Coaches' Fact Pack

 

Reschedule of Games

• Each coach will be allowed only two (2) schedule changes up to July 15. (Fee to reschedule is $20.00 - BILLED TO YOUR CLUB).

• The REQUEST TO RESCHEDULE form is available on the web site in the ON-LINE SUBMISSIONS section. The form must be filled out completely with a reschedule date box checked and submitted by the REQUESTING COACH. An email will then be sent to the OPPOSING COACH advising that coach of the reschedule request (it is advisable to discuss the proposed new date with the OPPOSING COACH before even submitting the reschedule request).. The OPPOSING COACH then has 7 days to either ACCEPT or REJECT the request.  If a REJECTION or no response is received, then the reschedule request is considered to be dropped and no schedule change is made.  If the request is ACCEPTED,  then an email will be sent to the League Administrator who will review the request and if the date is allowed and a referee change can be made the schedule will be changed and the Administrator will send Email verification to both coaches that the reschedule has been accepted.  If the request can not be honored then the Administrator will send an email rejection to both coaches.

• After July 15, only the League Administrator can arrange and approve game reschedules and will do so only for extreme circumstances.

• All rescheduled games can only be played on the dates listed on the online form, unless approved by the League Administrator.

• The league has the right to approve or deny requests for scheduled game and will confirm the opposing coach's agreement to a change and advise any change of location.

• Upon receipt of the completed reschedule forms, the league will record the rescheduled game on the master schedule that is listed on the web and notify the appropriate referee assignor.

• Opposing coaches have the right to refuse a change, except in case of emergency, which will be determined by the League. If the opposing coach refuses the change, the game must be played as originally scheduled.
   

• The referee has the authority to determine whether the field is playable or if a game is called because of weather.

• For weather related problems during the game: If the referee suspends the match a Thirty minute (30) period to determine whether the conditions will allow the resumption of play. At that point the referee will either resume play or suspend the match.

• If the second half kickoff has occurred, the game is official.

• If the second half kickoff has not occurred, the game will be replayed in full. The coaches will file the REQUEST TO RESCHEDULE and choose one of the dates available. If there are no dates available to check on the box, you will need to contact Tom Idziak immediately.
   

GAME DAYS - Each age group plays on specified nights as follows:

• Monday: Boys U11/12 and Girls U13/14

• Tuesday: Boys U13/14 and Girls U11/12

• Wednesday: All U17 and U19

• Thursday: All U15 and U16

• Friday: All U10

GAME LENGTH - The length of each half played is as follows:

• U-19, U18 & U17 Divisions: 45 minutes

• U-16 & U15 Divisions: 40 minutes

• U-14, U13, U12 & U11 Divisions: 35 minutes

• U-10 Division: 35 minutes

BALL SIZES

• U10, U11 and U12 - use a #4 ball

• 13 and up - use a #5 ball

UNIFORMS

• Proper Uniform Each player will wear the proper uniform - numbered, all shirts, shorts, and socks the same except the goalie who must have a numbered jersey. In severe weather conditions, an accommodation for extra clothing underneath the jersey and shorts is at the discretion of the referee. As per USSF ruling for 2003, sleeveless jerseys are allowed provided that all uniforms meet the safety standards as per the referees’ discretion.

• Shin guards are required to worn by all players.

• Jewelry - Items commonly considered as jewelry, on any part of the body, must be removed before a player will be allowed in the field. The exceptions to this rule are items that are part of a medical notification system. Medical notification items must be covered with tape to prevent any injury to the opposing player. Should a player be found in violation of this restriction during a game, that player will be sent off the field and not be allowed to return until the item is removed to the satisfaction of the referee. The player who has been sent off can be substituted for at the next legal substitution stoppage.

PLAYER CHECK-IN

• The referee will make sure that the coach signs the team roster.

• The referee will take the Coach Pass.

• The referee will call out each player (with the pass) from the team roster. If a player is eligible but the pass is not at the game, the player (s) will sign the back of the game roster.  The League will verify the player(s) roster status. Should a player be deemed illegal, the coach and team will face the standard penalties at the minimum.

• The referee will check the pass against the roster.

• The referee will check the player to the photo on the pass.

• The referee will inspect the pass thoroughly. Any player whose eligibility or player pass is questionable (it is not clear that he/she is ineligible) will be allowed to play; however, the pass will be sent in with the game report for eligibility verification. The minimum penalty for the use of ineligible players is the loss of all games the player participated in, a $50 fine to the club and the possible suspension of the coach and /or the player for a number of games or a length of time.

• The referee will sign the roster form and give a copy to each coach.

• For U15 through U19, the coach will cross off the players not on the 18-player limit for both copies of the roster.

COACH CHECK-IN

• Only three coaches are allowed on the bench or in the immediate area of the bench. Should more than three be there, the referee will instruct the coaches that only three can be by the bench during game and enforce it. Trainers and other team contacts will not be allowed on the bench.

• All coaches must have a valid NYSW coaches’ pass to be on the sideline.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Players may be substituted and re-substituted as frequently as desired with the consent of the referee. Unlimited substitutions for both teams can be made at any stoppage of play in accordance with USYSA rules:

FIELD PLAYER MINIMUMS

• The minimum number of players on the field is U10 – 5, U12– 6, U13 through U19 - 7. If there is less than this number at the start of the game or during the game, the match is forfeited by the team unable to meet the minimum players.

WHEN A GAME IS OFFICIAL OR COMPLETE

• There are always cases due to weather or other factors when a game is not completed. If the second half kick-off is made, it is a regulation game. If a game is called in the first half due to weather or an "act of God", it will be rescheduled as soon as possible and replayed in full. If the game is called for reasons such as misconduct, a team "walking off" the field or less than the minimum players, it will be treated as a forfeit.
  

POINTS AWARDED

• Standings are determined by points. For each game:

  • The winning team is awarded 3 points

  • The losing team gets zero points

  • If the game ends in a tie, each team is awarded 1 point

  • Should a team win the game by forfeit, that team is awarded a 3-0 win and 3 points

COACH EJECTION

• If a coach is ejected from any league-sponsored game and there is no assistant coach or other adult with a valid coaching pass at the game, the offending coach’s team will forfeit the match. WE RECOMMEND THAT EACH TEAM HAVE TWO (2) COACHES AVAILABLE AT EACH GAME. SHOULD THERE BE ANOTHER COACH WITH A VALID COACHES’ PASS AT THE GAME, THAT COACH CAN ASSUME THE DUTIES AND THE GAME CAN RESUME.

POST GAME

• After the game is completed, all players and coaches will line up for the traditional handshake of good sportsmanship.
   

VISITING COACH

• The visiting coach should always contact the home coach (phone or E-mail) a couple of days before the game to verify location, and uniform color conflicts. MAPS ARE ON WEBSITE – please use this great tool to make sure your team has directions. The field that is designated on the web site is where the game is to be played. The verification is an extra help with directions, construction delays and to let the home team know you are coming.

HOME COACH

• The home coach should call the visiting coach the night before the game if you have not been contacted by the visiting coach.

• If there is a uniform conflict, the HOME TEAM MUST CHANGE JERSEYS

REFEREES

• Referee to verify game location
  The referees are asked but not required to check the website to verify the location of the game. If you do not receive notification (via e-mail or phone) within 24 hours of the game, please complete section on the game report.
   

• Coach's Evaluation of Game Official
  Coaches are encouraged to complete the Referee Comment Form on game report. All forms are evaluated and shared with the referee unit. Confidentiality is also used in disclosing names and teams. Serious incidents should be forwarded immediately to Tom Idziak. The referee unit is very conscious of providing the best service possible to the league. Your cooperation is a critical component to improving the quality of the service.
   

• No Show Referee

  • If an assigned referee fails to show up for a game, the home team coach should report this on the game report immediately on the evening of the scheduled game.

  • If both coaches agree to use a substitute referee, the substitute referee must do the entire game. Two different persons cannot do part of a game.

  • Both coaches should advise Tom Idziak the name and address of the substitute referee, substitute referees will be paid the normal game fee.

  • If both coaches agree to use a substitute referee, they cannot later object to their choice, and the game results will be official, with or without an official referee's report by the substitute referee.

  • If the coaches cannot find or agree on a substitute referee, they should so inform the league administrator that the game was not played. The game will thyen be rescheduled by the league administrator dependent upon the availability of referees. If no mutually agreeable date can be seleceted by the coaches, the league administrator will set the date and location.
     

YELLOW CARDS

• As per the policy of the league, a player who accumulates 4 yellow cards is suspended for one game immediately following the issuance of the fourth card. A player who accumulates eight yellow cards is suspended for two games immediately following the issuance of the eighth card. In addition, players who accumulate eight or more cards during the season will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee of the league for any additional action, as it deems necessary.

• It is the responsibility of the coach to maintain a tracking of yellow cards issued to a player and to insure such player observes the appropriate suspension defined above. A coach playing a player who is suspended for yellow card accumulation will forfeit any game won in which such a player participates and will have an automatic review by the Discipline Committee of the league.

• PLAYER SUBSTITUTION FOR A YELLOW CARD If one of your players receives a yellow card, you should substitute for that player as to avoid further problems. USYSA rulings do not allow for a forced substitution, but the referees are instructed to allow the substitution.

RED CARDS

• First Offense: Minimum one game suspension and minimum $25 fine
  

• Second Offense: Minimum four game suspension and minimum $50 fine
  

• Third Offense: One year suspension
   

• RED CARD PENALTIES FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR CONTINUE AT THE TWO GAME PENALTY. If the coach needs to verify the suspension time, there are three ways that the player pass may be retrieved:

  • The “red card penalty verification sheets” can be mailed to the League Disciplinarian  (you must include a self addressed stamped envelope and the player pass will be mailed back to the coach).   Call the League Disciplinarian for the address.

  • The “red card verification sheets” can also be dropped off at the League Disciplinarian’s house and he will return the player pass to the coach. You may call the League Disciplinarian  up until 10 PM any evening to make arrangements for this procedure.

  • Additionally, the “red card verification sheets” can be brought to the League Disciplinarian  during any general BWNYJSL membership meeting, dates and locations published in the league calendar which is on this web site. Be sure to call the League Disciplinarian ahead of time so the player pass available for you.

RED CARD – NO SUSPENSION
In the case of a non-violent foul such as an intentional handball, the league has the option not to suspend the player. The League Disciplinarian will make the decision based on the referee report. Should it be determined that no suspension is warranted, he will contact the coach of the player as soon as possible.

GAME DEFINITION FOR SUSPENSION
GAMES ARE DEFINED AS ANY AFFILIATED OR APPROVED US SOCCER GAME - INCLUDING B&WNYJSL LEAGUE AND CUP, TOURNAMENTS OR OTHER COMPETITION AS APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, NYSW OR USYSA

RED CARD VERIFICATION FORM – REQUIRED FOR PROOF TO RETURN PASS
A player and their coach, along with the assigned referee, must fill out one “Red Card Penalty Verification sheet” for each game that the player is penalized as a result of the red card penalty. A player may assume that the penalty is the standard one game suspension unless the coach of the affected player is notified that additional penalty time must be served. The form is available on the website.

RETURN OF PLAYER PASSES FOR RED CARDS
When a player has served their suspension, the player pass is to be picked up from Peter Pidgeon  and fine paid by the coach or parent of player by appointment only. THE RED CARD PENALTY – VERIFICATION SHEET (See FORMS section or the WEB) must be turned in to receive the pass back. This is proof that the player has “sat out” the allotted suspension.