US Youth Soccer for withdrawal. These
fees may reach $3,000 or higher.
312.4.4.2
Failure to pay the fine within 30 days of receipt of the fine in
writing from LSA shall result in that Club being deemed henceforth
"not in good standing" and teams from that Club shall be denied
participation in all age gender groups in LCSL and, therefore, any
Louisiana State Tournament until said fee is paid.
312.4.5
Teams participating in the Presidents Cup (Competitive 2) State
Tournament in age groups that advance to the Regional Presidents Cup
Tournament must indicate when they check-in for Championship
weekend on the designated form, if their team will attend the Regional
Presidents Cup Tournament.
312.5 TEAM ELIGIBILITY AND ROSTER FREEZE DATES
312.5.1
COMPETITIVE I STATE TOURNAMENTS (US YOUTH SOCCER
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES C1 COMPETITIONS (U13 –
U19)
312.5.1.1 The team may only enter the LSA competition if at least 50
percent of its players are registered in Louisiana.
312.5.1.2 The team must compete in at least a 4-team approved league
during the current seasonal year in LSA, US Youth Soccer
Region III League or US Youth Soccer National League, except
for the U-19 age group for boys and girls. The league
competition must consist of a minimum of one game against
each of 3 different teams participating in the league.
312.5.1.3 The team must demonstrate continuity of rosters between the
league and every level of the National Championships
competitions by maintaining a minimum of 9 players common
to the roster of the team at every level of the competitions.
Continuity of roster shall be based on the league roster as of
the team’s first league game.
312.5.1.4 A club may issue a club pass to any youth player who is a
registered youth player of the club before the team to which
such youth player is to be rostered for the State Association
level of the National Championships competitions submits its
National Championships roster for its first competition at the
State Association level.
312.5.1.4.1 The player pass issued to a player by a LSA
member club, in compliance with rules of LSA, which
specifies the club of which the player is registered and
is shown on the pass is a Club pass.
312.5.1.4.2 US Youth Soccer Rule 101 defines a club as an
organization providing soccer to youth players that is a
member of a state association. Soccer clubs that have
operations in multiple states are considered different
clubs for application of the club pass rule because the
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soccer club in each state is registered with a different
state association.
312.5.1.5 Every team in the National Championships Series competitions
shall have a:
312.5.1.5.1 Team Roster - A team roster shall have a minimum
of 9 registered players on its roster at all times.
312.5.1.5.2 National Championships Roster - based on its Team
Roster at the State Association level of the National
Championships competitions. The team roster may
have up to 22 youth players on the roster at all levels
of the competitions.
312.5.1.5.2.1 the National Championship Roster may not
have more than 5 rostered youth who were
previously rostered during the current
seasonal year with a club other than the
club of which the team is a member.
312.5.1.5.2.2 A team may add to its National
Championship roster for that level as many
registered youth players holding club passes
of that club of which a team is a member as
the team or its club determines so long as
the roster does not exceed 22 players
subject to the team being able to
demonstrate continuity of rosters between
the league and every level of the National
Championships competitions by maintaining
a minimum of 9 players common to the
roster of the team at every level of the
competitions.
312.5.1.5.2.3 A youth player may be on the National
Championships roster of only one team at
each level of the National Championships
competitions during any seasonal year.
However, a youth player who was rostered
to a team of a club at a National
Championship competition level that does
not advance to the next level may be
rostered to another team of that club at the
next level of the National Championship
competitions.
312.5.1.5.2.4 The team must provide its National
Championships roster for National
Championships competitions as follows:
a.
at the State Association level, the Monday
of the week preceding the week of the start
of Competitive State Tournament for the
age group, unless an age group advances
to Regionals by virtue of being the only
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team in its age group; in this case the
roster freeze date will be set by LSA;
b.
at the regional level, shall be determined by
the region which shall be no later than 7
days prior to the beginning of the team’s
age group competition at the regional level;
c.
at the national level, shall be determined by
the National Championships Committee
which shall be no later than 7 days prior to
the beginning of that team’s age group
competition at the national level.
312.5.1.5.3 Game Roster - The game roster shall have a maximum of
18 players and a minimum of 7 players. Every player listed
on the game roster must be included on the team’s
National Championships roster to be eligible to participate
with the team in the National Championships competitions.
312.5.1.5.4 A team may have on its team roster only players of the
following age groups for the seasonal year in which the team
is participating in the National Championships:
312.5.1.5.4.1 For teams competing in the Under 13, Under 14
and Under 15 age groups, each player on the team
must be:
 of the age of the age group competition in
which the team is participating in that
seasonal year, or
 of the age in either of the next 2 younger
age groups of that age group competition in
which the team is participating in that
seasonal year.
312.5.1.5.4.2 For the teams competing in the Under 16, Under
17, Under 18, and Under 19 age groups, each player
on the team must be:
 of the age of the age group competition in
which the team is participating in that
seasonal year, or
 of the age of any younger age group,
through the Under 14 age group, of that
age group competition in which the team is
participating in that seasonal year.
312.5.1.5.5 A team may compete in only one age group of the
National Championships competitions during the seasonal
year.
312.5.1.6 Under 11 and Under 12 state competitions are not part of the
National Championship series but are conducted using the same
guidelines as above.
312.5.1.6.1
Since U11 and U12 state competitions are not part
of NCS, players from U11 and U12 Competitive I
teams may use a club pass to participate on a
Competitive I team from their club at the NCS state
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tournament if that tournament takes place after the
team has been eliminated from the U11 or U12
state tournament.
312.5.1.6.2
Players utilized as above are obliged to follow NCS
roster rules once they appear on an NCS roster at
the U13 age groups or higher.
312.5.2
ALL OTHER COMPETITIVE COMPETITIONS, INCLUDING US YOUTH
SOCCER PRESIDENTS CUP (C2 COMPETITIONS U13 - U17)
312.5.2.1 The team may only enter the LSA competition if at least 50
percent of its players are registered in Louisiana.
312.5.2.1.1
A team participating in the Presidents Cup must
enter the competition in their age appropriate
brackets (as defined by US Youth Soccer). If the
team plays up into an older age bracket and the
team wins the State competition, the team will not
be eligible to advance to the Region III Presidents
Cup competition.
312.5.2.1.1.1 A club may issue a club pass to any youth player who is
a registered youth player of the club and add them to its
roster for that level of competition so long as the roster
does not exceed the maximum and that the youth
player was never on US Youth National Championship
series roster.
312.5.2.1.1.1.1 The player pass issued to a player by an LSA
member club, in compliance with rules of LSA,
which specifies the club of which the player is
registered and is shown on the pass is a Club
pass.
312.5.2.1.1.1.2 USYS Rule 101 defines a club as an
organization providing soccer to youth players
that is a member of a state association. Soccer
clubs that have operations in multiple states are
considered different clubs for application of the
club pass rule because the soccer club in each
state is registered with a different state
association.
312.5.2.1.1.2 Once a player is rostered to a team’s state tournament
roster and that team has passed the Roster Freeze date,
the player is NOT allowed to move within his or her club
until the player’s team is eliminated from the
competition and then only for the next level of
competition.
312.5.2.1.1.3 The roster freeze date for Presidents Cup teams is the
Monday of the week preceding the week of the start of
the Presidents Cup State Tournament for the age group,
unless an age group advances to Regionals by virtue of
being the only team in its age group; in this case the
roster freeze date will be set by LSA.
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312.5.2.1.1.4 The team roster may not contain more than five (5)
rostered youth players who were previously rostered
during the current seasonal year with a club other than
the club of which the team is a member.
312.5.2.1.1.5 The team must demonstrate continuity of rosters
between the league and all levels of the competitions by
maintaining a minimum of 9 players common to the
rosters at every level of the competition. Continuity of
roster shall be based on the league roster as of the
team’s first league game.
312.5.2.1.1.6 For teams that advance to Presidents Cup Regionals or
Nationals, guest players are allowed but no player
added to a team after the State Competition shall be
previously rostered to a US Youth Soccer National
Championship Series team (C1 U13 through U19).
312.5.2.2 Under 11, Under 12, Under 18 and Under 19 Competitive 2 State
Tournaments are not part of the Presidents’ Cup but are conducted
under the same guidelines as above.
312.5.2.2.1
Since U11 and U12 state competitions are
not part of Presidents Cup, players from U11 and U12
Competitive 2 or below teams may use a club pass to
participate on a Competitive 2 or below team from their
club at the Presidents Cup state tournament if that
tournament takes place after the team has been
eliminated from the U11 or U12 state tournament.
312.5.2.2.2
Players utilized as above are obliged to follow Presidents’
Cup roster rules once they appear on an NCS roster at the U13
age groups or higher.
312.5.2.2.3
Since U11, U12, U18 and U19 Competitive 2 state
competitions, as well as any Competitive 3 and lower
levels of Competitive Play, are not part of Presidents Cup
or NCS, the following allowance will be made regarding
team rosters in the interest of allowing players to play.
312.5.2.2.3.1 If, after the roster freeze date, a player is found to be
improperly rostered due to human error (i.e. a
registration scan was not conducted to determine if the
player was rostered with another club during the
seasonal year), the player may participate in the state
competition with his/her team if the club (a) pays the
transfer fee and (b) pays a penalty fee equal to the
transfer fee prior to the first day of the state
tournament for the age group.
312.5.2.2.3.2 Such a player as described above may only participate
in the state tournament for his/her age group if the
human error has been corrected and the appropriate
fees and penalties are paid.
312.6
Teams that Drop out of Competitive State Tournament after registering or fail to
play all scheduled games:
312.6.2 A team that drops out of the Competitive State Tournament after
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April 1st and before the roster freeze date will forfeit its entry fee.
The brackets will be realigned for any team dropping out during
this period.
312.6.3 A team that drops out of the Competitive State Tournament after
the roster freeze date will forfeit its entry fee, and their club will
be assessed a fine of $1,000.00 (payable to LSA). Failure to pay
the fine within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the
assessment in writing from LSA shall result in that club being
deemed henceforth "not in good standing" and teams from that
club shall be denied participation in all age/gender groups in LCSL
or any Competitive State Tournament until said assessment is
paid. Brackets will not be realigned for any team dropping out
after the roster freeze date. All games for the team will be
recorded as 4-0 forfeits.
312.6.4 A team that fails to play all scheduled games at the Competitive
State Tournament will cause their club to be assessed a fine
of $1,000.00 (payable to LSA). Failure to pay the fine within
thirty (30) days of receipt of the assessment in writing from LSA
shall result in that club being deemed henceforth "not in good
standing" and shall be denied participation in all age/sex groups in
LCSL or any Competitive State Tournament until said assessment
is paid. All games for the team will be recorded as 4-0 forfeits.
The president or executive director of the club may file an appeal
to the LSA Executive Committee within 72 hours of the
assessment by sending all the Facts & Circumstances surrounding
their appeal accompanied by a $200 cashier check or money order
made payable to LSA.
312.7 Competitive State Tournaments
312.7.1
All teams that participate and complete all games in the
Competitive league are eligible to participate in one of the
Louisiana State Tournaments based on their level play as
determined by league play.
312.7.2
A team cannot opt to play in a different State Tournament then
their league play determined.
312.7.3
To rank the teams in an age group for placement in the Louisiana
State Championships, starting with the most competitive as #1
through the number of teams in an age group, all age groups will
follow the procedure detailed in Policy 311(D)(4)(e).
312.7.3.1
U11 Teams:
312.7.3.1.1 There will be 8 team divisions.
312.7.3.1.2 There will be a winner crowned in each
division.
312.7.3.1.3 The divisions will be formed as follows:
Teams will be ranked by their order of finish in
spring league play as detailed in Policy
311(D)(4)(e) and placed in a division starting with
the #1-#8 teams in one division and the #9-#16
Teams in the next division and so forth until all
division are placed in a division.
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312.7.3.1.4
If there are not an even number of eight (8) team
divisions LSA will decide how to allocate, but
brackets will not be larger than eight (8) teams.
312.7.3.1.5 LSA may also modify the above guidelines, if it is
done when the leagues are being realigned after
the Fall season.
312.7.3.1.6 The format will be the standard seeded one
weekend format for 8 teams per Policy 312 or
if the division has less than 8 teams, the format will
be used for the standard one weekend format for
that number of teams.
312.7.3.2
U12 Teams:
312.7.3.2.1 There will be three to four levels of state
tournaments as follows:
312.7.3.2.1.1 Competitive 1 State Tournament will be
comprised of the 8 most competitive teams
as determined by spring league play.
312.7.3.2.1.2 Competitive 2 State Tournament will be
comprised of the next 8 most competitive
teams as determined by spring league play.
312.7.3.2.1.3 Competitive 3 State Tournament will be
comprised of the next 8-12 (depending on
the remaining number of U12 teams, with
the decision being governed by the number
of teams that will be Competitive 4 which
must be at least as determined by spring
league play.
312.7.3.2.1.4 Competitive 4 State Tournament: the
remaining U12 teams that are not
participating in the Competitive 1, 2, or 3
State Tournament.
312.7.3.2.1.5 LSA may also modify the above guidelines,
if it is done when the leagues are being
realigned after the Fall season.
312.7.3.2.1.6 The format will be standard seeded two
weekend format for the number of teams in
the state tournament.
312.7.3.3
U13-U18 Teams: There will be up to four levels of state
tournaments as detailed below:
312.7.3.3.1 The Competitive 1 State Tournament will
have either 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 teams.
312.7.3.3.2 The Competitive 2 State Tournament will have
brackets with the same number of teams (up to 12
teams in Competitive 2) in them unless there are not
enough teams to have brackets with the same
number of teams and for the Competitive 3 State
Tournament to have at least 3 teams in Competitive
3 (2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or 12 teams).
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312.7.3.3.3
The format will be standard seeded one or two
weekend for the number of teams in the state
tournament.
312.7.3.3.4 If, after applying the below policy on determining
the number of teams for the Competitive 1 and 2
state tournaments, the number of teams is
determined to be five, seven, nine, ten, or eleven,
play-in games will be utilized as follows:
312.7.3.3.4.1 If five teams, fifth seed versus fourth seed
with winner advancing as fourth seed and
the format is standard seeded four-team
format.
312.7.3.3.4.2 If seven teams, seventh seed versus sixth
seed with winner advancing as sixth seed
and the format is standard seeded six-team
format.
312.7.3.3.4.3 If nine teams, ninth seed versus eighth
seed with winner advancing as eighth seed
and the format is standard seeded eightteam format.
312.7.3.3.4.4 If ten teams, tenth seed versus seventh
seed and ninth seed versus eighth seed
with winners advancing as seventh and
eighth seeds (respectively) and the format
is standard seeded eight-team format.
312.7.3.3.4.5 If eleven teams, eleventh seed versus sixth
seed, tenth seed versus seventh seed, and
ninth seed versus eighth seeds with winners
advancing as sixth, seventh, and eighth
seeds (respectively) and the format is
standard seeded eight-team format.
312.7.3.3.5 Play-in games are considered part of the state
tournament. Teams that do not win their play-in
game will be refunded part of their state tournament
fee as shown on the state tournament application.
312.7.3.3.5.1 If a team elects not to participate in a playin game, written notice must be provided to
LSA no later than 96 hours prior to the
scheduled match time. If such notice is
provided, the team will be refunded all state
tournament fees without penalty.
312.7.3.3.5.2 Play-in games will be played after all LCSL
games for that age/gender group are
completed for the seasonal year.
312.7.4
Competitive 1 State Tournament:
The number of teams
will be determined as follows:
312.7.4.1 Calculate C1 State Cup Goal Number by taking 1/3 of
the total teams in the age group/gender. If this
number is not a whole number round up to the next
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number.
312.7.4.2 If C1 State Cup Goal Number calculated in a) above is
an odd number other than three, round down to the
next even number, now known as Final C1 State Cup
Goal Number.
312.7.4.3 Calculate the total number of teams in RIII Premier
League plus the teams in LCSL C1 that were prior year
C1 State Cup teams. If this number if an odd number
other than three, round down to the next even
number, now known as RIIIPL-LCSLC1.
312.7.4.4 If Region III Premier Leagues have greater than 2
teams take the greater of Final C1 State Cup Goal
Number (calculated in b) above) or RIIIPL-LCSLC1
(calculated in c) above); if not, take the lesser, now
known as C1 State Cup Number of Teams.
312.7.4.5 If C1 State Cup Number of Teams (calculated in d)
above) will be comprised of all Region III Premier
League teams, this number will be increased to the
next even number unless the number is less than four,
then it will be increased to the next number, provided
that: the LCSL C1 league is pure age, at least 1 team in
LCSL C1 is a prior year C1 State Cup team and the
Final C1 State Cup Goal Number (calculated in b)
above) was achieved by rounding down.
312.7.5
Competitive 2 State Tournament:
The goal will be an 8
or 12 team tournament (following the above state quality
parameters) comprised of the Competitive 1 State League
teams not participating in Competitive 1 State Tournament
plus the top teams from the Competitive 2 and 3 league
play.
312.7.5.1
Invitations to attend the Region III Presidents’ Cup
will offered to state tournament winners and if
unable to attend to state finalist in order of finish
for U13-U17 teams.
312.7.6
Competitive 3 State Tournament:
Will be the remaining
teams that are not participating in the Competitive 2 State
Tournament.
312.7.7
U19 Teams: U19 teams may elect to participate in either
the Competitive 1 or 2 State Tournament.
312.7.7.1 Competitive 1 State Tournament: State Champions will
represent Louisiana at the USYS Regional event and
depending on their performance at Regionals at USYS
Nationals.
312.7.7.2 As U19 Boys and Girls do not participate in a league,
seeding will be determined by a random draw
conducted by the LSA. The format will be a standard
seeded one or two weekend format determined by the
number of teams that enter the State Tournament.
312.7.7.3 Competitive 2 State Tournament: As U19 Boys and
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Girls do not participate in a league, seeding will be
determined by a random draw conducted by the LSA.
The format will be a standard seeded one or two
weekend format determined by the number of teams
that enter the State Tournament.
312.7.8 For the Competitive State Tournaments, teams will be ranked
from #1 to the number of teams in the age group for placement
in the appropriate state tournament based on results of league
play in Region III Southern Premier League (which includes all
Region III leagues) and LCSL (U11-U13 spring league results and
U14-U18 year-long league results) as follows:
312.7.8.1 The teams participating in the Region III Regional
Premier League or its successor league Region III
Premier League West - Premier will be seeded first,
second, etc. (depending on number of LA teams in the
league) based on their order of finish.
312.7.8.2 The teams participating in the Region III Premier
League Central or its successor league, Region III
Premier League West 2nd-PLW South will be seeded
after the teams participating in the Region III Regional
Premier League or its successor league Region III
Premier League West - Premier based on their order of
finish.
312.7.8.3 The teams participating in the Region III Premier
League West South (U13 league) based on their order
of finish.
312.7.8.4 The teams participating in the Competitive 1, Very
Competitive (U12) or Competitive (U11) LCSL will be
seeded after the team’s participating in the Region III
Premier League, based on the order of the final
standings in the LCSL. If there is more than one
division at one of the levels the divisions will be
merged together as defined below in Policy
311(D)(4)(f).
312.7.8.5 The teams participating in the Competitive 2,
Competitive (U12) or Moderate (U11) LCSL will be
seeded after the teams participating in the leagues
defined above, based on the results of LCSL. If there is
more than one division at one of the levels, the
divisions will be merged together as defined below in
Policy 312.7.9.
312.7.8.6 The teams participating in the Developmental
(U11) LCSL will be seeded after the teams participating
in the leagues defined above, based on the results of
LCSL. If there is more than one division at one of the
levels, the divisions will be merged together as defined
below in Policy 312.7.9.
312.7.9 If there is more than one division at one of the levels of
play the divisions will be merged together as defined below:
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312.7.9.1 If all of the teams from the divisions played the
same number of games, then they will be ranked as
follows:
a.
Points, followed by Tie Breakers
b.
Most Wins
c.
Net Goal Differential (Max +/- 4)
d.
Goals Allowed
e.
Goals For (Max 4) if still tied
f.
Flip of a coin by LSA office
312.7.9.2
If the all of the teams from the divisions did not
play the same number of games, then a
percentage will be calculated as follows:
a.
Point percentage. Calculated as points
earned/total possible points.
b.
Win percentage. Calculated as # of wins/#
of games played).
c.
Goal differential percentage (maximum of
plus or minus 4). Calculated as: goal
differential/maximum possible goal
differential with each game's maximum
being +4).
d.
Goals allowed percentage (no maximum:
goals allowed/games played). Calculated as
Goals Allowed/Games Played.
e.
Goals For Percentage (Maximum of 4 per
game). Calculated as Goals For/Games
Played.
f.
Flip of coin by LSA office.
312.7.10
A Player or team official at the a game site to participate in
game of the competitions may only have on the outer wear of the
player or team official a name, logo, or other identifying mark of a
YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION that is US Youth Soccer, a State
Association or other member of US Youth Soccer. Any other
identifying mark of any other youth soccer organization must be
removed, replaced, or covered before the player or team official
may continue to remain at the game site for the game.
312.7.11
A player participating in a match as part of State Cup play
must display the name and/or logo of his/her LSA-affiliated club
on the jersey or the shorts to be worn during the match.
Goalkeepers are exempt.
312.8 GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES
312.8.1
RULES OF PLAY
Except as otherwise noted, the rules and procedures set forth in
88
the FIFA "Laws of the Game" as modified by US Youth Soccer
shall apply to all tournament games.
312.8.2
TEAM AND GAME ROSTERS
312.8.2.1
Violations of player or team eligibility rules will result in the
forfeiture of any game in which an ineligible team or player
has participated. The coach is ultimately responsible for
verifying player eligibility.
312.8.2.2
The official team roster used for player
verification and tournament eligibility shall be the official
LSA roster as provided by LSA for the state tournaments.
Team rosters must have player’s jersey number listed.
Team rosters presented by coaches, managers or club
officials at the tournament site are not acceptable.
312.8.2.3
Game rosters shall be governed by 311 (4). If
311 (4) limits the number of players who may
participate in a game to less than those allowed to be on
their roster the following procedure shall be followed:
312.8.2.3.1 The names of the players who will not be
participating in the game shall be marked through
on the official LSA roster and submitted to the
referee no later than 30 minutes prior to the start
of each game.
312.8.2.3.2 Once submitted to game referee changes will not
be accepted unless approved by tournament
officials.
312.8.2.3.3 All players listed on the game rosters shall have a
jersey number printed on the roster. Any changes
to the jersey number must be written in on the
game roster prior to the start of the game.
312.8.2.4
Players serving a suspension must be identified but the
game roster is not reduced accordingly.
312.8.2.4.1 The player may return to the complex for the next
game but he/she must sit on the spectator side of
the field as a spectator. He/she cannot use a bench
pass to sit with the team.
312.8.2.5
Additional players listed on the team roster, but not
playing and are not on the game roster cannot be in
uniform but may be seated with the team in the technical
area.
312.8.2.5.1 These non-playing persons of the team will be
considered team officials.
312.8.2.5.2 Although team officials cannot commit misconduct
or be shown a card, they may be dismissed from
the field for irresponsible behavior.
312.8.2.5.3 Any player so ordered will not be allowed to
participate in their next scheduled game and may
be subject to additional penalties.
312.8.3
PLAYER AND COACH PASSES / MEDICAL RELEASE FORM
312.8.3.1
Each player shall have one and only one original
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US Youth Soccer ID pass and each coach shall have
one and only one original US Youth Soccer ID pass
for the team or teams he/she coaches (list all
teams on one pass).
312.8.3.1.1 This pass shall have the person's picture (of
the current seasonal year), the date of birth
(required for players only) and signature
and be signed by a club official.
312.8.3.1.2 All passes must be individually laminated.
312.8.3.2
The coach must surrender all passes to
Tournament Director or his designee for verification
and processing on the first day of the tournament
at least 30 minutes prior to the team's first game.
312.8.3.3
Failure to have verification prior to the first game
may result in the team being deemed ineligible for
the tournament and all bracket games being
recorded as forfeits.
312.8.3.4
After verification has taken place, failure of a team
to present passes to the game official prior to the
beginning of a game may result in that bracket
game being recorded as a forfeit.
312.8.3.5
No player or coach shall be allowed to enter the
team sideline that does not have a pass, which has
been validated by the Tournament Director (or his
designee) even if it results in forfeiture of the
game.
312.8.3.6
All player passes shall be surrendered to the
referee prior to the beginning of each game.
312.8.3.7
The coach (es), a maximum of four (4) per team,
shall maintain custody of their coach pass, and the
pass shall be visually displayed while on the team
sideline.
312.8.3.8
Teams must have a credentialed coach/team
official from their club to participate. If a
credentialed team/official from their club is not
present during the entire game, the game is
terminated and will be deemed a forfeit.
312.8.3.9
Invalid passes will be confiscated by the
Tournament Director and sent to the LSA Office.
312.8.3.10
Coaches must have a Medical Release Form for
each player participating in tournament play, which
will be verified at team check-in; however, that
team's coach is to maintain custody of the actual
forms.
312.8.4
MINIMUM FIELD SIZES
312.8.4.1
The following minimum field sizes shall apply to tournament play.
(Maximum size is set forth in FIFA "Laws of the Game").
Age
Field
Goal
• U15 and older
110 yards by 70 yards
8 feet by 24 feet
90
• U13-14
• U11-12
312.8.4.2
110 yards by 60 yards
8 feet by 24 feet
70 yards by 50 yards
7 feet by 21 feet
For U11 & U12 Competitive State Cup and League play the fields
and goals must comply with the following:
Length:
minimum 70 yds – maximum 80 yds
Width:
minimum 50 yds – maximum 55 yds
312.8.4.3
The above requirement may be modified by LSA if:
312.8.4.3.1 There are no clubs that can host the Competitive State
tournament due to the size requirements.
312.8.4.3.2 Severe weather, rain or other circumstances make it
impossible to continue the Competitive State Cup
tournament and comply with the size requirements.
312.8.4.4
For applications of small-sided games and for players with
disabilities, any or all of the following may be modified:
 Size of the field of play
 Size, weight and material of the ball
 Width between the goalposts and height of the
crossbar from the ground
 The duration of the periods of play
 Substitutions
Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of LSA
or duly appointed committees having jurisdiction over play
312.8.4.5
The host club shall prepare the fields, including the spectator
boxes. The following diagram illustrates team and spectator
placement if using adjacent fields:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Team X
Team Y
Team A
Team B
Team A Spectators
Team B Spectators
Team C Spectators
Team D Spectators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------312.8.4.6
Each team must bring its own game ball and furnish it for games
if requested to do so by the referee.
312.8.5
REFEREES
312.8.5.1
Certified and currently registered USSF Referees must be used for
all tournament games.
312.8.5.2
The referees will use the three referee system and should be
neutral whenever possible.
312.8.5.3
A fourth official, if available may be used in all semifinal and final
games.
312.8.6
HOME TEAM
312.8.6.1
The team listed first in each pairing shall be designated as the
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home team.
312.8.6.2
The home team shall:
312.8.6.2.1 Wear light jersey if in the opinion of the referee there is a
conflict.
312.8.6.2.2 Select its side of the field (halfway line), if there is a
choice.
312.8.7
GRACE PERIODS
312.8.7.1
Teams are expected to be ready to play at the scheduled time of
the match.
312.8.7.2
Teams not ready to play at the scheduled start time of any match
shall be granted a ten (10) minute grace period.
312.8.7.2.1 For 11 v 11 games, a minimum of seven (7) players is
needed to start a game.
312.8.7.2.2 For 8 v 8 games, a minimum of five (5) players is needed
to start a game.
312.8.7.3
If either or both teams are not on the field of play within the ten
minute grace period, the referee shall notify the Tournament
Committee the failure of the team to arrive within the grace
period.
312.8.7.4
The Tournament Committee shall review the circumstances
surrounding the failure of a team to appear and may:
a.
Allow additional grace time
b.
Order the game to be played at another time and
place of the Committee’s choosing
c.
Award a forfeit to the other team if only one
has failed to appear
312.8.7.5
Only the Tournament Committee may decide that a forfeit will be
awarded to a team.
312.8.7.6
All participants in the match shall remain on the field of play until
dismissed by the Tournament Committee. If a team leaves before
being dismissed, that departure may be considered a forfeit.
312.8.7.7
The decision of the Tournament Committee in this matter is final
and not subject to appeal.
312.8.8
PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT (UNIFORMS)
312.8.8.1
All players shall wear age appropriate sized-specific manufactured
shin guards.
312.8.8.2
Knee-high stockings, both of the same color, shall be worn over
the shin guards and shall cover the same.
312.8.8.3
All field players on a team shall wear similar color jerseys, similar
color shorts, and similar color stockings.
312.8.8.4
The color of a team's jerseys may be different from the color of
the team's shorts and/or stockings.
312.8.8.5
A legible non-duplicate number (6" min. height) on the back of
each jersey is required.
312.8.8.6
Teams will have jerseys that are distinguishable from each other
at all scheduled games.
312.8.8.7
Players and substitutes shall not change numbers or remove their
jerseys prior to the completion of the game without specific
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permission of the referee.
312.8.8.8
All players starting each half or entering the field as substitutes
shall have their jerseys fully tucked into their shorts. Jerseys that
come out during the course of play will not be cause for
interference by the referee.
312.8.8.9
The following items are NOT permitted:
 Hair control devices with any hard parts.
 Earrings of any kind regardless of covering.
 Jewelry of any sort.
312.8.8.10
The following items are CONDITIONALLY permitted:
 Religious medals or medical tags which are taped to the body.
 Splints, casts, braces or other joint support devices which, in the
referee's opinion, are not inherently dangerous or are padded with
pliable materials to eliminate the dangerous condition.
 Goalkeeper hat with soft pliable brim for shielding eyes from direct
sunlight.
312.9
LENGTH OF THE GAME, OVERTIME PERIODS, AND BALL SIZES
312.9.1
State Cup matches shall use the following rules to govern the
length of the match, overtime period, and appropriate ball size.
Age Group
Game Length
Overtime
Ball Size
COMPETITIVE I
U19(U18/U17)
U16(U15)
U14(U13)
U12(U11)
2-45
2-40
2-35
2-30
min
min
min
min
halves
halves
halves
halves
2-15
2-15
2-10
2-10
min
min
min
min
periods
periods
periods
periods
#5
#5
#5
#4
COMPETITIVE II AND BELOW/ RECREATIONAL
U19(U18/U17)
2-45 min halves
2-10 min periods
U16(U15)
2-40 min halves
2-10 min periods
U14(U13)
2-35 min halves
2-10 min periods
U12(U11)
2-30 min halves
2-5 min periods
#5
#5
#5
#4
312.9.2
During single elimination competition (e.g., after round robin
competition is completed) if a game ends in a tie, two complete
overtime periods will be played at the end of normal playing time.
If the game is still tied at the end of the overtime periods, FIFA
kicks from the penalty mark will be used to decide the winner.
312.9.3
If the referee determines that the game must be suspended due
to weather conditions, the Tournament Committee will decide
when the game is to be restarted.
312.9.3.1
Bracket – Round-robin competition (tied scores can stand)
312.9.3.1.1 If the game cannot be restarted within 60 minutes
from the stoppage, the game will be terminated.
312.9.3.1.2 A second stoppage of play due to weather
conditions after a restart will automatically result in
termination of the game.
312.9.3.1.3 If the game is terminated the following will apply:
312.9.3.1.3.1 If one-half of the game has been completed
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prior to the termination, the result of the
match at the time of termination will stand.
The match WILL NOT be replayed.
312.9.3.1.3.2 If less than one-half of the match has been
completed at the time of termination, the
Tournament Committee will evaluate the
Tournament Standings and decide if the
terminated game is needed to determine
final standings. If necessary a make-up
game will be scheduled by the Tournament
Committee at a time and place of their
choosing.
312.9.3.2
Championship Games or games that cannot end in a tie
312.9.3.2.1 If the game cannot be restarted within 60 minutes
from the stoppage of play, the Tournament
Committee can:
312.9.3.2.1.1 Rule that if one-half of the game has been
completed prior to the termination, the
result of the match at the time of
termination will stand; or
312.9.3.2.1.2 Waive the restart time limit and continue
the game once conditions allow play to
resume; or
312.9.3.2.1.3 Rule that if less than one-half of the match
has been completed at the time of
stoppage, the match will be replayed in its
entirety at a time and place of the
Tournament Committee’s choosing.
312.9.3.3
State Cup Games
312.9.3.3.1 If a game must be suspended for any reason, the
LSA Tournament Committee will decide when and if
the game will be restarted, rescheduled or
terminated.
312.9.3.3.2 The LSA Tournament Committee has the discretion
to rule that the game is complete only if play is
stopped after completion of the first half and to
shorten the duration of the games or to use other
methods to establish a winner if conditions require.
312.9.3.3.3 Every effort will be made to play State Cups using
the length of the matches as stated above.
312.10
SUBSTITUTIONS
312.10.1
At the state championship tournaments, substitutions shall be
unlimited.
312.10.2
For Competitive 1 age groups U15 and above, a maximum of
seven (7) substitutions for each team shall be allowed in each
game during each half of play and during overtime play. After
leaving a game during a half of play, the substituted player may
not re-enter the game during that same half of play. After leaving
the game during overtime play, the substituted player may not re-
94
enter the game.
312.10.3
Substitutions may be made with the consent of the referee, at the
following times:
 Prior to a throw-in in your favor.
 Prior to a goal kick by either team.
 After a goal by either team.
 After an injury by either team when the referee stops play.
 At half time.
 When the referee stops play to caution a player, only the
cautioned player may be substituted prior to the restart of the
game.
312.11
CONDUCT OF COACHES, PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS
312.11.1
Coaches are responsible for controlling the actions of their players
and team officials.
312.11.2
A referee has full authority to terminate a game if a player or a
coach becomes unruly or physically menaces a referee or other
player(s). If the game must be terminated, it will be considered a
forfeit.
312.11.3
If a spectator(s) becomes unruly or physically menaces a referee
or player(s), the referee has full authority to temporarily suspend
the match, pending the removal of the spectator(s). Any person
reasonably construed as being associated with a team shall be
subjected to the jurisdiction and authority of Tournament Director
or his designee.
312.11.4
All team's spectators must stay on the opposite side of the field
from where their team's bench is located, and within the spectator
boxes. The spectator boxes shall be two yards back from the
touchline and twenty yards in length on either side of the halfway
line.
312.11.5
Coaching staff (not to exceed four non-playing persons) and
players shall stay on the opposite side of the field from the
spectators and within their designated team area. No one shall be
on or in close proximity to the goal lines unless seated in
bleachers.
312.11.6
No coach or spectator may interfere with the opposing team in
any way. The use of noise making, amplifying devices, or laser
pointers is prohibited.
312.11.7
If a coach walks off the field with his/her team during tournament
play, before the game is terminated by the referee, for any reason
other than for the health and safety of his players in the form of
undue roughness or bad weather; that game shall be forfeited
and the team will not be allowed to continue play in the
tournament.
312.11.7.1
If the coach feels his/her players are under unnecessary
danger and the game is not under control, he should first,
before leaving the field, request for the Tournament
Referee to observe the game.
312.11.7.2
Decisions of the Tournament Referee are final.
312.12
MISCONDUCT
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312.12.1
Cautions
Cautions issued to players or coaches are not cumulative from
game to game.
312.12.2
Send-offs
312.12.2.1
A player who is sent-off from a game shall be escorted
from the team sideline to the tournament headquarters
area by the field marshal.
312.12.2.1.1 The player must remain at the headquarters area
for the remainder of that game and will be escorted
back to the team sideline by the field marshal at
the conclusion of the game.
312.12.2.1.2 A player may leave the headquarters area before
the conclusion of the game only if accompanied by
a parent, and only if they leave the soccer complex.
312.12.2.2
A coach who is sent-off may stay at the headquarters area
until the conclusion of that game or may leave the soccer
complex.
312.12.2.2.1 The sent-off coach is prohibited from any further
contact, direct or indirect, with the team for the
remainder of the game.
312.12.2.2.2 This includes providing any technical or tactical
information in any visible or audible manner. This
includes, but not necessarily limited to, the use of
any form of electronic means (i.e. cell phone, 2way radio, text messages) or communicating
through a third party.
312.12.3
Suspensions
312.12.3.1
A player who is sent off from a game shall be suspended
and as a minimum shall not be allowed to participate in his
team’s next scheduled playable tournament game of that
tournament.
312.12.3.1.1 The player may return to the complex for the next
game but he/she must sit on the spectator side of
the field as a spectator.
312.12.3.1.2 He/she cannot use a bench pass to sit with the
team.
312.12.3.2
A coach who receives a second cumulative caution (in the
same match) or a send-off shall receive a minimum one
game suspension. The coach is to serve the suspension at
that particular team’s next playable game.
312.12.3.2.1 The suspension is not to penalize a different team,
if the coach is coaching multiple teams.
312.12.3.2.2 The coach may not be at the soccer complex in
capacity while serving the suspension unless
coaching another team.
312.12.3.2.3 If by the time the suspension is to be served, the
coach no longer coaches the team with which
he/she received the suspension, he/she will
the suspension at his/her next State Cup game,
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regardless of team or club affiliation.
312.12.3.3
The Tournament Committee has the right to review all
send-offs (referee assault will be dealt with by LSA) and
add penalties and suspensions during the duration of the
tournament.
312.12.3.4
It is a National Championship rule that a send-off received
in the last game of Competition carries over to the next
year of competition.
312.12.3.4.1 The suspension for any player/coach who received
a send-off in the last game of last year’s
competition (bracket game or championship game
at State Cup at the Competitive I Level, Regional or
National Competition in the National Championship
Series) must serve the suspension in the first game
of this year’s State Cup Competitive I only.
312.12.3.4.2 The player/coach must serve the suspension no
matter which team or association he/she is playing
with this year.
312.12.3.4.3 This is addition to serving any suspension due to
sendoffs during this soccer year.
312.12.4
Team Misconduct
312.12.4.1
A team shall forfeit a game if its conduct causes a game to
be prematurely terminated or abandoned.
312.12.4.2
Any cautions or send-offs in the forfeited game are still
subject to the penalties outlined in parts a, b and c of this
section.
312.12.4.3
Such team shall also be subject to a hearing with the LSA
Discipline and Appeals Committee within twenty-one (21)
days.
312.12.5
Procedure for Reporting Misconduct
312.12.5.1
At the completion of the match from which there was
player/coach, team or spectator misconduct, the game
referee shall complete a USSF Game Report and give a
copy of that report to the Tournament Director or his
designee.
312.12.5.2
If the player or coach was sent-off, the referee shall
turn in the player's pass with the report to the
Tournament Director or his designee.
312.12.5.3
All tournament game reports shall be sent to the LSA
Office by the Tournament Director.
312.12.6
Any misconduct occurring after the match is over must be
reported immediately to the Tournament Committee for
appropriate action to be taken.
312.13
POINT AWARDS FOR GAMES
312.13.1
The following points will be awarded for games played during the
round-robin competition:
 3 points for a win
 1 point for a tie
 0 points for a loss
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312.13.2 The following points will be awarded for forfeited round-robin games:
 The non-forfeiting team shall be accorded:
 3 points for a win
 4 goals for, 0 goals against
 The forfeiting team shall be accorded:
 0 points for a loss
312.14
TIEBREAKERS
312.14
At the completion of round-robin competition, if two or more
teams are tied in the number of points awarded, advancement will
be decided in the following sequential order (Note: bracket
winners are determined first before wildcards or overall best
second teams):
312.14.1
Winner of head-to-head competition during round-robin
competition. This applies for advancement only if teams
have played one another.
312.14.2
Head-to-Head is not used if more than two teams are tied.
312.14.3
If more than two (2) teams are tied, the following
sequence will be followed until a team is eliminated. The
remaining teams will then restart the sequence at
312.14.3.2 below, until the tie is broken.
312.14.3.1
312.14.3.2
312.14.3.3
312.14.3.4
312.14.3.5
In all cross bracket formats, if more than two
teams are tied then head to head will be used if
one team has defeated all other teams with which
it is tied.
Most wins
Team with the greatest net goal difference (NGD)
which is computed as “goals for” minus “Goals
against” with a maximum of 4 NGD in each game.
Example: A team's 3 game scores vs. opponent
are:
5 – 1 = +4
1 – 3 = -2
2–2=0
Total goal difference = +2
Team with the least goals against (there is NO limit
on the number of goals that will be counted to
determine this tiebreaker)
Teams with most goals (maximum of 4 goals in
each game).
FIFA kicks from penalty mark
312.14.2.6
312.15
FORFEITS
312.15.1
A forfeit during the competition shall be considered a withdrawal
from the competition.
312.15.2
Should a team in round-robin competition forfeit any match,
official game scores for all of that team’s games shall be recorded
as 4-0 losses. A team that forfeits a match will be considered to
have withdrawn from the tournament.
312.16 PROTESTS
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312.16.1
All protests related to a Tournament Game that has been played
to a conclusion shall be referred to the Tournament Committee of
the tournament being played.
312.16.1.1
To be valid and eligible for consideration, each protest
must be lodged only by the head coach, club president, or
club executive director within one hour of the end of the
game under protest or the decision of policy being made
and include:
312.16.1.1.1 A fee in the amount of $200.00. This fee shall be
in cash, certified check, or money order and will be
paid with the protest. Personal checks will not be
accepted. A certified check or money order must
be made payable to Louisiana Soccer Association.
312.16.1.1.2. A written copy of the protest giving full particulars
of the grounds on which the protest is lodged.
312.16.1.2
Acceptable causes for protesting the game or decision of
policy:
312.16.1.2.1 Ineligible Player - A team knowingly plays an
unregistered, ineligible, or suspended player.
312.16.1.2.2 Misinterpretation of the Rules - There has been an
Obvious error made in the application of the "Laws
of the Game" that directly affects the outcome of
the match. No protests can be entertained if they
are based on decisions made by the referee during
play.
312.16.1.2.3 Grounds, Goal Posts, etc. - Any protest relating
the grounds, goal posts, or other appurtenances of
the match shall not be entertained unless an
objection has been lodged with the referee before
the commencement of the match.
312.16.1.2.4 Misapplication of LSA Bylaws or Policies
312.16.1.3
Upon receipt of a properly lodged protest, the Tournament
Committee shall notify:
312.16.1.3.1 The head coach of the team against whom the
protest is made in order for an appropriate defense
to be heard
312.16.1.3.2 The referee of the match under protest, in order to
obtain a copy of the game report.
312.16.1.4
Decisions of the Tournament Committee
312.16.1.4.1 Decisions on protests shall be final and binding on
all the teams involved and not appealed to LSA or
higher authorities.
312.16.1.4.2 The protest fee is not refundable if the protest is
denied.
312.16.2
All protests related to interpretation of LSA Policy regarding State
Cup shall be referred to the LSA Executive Committee.
312.16.2.1 To be valid and eligible for consideration, such a protest may
be lodged only by the head coach, club president or executive
director by the close of business on the business day following
99
the interpretation being protested and include:
312.16.2.1.1 A fee in the amount of $200.00. This fee
shall be in cash, certified check, or money order
and will be paid with the protest. Personal checks
will not be accepted. A certified check or money
order must be made payable to Louisiana Soccer
Association.
312.16.2.1.2 A written copy of the protest giving full particulars
of the grounds on which the protest is lodged.
312.16.2.2 Upon receipt of a properly lodged protest, the LSA
Executive Committee shall notify any and all appropriate
parties who may be involved in the protest.
312.16.2.3
Decisions of the LSA Executive Committee
312.16.2.4
US Youth Soccer stipulates that all decisions at all
levels of the appeal process shall stand and be in
full force and effect until changed by a higher
authority.
312.16.2.5
The protest fee is not refundable if the protest
is denied.
TOURNAMENT FORMATS
312.9.1 Non-seeded Single Weekend State Tournament Format
TWO TEAMS – One Bracket (2)
One-Weekend: Best two out of three games – Sunday
game played if needed. No ties – overtime & FIFA Kicks if
necessary.
A
1
2
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
A1 v A2
A2 v A1
A1 v A2
This may be played as a one-match, winner-take-all event if
the head coaches of both teams involves agree in writing to
forgo the additional match(es).
THREE TEAMS – One Bracket (3)
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 2
games. No ties – overtime & FIFA Kicks if necessary. Winner
based on most points accumulated.
A
1
2
3
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
A2 v A3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
FOUR TEAMS – One Bracket (4)
A
1
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Teams play 3 games.
Two teams with most points advance to Finals.
2
100
3
4
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
A2 v A3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
Final
A1 v A4
A2 v A4
A3 v A4
MP1 v MP2
FIVE TEAMS – One Bracket (5)
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 4
games. Ties stand. Winner based on most points
accumulated.
A
1
2
3
4
5
Saturday
Sunday
Round
Round
Round
Round
Round
Round
1
2
3
4
5
6
A5
A3
A1
A5
A4
A1
v
v
v
v
v
v
A2
A5
A3
A1
A5
A2
A4 v A1
A2 v A4
A2 v A3
A3 v A4
SIX TEAMS – Two Brackets (3,3)
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Team play 3 games, all
crossover. Two teams with most points advance to Finals.
A
1
B
1
2
3
2
3
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Final
Sunday
A1 v B3
B2 v A1
A1 v B1
MP1 v
B1 v A2
A2 v B3
A2 v B2
MP2
A3 v B2
B1 v A3
A3 v B3
SEVEN TEAMS – Two Brackets (3,4)
A
1
B
1
2
3
2
3
4
One-Weekend: Round robin play – 4 team bracket
plays 3 games, 3 team bracket plays 2 games. First
place in each bracket advances to Semi-Finals with Best
2nd & Best 3rd; SF1 = A v Best 2nd & SF2 = B v Best 3rd,
unless Best 2nd is from A, then SF1 = A v Best 3rd & SF2
= B v Best 2nd. To determine Best 2nd & Best 3rd, 2nd and
3rd place teams in 3 team bracket play another game;
this is not considered a bracket round robin game that
has an impact on the bracket winner.
101
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Semi-Final
Final
A2 v A3
B2 v B3
A3 v A1
B3 v B1
A1 v A2
2nd A v 3rd A B1 v B2
SF1 = A v Best 2nd
SF2
WSF1 v WSF2
B1 v B4
B2 v B4
B4 v B3
= B v Best 3rd
EIGHT TEAMS – Two Brackets (4,4)
A
1
B
1
2
3
4
2
3
4
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Final
Sunday
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 3
games. Bracket winners advance to Finals.
A2 v A3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
B2 v B3
A1 v A4
B3 v B1
A2 v A4
B1 v B2
A4 v A3
WA v WB
B1 v B4
B2 v B4
B4 v B3
NINE TEAMS – Three Brackets (3,3,3)
A
1
B
1
C
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
Sunday
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 2
games. First place in each bracket advances to Semi-Finals
with Best 2nd. SF1 = A v Best 2nd & SF2 = B v C, unless
Best 2nd is from A, then SF1 = A v C & SF2 = B v Best 2nd.
A2 v A3
B2 v B3
C2 v C3
A3 v A1
B3 v B1
C3 v C1
A1 v A2
B1 v B2
C1 v C2
st
nd
1 A v Best 2
SF2 = B V C
WSF1 v WSF2
TEN TEAMS – Three Brackets (3,3,4)
A
1
B
1
C
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
One-Weekend: Round robin play – 4 team bracket
plays 3 games, 3-team brackets play 3 games, all
crossover. Four (4) teams with most points advance to
102
4
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
Semi-Finals.
A1 v B3
B2 v A1
A1 v B1
1v
B1 v A2
A2 v B3
A2 v B2
4
WSF1 v
A3 v B2
B1 v A3
A3 v B3
C2 v C3
C3 v C1
C1 v C2
C1 v C4
C2 v C4
C4 v C3
2v3
WSF2
ELEVEN TEAMS – Three Brackets (3,4,4)
A
1
B
1
C
1
2
3
2
3
4
2
3
4
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Semi-Final
Final
Sunday
One-Weekend: Round robin play – 4 team bracket
plays 3 games, 3 team bracket plays 2 games. First
place in each bracket advances to Semi-Finals with
Best 2nd; SF1 = A v Best 2nd & SF2 = B v C, unless Best
2nd is from A, then SF1 = A v C & SF2 = B v Best 2nd.
To determine Best 2nd & Best 3rd, 2nd and 3rd place
teams in 3 team bracket play another game.
B2 v B3
C2 v C3
B1 v B4
C1 v C4
B3 v B1
C3 v C1
B2 v B4
C2 v C4
A3 v A1
A2 v A3
A1 v A2
2nd A v 3rd A B1 v B2
C1 v C2
B4 v B3
SF1 = A v Best 2nd
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
C4 v C3
TWELVE TEAMS – Three Brackets (4,4,4)
A
1
B
1
C
1
2
3
4
2
3
4
2
3
4
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
Sunday
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 3
games. First place in each bracket advances to SemiFinals with Best 2nd. SF1 = A v Best 2nd & SF2 = B v C
unless Best 2nd is from A, then SF1 = A v C & SF2 = B
v Best 2nd.
A2 v A3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
SF1
B2 v B3
C2 v C3
A1 v A4
B1 v B4 C1 v C4
B3 v B1
C3 v C1
A2 v A4
B2 v B4 C2 v C4
B1 v B2
C1 v C2
A4 v A3
B4 v B3 C4 v C3
= A v Best 2nd
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
THIRTEEN TEAMS – Four Brackets (3,3,3,4)
A
1
B
1
C
1
D
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
One-Weekend: Round robin play – 4 team
bracket plays 3 games, 3 team brackets play 2
games. Bracket winners advance to Semi-Finals
103
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
A2 v A3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
SF1 =
B2
B3
B1
Av
4
(SF1 = A v D, SF2 = B v C).
v B3
v B1
v B2
D
C2 v C3
C3 v C1
C1 v C2
D2 v D3
D1 v D4
D3 v D1
D2 v D4
D1 v D2
D4 v D3
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
FOURTEEN TEAMS – Four Brackets (3,3,4,4)
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team
plays 3 games. Bracket winners advance to SemiFinals (SF1 = A v D, SF2 = B v C).
A
1
B
1
C
1
D
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
4
2
3
4
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
A1 v B3
B1 v A2
A3 v B2
C2 v C3
D2 v D3
C1 v C4
D1 v D4
B2 v A1
A1 v B1
A2 v B3
A2 v B2
B1 v A3
A3 v B3
C3 v C1
C1 v C2
D3 v D1
D1 v D2
C2 v C4
C4 v C3
D2 v D4
D4 v D3
Sunday
SF1 = A v D
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
FIFTEEN TEAMS – Four Brackets (3,4,4,4)
One-Weekend: Round robin play – 4 team
brackets play 3 games, 3 team bracket plays 2
games. Bracket winners advance to Semi-Finals
(SF1 = A v D, SF2 = B v C).
A
1
B
1
C
1
D
1
2
3
2
3
4
2
3
4
2
3
4
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
A2 v A3
B2 v B3
C2 v C3
D2 v D3
B1 v B4
C1 v C4
D1 v D4
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
B3 v B1
B1 v B2
C3 v C1
C1 v C2
D3 v D1
D1 v D2
B2 v B4
B4 v B3
C2 v C4
C4 v C3
D2 v D4
D4 v D3
Sunday
SF1 = A v D
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
SIXTEEN TEAMS – Four Brackets (4,4,4,4)
A
1
B
1
C
1
D
1
2
3
4
2
3
4
2
3
4
2
3
4
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 3
games. Bracket winners advance to Semi-Finals (SF1 = A
v D, SF2 = B v C).
104
Saturday
Round 1
A2 v A3
B2 v B3
C2 v C3
D2 v D3
A1 v A4
B1 v B4
C1 v C4
D1 v D4
Sunday
Round 2
Round 3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
B3 v B1
B1 v B2
C3 v C1
C1 v C2
D3 v D1
D1 v D2
A2 v A4
A4 v A3
B2 v B4
B4 v B3
C2 v C4
C4 v C3
D2 v D4
D4 v D3
Semi-Final
Final
SF1 = A v D
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
312.9.2Seeded Standard Single & Two-Weekend State Tournament Format
(Note: Number below indicates tournament seeding. For example, in the six-team
grouping, team A1 is the number one seeded team, team B2 is the number two seeded
team, etc. This format can be used for either single-weekend or two-weekend play.)
TWO TEAMS – One Bracket (2)
One-Weekend: Best two out of three games – Sunday
game played if needed. No ties – overtime & FIFA Kicks if
necessary.
A
1
2
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
A1 v A2
A2 v A1
A1 v A2
This may be played as a one-match, winner-take-all event if
the head coaches of both teams involves agree in writing to
forgo the additional match(es).
THREE TEAMS – One Bracket (3)
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 2
games. No ties – overtime & FIFA Kicks if necessary. Winner
based on most points accumulated.
A
1
2
3
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
A2 v A3
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
FOUR TEAMS – One Bracket (4)
ONE WEEKEND FORMAT
Round robin play Under 11 through Under 14 – Teams play 3
games. No ties – overtime & FIFA Kicks if necessary. Winner based
on most points accumulated.
A
1
2
3
4
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
A1 v A4
A3 v A1
A1 v A2
A2 v A3
A4 v A2
A3 v A4
FOUR TEAMS – One Bracket (4)
A
ONE WEEKEND FORMAT
Under 15 through Under 19 – Teams play 2 games. No ties –
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overtime & FIFA Kicks if necessary. Winners of Round 1 matches
advance to championship match and losers play consolation match.
1
2
3
4
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Final
A1 v A4
A2 v A3
Loser A1/A4 v Loser A2/A3 (Consolation Game)
Winner A1/A4 v
Winner A2/A3
FIVE TEAMS – The fifth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the fourth seed. Winner of this match
advances to the state tournament (as the fourth seed) with the top three seeds, and a four-team seeded bracket will
be used as above. Should a team elect not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice
prior to the scheduled match is required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully
refunded.
SIX TEAMS – Two Brackets (3,3)
A
1
B
2
4
5
Saturday
3
6
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Final
Sunday
ONE WEEKEND FORMAT
Bracket play – Each team plays two (2) matches that may end
in a tie. Bracket winners (determined after Round 3) advance to
the finals. Remaining teams play one (1) additional match on
preliminary weekend.
A4
A5
A1
3rd A
v A5
B3 v B6
v A1
B6 v B2
v A4
B2 v B3
v 3rd B
2nd A v 2nd B
1st A v 1st B
SEVEN TEAMS
The seventh seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the sixth seed. Winner of this match advances to the
state tournament (as the sixth seed) with the top five seeds, and a six-team seeded bracket will be used as above.
Should a team elect not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice prior to the
scheduled match is required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully refunded.
EIGHT TEAMS – Two Brackets (4,4)
ONE WEEKEND FORMAT
A
1
4
5
8
Saturday
Sunday
B
2
3
6
7
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Final
Round robin play – Each team plays 3 games. Matches may end in a tie.
Bracket winners advance to Finals.
A4 v A5
A5 v A1
A1 v A4
B3 v B6
A1 v A8
B6 v B2
A4 v A8
B2 v B3
A8 v A5
Winner A v Winner B
TWO WEEKEND FORMAT
B2 v B7
B3 v B7
B7 v B6
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Round robin play – Each team plays 3 games. Matches may end in a tie. Top two teams advance to Finals weekend.
Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
PRELIMINARY WEEKEND
A4 v A5
B3 v B6
A1 v A8
B2 v B7
A5 v A1
B6 v B2
A4 v A8
B3 v B7
A1 v A4
B2 v B3
A8 v A5
B7 v B6
FINALS WEEKEND
1st a v 2nd B
1st B v 2nd A
WSF1 v WSF2
Saturday
Semi-Final
Sunday
Final
NINE TEAMS
The ninth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the eighth seed. Winner of this match advances to
the state tournament (as the eighth seed) with the top seven seeds, and an eight-team seeded bracket will be
used as above. Should a team elect not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice
prior to the scheduled match is required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully
refunded.
TEN TEAMS
The tenth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the seventh seed, and the ninth seed will play a playin match at the home field of the eighth seed. Winners of these matches advance to the state tournament (as the
seventh and eighth seeds, respectively) with the top six seeds, and an eight-team seeded bracket will be used as
above. Should a team elect not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice prior to
the scheduled match is required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully refunded.
ELEVEN TEAMS
The eleventh seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the sixth seed, the tenth seed will play a play-in
match at the home field of the seventh seed, and the ninth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the
eighth seed. Winners of these matches advance to the state tournament (as the sixth, seventh, and eighth seeds,
respectively) with the top five seeds, and an eight-team seeded bracket will be used as above. Should a team elect
not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice prior to the scheduled match is
required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully refunded.
TWELVE TEAMS – Three Brackets (4,4,4)
A
1
B
2
ONE WEEKEND FORMAT
Round robin play – Each team plays 3 games. Matches may end in a
C
tie. Bracket winners advance to Semi-Finals with Best Overall 2nd; SF1
3
6
7
5
8
4
9
12
11
10
Saturday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Semi-Final
Final
Sunday
= A v Best 2nd & SF2 = B v C, unless Best 2nd is from A, then SF1 = A
v C & SF2 = B v Best 2nd.
A6 v
A7 v
A1 v
SF1
A7
B5 v B8
C4 v C9
A1 v A12 B2 v B11
A1
B8 v B2
C9 v C3
A6 v A12 B5 v B11
A6
B2 v B5
C3 v C4
A12 v A7 B11 v B8
= A v Best 2nd
SF2 = B v C
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2
TWO WEEKEND FORMAT
C3 v C10
C4 v C10
C10 v C9
Round robin play – Each team plays 3 games. Matches may end in a tie. Bracket winners advance to Finals Weekend with Best Overall 2nd; SF1 =
A v Best 2nd & SF2 = B v C, unless Best 2nd is from A, then SF1 = A v C & SF2 = B v Best 2nd.
Saturday
Round 1
PRELIMINARY WEEKEND
A6 v A7
B5 v B8
C4 v C9
A1 v A12
B2 v B11
C3 v C10
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Sunday
Round 2
Round 3
Saturday
Sunday
Semi-Final
Final
A7 v A1
B8 v B2
C9 v C3
A6 v A12 B5 v B11
A1 v A6
B2 v B5
C3 v C4
A12 v A7 B11 v B8
FINALS WEEKEND
SF1 = A v Best 2nd
SF2 = B v C
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2
C4 v C10
C10 v C9
THIRTEEN TEAMS
The thirteenth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the twelfth seed. Winner of this match advances
to the state tournament (as the twelfth seed) with the top eleven seeds, and a twelve-team seeded bracket will be
used as above. Should a team elect not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice
prior to the scheduled match is required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully
refunded.
FOURTEEN TEAMS
The fourteenth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the eleventh seed, and the thirteenth seed will
play a play-in match at the home field of the twelfth seed. Winners of these matches advance to the state
tournament (as the eleventh and twelfth seeds, respectively) with the top ten seeds, and a twelve-team seeded
bracket will be used as above. Should a team elect not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours
advance notice prior to the scheduled match is required. With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup
fees are fully refunded.
FIFTEEN TEAMS
The fifteenth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the tenth seed, the fourteenth seed will play a play-in
match at the home field of the eleventh seed, and the thirteenth seed will play a play-in match at the home field of the
twelfth seed. Winners of these matches advance to the state tournament (as the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth seeds,
respectively) with the top nine seeds, and a twelve-team seeded bracket will be used as above. Should a team elect
not to participate in the play-in match, a minimum of 96 hours advance notice prior to the scheduled match is required.
With such notice, there is no penalty and any state cup fees are fully refunded.
SIXTEEN TEAMS – Four Brackets (4,4,4,4)
ONE WEEKEND FORMAT
One-Weekend: Round robin play – Each team plays 3 games.
Bracket winners advance to Semi-Finals (SF1 = A v D, SF2 = B v
C).
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
8
9
16
7
10
15
6
11
14
5
12
13
Saturday
Round 1
A8 v A9
B7 v B10
C6 v C11
D5 v D12
A1 v A16
B2 v B15
C3 v C14
D4 v D13
Sunday
Round 2
Round 3
A9 v A1
A1 v A8
B10 v B2
B2 v B7
C11 v C3
C3 v C6
D12 v D4
D4 v D5
A8 v A16
A16 v A9
B7 v B15
B15 v B10
C6 v C14
C14 v C11
D5 v D13
D13 v D12
Semi-Final
Final
SF1 = A v D
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
TWO WEEKEND FORMAT
Round robin play – Each team plays 3 games. Bracket winners advance to Finals Weekend (SF1 = A v D, SF2 = B v C).
PRELIMINARY WEEKEND
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Saturday
Sunday
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Saturday
Sunday
Semi-Final
Final
A8 v A9
A9 v A1
A1 v A8
B7 v B10
B10 v B2
B2 v B7
C6 v C11 D5 v D12
C11 v C3 D12 v D4
C3 v C6
D4 v D5
FINALS WEEKEND
A1 v A16
A8 v A16
A16 v A9
SF1 = A v D
B2 v B15
B7 v B15
B15 v B10
C3 v C14
C6 v C14
C14 v C11
D4 v D13
D5 v D13
D13 v D12
SF2 = B v C
WSF1 v WSF2
Policy 313 State Youth Select Program
LSA will have a State Youth Select Program in accordance with guidelines established by US
Youth Soccer and the USSF. LSA’s State Youth Select Program is to provide high-level training
to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of
carefully selected and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and
curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
A.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
B.
The program must conform to national and regional policy and is implemented
through the State Director of Coaching.
The State Youth Select Program Year follows the requirements by regional or
national policy. Tryouts, training and other activities for the following year may
be conducted in advance.
All affiliated members of LSA (to include coaches, DOC’s, referees, and club
officials) are asked to work with this program and encourage their talented
players to participate. Club support is needed to allow time during the year to
schedule tryouts, games, tournaments, etc.
The LSA Director of Coaching shall publish a schedule of events in advance.
Tryouts/training for the following year shall be scheduled and available at the
summer LSA AGM. The schedule may be changed to accommodate weather,
tournaments, regional requirements, etc.
Regional/sub-regional and state camps are held each year, as needed based on
national/international events, for certain age groups to identify players for
possible selection to a national team. Sub-regional events may also be scheduled
within the year.
In order to further the development of Louisiana youth soccer, the State Youth
Select Program has elected to emphasize the training aspects of the program.
Therefore, at least 50% of each session will be devoted to training
PLAYER INFORMATION
1.
2.
All LSA players will be notified by LSA either by email or postings to LSA’s web
site of the schedule of tryouts and training for State Youth Select Program. LSA
will attempt to notify all coaches and club officials to assist in notifying their
players of State Youth Select Program. All official correspondence will come from
the LSA Office. The official spokesperson for the State Youth Select Program will
be the State Director of Coaching.
Players must reside within Louisiana but need not be an LSA member. However,
players must be registered with an affiliate of USSF in a capacity whereby they
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
C.
are fully insured for all soccer related activities. Proof of affiliated registration and
insurance will be required.
Players will respond by application form (may be web-based process) and
necessary tryout fees paid prior to participating.
a.
The State Youth Select Program fees are set annually and are subject to
change.
b.
The players named to a pool or team may be assessed additional fees to
cover all expenses incurred such as team entry fees to tournaments or
games and to cover administrative costs of mail, telephone calls, field
expenses, practice uniforms, etc.
c.
The players selected to attend Sub-Regional games or the Region III
Camps will be assessed a final fee to cover all related expenses of camp
fees, administrator and coach fees, uniforms, etc.
No player will be permitted to participate in State Youth Select Program without
having submitted all required, properly completed forms and fees.
The State Youth Select Program is self-funded by the participants. LSA does
provide a minimal amount of funds to cover some of the administrative operating
expenses. Players shall assume all expenses for travel, lodging and food, unless
specifically provided for by LSA. Fees collected will cover such expenses as
coaches/administrator/coordinator expenses, Gatorade, field charges, etc.
If funds are available, a limited partial scholarship program may be awarded to
State Youth Select Program participants based on need as demonstrated by
submitting documentation to include IRS forms. The LSA President and Vice
President-Youth shall determine eligibility and amount of award.
Any player cut for any reason shall not be considered for selection beyond that
point in the current year. Exceptions to this can only be approved by the State
Director of Coaching.
LSA firmly expects that all persons involved in any part of the State Youth Select
Program to adhere to the principles of good Fair Play and to commit no acts of
misconduct.
Unless recommended differently by the LSA DOC upon the recommendation of
state staff coaches, all players participating in State Youth Select Program will
play in their corresponding age groups.
Unless recommended differently by the LSA DOC, State Youth Select Program
teams will rotate coaches so that teams do not have the same coach more than
2 years in a row.
STATE YOUTH SELECT COACHING STAFF
1.
The State Director of Coaching will nominate coaches to be on the State Youth
Select Program coaching staff. These coaches are subject to annual approval by
the LSA Board. All state staff coaches must pass the LSA Risk Management
program and will not participate in the training/identification sessions until both
risk management and LSA Board approval is secured. At least two State Staff
coaches must be in attendance at each session. A female coordinator must be
present at all female events. The State Director of Coaching shall insure the
attendance of an adequate number of Select Team Staff Coaches to properly
conduct each session, with a minimum of two. The State Director of Coaching
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2.
3.
D.
SELECTION FORMAT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
E.
The LSA State Youth Select Program has endorsed the emphasis of the
development and training goals of the national and regional programs as the
most important aspects for the Louisiana player. Therefore, the final selection
will be postponed until necessary to meet regional and national deadlines.
Registration shall be open to all players. Training/identification sessions will be
scheduled by age group to be selected. Prior to the deadline for naming of the
State Youth Select Program teams, the State Coaching Staff shall meet and
choose up to 22-24 players and 6 alternates for each age group team. After the
selection of the team and alternates, the State Director of Coaching shall appoint
State Staff Coaches to specific teams for further training and attendance at SubRegional and Regional events. In the event a player is unable to attend,
alternate players will be invited to participate based on their ranking by the State
Staff Coaches.
Training/identification sessions may be conducted on an area level with the areas
established by the LSA Director of Coaching on the basis of geographic location
and registration. At least half of the training/identification sessions will be
conducted on a statewide basis.
All players are expected to participate in the training/identification sessions each
year. This requirement and the registration fee may be waived for any player
who has been selected as a regional pool player or to a higher level. The LSA
Director of Coaching may carry over a team if regional or national requirements
demand it.
Attendance at all State Youth Select Program sessions relative to the selection
process is mandatory. Failure to attend will be grounds for dropping a player
from the program. The LSA Director of Coaching, in consultation with the LSA
Vice President-Youth, will serve as the final appeals board to review extenuating
circumstances relative to attendance and or waiver or refund of fees.
DEADLINES
1.
2.
3.
F.
shall provide the State Youth Select Program Staff coaches with a syllabus
tailored to the appropriate age group and skill level.
All payments to State Staff coaches will be made by LSA after submission of a
completed LSA Expense Reimbursement form that has been reviewed and
approved by the State Director of Coaching.
If a Head Coach misses more than one try-out or training, he is subject to review
by the LSA Director of Coaching and may be replaced.
Deadline dates for paperwork and/or on-line registration and fees are set by LSA.
Failure to submit applications and payments timely will be grounds for not
allowing participation in State Youth Select Program.
Walk-up registration and payment of fees is not encouraged. An additional fee is
required for any such registration.
CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship shall not be a factor for selection in the LSA State Youth Select Program.
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Determination of need for citizenship will be made by the Region III/ USYSA level. If
selected to a Regional/National team, citizenship is required prior to the player’s
participation in a National event.
POLICY 315 – CLUB ALLIANCES
315.1 Two or more LSA-affiliated clubs may officially declare an alliance by submitting
an alliance declaration form to LSA signed by the presidents or executive
directors of all clubs involved in the alliance no later than August 1st. This
declaration must be renewed annually prior to the beginning of a new seasonal
year.
315.2 The alliance declaration must include the name of the alliance club and identify
no fewer than three (3) officers or paid employees from the participating clubs
who will serve as the board for the alliance.
315.3 A club may not enter into more than one alliance with another LSA club per
seasonal year.
315.4 Alliance teams may participate in LCSL if a letter of intent is submitted by the
annual deadline.
315.5 Alliance teams may be formed as competitive teams to participate primarily
in tournaments or friendlies.
315.6 Players may use a club pass within the alliance or from any of the “home” clubs
that are participating in the alliance. Existing LSA policies regarding the club
pass for LCSL games still apply.
315.7 Fees for players registered only with an alliance team are the responsibility of the
alliance formed between the LSA affiliated clubs and must be paid to LSA as with
any other registration fee.
Policy 401 – Adult Player Registration
401.1 Player Registration
401.1.1
Adult players are to be registered with LSA through their
local associations/clubs using the LSA-designated
registration software program.
401.1.1
All LSA affiliates must register every soccer player, coach
and team that is administered by the organization.
401.1.2
Clubs should insure, at the time of registration, that there
are no currently suspended persons being registered.
401.1.2
Adult players may register directly with LSA if they are a
member of a club team directly affiliated with an accredited
college or university.
401.1.3
Adult players may register directly with LSA as needed for
State Select teams and three or five day passes from USASA.
401.1.4
The date a registration is received in the LSA office becomes
the player’s official date of registration.
401.1.4.1
The LSA affiliate is responsible for maintaining a forum,
whether electronic or a hard copy, with the appropriate
waiver language.
401.1.4.2
Once registration is complete, the player is registered with
LSA for a seasonal year of September 1 through August
31.
401.2 Dual (Multiple) Registrations
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401.2.1
Multiple registration of an adult player is permitted, but the
player must declare a “primary” team.
401.2.2
Players may register on more than one team and with more
than one club/league/association.
401.2.3
A player registered on more than one adult team must
complete a separate registration for each team.
401.2.4
Appropriate fees are required for each registration of a
player on multiple rosters.
401.2.5
At the time of state competitions, a player must play for
his/her designated primary team if there is a conflict with
the dates of scheduled competitions.
401.3 Youth Players on Adult Teams
401.3.1
US Soccer permits a youth player to play an unlimited number of
adult games without losing his/her youth eligibility.
401.3.2
No one younger than sixteen (16) years old will be allowed to
register for adult competition.
401.3.3
Youth games are required to take precedence over any adult
games.
401.3.4
Youth players registering on adult teams are required to notify the
youth coach or an authorized club official of the player’s
registration with an adult team or teams.
401.3.5
Youth players registered on both an adult and a youth team must
pay required insurance for both levels of play.
401.4 International Clearances for Foreign-Born Players
401.4.1
Any naturalized U.S. citizens and foreign-born players are
required to have an international clearance.
401.4.2
A request for an international clearance should be submitted
with the player registration to the LSA office.
401.4.3
After receiving the International Clearance request from LSA,
US Soccer will contact the foreign soccer association to
insure that there are no outstanding professional contracts
or disciplinary problems. The foreign soccer association has
up to thirty (30) days to respond.
401.4.4
An international clearance is required for a player who is
participating in the Region III championships for men’s
amateur, men’s over-30, women’s open, men’s open,
women’s Under-23, and men’s Under-23 or national
championships. As such, players participating in the Adult
State Cup(s) or on an Under-23 State Select team must
insure that they have received a proper international clearance.
401.5 Registration of Former Professional Players
401.5.1
Any player who has signed or played for a professional team
is required to have a reinstatement to amateur status to play
in a Region III or national championship event.
401.5.2
As such, players who intend to participate in the Under-23
State Select program, men’s amateur, over-30 or open state
cups, or women’s state cup must request a reinstatement
form from the LSA Office. After receiving the completed
form, LSA will contact US Soccer for the required approval.
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401.6 Team Rosters
401.6.1
Adult teams shall not have a maximum roster size.
401.6.2
Adult teams may only designated twenty-two (22) players
on a match roster.
401.6.3
Each member club/league/association is responsible for
insuring the accuracy of its team rosters.
401.6.4
Each team manager is required to provide an official current
team roster to the head referee at the start of each game.
401.6.4.1
Any player listed on the submitted roster who has not
been properly registered with LSA by his or her club
will be subject to investigation and possible
reprimand. Reprimand may include a fine of $50
issued to the club that submitted the improper roster.
401.6.4.2
Any person on the player side-lines not listed on the
official team roster must go to the spectator area.
401.7 Player Pass
401.7.1
A USASA Player Pass is mandatory for every adult player.
401.7.2
Passes are required for participation in any contest or
competition except when approved by a local club/league/
association.
401.7.3
A passport-size photograph of the registered player (not a
photocopy) and the player’s ID number must be on the
player pass.
401.7.4
Passes are issued by the club/league/association registrar
upon completion of the registration process and must be
signed by the registrar in the appropriate place.
401.7.5
Passes must be laminated.
401.7.6
Returning players may use a pass from a previous (but
recent) playing season, but it must be updated by the club
registrar with a current year registration sticker.
401.8 Guest Players
401.8.1
Guest players are permitted in adult competitions by LSA but are
not permitted in regional or national competitions.
401.8.2
Host tournaments or leagues/club/associations may have their
own rules regarding the use of guest players.
401.8.3
The temporary player pass may be used by any player eligible for
adult league player who is not otherwise registered with a
USASA-associated league.
401.8.4
The pass is good for three consecutive calendar days, which will
be input on the physical pass by the administrative entity at the
time of issuance.
401.8.5
The cost of the pass from LSA may be found in Policy 206. Clubs
may charge an additional fee at the club level for administrative
requirements.
401.8.6
Individual clubs may set their own policies and limits for use of
the temporary player pass and may choose to opt out of accepting
the temporary pass. For example, a club may choose to allow
temporary player passes for tournaments, but not league play.
401.8.7
Any club that does not wish to recognize the temporary pass of
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players either for league play, tournaments, or both, must inform
LSA of its policy to opt out. The club is responsible for making
referees aware of its policy in regards to temporary passes.
401.8.8
Players receiving the pass must be registered into LSA’s online
registration system per LSA established guidelines/requirements.
401.8.8.1
Clubs may choose to administer the temporary pass
registration per LSA guidelines.
401.8.8.2
Each player registered directly through a club for a
temporary pass will count toward that club’s total adult
member count.
401.8.8.3
Clubs that do not wish to handle the administration of the
temporary pass may choose to allow players to register
directly through LSA. However, the registered players will
not be included in a club’s total adult member count, but
will be included in the overall state adult member count as
unaffiliated.
401.8.9
Sanctions against players improperly using a temporary pass
should be handled according to the rules of the competition for
which the pass is being used.
Policy 402-1
Adult Team Representation at Regional Events
The teams that win their respective LSA Adult State Cup are entitled to represent Louisiana at
Region III amateur competitions in the appropriate men’s amateur, men’s over-30 or women’s
amateur division.
It is the responsibility of the LSA Adult State Cup winner to insure that all required fees are
submitted for the Region III championships. LSA will assist with fees if/when funds are
available in the budget. The LSA Adult State Cup winner is also responsible for insuring that all
deadlines are met and that all appropriate international clearances have been obtained. LSA
will assist as necessary.
If the LSA Adult State Cup winners are unable to attend the Region III championships, then the
respective finalists are entitled to attend. The same responsibilities as described above apply.
If LSA does not sponsor an Adult State Cup in any of the above divisions due to lack of
appropriate entries, LSA may solicit interested teams from one or more of the member
clubs/leagues as a representative in the age group. Any team wishing to represent LSA at
regionals in a division that did not have an Adult State Cup must notify the LSA Office no later
than March 15. The same responsibilities as described above apply to any team selected
through this process to represent LSA at Region III Championships.
A team that wishes to represent LSA in the Region III Men’s Open competition is required to
notify the LSA Office of its intent no later than January 1st. The Lamar Hunt Men’s Open
competition represents the highest level of competition nationwide and includes professional as
well as amateur teams.
Policy 403 – Travel Procedures
403.1 Travel permits are mandatory for team activity outside of Louisiana and
115
permission to travel is obtained through the LSA office.
403.1.1
LSA-affiliated teams are prohibited from playing non-affiliated
teams, playing in non-sanctioned tournaments, or traveling out of
the state without permission.
403.1.2
Sanctions or penalties may result against the coach, the team, or
the club/league/association in addition to the loss of medical
insurance coverage.
403.2 An adult team wishing to travel out-of-state must complete an Adult Application
to Travel form and submit it, along with a team roster for the friendly match or
tournament, and appropriate fee as defined in Policy 206 to the LSA office.
403.2.1
A separate permit is required for each tournament a team will be
attending.
403.2.2
If the team will be attending a tournament, a copy of the host
organization’s approved application to host or Official Letter of
Invitation must be submitted to the LSA office along with the
travel permit application.
403.2.3
A team may apply to travel to play friendly games with affiliated
teams in other states for a seasonal year (September 1 through
August 31)
403.3 The following procedures shall be followed to complete an Adult Application to
Travel form:
403.3.1
Complete applicable sections of the form.
403.3.2
Attach the Application to Host/Official Letter of Invitation received
from the hosting organization if applicable.
403.3.3
Enclose the current LSA roster for the team planning to participate
in the event and include the fee as required in Policy 206.
403.3.3.1
Guest players must be indicated on the roster.
403.3.3.2
The roster must be signed by the team
representative and stamped by the local club
registrar as an official roster.
403.3.4
Requests for travel should be made at least two (2) weeks prior to
travel in order to give the LSA office time to process the form.
Travel forms will normally be processed, if all information is
correctly submitted, on the day they are received as long as the
application has been received during the regular working week.
403.3.5
After paperwork has been checked by the LSA office and the
submitted information is verified, LSA will approve the permit, sign
it and affix the LSA seal on it. A copy will be sent to the team
representative/coach and a roster will be forwarded to the
Tournament Director if applicable.
Policy 404 – Playing Rules
404.1 FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME shall apply to all adult competition within LSA,
except where provided for in this manual.
404.2 Exceptions to FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME
404.2.1
Players must wear shin guards in all soccer activities, including
practices.
404.2.2
Unlimited substitution will be allowed, at the discretion of the
referee.
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404.2.3
Local club rules will sometimes be applied in games. Teams
should provide copies of their local rules to visiting players/teams.
404.3 Adult State Championship playing rules are defined in Policy 406.
405
Team Competitions and Invitational Tournaments
405.1 LSA’s adult division team competitions are:
405.1.1
Men’s Open
405.1.2
Women’s Open
405.1.3
Men’s Over 30 – Competition for players who have reached their
30th birthday as of January 1st of the current seasonal year.
405.1.4
Women’s Over 30 – Competition for players who have reached
their 30th birthday as of January 1st of the current seasonal year.
405.1.5
Coed Open - Teams consisting of equal numbers of men and
women plus a goalkeeper.
405.1.6
Coed Over-30 – Teams consisting of equal numbers of men and
women plus a goalkeeper and follows age requirements for Men’s
and Women’s Over-30.
405.1.7
Under-20 – Competition for those players, male or female,
between the ages of sixteen (16) and twenty (20) who have not
reached their 20th birthday as of January 1st of the current
seasonal year
405.1.8
Under-23 - Competition for those players, male or female,
between the ages of sixteen (16) and twenty-three (23) who have
not reached their 23rd birthday as of January 1st of the current
seasonal year.
405.2 State Cup competitions may be held in any of the above divisions if there is
sufficient support from the adult soccer community.
405.3 Any member club/league that wishes to host an invitational tournament must
submit a completed USASA Application to Host a Tournament or Games (original
is available from the LSA Office) and a completed USASA Tournament Hosting
agreement, along with a copy of the tournament rules to the LSA Office no later
than 120 days prior to the date(s) of the tournament.
405.3.1
Tournament applications and supporting materials received after
the deadline may not be approved without a late fee as described
in Policy 206.
405.3.2
Clubs hosting invitational tournaments may charge fees for
parking or admission provided such fees are identified on the
Application to Host submitted to LSA and are clearly identified on
all advertisements or web pages containing information about the
tournament.
405.4 Teams from LSA-affiliated leagues/clubs/associations desiring to play friendly
matches against unaffiliated varsity and/or club teams from colleges and/or
universities must comply with the following:
405.4.1
In-state:
405.4.1.1 Submit a “Request to Play Unaffiliated Teams” form at
least seven days prior to the scheduled event.
405.4.1.2 Submit a current, valid Certificate of Insurance from the
university/college.
405.4.2
Out-of-State:
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405.4.2.1 Submit a “Request to Play Unaffiliated Teams” form at
least seven days prior to the scheduled event.
405.4.2.2 Submit a current, valid Certificate of Insurance from the
university/college.
405.4.2.3 Submit a Travel Permit request at least seven (7) days prior to
the event.
405.4.2.4 A fee of $10 must accompany the request.
Policy 406
LSA Adult State Tournament Rules
406.1 ELIGIBILITY
406.1.1
Competition will be open to affiliated adult teams registered with
and in good standing with LSA.
406.1.2
An unaffiliated adult team that wishes to participate in the LSA
state tournament(s) is required to purchase a three-day or fiveday USASA tournament pass from LSA prior to competition. Such
a team must affiliate with LSA if it will be the LSA representative
at the Region III tournament.
406.1.3
The following rules will apply to dual-registered players:
406.1.3.1
Players who are dual-registered must be clearly indicated
on the Open roster or Over-30 roster at the time they are
submitted to LSA for approval for tournament play. A
primary team must be designated.
406.1.3.2
If a player plays on an Open and an Over-30 team, and
both teams win their respective tournaments, the player(s)
must play for the primary team only at the Regional III
Tournament.
406.1.3.2.1 An exception to 406.1.3.2 may be made to allow
the player(s) to play for the secondary team if the
player’s(s’) primary team would release him/her.
This can be done by writing to LSA, and requesting
release from the primary team. The request has to
be signed by the requesting player(s), the team
coach/representative and the club director/
administrator/registrar. After obtaining permission
to play with the secondary team, the request
should be submitted to LSA for approval.
approved, the player(s) is free to play on his/her
(their) secondary team.
406.2 ENTRY INTO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENTS
406.2.1
All teams that enter the Championship must pay a non-refundable
entry fee, and complete and submit the entry no less than thirty
(30) calendar days prior to the tournament.
406.2.2
If a team enters the state tournament and withdraws prior to the
first match being played, the team shall forfeit its entry fee but
face no further penalty to the team or the club/league.
406.3 ROSTERS AND PLAYER PASSES
406.3.1
The roster on file with the LSA Office at the time of the deadline
set by LSA will be the official team roster for a team entering the
state championship tournament.
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406.3.2
406.3.3
A maximum of twenty-two (22) players are allowed on the roster.
On the day of the competition, a team will be allowed to use any
of the registered players from its approved roster.
406.3.4
All players shall be required to carry a US Soccer Adult Divisionapproved and laminated player pass, which must bear a
recognizable photograph (not a photocopy of a photograph)
the participating player and show a player ID number. Teams
may also utilize the electronic player passes available through
GotSoccer.
406.3.5
Before each scheduled game, passes must be presented to a
match official, who will check the passes against the team roster
that has been submitted to LSA prior to the tournament. Each
participating player will also be identified with his/her player pass.
406.4 COMPETITION ADMINISTRATION
The LSA Adult Vice President and the LSA Adult Competitions Commissioner or
their designated representative(s) shall be responsible for administration of the
Championship.
406.5 FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION
406.5.1
The format of the competition will be determined by the total
number of teams officially entered.
406.5.2
Whenever possible, teams will be divided into two or more
brackets so as to be able to compete in round-robin play. Bracket
winners will proceed to the semi-final (if applicable) and final
rounds.
406.5.3
If the number of teams entered prohibits division into multiple
brackets, there will be one bracket and all games will be fulllength.
406.5.4
Modification of the competition format can be made by LSA
officers if there is lack of participation, cancellations, inclement
weather conditions, etc.
406.6 DURATION OF GAMES
406.6.1
All round-robin games will consist of two (2) forty-five (45) minute
halves for men’s games and two (2) thirty-five (35) minute halves
for women’s games. There will no overtime in round-robin play.
406.6.2
LSA, including a designated representative(s) at the tournament
or championship competition match site, may change the lengths
of times of halves of State Championship games.
406.6.2.1
Halves cannot be changed to be less than two (2) thirtyfive (35) minute halves, and the duration of the halves will
be determined by the number of teams participating in a
bracket.
406.6.2.2
A change would only be made after consultation and
agreement of the Adult Tournament Referee Committee.
406.6.3
Semi-finals (if applicable) and finals will consist of two (2) fortyfive (45) minute halves.
406.6.4
In the case of a tie game, two (2) fifteen (15) minute overtime
periods will be played to determine a winner. If a tie should still
exist after the conclusion of overtime play, FIFA penalty kicks will
be used to break the tie.
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406.6.5
406.7 FORFEITS
406.7.1
If a game is stopped due to circumstances beyond the control of
either participating team, the game shall be considered completed
as long as one entire half of the game has been completed.
A team guilty of using an ineligible player shall forfeit the game or
games in which that player participated.
406.7.2
A team shall forfeit a game for failure to comply with the rules of
the Championship.
406.7.3
The score for any match forfeited in the LSA Adult State
Championships will be recorded as 3-0 for the opposing team.
406.8 GRACE PERIOD
406.8.1
A team not ready to start play a scheduled game (i.e. a team is
unable to field a team with at least seven (7) players at the
scheduled game time) shall be granted a fifteen (15) minute grace
period.
406.8.2
If the team will not be able to start play at the end of the granted
grace period, the game will be deemed a forfeit by the team
unable to field a complete team. The prepared team will be
awarded a win, and the unprepared team a loss with the game
scored as in Policy 406.7.3.
406.8.3.
The main game official shall note the game as a forfeit on his/her
tournament game report.
406.8.4
Only the LSA representative(s) at the tournament site can extend
the grace period if he/she feels there are extenuating
circumstances to do so.
406.9 TEAM UNIFORMS
406.9.1
Participating teams, when possible, must have two (2) sets of
jerseys with each set of jerseys being of a different color, and
each jersey marked with a clearly visible number on the back.
406.9.2
The home team shall wear their light jerseys and light socks.
406.9.3
Participating teams, by mutual agreement, may reverse the
preferences and the home team can wear dark and the visiting
team can wear light.
406.10 SUBSTITUTIONS
Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed, at the discretion of the referee, by
team taking a throw-in, and by either team prior to a goal kick, after a goal, after
an injury, at half-time, or for a player who has just received a caution.
406.11 METHODS FOR ADVANCEMENT
406.11.1
The point system for round-robin play will be:
3 points for win
1 point for tie
0 points for loss
406.11.2
In round-robin competition, should two or more teams be tied in
the number of awarded points, final standings will be determined
in the following order:
Winner of head-to-head competition.
Highest Goal Difference (G for minus G against) 3 goal maximum
per game.
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FIFA Penalty kicks
406.12 PLAYER AND TEAM MISCONDUCT
406.12.1
A player sent-off must sit out the remainder of the game he/she
was sent-off, in addition to the next tournament game.
406.12.2
If it was the player’s second tournament send-off, the player will
not be allowed to participate in the remainder of the tournament.
406.12.3
No substitution will be allowed for a player who is sent-off.
406.12.4
If a player or coach has been disciplined by the game official and
asked to leave the site, and the player or coach refuses to comply,
this is cause for the offending player’s or coach’s team to forfeit
the game. That player or coach will be ineligible for the
remainder of the tournament.
406.12.5
The decision will be made by the LSA representative(s) at the
tournament site.
406.12.6
When a game has been terminated because of team misconduct,
the score at the time of termination will stand.
406.12.6.1 If the violating team was ahead, the score will be recorded
as a 3-0 win in favor of the opposing team.
406.12.6.2 The team guilty of misconduct will be disqualified from the
Championship.
406.12.6.3 Any send-offs in the terminated game will still be subject
to suspensions and/or penalties.
406.12.7
Failure to participate in a scheduled state cup match or matches
will result in an initial fine of $100 to be assessed to the
sanctioning club/league/association.
406.12.7.1 A fine of $50 per each additional scheduled match not
played will be assessed to the sanctioning club/league/
association.
406.12.7.2 If a team does not complete all of its scheduled
tournament games for any reason other than an official
cancellation, inclement weather, etc. that team will not be allowed
to participate in the following year’s championship competition.
406.13 PROTESTS
406.13.1
The LSA representative(s) at the championship tournament site
will control interpretations of the Championship Competition
Rules. Their decision(s) will be final.
406.13.2
To protest a game, the following procedures will be followed:
406.13.2.1
Within one (1) hour after the termination of the game to
be protested, a written report, with reason(s) for the
protest, and a $200 (cash or money order) protest fee
shall be submitted to LSA representative(s) at the
championship tournament.
406.13.2.2
406.13.2.3
No protest will be entertained if the protest is based on a
decision that was considered to be referee judgment.
Any protest relating to goals, nets, or playing field
conditions shall be entertained only if an objection had
been lodged with the game referee prior to the start of the
game.
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406.13.2.4
The protest fee will be returned to the team if the protest
is upheld, and forfeited if the protest is rejected.
406.14 AWARDS
First and second place teams in each division will receive a team trophy.
406.15 ISSUES NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE RULES
Issues not provided for in these rules and regulations will be determined by the
LSA representative(s) at the tournament site. Their decisions will be final.
Policy 410
Hosting State Tournaments
Any member club/league that wishes to host an invitational tournament must submit a
completed USASA Application to Host a Tournament or Games (original is available from the
LSA Office) and a completed USASA Tournament Hosting agreement, along with a copy of the
tournament rules to the LSA Office no later than 120 days prior to the date(s) of the
tournament. Tournament applications and supporting materials received after the deadline may
not be approved without a late fee.
Clubs hosting invitational tournaments may charge fees for parking or admission provided such
fees are identified on the Application to Host submitted to LSA and are clearly identified on all
advertisements or web pages containing information about the tournament.
Clubs hosting state tournaments cannot impose fees without written approval from LSA.
Policy 411
A.
B.
Adult State Select Program
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S PROGRAMS
1.
LSA shall administer an Adult Select Program for LSA players eligible to compete
at the adult level with committees, staff, and programs for men and for women.
2.
The Adult State Select program shall be an extension of the Youth State Select
program and shall be part of the overall State Select Program for LSA players.
3.
Activities and staff of the youth and adult programs shall be coordinated
wherever possible.
PURPOSE
LSA State Select teams will be eligible to compete at the regional and national level in
appropriate competitions.
C.
PLAYERS
1.
Any player residing or attending school in Louisiana may participate in tryout
sessions.
2.
When an unregistered player is selected for any LSA team or player pool, he/she
must immediately complete a LSA player registration form and submit it with the
appropriate fee to the LSA Office.
3.
Proof of US citizenship may be required prior to participation.
4.
LSA may require participants to supply additional information and pay
participation fees.
D.
COST TO PARTICIPANTS
Each player shall be expected to contribute to the cost of his/her participation in this
program.
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E.
SELECTION PROCESS
1.
LSA may hold tryout sessions for teams or pools.
2.
LSA may invite individual players to training sessions or tryouts or to participate
on an Adult State Select team at a competition or competitions.
3.
Final player selection is the decision of the Adult State Select Coach and
Assistant Coach(es). The Adult State Select Coach and his/her Assistant Coaches
are encouraged to identify eligible players and encourage their participation in
the program.
F.
ADULT STATE SELECT COACH
1.
It is recommended that the Adult State Select Coach hold a minimum of a USSF
National “C” License or an NSCAA National Diploma and/or international
credentials.
2.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
a.
Directing the state player identification and selection process
b.
Directing the training program for Adult State Select team or pool players
c.
Attending tryouts, competitions, meetings, or other activities of the Adult
State Select and/or Youth State Select Program at the District, State,
Regional, or National level
1.
The Adult State Select Coach must obtain the approval of the LSA Vice-PresidentAdults before scheduling any event for the Adult State Select teams.
Policy 500-1
A.
Competitive Ethical Standards and Professional Rules of
Conduct For All Club Directors of Coaching, Coaching Staff,
Independent Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team
Managers
Ethical Standards
These ethical standards are a statement of required behavior and objectives that LSA
member clubs, their Officers, Directors, Directors of Coaching (DOC), their coaches and
team managers herein after referred to as “club officials” shall follow.
These standards shall be used to interpret and guide the enforcement of the rules in
ambiguous situations so that fair and impartial application of the rules consistently
serves the mission and goals of the Louisiana Soccer Association.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The primary purpose for the formation of Competitive soccer teams should be
the development of the players selected, particularly at the age groups U11-15;
Member clubs, their DOCs and coaches should act with courtesy and comity
toward other member clubs, their DOC and coaches with the overriding
understanding that all are engaged in the common goal of player development
and that competition between their teams is a means to this common goal rather
than the goal itself;
Member clubs, their DOCs and coaches should abide by the “golden rule” and
not engage in conduct toward another association, its coaches and players that it
would not wish done to them under the same or similar circumstances;
Recruitment of players from other established teams is conducted only within the
Rules of Conduct set forth below.
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5.
6.
B.
The formation of Competitive teams should not be accomplished by methods
involving dishonesty, coercion, intimidation, harassment, pressure, or tactics that
impugn the integrity of the game;
Contacts between officials or coaches of an association and prospective players
or players’ parents should be positive and provide information about the
association and what it can offer to the player to develop his or her potential
playing skills rather than negative, including invidious comments about other
member clubs, their coaches or players.
Rules of Conduct
These rules of conduct provide minimum standards of behavior that LSA requires from
member clubs and their club officials. The violation of these rules may result in
disciplinary sanctions by LSA where warranted.
1.
Member clubs shall be held responsible to LSA for any act or omission by their
club officials in violation of these rules whether or not any member of the
governing board of the association had advance knowledge or opportunity to
prevent the club official from a violation of these rules. It is the responsibility of
member clubs to ensure that their club officials are familiar with these rules and
to make it part of the terms of their employment that they not violate them.
Nothing herein is meant to prevent member clubs from internal discipline or
correction of their club official if or when a violation should occur.
2.
Club officials shall be held responsible to LSA for violations of these rules by any
Competitive coach under their supervision or by any person associated with
his/her club. It is the responsibility of member clubs to ensure that their club
officials are familiar with these rules.
3.
Club officials of member clubs must report any violation of these rules known to
them to have taken place by any person in their association or by any other
association to LSA.
4.
A club official shall not initiate contact with registered players of another member
club for the purpose of soliciting or recruiting them to join a Competitive team of
the association with whom they are affiliated at any time except after the state
tournament for that age group. A club official may mail a flyer or publication not
directed at a specific player, but rather providing general information about an
association, including tryout dates no earlier than one month before the LSA
tryout dates.
5.
Telephone calls or personal meetings initiated by a club official for the purpose of
recruitment are prohibited during the season until the end of the age specific
state tournament. Personalized written and verbal communication is limited to
one invitation and may not list other invitees. Any player registered for tryouts at
a member club may only be notified with changes to tryouts details.
6.
A club official shall not use methods that involve false statements known by the
club official to be false when made, or with reckless disregard of the veracity of
any facts asserted; shall not disparage another association or its players,
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coaches, or managers; and shall honor a player or parent’s written request not to
be contacted further.
C.
7.
A club official shall not instruct any other person to commit conduct that would
be in violation of these rules if committed by a club official.
8.
A State Youth Select Program coach shall not, outside the tryout period, solicit or
recruit a player he/she is coaching to join his/her club. Recruiting is never
permitted within the State Youth Select Program setting.
9.
During tryouts: (a) a club official shall not, in advance of the notification date set
by LSA, represent to a player that they will be offered a place on a team’s roster;
(b) a club official shall not ask or advise a player not to try out with another club.
Hearings & Enforcement
The LSA Executive Director, upon receipt of a written complaint from any DOC or
member association, will promptly investigate the facts and circumstances of any
reported violation. If the Executive Director finds merit with the complaint, the Director
will contact the respective Club Directors within 24 hours and try to informally resolve
the issue to their mutual satisfaction. If unsuccessful, the Executive Director will
convene the Hearing Board and conduct a hearing within 10 business days to hear the
facts and determination of any possible sanctions. All investigations and hearings shall
be conducted in conformity with LSA 212, USSF 701 and/or USYSA rules where
applicable.
D.
Potential LSA Sanctions for violation of Ethical Standards
Sanctions for the violation of any of the foregoing rules may include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Written warning or probationary period;
Suspension of a club official or State Youth Select Program coach;
Dismissal of a club official or State Youth Select Program coach;
Requiring any player recruited or solicited in violation of these rules to be
removed from the roster of the offending club’s team;
Forfeiture of all Louisiana Competitive Soccer League and/or State Tournament
games in which the improperly recruited player participated;
A possible fine of up to $1000 against any member association;
A fine of between $250.00 and $1000.00 on any individual club official for any
violation of these rules;
Any combination of the foregoing penalties or sanctions that are warranted by
the circumstances of any case in the judgment of the standing Committee.
The Hearing Committee may not discipline any club, club official or parent more
conspicuously than another based on prior precedent and must ensure that any sanction
fits the action and is reasonable to avoid needless appeals.
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E.
Appeals
If any sanction against a club official, team or player impacts their right to play or
participate, the sanction shall be set aside and the LSA Executive Committee shall
automatically consider an appeal of the record without further notice by the accused.
Due to the serious nature of this sanction, the Executive Committee shall follow LSA
Policy 212(D) but take no more than 1 week to uphold, nullify or modify the Disciplinary
Committee’s sanctions. Nothing herein shall nullify the party’s right to appeal further.
An appeal from any other sanction of the committee may be made according to the
appeals process as provided by USSF and LSA Policy 212(D).
Policy 501-1
A.
Louisiana Soccer Association Coaches Licensing Program
PURPOSE / SCOPE
The purpose of the Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) Coaching Education Program is to
present to coaches, on all levels, a body of knowledge which will help the coach to deal
more effectively with the day-to-day requirements of his or her team. The courses
provide an opportunity for the education, development and certification of coaches.
Further clinics, seminars, a State Symposium and AGM Workshops are conducted
annually to assist the professional growth of our coaches. Contact the LSA Office if
more information is needed.
B.
THE SOCCER COACHING EDUCATION PROGRAM
The soccer license is official recognition that an individual has satisfactorily completed a
particular course on coaching soccer. Presently some local associations require
individuals to have a coaching license in order to coach soccer. LSA requires that all
registered coaches have at least a Youth Module. Coaches have one year from when
they register as a team coach to complete a coaching certification course. The state
and national clinic programs offer a way to meet those requirements along with
broadening a coach’s knowledge of player development.
There are twenty-five categories of soccer coaching courses available in the United
States. Five are on the national level only, conducted at a national camp. Four can be
conducted at the national or state levels and can be taught by the LSA Technical
Director. Sixteen are on the state level, taught by the LSA Technical Director and/or the
State Coaching Staff. The courses are:
Course
Taught By
Prerequisite
Requirements
A License
National
Participants must
hold a “B” license
9 days of training, instruction and
examination
B License
National
Participants must
hold a “C” license
9 days of training, instruction and
examination
C License
National/
State
Participants must
hold a “D” license
9 days of training, instruction and
examination
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Nat’l
Youth
License
National/
State
Participants must
hold an “E” cert.
5 days of training, instruction and
examination
D License
State
Participants must
hold an “E” license
36 hours of instruction, training and
examination
E License
State
No previous
18 hours of instruction, training and
coaching
examination
qualification required
F Certificate
State
No previous
6 hours of instruction and training
coaching
qualification required
Youth
Module 2
State
No previous
1-2 hours of online education and 2
coaching
hours of field instruction
qualification required:
Beginner Coach
Youth
Module 1
State
No previous
1-2 hours of online education
coaching
and 2 hours of field instruction
qualification required:
Beginner Coach
TOPSoccer
Certificate
State
No previous
5 hours of instruction and
coaching
training
qualification required:
Coaching Special Needs
NSCAA
Master’s
Degree
National
NSCAA Master Coach 2 Years of course work and
examinations
NSCAA
Master’s
Coach
National
Premier Diploma
18 months of course work and
examinations
NSCAA
Premier
Diploma
National
Advanced National
Diploma
45 hours of training, instruction
and examinations
NSCAA
Advanced
National
Diploma
National/
State
NSCAA National
Diploma or
National ‘A’ License
45 hours of training, instruction
and examinations
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NSCAA
National
Diploma
National/
State
NSCAA Level 6
Diploma or
National ‘B’ License
45 hours of training, instruction
and examinations
NSCAA
High School
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
21 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
Level 6
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
18 hours of instruction and
(Level 5 encouraged) training
NSCAA
Level 5
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
12 hours of instruction and
(Level 4 encouraged) training
NSCAA
Level 4
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
12 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
Level 3
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
9 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
Level 2
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
6 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
Level 1
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
4 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
GK Level 3
Diploma
State
NSCAA GK Level 2
18 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
GK Level 2
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
(GK Level 1
encouraged)
12 hours of instruction and
training
NSCAA
GK Level 1
Diploma
State
No pre-requisite
6 hours of instruction and
training
The national licenses are described in the USSF brochure available from the LSA Office.
Except where noted, the following information applies to the State Coaching Education
Program.
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C.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Youth Module 1 – U6/U8
A two (2) hour course of field sessions and one to two (1-2) hours of online
education completed prior to the course. Designed for the parent/coach or
novice coach with an emphasis on under 6 and under 8 players. Technique,
psychology and FUN are introduced with an emphasis on player development.
To receive the U6/U8 certificate a candidate must attend the course in its
entirety as well as complete the online module.
Youth Module 2 – U10/U12
A two (2) hour course of field sessions and one to two (1-2) hours of online
education completed prior to the course. Designed for the parent/coach or
novice coach with an emphasis on under 10 and under 12 players. This is a
transitional age and a very important course for coaches moving from modified
soccer to eleven-a-side soccer.
“E” License Course
Involves eighteen (18) hours of classroom and field sessions plus pre-course
material. It is designed for the coach in the Junior High School age range with
greater emphasis on technique, fitness and psychological areas of the player.
Introduction to fundamental training, goal keeping and introduction to tactics are
included. To receive the “E,” one must attend the course in its entirety, pass a
written examination and complete a coaching log book over the following six (6)
month period which will be assessed by a State Instructor.
“D” License Course
The highest state license, and combines thirty-six (36) hours of classroom and
field sessions plus pre-course material. It is designed for the needs of the
teenage youth player with emphasis on technical and tactical fundamental
training, principles of attack and defense. Also discussed is team management,
preparation and match analysis. To receive the “D”, one must attend the course
in its entirety and pass written, oral and practical examinations.
NSCAA Level 1 Diploma
This Diploma is designed to help coaches implement developmentally appropriate
training games to improve skill levels in a fun and safe environment. The
Diploma has three parts, classroom with theory of coaching U6-U8, field work
with coaches and field work with U6-U8 players. Coaches not working at this age
group would benefit greatly from an appreciation of the developmental abilities
and needs of this important age group.
NSCAA Level 2 Diploma
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This Diploma develops on the ideas in Level 1 and is designed to help coaches
implement developmentally appropriate training games to improve skill levels in
a fun, safe and challenging environment. The Diploma has three parts, classroom
with theory of coaching U8-U10, field work with coaches and field work with U8U10 players. Coaches not working at this age group would benefit greatly from
an appreciation of the developmental abilities and needs of this important age
group.
NSCAA Level 3 Diploma
This Diploma is a valuable and necessary one for many coaches. The material in
this course is designed to assist the coach who has been asked to step up for the
first time to coach a team in competition. The course is, in part, conducted in the
classroom covering the role of the coach, methodology and player development.
The field portions of the course cover a variety of helpful training ideas primarily
designed to improve technical ability. The field work also shows coaches a
variety of small sided games to use and features a sample session conducted by
the instructor.
NSCAA Level 4 Diploma
This Diploma is strongly partnered with Level 5. The primary focus of the Level 4
Diploma is to assist coaches in their teaching of technique as it is applied in the
game. The course includes coaches designing a lesson plan, participating in
practical field work and observing a model session. Level 4 concludes with the
presentation of small side game activities that teach technique.
NSCAA Level 5 Diploma
This Diploma is strongly partnered with Level 4. The primary focus of the Level 5
Diploma is to assist coaches in their teaching of tactics as applied in small
groups. The course discusses the principles of play and the roles of players.
Coaches spend time designing a lesson plan. Coaches also see tactics taught in
small games and are exposed to a series of different teaching methodologies.
NSCAA Level 6 Diploma
This Diploma is an excellent preparatory course for coaches going onto the
National Diploma. One third of the course is dedicated to candidates presenting
on assigned topics and enjoying feedback on their performance in both methods
and content. Expanding upon the content of the Level 4 and 5 Diplomas this
course includes a session on reading the game as well as coaching technique and
tactics within 4 vs.4 and 6 vs. 6 models of play.
NSCAA Goalkeeper Level 1 Diploma
The NSCAA Coaching Academy launched its Goalkeeping Academy in 1998 to
focus attention on the education of coaches working in the specialized area of
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goalkeeper training and to improve the ability of all coaches to integrate
goalkeeper training into total team training. Courses are offered both
residentially and non-residentially. The GK Level 1 Diploma is for team coaches
wanting to understand the basics of coaching the goalkeeper.
NSCAA Goalkeeper Level 2 Diploma
The NSCAA Coaching Academy launched its Goalkeeping Academy in 1998 to
focus attention on the education of coaches working in the specialized area of
goalkeeper training and to improve the ability of all coaches to integrate
goalkeeper training into total team training. Courses are offered both
residentially and non-residentially. The GK Level 2 Diploma is for specialized
goalkeeper and team coaches looking for in-depth knowledge about training
goalkeepers.
NSCAA Goalkeeper Level 3 Diploma
The NSCAA Coaching Academy launched its Goalkeeping Academy in 1998 to
focus attention on the education of coaches working in the specialized area of
goalkeeper training and to improve the ability of all coaches to integrate
goalkeeper training into total team training. Courses are offered both
residentially and non-residentially. The GK Level 3 Diploma is for experienced
coaches working with advanced goalkeepers.
NSCAA High School Diploma
The High School Coaches Diploma deals with managerial issues and practice and
game strategies specific to coaches of boys and girls high school teams. The
course is designed to address the many issues and responsibilities unique to high
school coaches in this country. The course curriculum examines the distinctive
role high school coaches play in the personal development of young players.
D.
WAIVERS
There are NO waivers into any state level course.
For a candidate wishing to be waived into a national level course please visit the waiver
information provided by US Soccer on their website.
E.
STATE FEES
1.
COURSE FEES:
LSA Affiliate
USYS Youth Module
& TOPSoccer
No
charge
National ‘E’ License Course
$115.00
Upgrade/Retest
$30.00
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F.
National ‘D’ License Course
$195.00
NSCAA Level 1 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA Level 2 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA Level 3 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA Level 4 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA Level 5 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA Level 6 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA GK Level 1 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA GK Level 2 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA GK Level 3 Diploma
Set by NSCAA
NSCAA High School Diploma
Set by NSCAA
$40.00
2.
Fees should be in the LSA Office prior to the commencement of the course. The
decision whether to proceed with the course and the number of instructors
required will be based on the number of course participants. The required
number of advance registered participants to conduct a course are: Youth
Modules/TOPSoccer – 12; ‘E’ License – 16; ‘D’ License – 26. If these numbers
have not registered and paid their fees prior to the course scheduled date, the
course could be cancelled at the discretion of the State Director of Coaching. For
all Diploma Courses the numbers are set by the NSCAA.
3.
If a planned coaching course is cancelled prior to the scheduled date for any
reason, all fees paid shall be reimbursed. If on the date of the planned coaching
course there are less than the required numbers stated above, the course will be
held and the “no-shows” will forfeit their money. Exceptions on the reason for
not showing up on the date of the planned clinic will be handled on a case-bycase basis by the State Director of Coaching. Persons knowing that they will be
unable to attend in advance of the course should notify the LSA Office
immediately and in writing.
4.
Should any club wish to pay the expenses of their coaches to attend these
clinics, the club can request an online registration voucher from the LSA for their
coaches.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
A six (6) month waiting period is required at the State level between the ‘E’ and
‘D’ Licenses. All other Licenses require a minimum of a twelve (12) month
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waiting period. All licenses through ‘B’ are good for life. The ‘A’ License requires
eight (8) CEU’s over a four (4) year period if order to maintain the ‘A’ License.
G.
2.
It is recommended that each association/club have a license requirement for
their coaches.
3.
A schedule of LSA Coaching Education Program courses will be published on the
LSA website and emailed to the Louisiana Soccer Association membership. State
license courses will be systematically held around the State to insure all
associations an opportunity to elevate coaches in their areas.
4.
Because the Youth Modules are in such demand in each club at the beginning of
each soccer season, clubs are able to conduct the course themselves provided
they have a coach/instructor that is approved by the State Director of Coaching.
They must follow the course curriculum and communicate the list of candidates
to the State Director of Coaching who will check that they have completed the
online section of the course and will then email the certificate to the candidate.
5.
LSA sends each coach who passes the license course a certificate showing
license level obtained and license number. LSA also updates the coaching
database so that each club has a record of their coaches passing each level and
their license number. Each coach will also have an evaluation form on the
course and instructor to be completed and returned to the LSA Office. This
allows LSA an opportunity to receive input from coaches on the instructor and
the course material. For NSCAA Diploma Courses, each candidate shall receive
their Diploma directly from the NSCAA.
6.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY!
REQUIREMENTS OF THE COACHING INSTRUCTOR
A written list of course procedures and requirements will be sent to the course
instructor(s) and the course administrator.
H.
FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH CLINIC
It is recommended that the facilities include:
I.
1.
A classroom area with access to a chalkboard/dry-erase board and television for
lectures.
2.
A playing area will be needed; lights will be required if sessions are held at night.
3.
Access to a gym or covered playing area is needed in case of inclement weather.
LSA SPONSORED COACHING CLINICS
The LSA coaching education department will conduct clinics for its member
associations/clubs and cater to their specific needs. Fee, if any, charged will be
dependent on the clinic.
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Policy 501-2
Coach of The Year
The Coach of the Year Program is to recognize top coaches in Louisiana and throughout the
United States in both the boys and girls programs for both the competitive and recreational
levels of play.
Our search each seasonal year will be for coaches who exemplify the following characteristics:





Dedication and service to the game
Longevity in the program
Sportsmanship, as exemplified by coach and his/her team
Success within the program (not a record of wins and losses)
Success in developing players for the next level of play.
Each association is responsible for establishing the method and criteria for selecting its
nominee.
Notification of when to submit nominations, using the LSA Coach of the Year Nomination Form,
will be sent to each club in the spring. The LSA Director of Coaching will evaluate all
nominations and present them to the LSA Executive Board for vote. The awards will be
presented at the LSA Awards Gala held at the LSA Winter Midyear Meeting and their names will
be forwarded to Region III for further consideration for the Region III Coach of the Year Award.
Policy 501-3
Forms
Instructor’s Expense Report Form
Course Request Form and Course Voucher Request Form
Course Administrator Protocol Form
LSA Coach of the Year Nomination Form
Clinic Request Form
Course Refund Form
Policy 502
LSA Risk Management Policy
To promote the welfare of youth players and to protect coaches, volunteers, and program
administrators and the affiliated clubs the Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) has adopted the
US Youth Soccer KidSafe program. KidSafe is designed to identify all coaches, volunteers and
other persons that may have contact with players. It is the intent of US Youth Soccer and its
affiliated organizations to exclude from participation in US Youth Soccer activities, at a
minimum, all persons who have been convicted of crimes of violence or crimes against persons.
Further, it is the intent of LSA to exclude anyone convicted of any other violation of the law that
LSA deems detrimental to the health and safety of the players. LSA will not provide clinics to
nor license any adult who has not successfully completed the risk management program.
Any coach, assistant coach, team trainer, team manager, Club President, Club official, Club
representative, Club administrator, LSA Board of Directors member, contract labor employee,
referee, or any other individual over the age of 17 seeking affiliation with LSA or LSA affiliated
Clubs who has direct or indirect contact or influence on a youth player shall be known
134
collectively as “Adult Applicant” for the purposes of this policy. Any LSA player registered for the
current season with an affiliated LSA Club will be known as “Youth Player” or “Player” for the
purposes of this Policy.
A.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Each member organization must designate a Risk Management Director (RMD) on the
annual LSA affiliation form. The RMD is responsible for insuring that every club officer,
coach, assistant coach, manager, referee, assistant referee, trainer and any volunteer
who have regular contact with any players complete the LSA online risk management
disclosure questionnaire annually. The RMD shall develop and maintain relevant Risk
Management Policy for his/her member organization and communicate risk management
information to their members as appropriate. Risk management policies may include,
but are not limited to, the required background checks; severe weather safety
guidelines; first aid guidelines; facilities (including goals and fields); proper use of social
media and electronic communications; and tournament/travel.
Club registrars will assign coaches to teams; however, coaches will not appear on team
rosters nor will the club be able to print coach passes until they have successfully
completed the LSA risk management process.
All LSA Board members and staff will file an annual risk management disclosure.
B.
RISK MANAGEMENT DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA
The Risk Management Committee (RMC) will make all initial decisions pertaining to an
individual’s eligibility to participate with the LSA. The Risk Management Committee has
the authority to immediately disqualify an individual based on the results of any criminal
history background check(s). The RMC also has the authority to attain more information
on questionable or serious offenses and convictions based on the results of any criminal
history background check(s).
C.
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (RMC)
LSA
LSA
LSA
LSA
LSA
Vice President Youth
Vice President Adult
Secretary
State Referee Administrator (for officials)
Legal Counsel if appointed
LSA reserves the right to modify or change the makeup of the RMC with or without
notice and for any reason it deems appropriate and/or sees fit. Upon reviewing the
results of any background checks conducted, the convictions listed below, in whole or in
part, may cause the Risk Management Applicant to be immediately disqualified from
participation with the LSA, all LSA related activities and events, all LSA affiliated club
activities and events, and all US Youth Soccer related activities and events. LSA reserves
the right to contact the applicant regarding their criminal history in an attempt to gather
135
more information. Information provided by the applicant is taken into consideration by
the RMC in determining the eligibility of the applicant to participate with LSA.
D.
DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA
Individual volunteers found to be guilty of the following crimes will be disqualified as a
volunteer as outlined below. Guilty means the applicant was found guilty following a
trial, entered a guilty plea, and entered a no contest plea accompanied by the court’s
finding of guilty, regardless of whether there was an adjudication of guilt (conviction) or
a withholding of guilt. This policy does not apply if criminal charges resulted in acquittal,
dismissal or in an entry of “nolle prosequi”:
1.
Ever Found To Be Guilty Of:
a.
All sex offenses including child molestation, rape, sexual assault, sexual
battery, sodomy, prostitution, solicitation, indecent exposure, etc.
b.
All felony violence including murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault,
kidnapping, robbery, aggravated burglary, etc.
2.
Found To Be Guilty Within The Past 10 Years Of: all felony offenses other than
violence or sex including drug offenses, theft, embezzlement, fraud, child
endangerment, etc.
3.
Found To Be Guilty Within The Past 7 Years Of: All misdemeanor violence
offences including simple assault, battery, domestic violence, hit & run, etc.
4.
Found To Be Guilty Within The Past 5 Years Or Multiple Offenses In The Past 10
Years Of: Misdemeanor drug offenses, including simple drug possession, etc.
5.
Found To Be Guilty Within The Past 2 Years, or Found To Be Guilty of 3 or more
offenses within10 Years Of: Misdemeanor alcohol offenses including driving
under the influence, drunk and disorderly, public intoxication, possession of drug
paraphernalia, etc.
6.
Any other misdemeanor within the past 5 years that would be considered a
potential danger to children or is directly related to the functions of the volunteer
including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, providing alcohol to a
minor, theft – if volunteer is handling monies, etc.
Should any pending charges described above be uncovered, or should any of the above
charges be brought against an applicant during the season, the applicant shall be
suspended from serving until such time as the charges have been cleared or dropped
and the Conduct Official has approved reinstatement.
LSA, the LSA RMC and LSA Legal Counsel have the right at any time to add additional
offenses and convictions to the list as outlined above. The RMC analyzes convictions
produced from criminal history background check(s) with an incident date between the
application date and ten (10) years previous from the application date. The RMC also
reserves the right to review and analyze incidents that date back farther than ten (10)
136
years if it is deemed that a person’s criminal history beyond ten (10) years possesses a
serious threat to the well-being and safety of children. The RMC also reserves the right
to perform criminal history background check(s) at random time periods on any Adult
Member who has previously applied for Risk Management and who may or may not
have a criminal history.
E.
DISQUALIFICATION PROCEDURE
LSA Legal Counsel will send written notification to every Adult Applicant who has been
disqualified by the RMC with instructions on how to appeal the decision made by the
RMC. The disqualified individual has seven (7) days from the receipt of the notice of
disqualification to submit an appeal in writing to the LSA Executive Committee. If written
notification from the disqualified Adult Member is not received by LSA State Office within
seven (7) days then the disqualification will be final and the Adult Applicant will lose all
rights to appeal the decision and forfeits their eligibility to participate with the LSA, LSA
affiliates, and US Youth Soccer. LSA Legal Counsel will send written notification to every
Adult Applicant who is asked to provide more information by the RMC pertaining to
offenses and/or convictions found as a result of criminal history background check(s). If
the Adult Applicant fails to respond to LSA Legal Counsel within 10 days of the receipt of
the written notification for more information than the individual will be disqualified from
participation with the LSA. The decision will be final and the Adult Applicant will lose all
rights to appeal the decision and forfeits their eligibility to participate with the LSA, LSA
affiliates, and US Youth Soccer.
F.
APPEAL PROCESS
Any Adult Applicant who has been disqualified from participation with the LSA has the
right to appeal the initial decision made by the RMC. Once the written notification of the
disqualification is received by the individual, that individual must submit a written notice
of appeal to the LSA Executive Committee addressed to the LSA State Office. If the
written notice of appeal is not received by the LSA State Office within seven (7) days
from the receipt of the disqualification letter, the individual forfeits their current ability
for an appeal as well as any time in the future. The appeal will occur during the next
scheduled Board of Directors Meeting at the LSA State Office. All Board Members
present at the meeting may vote with the exception of those individual Board Members
who serve on the RMC. A vote will be taken by the LSA Board of Directors in executive
session and the decision will be relayed in written form by LSA Legal Counsel no later
than 10 days from the date of the meeting. The decision made by the LSA Board of
Directors is final and will take effect immediately following the notification by LSA Legal
Counsel of the LSA Board of Director’s decision.
Policy 701-1
A.
LSA Hall Of Fame
Hall of Fame Committee
The Hall of Fame Committee shall be composed of not less than five (5) members.
These members shall include:
1.
Chairman;
2.
At least two of the members of the current Executive Board of this Association;
137
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
At least one representative from an LSA-affiliated club/association in good
standing;
Selection must be by unanimous vote. Voting must be recorded by name and be
made a part of the Hall of Fame records;
When selected, nominees will be honored annually;
After the first year of selection, not more than three (3) persons shall be so
selected each year.
Committee members shall be appointed by the President and serve two (2) year
terms.
B.
Criteria for Selection for Hall of Fame
1.
At least ten (10) years of high achievement and excellence in contributing to
Louisiana Soccer Association and/or as a representative of Louisiana soccer in
one or more of the following categories:
a.
Player
b.
Coach
c.
Referee
d.
Administrator
2.
Contributions of individuals must be properly documented and substantiated.
3.
Documents may be in the form of letters, clippings, articles and/or statistics from
Internet sources, and other papers from which a legitimate selection may be
made, or from which proof of accomplishments can be determined and
recommendations made.
C.
Limit
There will be no limit as to the number of active Hall of Fame Members.
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