EMDSL TIER III LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Article 1. Categories and Divisions
1. Subject to Ontario Soccer Published Policies, the Elgin Middlesex District Soccer League (EMDSL) may operate a Tier III league structure that will assist in facilitating a recreational level of competition to teams located within the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association (EMSA) District of Ontario Soccer, based on the Terms of League Operations (TOLO) approved by the EMSA
Article 2. General
2.1 A copy of the current Rules and Regulations shall be posted on the EMDSL web site.
2.2 The current Laws of the Game applicable in the Province of Ontario as described by Ontario Soccer will be used, except as noted in the EMDSL Rules Summary as published by the EMDSL.
2.3 The EMDSL Board shall inform Members Clubs of any changes to the Rules and Regulations within seven (7) days of their adoption and a consolidated copy of the amended Rules and Regulations, if any were adopted during the year, shall be provided to Members Clubs at the subsequent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EMDSL, or Special General Meeting (SGM) convened to review League matters.
2.4 All fines resulting from a violation of rules identified in these Rules and Regulations, including those published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule, shall be assessed against the Member Club.
2.5 All matters not included in these Rules and Regulations shall be dealt in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Policies.
Article 3. Membership Applications and Fees
3.1 Club Membership Applications, associated Team Entries and all fees to play in the EMDSL Tier III shall be made annually on the EMDSL official application forms, and received by the League no later than the last Monday of February for the forthcoming outdoor season. Late applications will be accepted only upon payment of a late fee, as outlined by the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
3.2 Withdrawals must be made through the EMDSL Secretary.
3.3 For each team withdrawn after March 15th the Member Club shall forfeit the full fees paid. For each team withdrawn after April 1st, the EMDSL shall assess an additional fine in accordance with the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
3.4 Any Member Club whose cheque is returned by the bank will be charged an administrative fee in accordance with the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
Article 4. Team Eligibility Rules
4.1 Subject to section 4.2 to 4.4, all EMDSL Member Clubs approved by the EMSA to operate youth teams, may enter teams in any division of the EMDSL. Member Clubs will self-select into which tiers they wish to enter teams.
4.2 No Member Club shall enter more than 2 teams in a Tier III division, unless expressly approved by the League Management Board.
4.3 Each Member Club is required to post a $300.00 performance bond with the EMDSL, prior to the start of the outdoor season.
4.4 When a Member Club has accumulated fines in excess of their bond, and said Club has been informed of these fines, the Club will have 14 days following such notification to replenish their bond, or it shall be suspended from all league activities.
Article 5. Registration of Players
5.1 All players shall be registered with EMSA, or their respective district Association, in accordance with the Ontario Soccer
Published Policies.
5.2 The deadline for placing a player on the Team roster is July 31st of each year.
5.3 Players may transfer to another team in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Policies.
Article 6. Coaches and Other Team Officials
6.1 Each team must appoint a head coach. In accordance with Ontario Soccer Policies, all head coaches and assistant coaches must be fully certified in the following categories:
• U8-U9 Fundamentals, Making Ethical Decisions (MED), Respect in Soccer (RIS), & Making Headway in Soccer
• U10 -U12 Learning to Train, Making Ethical Decisions (MED) , Respect in Soccer (RIS) & Making Headway in Soccer
• U13-U18 Soccer For Life, Making Ethical Decisions (MED) , Respect in Soccer (RIS) & Making Headway in Soccer
Only those team officials, who are fully certified for the age division they are associated with, are allowed on the team bench and technical areas for games.
6.2 All coaches and other team officials shall be registered with the EMSA in accordance with Ontario Soccer Policies and shall be registered in the team section of the EMDSL website.
6.3 The team coach/manager is responsible for the complete activation of all required categories for their team on the EMDSL Management System, on or before April 30 of each season. Failure to do so shall result in a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
6.4 All team officials must familiarize themselves with and abide by the EMDSL Fair Play Policy. Furthermore, they are to advise players and parents of this policy.
Article 7. Game Sheets
7.1 The names and Ontario Soccer numbers of all players and team officials participating in a game must be legibly printed on the official game sheet as generated from the EMDSL Management System.
7.2 Only those players listed on the game sheet are eligible to play in district league games. The maximum number of players allowed to be listed on game sheets are as follows:
• U8-U9 - 10 players
• U10-U11 - 12 players
• U12 - 16 players
• U13-U18 - 25 players
Only four (4) team officials may be listed on the game sheet, and one team official must sign the team’s game sheet; the signature shall certify the eligibility of all players and officials whose names appear on the game sheet, to participate in that game. The names of players and team officials not present at the game should be crossed out on the game sheet. All players, and team officials, whose names appear on the game sheet and are not crossed out, shall be deemed to have played, or participated in the game.
7.3 In the event that a game sheet cannot be printed from the EMDSL Management System, due to technical difficulties, the team shall inform the EMDSL office by email, or voice mail, that the team was unable to print the game sheet. Notice of the difficulty must be received prior to the game start time. The team shall create a hand written game sheet, modify a copy of an old game sheet, or use the Ontario Soccer Team Roster Report, (EMSA approved roster sheet), and add the additional game information. Team sheets must be legible and complete. If the notice is received after the game start time, the team's club will be subject to the fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
7.4 Any team that fails to produce a game sheet will be subject to a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
7.5 Any team that falsifies a game sheet will be subject to a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
7.6 Each team is required to provide three (3) copies of their game sheet to the Match Official.
• Copy 1 (white) shall be retained by the Match Official and forwarded to the League
• Copy 2 (canary) shall be retained by the Match Official and forwarded to the District Association in the event of discipline action
• Copy 3 (pink) shall be provided to the submitting team
7.7 Coaches are required to retain their copies of all (pink) games sheets for the season, in case they may be required by the League.
Article 8. Player Verification
8.1 Ontario Soccer ID Cards are not required at the U8-U12 divisions. The checking of each player’s valid Ontario Soccer ID Card, (for U13+ divisions) and EMSA approved roster sheet for the team to which the player is registered, against the game sheet, is compulsory for all games, and shall be performed 15 minutes, or more, before the scheduled start-time of the game. This procedure must be completed before the Match Official can start the game. Team head coaches are responsible to have each player’s valid Ontario Soccer ID Card and the EMSA approved roster sheet for the team to which the player is registered. Players not in possession of a valid Ontario Soccer ID Card with EMSA approved roster sheet for the team to which the player is registered, are considered to be ineligible to play and Articles 8.4 and 8.5 of EMDSL Rules and Regulations are applicable. There are no exceptions to this rule.
8.2 Each team will present its signed game sheet, as well as valid EMSA approved roster sheet for the team participating in the game to a representative from the opposing team, who will verify the valid EMSA approved roster sheet against the names on the game sheet.
8.3 After completion of this procedure, a team official will initial the game sheet in the appropriate box to certify that the roster checking procedures were followed, and return the game sheet to the Match Official, who shall retain it.
8.4 The Match Official will note all questions regarding a player’s eligibility, or the validity of the EMSA approved roster sheet, on the game sheet, and the player concerned must sign and enter his / her date of birth on the game sheet.
8.5 A player arriving after the player verification is completed may play, but must first report to the representative from the opposing team.
8.6 In exceptional circumstances, where a team official who is in possession of the EMSA approved roster sheet for the team and fails to appear for inspection prior to 20 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, the game shall not be played. The League will review these cases and may determine that the game shall be rescheduled to a later date.
8.7 Any player whose name does not appear on the game sheet, or on the EMSA approved roster sheet, is ineligible to play. Such players must change out of uniform and leave the players’ bench, or the team’s technical area.
8.8 Any team that fails to produce the required valid EMSA approved roster sheet will be subject to a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule. The team officials may also be required to attend a Discipline Hearing.
8.9 Although player cards are not required for tier 3 teams, if there are players on those teams that may wish to be call-ups to a tier 1 or 2 team during the season, they will be required to obtain a player card. The same player can only be called-up a maximum of 3 times per season, and the process for calling-up a player includes writing their name, OS number and other necessary details onto the printed gamesheet.
8.10 There are unlimited call-ups from a local club's recreational division into Tier III, so long as the player is registered with the OS and all of their details are written onto the gamesheet.
Article 9. Player Eligibility
9.1 The maximum number of players allowed to participate in a game are as follows:
• U8- U9 - 10 players
• U10-U11 - 12 players
• U12 - 16 players
• U13-U18 - 25 players
Each entity may register a maximum of players per team;
U8-U9 10 players (5 V 5)
U10-U11 12 players (7 V 7)
U12 16 players (9 V 9)
U13-U18 25 players (11 V 11)
Divisions will be as follows:
U8; U9; U10; U11; U12; U14; U16; U18
For U13-U18 teams - Three overage players of one year apart are allowed to be registered in a lower age division, so long as there is no already existing team for that player's age group at the club.
9.2 Any team playing an ineligible player will be subject to a disciplinary hearing. The team and its officials will be assessed penalties that the Discipline Committee imposes in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Policies, as well as any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
9.3 Any team playing an ineligible under the name an assumed identity shall forfeit any games where the ineligible player participated using the assumed identity. Any person aiding or abetting such action shall be subject to a disciplinary hearing. The Club, the team, and its officials or players will be assessed penalties that the Discipline Committee imposes in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Rules, as well as any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
Article 10. Submission of Game Reports
10.1 Each coach shall be responsible for entering the game report, cards issued by the Match Official, as well as the game feedback on the EMDSL website within twenty-four (24) hours of completion of the game for U13-U18 divisions. Failure to do so will result in a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule. If the game report is not entered within seven (7) days, the League will utilize the game sheet received from the Match Official to complete the game report.
10.2 The Match Official must enter the game report electronically on the designated system within twenty-four (24) hours of completion of the game as well as mail, fax, email, or deliver to the EMDSL office the paper copy of all game sheets within forty-eight (48) hours of the completion of the game. A Match Official who fails to submit the required documents and/or complete the game report electronically within 72 hours of the date of the game, shall be reported to the EMSA for discipline.
Article 11. Equipment and Field Conditions
11.1 At each District Competitive League game, the home team shall put up two sets of nets and four corner flags whose height above ground must be at least five (5) feet. The home team shall also provide two game balls that are acceptable to the Match Official. The home team shall also ensure that field conditions are adequate for a game. This includes grass cut to a suitable length and complete field markings that are easily visible and compliant with acceptable standards. Failure of the home team to provide the required equipment or field conditions shall result in fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
11.2 The game balls sizes shall be as follows:
• U8-U9 - size 3 or 4 light
• U10-U12 -size 4 or 5 light
• U13-U18 - size 5
11.3 Team uniform colours must be indicated when the team is registered. Where the Match Official decides that the team colours conflict, the away team is required to change to an alternate jersey colour. The goalkeepers’ jersey colour must be different from that of either team. It is the responsibility of the away team officials to have alternate jerseys, (or pinnies) available at each game and failure to do so shall result in fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
11.4 All players on the same team, except the goalkeeper, shall wear jerseys of the same colour, which must be numbered on the back. Numbers must be at least eight inches in height. No two players may wear the same number. Player’s numbers must be recorded on the game sheet and cannot be changed after the start of the game without the Match Official’s permission.
11.5 Safety or protective equipment may be worn after inspected and deemed, by the Match Official, that the wearing of such equipment will not constitute a danger to other players.
11.6 The use of videotaping equipment of any kind , by anyone, is prohibited in the technical areas and player benches.
Article 12. Duration of Games
12.1 Games shall be of the following duration:
• U8-U9 - 2 X 20 minute halves
• U10-U11 - 2 X 25 minute halves
• U12 - 2 X 35 minute halves
• U13/U14 - 2 X 40 minute halves
• U15+ - 2 X 45 minute halves
* Note, this may be adjusted based on modifications required from the Middlesex London Health Unit
12.2 Heat advisory policy:
In the event that the air temperature rises to above 30 C at game time, the following guidelines shall apply:
• 30 C and below- no action.
• between 30-35 C – enforced 2 minute water breaks during each half.
• above 35 C- referee to make final decision as to water breaks and whether or not to play the game.
Article 13. Responsibilities of Coaches and Team Officials
13.1 The home team shall designate the bench or technical areas for each of the teams, which shall be on the same side of the field. The bench or designated technical area shall start at a distance of five (5) meters and end (10) metres on either side of the centre line. If the technical area is not painted on the field, each team shall use cones to designate the technical area.
13.2 Only the players listed on the game sheet and a maximum of four (4) team officials are permitted to sit on the team bench, or within the designated technical area. All substitute players and team officials shall confine themselves to their designated technical or bench area, as defined in Article 13.01 of the Rules and Regulations.
13.3 A club head coach or technical director may sit on the team bench, or within designated technical area, providing that the limit of four (4) coaches and team officials specified in Article 13.02 of the Rules and Regulations is not exceeded at anytime during the game.
13.4 No coach or team official may enter the field of play at any time without the prior approval of the Match Official.
13.5 No coach or team official has the right to withdraw their team or any of their players from the field of play without the prior approval of the Match Official.
13.6 Each team shall ensure that its spectators sit on the side of the field opposite from the side where the players and team officials are located.
13.7 Clubs and team officials are fully responsible, at all times, for the conduct of their players, their team officials and spectators, at and in the vicinity of any game in which their team participates.
13.8 A player, coach or other team official who tries or does impede, harass or otherwise intimidate a Match Official or opposing team officials, shall be subject to disciplinary action. The team and its officials will be assessed penalties that the EMDSL Discipline Committee imposes in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Policies, as well as any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
13.9 In the event of an altercation on the field of play, anyone from the bench entering the field of play during the altercation, for whatever reasons, shall be subject to disciplinary action. The players and the team officials will be assessed penalties that the EMDSL Discipline Committee imposes in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Policies, and any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
13.10 Any suspended team official may not be present at or in the vicinity of the field for any League game throughout the period of his/her suspension. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in further disciplinary action and a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
Article 14. Game Start Times and Abandoned Games
14.1 Teams are required to present themselves at the game field at least 30 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time and the home team shall ensure that the nets, corner flags and other necessary equipment are installed and ready before the scheduled kick-off.
14.2 Any team that causes a game to be delayed beyond the scheduled kick-off time shall be subject to a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
14.3 Any team that fails to present itself at the game field within 20 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, or fails to field the minimum players within 20 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, shall be considered to have failed to appear for a scheduled game. The team must start the game immediately upon arrival of the minimum number of players if the said players arrive within the prescribed 20-minute grace period.
14.4 If both teams fail to appear for a scheduled game, both teams will be fined as per the EMDSL Fine Schedule.
14.5 The EMDSL Board may order a defaulted or abandoned game rescheduled where, in its opinion:
a) the defaulting team(s) benefits from having defaulted or abandoned the game, or
b) a team other than the defaulting team is adversely affected by the default.
14.6 If in the opinion of the Match Official, a game should be abandoned due to adverse or dangerous weather, such as in the case of electrical storms, unplayable field conditions, or bad visibility, before the completion of 75% of the total regular playing time as specified in Article 12.1 of the Rules and Regulations, the game shall be rescheduled. Games abandoned after 75% of the game has been played shall be deemed as complete.
14.7 If a Match Official decides to abandon a game at any time due to the actions of players, officials or spectators/supporters of a team, the said team shall be deemed to have forfeited the game. The players and the team officials will be subject to a disciplinary hearing and will be assessed penalties that the EMDSL Discipline Committee imposes in accordance with Ontario Soccer Published Policies, as well as any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
14.8 If a game has to be abandoned by the Match Official at any time because a team is unable to field the minimum number of players, the said team shall be deemed to have forfeited the game. The Club shall also be assessed any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
14.9 If a game has to be abandoned by the Match Official at any time because a team removes itself from the field, and said team is found by the EMDSL Discipline Committee to have abandoned the game without valid justification, the said team shall be deemed to have forfeited the game. Any applicable fines as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule shall also be assessed. The team head coach, or the next most senior team official whose name and signature appears on the game sheet, shall be deemed to have acted in a manner detrimental to the game and the applicable penalties, as per the Ontario Soccer Published Policies shall apply.
14.10 If a game is abandoned by the Match Official before the completion of two halves for any reasons other than those published in Articles 14.6 to 14.9 of the EMDSL Rules and Regulations, the EMDSL League Management Board shall rule on the status of the game.
14.11 The home team is responsible to advise the League, in the event a game is not played, due to the non attendance of a Match Official.
14.12 A team must field at least three (3) registered players for a game (U8-U9), five (5) registered players for a game (U10-U11), six registered players for a game (U12) and seven (7) registered players for a game (U13-U18) for a game to start.
Article 15. Schedules
15.1 The season shall begin in May on a date to be determined by the EMDSL Board. Notice of the season start date will be provided to member clubs no later than May 1st.
15.2 The end of season date for all EMDSL divisions shall be 11:59 P.M. of the first Sunday before the Labour Day long weekend. All games must be completed by this date, except where the EMDSL Board extends the season for any/all EMDSL divisions. The reasons for any such extension, and the period of the extension, will be communicated to affected clubs and teams at the earliest opportunity.
15.3 The rescheduling of games shall be in accordance with the EMDSL Reschedule Policy. All authorized game changes made after the posting of the final schedule will be subject to a fine. All other violations of any of the policies, timelines, or deadlines of the scheduling and rescheduling policy will be subject to a fine as outlined in the EMDSL Fine Schedule.
15.4 Schedules shall be completed by the 3rd week of August, with the 4th week of August being reserved for scheduling cancelled games.
15.5 The League reserves the right to move a team to a different division and / or tier at anytime during the season if deemed necessary to maintain a standard of fair play in that division.
15.6 The League reserves the right to make changes to the schedule at anytime.
15.7 The League has the responsibility to create a schedule that works towards a balanced level of play. The League will use articles 15.5 and 15.6 to assist in creating this balance.
15.8 All teams will be scheduled to play a minimum of 12 games.
15.9 Scheduling, Rescheduling & Cancellation of Games
The League Scheduler must approve all changes made after the final schedule is completed. No game will be postponed or rescheduled unless the Scheduler has received a Game Change Request, as submitted through the E2E website.
The two affected coaches must agree upon a new time, date and location before submitting a Game Change Request on the web site. The coach who submits the original request must indicate which team is requesting the change.
The second coach will confirm the new time, date and location on the web site. Once confirmed, these entries will complete a database for the appropriate Scheduler to review and authorization. Once confirmed by the Scheduler, an email will be processed to both teams, advising them of the approved change. This entry will also update the League Schedule.
The Game Change Function is meant for changes to fixtures greater than five days. Any change required within this time frame must be called into the Scheduler for authorization and entry of the game change.
Game cancellations and abandonments.
The two affected coaches must submit entry into the EMDSL score system any game that was cancelled or abandoned. The two coaches will then reschedule this game in the normal manner. The rescheduling of these games must be submitted within five days of the postponed game. Failure to provide the required information will result in the game being scheduled by the League with both teams being subject to a fine. Weather and field related cancellations will not incur the game change fine.
Unless twenty-four (24) hours prior notice is given to the visiting team, only the referee can determine if unplayable conditions exist. Should a private club or City Parks & Recreation determine that unplayable conditions exist within less than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice the postponed game will be rescheduled in the normal manner.
Only the EMDSL Scheduler, or his delegate, are authorized to schedule or reschedule games for the League.
Any game(s) scheduled or rescheduled by team officials, clubs, or persons not authorized, will be declared null and void. Teams participating in a game not authorized by the League will default all points from that game.
Article 16. Substitutions
16.1 Player substitutions shall be permitted as follows:
• U8-U9 unlimited, on the fly
• U10-U18 unlimited, at any stoppage
The Match Official shall have the discretion to deny a substitution, if he or she feels a coach is abusing the substitution rules, in order to waste time.
16.2 No substitution is permitted for a player who is ejected by the Referee.
Article 17. Match Officials
17.1 Match Officials shall be appointed in accordance with the EMDSL Terms of League Operations.
17.2 Match Officials are required to be at the assigned game field a minimum of thirty (30) minutes before the scheduled kick-off time to complete the standard field check and other pre-game procedures. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action by the appropriate District Association.
17.3 Match Officials assigned for League games, shall be paid for their services in accordance with the fee schedule detailed in the EMDSL Terms of League Operations.
17.4 If one of the teams raises objections as to field conditions, goalposts, balls or team colours, the Match Official may, at his discretion, require the responsible team to correct the cause of the objection, if this is possible without unduly delaying progress of the game. The Match Official shall be the sole judge as to whether the matters that gave rise to the objection by one of the teams, is sufficient cause to abandon the game.
17.5 In the event that the appointed Match Official fails to appear by the appointed kick-off time, the home team will make every attempt to contact a Match Official as required for the level of match.
17.6 The Match Official shall ensure that the well being of the players is given priority over the progress of the game. Consequently, the Match Official must suspend play, or abandon the game, if necessary, where weather conditions and more particularly thunderstorms, or field conditions place the safety of players at risk.
Article 18. Protests, Complaints and Misconduct
18.1 All matters requiring a hearing shall be dealt with by a committee appointed for that purpose.
18.2 Clubs are responsible for the actions of their players, team officials and spectators.
18.3 All protests regarding the playing of a game must be made in writing, outlining the grounds for the protest, and delivered to the League Secretary. They must also be accompanied by the prescribed protest fee. Delivery must be made in person, or by postal, or courier service, and be date stamped no later than 48 hours after the completion of the game, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays excluded. A copy of the protest must also be sent to the opposing team within the same time frame. A date stamped receipt must be retained as proof of the date of delivery of the protest to the opposing team.
18.4 Protests must meet all of the above requirements in order to be considered valid. Protests which fail to meet any of the above requirements will be ruled invalid and will not be heard.
18.5 Upon receipt of a valid protest or complaint, the Secretary will send a notice within ten (10) days, notifying the parties of the date, time, and location of a hearing.
18.6 All valid protests shall be heard within three (3) weeks of being received by the Secretary.
18.7 In the event a protest is upheld, the protest fee will be returned in full. In the event the protest is denied; the committee shall decide whether to return the protest fee in full, or in part, or to declare that the protest fee be forfeited. Fines may be assessed in accordance with the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
18.8 No protests pertaining to the decision of the Match Official shall be entertained.
18.9 Objections to field conditions, goalposts, balls or team colours, shall not be considered as grounds for a protest. Objections of this nature shall be brought to the attention of the Match Official and noted in writing on the game sheet. If in the opinion of the Match Official, the objections do not constitute a valid reason for abandoning the game, no further action will be considered by the League. In all other cases, the league may take appropriate action based on a review of the Match Official’s written report.
Article 19. Discipline
19.1 Disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with the Ontario Soccer Published Policies and the EMDSL Discipline Procedures.
• In cases where Ontario Soccer Published Policies provide for Discipline by Review (DBR), the accused player or Team/Club Official does not have to appear for a hearing. If the accused person does not request a hearing, or does not file an appeal, within seventy-two (72) hours of the game where the offence occurred, not including weekends or statutory holidays, he/she may be found guilty and the applicable penalties and/or fines, established by Ontario Soccer, or the EMDSL, for the offence for which he/she has been charged shall apply.
• In cases of Discipline by Hearing (DBH), all players attending a disciplinary hearing must be accompanied by an adult who shall act as an advisor, failing which, the hearing will not proceed, and the player shall be suspended until the hearing is held.
19.2 Clubs shall ensure that accused players and team/club officials appear for their disciplinary hearing. Failure to attend a scheduled hearing will result in the application of the appropriate fine in accordance with the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
Article 20. Appeals
20. Appeals of any decisions by the EMDSL Board or a Disciplinary Panel of the League shall be handled by EMSA in accordance with its Published Policies. Information concerning appeals can be found on the EMDSL website.
Article 21. Club Representatives
21. A Club that is accepted into membership shall designate up to three individuals as its Club Representative(s). The Club Representative(s) shall be the official point of contact in dealings with the EMDSL and will be available for duties in the operation of the League that may be required by the EMDSL League Management Board.
Article 22. Communications
22.1 The EMDSL shall mainly use its web-based league management system for all communications with its Member Clubs, and their team officials. Communications shall be by e-mail. Member Clubs shall ensure they have valid email addresses in the league management system at all times for the following positions, as a minimum:
• Club President;
• Club Representative;
22.2 Unless specified otherwise in these Rules and Regulations (e.g. rescheduling of games), communication with the EMDSL by players, parents, or team officials is not permitted. Questions, complaints, concerns, and other matters must be communicated to the appropriate Club Representative. If, in the opinion of the Club, the matter should be addressed by the EMDSL, then the Club shall forward the communication to the EMDSL, requesting League action. Failure to follow this process will result in the communication being discarded by the EMDSL without further notice to the originator, and may result in a fine to the club as specified in the published EMDSL Fines Schedule.
22.3 All teams shall ensure they have valid email addresses in the league management system from April 30 until October 1 of each season for the following positions, as a minimum:
• head coach; and
• manager or assistant coach
22.4 The Club President and Club Representative shall be notified by e-mail, of all new general notices or notices that pertain to their Club teams, that are posted from time to time on the EMDSL website.
22.5 The Team head coach and manager shall be notified by e-mail, of all new general notices or notices that pertain to their teams that are posted from time to time on the EMDSL website.
22.6 Notices of suspensions, penalties or fines levied on a Club, Club administrator, team staff, or player as a result of discipline hearings shall be communicated to the Club Representative.
Article 23. Pre-Season Meetings
23.1 Administrators Pre-season Meeting - In January of each season there will be a mandatory pre-season meeting for a minimum of one (1) administrator from each Member Club. Clubs failing to send a representative to the Administrator Pre-Season Meeting shall be assessed a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
23.2 Team Pre-season Meeting - In April of each season there will be a mandatory pre-season meeting for a minimum of one (1) team official from each team. Member Clubs failing to send one (1) representative per team to the Team Pre-Season Meeting shall be assessed a fine as published in the EMDSL Fines Schedule.
23.3 The schedule will be determined by random draw, prior to the start of the season. All Member Clubs are welcome to attend the draw. The date and location of the draw will be posted on the EMDSL website.
Article 24. Home Team Responsibility
1. Home teams will be responsible for the provision of: - Field Bookings
- Field Markings
- Goal Nets
- Corner Flags
- Two properly inflated game balls
- Field Lights (When Required)
Article 25. Fees and Fines
Member Clubs are expected to pay outstanding fees by the deadline, and fines that their teams accrue within 21 days of notification. Clubs that fail to pay within this time frame, without seeking and obtaining an extension from the League, will be deemed “members not in good standing” and this information will be forwarded to EMSA.
Clubs deemed “not in good standing” may be fined, censured, suspended, or have all their teams expelled from the League, pursuant to Article 4.3 of the EMDSL By-Laws. In addition, Member Clubs that fail to pay fines, or fees, within the required time frame are subject to an additional fine as prescribed by the Article 25 of the Rules and Regulations.
Payments of fees or fines can be made by cash, cheque, money order or E-Transfer (emdslsoccer@outlook.com). However, any Club which issues a cheque that is returned as NSF will be assessed an additional administrative fee of $75 and the offending Club may be put on a certified cheque, cash or money order only for all League payments.
Excuses for non-compliance with League rules, including failure to appear to scheduled hearings, will not be accepted unless previously authorized by the Board of Directors
Fees
Team Registration fee $175.00 per team
Late Registration fee $275.00 ($175.00 registration fee + $100.00 fine)
Club bond $300.00
Protest fee $100.00
Protest Administrative fee $100.00 plus applicable fine
NSF cheque service charge $75.00
Fines
Team withdrawal (outdoor season)
Between March 15 –March 28 $175.00 (registration fee)
After March 29 $400.00 (registration fee + $225.00)
Game results not reported by deadline $25.00 (as per article 10.1 of the Rules & Regulations)
Game change after May 31 $50.00
Game change after August 1st $100.00
Failure to follow rescheduling policy $50.00 (as per articles 15.3 & 15.9 of the Rules & Regulations)
guidelines and timelines
Failure of Club representative
attendance at hearing $250.00 (as per article 19.2 of the Rules & Regulations)
Use ineligible /illegal player $200.00 per game (as per article 9.3 of the Rules & Regulations)
Engage in serious misconduct $500.00
Member missing an EMDSL meeting $250 (as per article 8.10 of the By-Laws)
Failure to have or present complete
game sheet or EMSA approved roster at game $50 (as per article 8.2 of the Rules & Regulations)
Falsifying a game sheet $500.00 (as per article 7.5 of the Rules & Regulations)
Not having proper equipment
or unsuitable field conditions for game $150 (as per article 11.1 of the Rules and Regulations)
Failure to exercise adequate control
over spectators or team officials at game $150 (as per article 13.7 of the Rules & Regulations)
Coach not activating his team & staff
on EMDSL website by deadline $50 (as per article 6.3 of the Rules and Regulations)
Failure to pay outstanding fee or fine
by deadline $100 (as per article 25 of the Rules & Regulations)
Game Official Fees: Referee
U8-U9 $25
U10-U11 $30
U12 $35
U13/14 $45
U15/16 $50
U17/18 $55
Article 26. Amendments to Rules and Regulations
26. Amendments to the EMDSL Rules and Regulations can be made with a majority vote at a General Meeting or by a majority vote at a Board Meeting. A fourteen (14) day notice must be provided to the membership before the application of a rule change that has been made at a Board Meeting.
Article 27. Other Matters
27. All matters not included in these Rules and Regulations shall be dealt in accordance with the Ontario Soccer Published Policies.
