2004 SCSL HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A: CONSTITUTION

SECTION B: AGENDA/MINUTES FROM THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

SECTION C: 2004 SCSL LEAGUE POLICIES AND PROCEEDURES

SECTION D: FORMS

SECTION A_____________________________________________________

Constitution

Article I Name

The name of this association shall be the Southeastern Collegiate Soccer League. It shall be referred to as "SCSL" or "this Association" or "League".

Article II Mission

The SCSL shall promote, recruit, organize, and administer collegiate club soccer within the United States among non-varsity undergraduate and graduate student athletes without regard to race, religion, creed, sex, or national origin.

Article III Boundaries

The boundaries of the SCSL shall be that area that is defined by the legal boundaries of the United States. The SCSL shall create geographical subdivisions within those boundaries designated as "divisions". The boundaries of these divisions shall be established by, and may be modified by the League. The League may re-evaluate and re-define those boundaries and/or the number of divisions and determine in which division member organizations shall belong.

Article IV Authorities

This association shall be governed by its Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, regulations, and policies as presently constituted.

The legislative and judicial powers of this association except those, which are herein otherwise delegated, shall be vested in a commissioner.

Elected officers of this association shall be a commissioner and a League treasurer if it is deemed necessary by the elected commissioner.

Article V Member Eligibility

Eligibility in the SCSL is limited to club soccer programs at accredited four-year colleges or universities that meet both the team and individual player eligibility requirements as set forth in the constitution and any subsequent requirements defined in the policies of the League.

A member team is restricted to a non-varsity club soccer team. Varsity teams are defined as those teams that participate in any nationally recognized varsity sport program (NCAA/NAIA/NJCA/NSCAA/NCCAA or other national varsity organization), teams that include players that receive athletic scholarships from their school for their participation, and teams that have actively participated in either of the afore mentioned scenarios within the current academic school year.

Individual eligibility is limited to those students that are enrolled as 3/4 time (9 hrs.) undergraduate students or graduate students. Current professional players or current varsity players are not eligible to participate. Eligibility and student status must be verified and recorded as League policies dictate. Special consideration for seniors taking the required hours to graduate will be considered on an individual basis. Players will be limited to six years participation in the League.

Article VI Annual League Meeting

The annual League meeting will take place at the championship tournament to be determined by the League. All member teams will be required to send a representative for the purpose of voting on League policies to this meeting. All member schools will be given at least a thirty-day notice prior to the meeting.

All procedures and discussion at the annual meeting shall be in accordance with the constitution and the laws known as "Roberts Rules of Order".

The presence of a simple majority will constitute a quorum to transact business at any meeting of this League.

The order of business will include a call to order, roll call, old and new business discussions, elections if mandated, and an adjournment.

Article VII Amendments

The constitution of the League may be amended by a simple majority vote of the voting power of the membership present at the annual meeting.

Any member in good standing may make a proposal to amend the constitution. Any proposal to amend must be made in writing to the commissioner no later than 30 days prior to the annual meeting. These proposals or motions will be sent in writing to all members no later than ten days prior to the annual meeting.

SECTION B_________________________________________________

2003 SCSL ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

AGENDA

I. Call to order.

II. Roll call. OLE MISS/ MSU/ AL/ SAMFORD/ AUBURN/ GSU/ UGA/ GATECH/ VANDY/ EKU/ KY/ MURRAY/MTSU/UTC/UTK/TTU

III.

IV. Old Business: Vote on permanent status for probationary teams

A – KENTUCY –

B – EASTERN KENTUCKY -

V. New Business:

A - Expansion team presentations

B - Vote on expansion teams:

UTM -

GSCU -

USM -

MERCER -

C – Welcome to new members

D – Fines and penalties:

TTU forfeiture to UTC - $200.00

UGA forfeiture to MURRAY - $200.00

UTK forfeiture to AL - $200.00

GA TECH forfeiture to EKU - $200.00

GSU forfeiture to KENTUCKY - $200.00

Forfeiture to SAMFORD - $300.00

Total fines………………… $500.00

One Year Probation beginning at the start of the 2004 season

MTSU/UGA failure to play their full schedules - ?

E – Failure to comply with reporting and game card policies.

F – Clarification of policies/rules. Request for permission to edit content of policies on errors or omissions found.

G – League generated concerns:

1) Geographical divisions and what can be done to cut down on travel

2) Recruiting women’s teams for the 2004 season

3) Forfeitures/rescheduling from the master schedule/responsibilities

10)

I. Election of officers

II. Adjournment

SECTION C___________________________________________________

Southeastern Collegiate Soccer League

League Policies

2004

Section I – Membership

Eligibility in the SCSL is limited to club soccer programs at accredited four-year colleges or universities that meet both the team and individual player eligibility requirements as set forth in the constitution and any subsequent requirements defined in the policies of the League.

Section II - Affiliation

The SCSL is affiliated with the NIRSA Soccer Program. All SCSL teams meet the requirements for NIRSA participation.

Section III – Organization

The boundaries of the SCSL shall be that area that is defined by the legal boundaries of the United States. The SCSL shall create geographical subdivisions within those boundaries designated as "divisions". The boundaries of these divisions shall be established by, and may be modified by the League. The League may re-evaluate and re-define those boundaries and/or the number of divisions and determine in which division member organizations shall belong.

Currently the SCSL is divided into the Northwestern Division (consisting of MURRAY STATE, EASTERN KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY and VANDERBILT, and UT MARTIN), the Northeastern Division (consisting of UGA, SPSU, UTK, TTU, and UTC), the Southwestern Division (consisting of OLE MISS, MSU, AL, USM, and SAMFORD), and the Southeastern Division (consisting of AUBURN, GA TECH, MERCER, GA COLEGE and STATE UNIV, and GA SOUTHERN).

Section IV - Dues

The league fee for membership in the SCSL is $200.00. This is in addition to the Championship Tournament fee of $300.00. Payment of these fees is due by September 1 of each year. All forwarded balances from the previous year, e.g. unpaid dues, fines, etc., will be paid before the first official game. If the forwarded balances are not paid in full, the team will forfeit each game (unless a payment schedule has been setup with approval of the Commissioner) until the balance is paid in full.

Section V - Officers

This association shall be governed by its Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, regulations, and policies as presently constituted.

The legislative and judicial powers of this association except those, which are herein otherwise delegated, shall be vested in a commissioner.

Elected officers of this association shall be a commissioner and a League treasurer if it is deemed necessary by the elected commissioner.

These elected officials shall serve a term of 2 years.

Section VI - Schedules

By accepting membership in the SCSL, each member school agrees to participate in all league matches, as scheduled and certified by the Commissioner. Changes to the SCSL schedule may be made as long as each affected school is in agreement and the Commissioner is notified of the change one week prior to the original scheduled date. Failure to satisfy league game commitments may result in the levying of fines and the suspension of membership for the team at fault. If a team is suspended from the league, no other league team will be allowed to play the suspended team. A team will be fined $100 and put on probation for playing a suspended SCSL team. If a team continues to play suspended teams, other disciplinary action may occur.

Section VII - Laws of the Game

All matches sanctioned by the SCSL will be played in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game, with the following exceptions:

1. Substitutions shall be limited to the use of 22 players per game.

2. Each player may exit and re-enter the game, with the consent of the referee, an

unlimited number of times.

                3. Substitutions by either team will be permitted during stoppages in play
                     for the taking of a goal kick, following a goal, or during half time.
                     Substitutions by the team with possession of the ball will be permitted
                     prior to a restart by a throw-in.
                    The team NOT in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number
                    of players on a throw-in if the team in possession of the ball is also
                    substituting (provided the substitutes have already "checked in" at the
                    half line). A player who is cautioned by the referee may be replaced
                    before play resumes.

4. A player who is injured may be replaced during any interruption of play.

5. Substitutions will not be permitted by either team at any other time during the

game. Note that this restriction prohibits the changing of the goalkeeper prior

to the taking of a penalty kick, even if the change is with another player

already on the field-of-play.

6. Games resulting in a draw at the end of regulation time shall not continue into

overtime.

It is the responsibility of the home team to inform the referee of the changes noted above. Furthermore, it will be the duty of the home team to inform the referee of his game card responsibilities. This information is to be given to the referee prior to the start of the match without exception. Game card instructions should include details on how to fill in the card, the fact that no ineligible player’s name should appear on the card, and the fact that any and all corrections (srcatch-outs, add-ons, etc.) must be initialed by both coaches and the referee. The referee should also be informed that the referee must return the completed card to the home team after the match. The home team will be held responsible if any of the above mentioned requirements are not met. Failure to comply can result in a forfeit.

Section VIII - Referees

Game officials are the responsibility of the home team. Three licensed officials should be present at every match. These officials should have current USSF registration on their person at each match. The center referee is required to be a level 7 referee or higher (6, 5, 4, 3, etc.) or be certified by NISOA as eligible to center. The linesmen can be a level 8 or higher (7, 6, 5, etc.) or be certified by NISOA as eligible to line. The referees should be present at the field 30 minutes before the game in appropriate attire. If one of the officials is injured during the match, the game will continue with two officials.

Section IX - Eligibility

Play is restricted to registered (9hrs) university students. The use of ineligible players, during league matches, will result in forfeiture of each game the ineligible player(s) was used. To participate in an SCSL match, each player must present their student i.d. at the match to the referee. If a player does not have his student i.d., he will not be allowed to participate in the match..

Section X - Roster

Each team is limited to 30 active players. Before the first official game, each team will submit a team roster to the League Commissioner. The school seal and signature of the University Registrar are required. Each field on the form must be completely filled out. If a team wants to add or drop players during the season, the team must use a player add/drop form. Add(s)/Drop(s) may occur at anytime during the season. No add(s)/drop(s) will be processed after the final game of the regular SCSL season.

Section XI - Uniforms

For all league matches, each team shall wear uniforms of matching color, design, and pattern. All jerseys (except for those of goalkeepers) must be clearly and uniquely numbered on the back by numbers at least six inches in height. The color and length of each player’s shorts and socks must be consistent with those of his teammates, and all players must wear shinguards. Where the uniforms of both teams are similar, the home team shall be required to change. Failure to comply with the league uniform policy may result in disciplinary action against the teams in violation. Teams are expected to comply with the accepted norm of wearing light colored jerseys at home and dark colored jerseys when away.

Section XII - Ejections

If an individual player is ejected from a league game then that player will be suspended from the next league game. If an individual player receives two ejections during one season, he will be suspended from league play for the rest of the season. If a team has more than two ejections charged against it in one season, then that team must pay a $25 fine for each ejection over two. Additional disciplinary action may result if a team persists in its misconduct.

If an individual player, during regular season league play, accumulates four yellow cards then that player will be suspended from the next league game. If an individual player receives a total of six yellow cards throughout the season then that player will be suspended from league play for the rest of the season.

Any person suspended from the league will not be eligible to participate in the SCSL Championship Tournament.

Section XIII - Forfeitures

A penalty for the forfeit by a team will be a $200.00 fine. The score for a forfeit will be 3-0. A second forfeit by that team will result in another $300.00 fine, plus suspension from the SCSL for the remainder of the season. All matches played prior to suspension will stand. All scheduled opponents after suspension will be awarded a 3 – 0 forfeiture win.

Section XIV- Game Time and Field Markings

All games must start within 30 minutes of the scheduled starting time. If a game does not begin within this time period, the team at fault will be charged with a forfeit.

The field markings and size must be in accordance with FIFA guidelines. Failure to meet these guidelines will result in a $25 fine for each infraction. Continuous infractions may result in disciplinary actions against the team at fault.

Section XV - Game Results and Standings

Each team will receive game cards which will be used to report scores, cautions, ejections, names of officials, team rosters, and other comments regarding each league game. The home team will be responsible for telephoning or e-mailing the league office with the results of the game on the date that the match was played, faxing the game card to the league office by the Tuesday following the match and mailing the physical game cards to the league office within three days of each match. Since these cards are the official report for each game, failure to comply with the above (three) requirements with a completed game card within the designated time periods may result in the scoring of a forfeit against the home team. Failure to fax a completed game card by the Tuesday following the match will carry a penalty of a fine of $25.00 for the first violation and a forfeit for the second violation. Additional violations will carry a penalty of forfeiture and may result in suspension from the League. Each team will be responsible for completing their respective sections of the game card prior to the beginning of play. It is the referee's responsibility to complete the referee's section of the game card. The coach’s signature indicates his verification of the information written on the game card.

Standings will be determined on a point basis. A win will count as three points, a tie as one, and a loss as none. All league games will be included in the determination of conference standings. More than one half must be played for an abandoned game to count as an official match. If a game is abandoned, the time of abandonment should be noted on the game card by the Referee.

A tie in the final standings will be resolved according to the following sequence:

A. Winner of head to head competition.

B. Highest goal difference (total goals for minus total goals against/maximum G/D - 6).

C. Least goals allowed

D. Fewest yellow cards (1 point) and red cards (3 points)

E. Penalty kicks.

Should the above criteria fail to resolve the tie, a sudden-death match of two forty five minute halves shall be played at a location and time to be decided upon by the League Commissioner. In the event of a tie, penalty kicks will be taken in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game.

Section XVI - Protests

To protest a match, the coach should not sign the game card, but should write “PROTEST” in the signature place on the game card. The team protesting must call or e-mail the same day as the match notifying the commissioner of the protest. In addition, the team requesting the protest must fill out this form and send it to the Commissioner within 48 hours.

To protest a game, the team requesting the protest will be charged a $25 non-refundable fee. The Commissioner will give both teams a written answer within 7 days of the arrival of the written protest letter. If the Commissioner is a member of one of the teams involved in the protest, the Commissioner and 2 appointed team reps not related to the protest will compromise a three man committee to decide on the protest.

Section XVII- Expansion

Expansion of the league will be subject to a majority vote by league teams that are not on probation. Expansion teams will be subject to the following guidelines.

1. A one time $35 expansion fee in addition to regular league fees.

2. A one year probationary period where the following will be considered to

be inducted into the league:

A. Team Conduct

B. Participation

C. Maintaining league responsibilities

3. No voting rights for the probationary period.

4. The forfeit of one or more league games during a probationary period will

be grounds for removal from the league.

Section XVIII - Fines

The following is a list of infractions that a team may be fined:

INFRACTION FINE

Failure to report game score $25.00

Failure to fax game card $25.00

Failure to mail game card $25.00

Failure to properly complete and

Sign a game card $25.00

Incorrect Field markings $25.00

Failure to attend league meeting $200.00

First forfeit $200.00

Second forfeit $300.00

Team red card ejections $25.00/each over two

Playing suspended league team $100.00

This list is not all inclusive. Other fines may be levied for infractions of these policies.

Section XIX - Postseason Play

The SCSL Championship Tournament will be held annually on or near the first weekend in November. All SCSL teams are required to attend and will be seeded according to their end of season record (see Section XV – Game results and Standings). In the event that a non SCSL team is seeded into the brackets for the reason of balancing out match play, the SCSL team playing that non SCSL team will be awarded a 3 – 0 forfeiture win regardless of the actual outcome of the match. Only SCSL teams will be allowed to advance in tournament play. The winner of the tournament will be offered an automatic bid to the NIRSA National Championship Tournament. If the winner can not accept the bid, then the second place team will be extended the offer, and so forth until the bid is accepted.

Section XX - League Meeting

The SCSL will hold a league meeting each year at the SCSL Championship Tournament. At this time, all league business will take place. Each team will be required to send a team representative to the meeting. Failure to send a team representative will result in a $200.00 fine and possible disciplinary actions.

SECTION D: FORMS___________________________________________

Official team roster

2003 SCSL Championship roster

Official drop/add form

Protest form

Ref instructions (print and give to ref prior to home match)

___________________________________

2004 SCSL

OFFICIAL TEAM ROSTER

School Name: Team Representative:

Representative’s Phone: Head Coach:

Registrar’s signature or stamp validating the following students are enrolled in at least 9 credit hours: ____________________________

	POS.	Name(Last Name, First Name)	Home Town(City, State)	Major	Classification
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

***NOTE: If all 30 roster positions are not filled, draw line through empty row and initial.

_____________________________________

2004 SCSL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

OFFICIAL TEAM ROSTER

School Name: Team Representative:

Representative’s Phone: Head Coach:

	POS.	Name(Last Name, First Name)	Home Town(City, State)	Major	Classification
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

***NOTE: If all 30 roster positions are not filled, draw line through empty row and initial.

Southeastern Collegiate Soccer League

ADD/DROP FORM

School Name: Signature of Admissions Official or

Recreational Sports Department Director Only

Team Representative: I verify that the people listed in the add section are

registered (9 hrs. minimum) students at this institution.

Representative’s Phone: Department Stamp

or Institution Seal

Head Coach: Signature

Title Date

DROP

	POS.	Name(Last Name, First Name)	Home Town(City, State)	Major	Classification
1
2
3
4
5

ADD

	POS.	Name(Last Name, First Name)	Home Town(City, State)	Major	Classification
1
2
3
4
5

Instructions: If this form is only being used for drops, the Institution Seal and Official Signature can be omitted. If this form is being used for adds, then the Official signature and Institution Seal is required.

***NOTE: If all roster positions are not filled, draw line through empty row and initial.

Southeastern Collegiate Soccer League

PROTEST FORM

Team Requesting Protest: Protest Date:

Person Requesting Protest: Phone:

Match Date:

Field Conditions: Weather:

Score:

Home team Away team

Description of Protest:

Signature

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO REFEREES

This information is being provided to help aid those referees assigned to SCSL matches and for those interested in doing future matches. The following are areas of importance to referees taken from our 2004 SCSL POLICY MANUAL. Please read and comply with all aspects of the policies when officiating a SCSL match.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The SCSL is not currently affiliated with any organization ( Games are Not USSF sanctioned). Please keep this in mind when agreeing to officiate a match.

Section VIII - Referees

Game officials are the responsibility of the home team. Three licensed officials should be present at every match. These officials should have current USSF registration on their person at each match. The center referee is required to be a level 7 referee or higher(6,5,4,3, etc.) or be certified by NISOA as eligible to center. The linesmen can be a level 8 or higher(7,6,5, etc.) or be certified by NISOA as eligible to line. The referees should be present at the field 30 minutes before the game in appropriate attire. If one of the officials is injured during the match, the game will continue with two officials.

Section IX - Eligibility

Section VII - Laws of the Game

All matches sanctioned by the SCSL will be played in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game, with the following exceptions:

1. Substitutions shall be limited to the use of 22 players per game.

2. Each player may exit and re-enter the game, with the consent of the referee, an unlimited number of times.

3. Substitutions by either team will be permitted during stoppages in play for the

taking of a goal kick, following a goal, or during the half-time. Substitutions

by the team with possession of the ball will be permitted prior to a restart by a

throw-in. A player who is cautioned by the referee may be replaced before

play resumes.

4. A player who is injured may be replaced during any interruption of play.

5. Substitutions will not be permitted by either team at any other time during the

game. Note that this restriction prohibits the changing of the goalkeeper prior

to the taking of a penalty kick, even if the change is with another player

already on the field-of-play.

6. Games resulting in a draw at the end of regulation time shall not continue into

overtime.

Section XI - Uniforms

Section XIV- Game Time and Field Markings

All games must start within 30 minutes of the scheduled starting time. If a game does not begin within this time period, the team at fault will be charged with a forfeit.

Section XV - Game Results and Standings

Each team will receive game cards which will be used to report scores, cautions, ejections, names of officials, team rosters, and other comments regarding each league game. The game card is depicted in Appendix 3. The home team will be responsible for telephoning or e-mailing the league office with the results of the game on the date that the match was played, faxing the game card to the league office by the Tuesday following the match and mailing the physical game cards to the league office within three days of each match. Since these cards are the official report for each game, failure to comply with the above (three) requirements with a completed game card within the designated time periods may result in the scoring of a forfeit against the home team. Failure to fax a completed game card by the Tuesday following the match will carry a penalty of a fine of $25.00 for the first violation and a forfeit for the second violation. Additional violations will carry a penalty of forfeiture and may result in suspension from the League. Each team will be responsible for completing their respective sections of the game card prior to the beginning of play. It is the referee's responsibility to complete the referee's section of the game card. The coach’s signature indicates his verification of the information written on the game card.