Updated: 7/5/2012
RULES and POLICY
I. MOSA STATEMENT.
Everyone involved with any MOSA sponsored activity should realize that the game is for the players and they should experience a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction and accomplishment, satisfaction and accomplishment. Any action by any individual that interferes with achieving these ends will be subject to review by the MOSA Board and appropriate measures will be taken.
II. LEAGUE PLAY.
A. The Monmouth-Ocean Soccer Association follows FIFA laws of the game as modified for Youth by the USSF and USYS. The League operates in accordance with the policies of NJYS. All coaches and players shall become thoroughly familiar with the FIFA laws of the game as modified for Youth by the USSF and USYS. In addition to the substitution rules as modified for Youth, a coach has the right to request to substitute a player who has received a yellow card at the time the card is given and 1 for 1 substitution are allowed for an injured player coming off the field. All Clubs are encouraged to review the FIFA Laws of the Game and conduct refresher courses with their coaches prior to the start of the season.
B. Game Information:
1. Duration and Ball Size:
Division I 45 Minute halves 5 ball
Division II 40 Minute halves 5 ball
Division III 35 Minute halves 5 ball
Division IV 30 Minute halves 4 ball
Division V 25 Minute halves 4 ball
Division VI 25 Minute halves 4 ball
2. Player Passes:
Each player must possess a valid current seasonal year's player pass issued and validated by the particular club team's designated NJYS District Commissioner. No player will be allowed to participate in any MOSA sponsored game or activity without a valid NJYS player pass issued to the player and team designated to participate in said game or activity.
NO GUEST, SECONDARY OR US CLUB PASS WILL BE HONORED BY MOSA
ANY PLAYER TRANSFERRING FROM ONE MOSA TEAM TO ANOTHER MOSA TEAM DURING THE SEASONAL YEAR (SEPTEMBER 1ST TO AUGUST 31ST ) WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIT OUT FIVE (5) MOSA GAMES PRIOR TO FURTHER PLAY IN MOSA. THIS IS TO MAINTAIN TEAM INTEGRITY FOR THE SEASONAL YEAR.
SIT OUT DOES NOT APPLY TO TRANSFERS FROM ONE TEAM TO ANOTHER TEAM IN THE SAME CLUB.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SIT OUT DOES NOT START UNTIL THE PLAYER IS CARDED TO THE NEW TEAM.
NOTE: Under 8 & 9 teams must have a majority plus one (1) Under 8 & 9 players to participate in MOSA
3. Game Start Times:
It is suggested that no game start prior to 12:00 noon, except for Divisions I and II.
Division I and II may start at 10:00am
Division III to VI are to start at 12:00 noon or later.
A referee shall allow a grace period from the game's scheduled starting time of 15 minutes for the home team to arrive and 30 minutes for the visiting team to arrive before terminating a game. Player passes must be presented prior to play starting.
4. Players Equipment:
Players will not be permitted to play in any MOSA sponsored Game or activity with a Cast of any type. ( No Solid Material ) Normal soft Braces without any hard exposed material will be permitted, with the approval of the Game Official.
Covering a hard Cast with a soft material, does not constitute a soft Cast or soft Brace
Knee or other type braces with external buckles or straps must be covered with the soft material that was supplied with the brace and must be worn.
Players equipment must conform to FIFA, USSF, USYSA, NJYSA and MOSA regulations.
The players equipment will be in accordance with FIFA laws of the game, law 4 (players equipment). Additionally each player's jersey or shirt shall be imprinted with a distinctive number for his team.
5. Maximum Score
Any MOSA team that scores more than a six (6) goal differential at the conclusion of a scheduled MOSA game shall be subject to the following:
First Time: The coach(s) is to be counseled by his/her club MOSA Rep., who will make a
complete report to the Second Vice President (Games Commissioner) on the substance of said counseling.
Second Time: The coach(s) will be required to appear before the MOSA Board and may be subject to a fine of $50.00 and/or additional penalties, such as suspension.
6. Substitutions- Under 8, 9 and 10 ONLY
When the ball goes out of play over the touch line, if the team with possession chooses to substitute, then the opposing team may also substitute. If the team with possession chooses not to substitute, then neither team will be allowed to substitute. Other substitutions: Kick Off, Goal Kick, are as stated in paragraph II.
C. Competition:
1. Division Standings will be kept on an accumulated points system: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, no points for a loss. If two teams are tied in points at the end of the season, placement will be determined by the following:
1. Head to Head competition
2. Least Losses
3. Most Wins
4. Least Red Cards
If two teams are tied for First Place after the above 4 tie breakers, then both teams will be declared as Co-Champs and NO Second Place Awards will be given.
All other ties will be determined by the same 4 tie breakers as for First Place, if a tie still exist the Head to Head Goal Differential (least goals against each other) will determine placement. In the case of a three (3) way tie Head to Head will be disregarded and all other tie breakers will prevail.
1.The coach of the winning team is responsible for calling e-mailing the score to the Flight Coordinator by 8:00 P.M. of the game day. In the event of a tie, BOTH coaches shall be responsible for sending in the score. Scores of make-up games should be reported on Sunday of the week the game is played.
2.Note: Coaches may send in scores or report "No Game" only. Coaches may not report the result of a forfeit, abandoned, or terminated match. This must be done by the game official.
3.In order to ensure that each team completes all of the games on its schedule, a team will be penalized for games which are not made up as follows: (1) fined $50.00 for each missed game (2) be ineligible to receive any awards; (3) be responsible for payment of referees fees for any game which is not made up or declared a forfeit. This rule shall be subject to the overriding conditions of rule II D.
4. Team relegation. The Placement Committee will make adjustments according to team standings in the previous season(s).
D. Postponements/Cancellations.
All games are to be played as scheduled.
1. MOSA recognizes inclement weather and NJYS State Cup matches as the only recurring valid reasons for not playing a match as scheduled. From season to season, however, special circumstances may occur that warrant a League-supported rescheduling of a match. Major religious holidays or ceremonies are examples. It is the responsibility of the Club with teams affected by such occurrences to notify the Games Commissioner, in writing, not less than one (1) month before a scheduled match of the impending schedule conflict. The Board will then coordinate schedule revisions. Failure to notify the Games Commissioner will place the team(s) requesting the change at risk. The above does not refer to Pre-Plays. Pre-Plays are at the discretion of team(s) involved and will not be facilitated by the Games Commissioner.
2.In the event of a cancellation due to inclement weather, the home team is responsible to notify the visitor and the Referee Assigner at least two (2) hours before the time of the first scheduled game. (Notification after this time will require payment of the referee fees for the first game.)
3.All cancellations for reasons other than inclement weather which are made less than the Wednesday prior to the scheduled date will be subject to payment of the referee fees for both the originally scheduled match and the eventual match. Only the Area Referee Assigner can waive payment of referee fees on any cancellations for which referee had already been assigned.
4.All cancellations must be reported to the Flight Coordinator by both teams by 8:00 P.M. of the game day. Give reasons, i.e., bad weather, State Cup, conflict, etc...
4.A postponed/canceled game must be played within three (3) weeks of the originally scheduled time. If the game is not made up within this time period, it will be recorded as un-played (NO GAME) and cannot be made up. Additionally, all games must be completed by the date shown on the schedule for each Division as the final date for completion of flight play.
5.Any team which forfeits a game shall be responsible for payment of the referees fees for that game.
NOTE: If the teams involved cannot agree on a date and time for a make up game within the three (3) week period, they should contact the MOSA Board Games Administrator for resolution. If either team fails to show up for a Board-scheduled game, the result will be recorded as a forfeit.
E. Awards.
1.First place teams will receive individual player trophies.
2.Individual awards will be awarded to players on 2nd place teams in flights having five (5) or more teams and to third place teams in flights having 9 or more teams.
F. Terminated Matches.
1. In the event that a referee terminates a game, MOSA shall have the right to determine the outcome. The referee may not determine the outcome of a terminated game and no statement concerning the outcome of the game by the referee shall be binding on the MOSA Board.
G. Field Location Change.
1. In the event of a field change for a given game, the Referee Assigner and the visiting team coach must be notified by the home team coach by Wednesday of the game week. An exception may be made if an alternate site is available in inclement weather and the assigner can accommodate the change.
H. Protests
1. Protest must meet the following conditions:
a. The protest must involve a violation of the
"Laws of the Game". Protest concerning
referee's judgment will not be heard.
b. Be submitted in writing to the League
Secretary and be postmarked within forty-eight
(48) hours of the game.
c. Signed by the Club President or MOSA Representative.
d. Clearly show that the other team or Club involved is copied in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of the game.
I. Players/Coaches/Spectators Field Locations.
In all 11 vs 11 matches the players and coaches from both teams shall occupy the same side of the field. The parents and spectators from both teams shall occupy the opposite side of the field.
In all 8 vs 8 matches, the players, coaches, parents and spectators of the home team shall occupy one side of the field and the visiting team, coaches, parents and spectators shall occupy the opposite side of the field.
All coaches shall be responsible to ensure that good sportsmanship and conduct by their players, parents and spectators is adhered to. Coaches are responsible for cooperating with the enforcement of these rules. Violators shall be reported to the MOSA Board of Directors and may result in appropriate disciplinary action.
Coaches are responsible for their spectators and
will be held accountable for any failure to
control the behavior of their spectators. Clubs
are responsible for all individuals under their
jurisdiction (players, coaches and fans). MOSA
reserves the right to discipline clubs for the
negative action of their members. Incidents
occurring where clubs do not maintain proper
control shall be reported to the MOSA Board of
Directors for review and possible disciplinary action.
Coaches shall stay on their own side of the
Midfield Line within a ten (10) yard area, two
(2) yards from the touch line. (This is
designated as the "Technical Area")
III. DISCIPLINE.
A. Red Cards - Players.
1. Any player "red carded" in a game sponsored by MOSA will automatically be suspended a minimum of one (1) game. A red card for Violent Conduct or serious foul play which is characterized as "Fighting" will command an automatic suspension of a minimum of three (3) games.
2, Any player with two (2) or more ejections within a seasonal year may be given a more severe penalty depending on the reasons for ejection and the time between red cards. At the discretion of the League Red Card Administrator, a repeat offender may be subject to review by the Board for disciplinary purposes. In those cases, the results of the Board review will be provided to the NJYS..
1.Any player receiving a red card for a reason other than serious foul play or violent conduct will be eligible to have the red card eliminated from his player history where he receives no red cards for a period of two years from the date of the offense for which the card was issued, provided however, that the player is an active MOSA participant during the two year period.
2.Any player who receives a red card for serious foul play or violent conduct shall be eligible to have the red card eliminated from his player history provided the player receives no red cards for a period of two years from the date of the offense for which the card was issued and the player successfully completes the USSF certified referee course within one year from the date of the offense for which the card was issued, provided however, that the player is an active MOSAparticipant during the two year period.
B. Red Cards - Coaches
1. Any coach "red carded" in a game sponsored by MOSA will automatically be suspended for two (2) games, plus a possible fine to the Club. Any coach "red carded" due to his or her own actions will subject the Club to a $100.00 fine.
2. Any coach with a history of two (2) or more ejections will be subject to the following:
2nd ejection: Minimum 3 games suspension plus $200.00 fine to the Club.
3rd ejection: minimum 5 games suspension plus $300.00 fine to the Club and a review for further discipline by the MOSA Board in accordance with these rules.
4th ejection: Dismissal from MOSA plus $500.00 fine to the Club and review for further discipline by the MOSA Board in accordance with these rules.
3. Any coach who receives a red card shall be eligible to have the red card eliminated from his coaching history when he receives no red cards for a period of two (2) years from the date of the offense for which the card was issued. The red card eligible for elimination will be the "oldest" red card issued to the coach.
4. Ejected Coach or Coaches.
In the case of an ejected coach or coaches during a match, if there are no coach or coaches with a valid NJYS coaches pass available to supervise the team for the remainder of the match, that team shall forfeit the match. The score will be reported as 1-0.
5. It is not necessary for a referee to show the red card to a coach that is being sent off.
Any coach "red carded" will be required to appear, with the club's MOSA representative, before the MOSA Board of Directors immediately following the next regularly scheduled General Membership meeting (General Membership meetings are normally scheduled as the fourth Thursday of the month). Any coach failing to appear at this meeting will immediately lose their coaching privileges and will be required to return their coaching pass to the MOSA Red Card Administrator.
Note: Coaches are required to attend a one time class
presented by NJYS at the end of each seasonal year.
C. Suspension for red cards may invoke
greater penalties if the situation warrants.
Further, abusive, threatening, or
unsportsmanlike behavior may be dealt with by
suspension by the Board even though no red
card was issued. The Association Officers will
decide all such disciplinary actions.
D. Any individual "red carded" in a MOSA game may receive the pass back from a League Officer before the suspension has been served in order to play in State Cup games, tournaments, and off-season Indoor Leagues. The pass is to be picked up the evening before the particular game/event and returned the evening of the game/event's conclusion. In no case will the player be allowed to participate in any MOSA event until the penalty has been served to the satisfaction of the League. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in additional suspensions problems for the coach and the player involved.
E. Any coach who removes his players from the field of play prior to the official end of the game, causing the game to be terminated, shall be subject to review by the MOSA board. The game is subject to being forfeited. After such review, the MOSA board may take appropriate disciplinary action.
F. No abuse of referees by players, coaches or fans will be tolerated. The referee's job is a difficult one; although differences of opinion will arise, referees must be supported since they are essential to the game. Coaches should advise their teams and fans that no one (including coaches) has the right to criticize the referee, demand an explanation of a call, or publicly humiliate the referee. Such actions automatically command a two (2) game suspension whether or not a red card was issued.
G. Your Association Officers will not hesitate to ban, for whatever duration, any individual(s), teams, or Clubs that cannot abide by the simple policies and rules of this Organization. If in the determination of the MOSA Board a team or Club should be suspended from play within a season then -
1.All games played or scheduled to be played within the season will be recorded as "NO GAME".
2.No fees will be returned to the team or Club involved.
3.All players and coaches passes are to be turned in to MOSA
H. Probation.
1.The Board may impose either disciplinary probation or administrative probation on a team, Club, or individual associated with MOSA programs. The terms of administrative probation will be spelled out at the time it is imposed since each occurrence will involve unique circumstances.
2.Any Club or team placed on disciplinary probation will be subject to the following:
a. Any player/coach on a team under disciplinary probation who receives a red card is automatically suspended for a minimum of three (3) games. If the red card is for violent behavior, the suspension will be longer and the incident will be reviewed by the MOSA Board to determine the need for further disciplinary action against the individual, team or Club.
b. Negative reports from any source concerning the behavior of an individual, team or Club on disciplinary probation will be reviewed by the MOSA Board for further action.
J. Decisions of the Board.
Disciplinary decisions of the Board of Directors may not be debated or overturned by the membership. These issues must be appealed through the procedures outlined in the NJYS Constitution and By-Laws.
IV. POLICY
A. Complaints.
1. All complaints concerning referees, coaches, spectators, etc. must be submitted in writing by the club President or MOSA Rep. to the League Secretary for investigation. The League will not respond to verbal complaints.
B. Correspondence.
1. All correspondence from the League which requires a Club response must be answered. Failure to respond will be subject to disciplinary review of the Club.
C. Referees.
1.Only the MOSA Assigners can assign officials to League matches. CLUBS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM ASSIGNING REFEREES. If a Club assigned referee officiates a League match, a forfeit will be declared in favor of the visiting team and the offending Club will be subject to further disciplinary review by the MOSA Board.
2.If MOSA assigns a referee to officiate a League match, the game must be played. Refusal to play shall be subject to forfeit.
3.Referees should be USSF certified and currently registered. Referees shall thoroughly familiarize themselves with the FIFA laws of the game as modified for Youth by the USSF and USYS for each season and periodically during the course of the season. All member clubs shall encourage their active certified referees to attend seminars or refresher courses regularly during each season.
4.Games will be officiated using the approved three-man system. In the event fewer than three
(3) referees are available to officiate a League match, Club linesman may be used. At no time will referees use a two whistle system. Coaches have the right to refuse a two whistle system prior to the game start. Acceptance of a two whistle system is not a protest able matter. Starting a game where a two whistle system is being used constitutes acceptance.
a. All MOSA Clubs are required to supply a minimum of referees as a requisite for membership. For every six (6) teams or part thereof, a Club must supply six (6) active, certified referees of which one-third (1/3) must be eighteen years of age or older. Registration for the next active season will be based on the number of active referees who officiated MOSA League matches during the proceeding season. (Credit is given for work done, not work promised.)
2.MOSA assigned referees shall at all times conduct themselves professionally and be courteous to coaches, players and fans.
D. Fines.
1.Late registration - $25.00 per team.
2.Drop team prior to placement night - $25.00 per team.
3.Drop team after team placement but before scheduling has been posted on the web site -$50.00 per team.
4.Drop team after scheduling has been posted on the web site - $250.00 per team plus $50.00 per game for all un-played games.
5.Failure to post times and field numbers on the web site by league meeting prior to start of season, $25.00 per day not posted.
6.Failure of a Division I team to play its scheduled game(s) - $50.00 per game.
7.Missed General Membership meetings: $10.00 for each meeting missed up to two (2) $25.00 for each meeting from the third on.
8.Disciplinary actions - As determined by the MOSA Board and spelled out elsewhere within this Information Outline.
E. Any Club whose account with MOSA is six (6) months in arrears will be declared ineligible to register any teams with MOSA
F. "Red Card" suspensions carry over from season to season. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring Club to ensure that all League suspensions are satisfied. Any team that does not forward the "pass" of a suspended player or coach to the League will forfeit all games until the pass is received. If a player or coach is inactive or no longer with the Club of record, then a letter to that effect must be sent to the League Secretary.
G. Any Club or individual that initiates a court action against MOSA prior to exhausting all available appeal procedures within the appropriate soccer organizations level shall be subject to the following:
1.A fine of $1,000.00 plus payment of all MOSA expenses incurred to defend the Association in the legal action.
2.Immediate suspension from MOSA for two (2) years.
3.Immediate loss of MOSA membership.
NOTE: The Club involved may reapply for MOSA membership in accordance with this MOSA policy covering new Clubs only after the two (2) year suspension and payment of all past due accounts (including the $1,000.00 fine and MOSA expenses) have been satisfied.
H. Motions addressing general League rules, regulations, or policies may be proposed and seconded by any member in good standing provided a written copy of the proposal has been submitted to the League Secretary. The motion must be presented at a General Membership meeting and must be accompanied by at least fifty (50) copies of the motion available for distribution to the membership for review and consideration at the next General Membership meeting.
I. Any Club which falls below the three team minimum requirement due to dropping one or more teams prior to the completion of a season shall be subject to the following: (Failure to play at least one-half of a team's scheduled games will be considered a dropped team.)
1.A fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per team dropped plus $50.00 per game for all un-played games.
; and
2.Placement on administrative probation for the remainder of the current season plus one additional active season.
Any Club which violates the above policy within four active seasons from the date of the first offense shall be subject to the following:
1.Immediate loss of MOSA membership; and
2.Declared ineligible to register any teams with MOSA for the next two seasons.
CLUBS REQUESTING MOSA MEMBERSHIP:
1 - All new member Clubs must reside in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.
2 - All new member Clubs must enter a minimum of three (3) teams and be sponsored by an active member in good standing. Sponsoring Clubs must have three (3) teams registered in MOSA at the time of sponsorship.
3 - All new member Clubs must be approved by a two-thirds majority weighted vote of the MOSA membership.
4 - All new member Clubs must meet the referee requirements as required by MOSA
5 - All new member Clubs must have sufficient number of fields to play their home games according to MOSA scheduling.
6 - All new member Clubs are required to pay a one time entrance fee of $25.00 and a one time Website fee of $100.00.
Note: New member Clubs must be submitted for membership at the May MOSA General Meeting, tabled and voted on during the June MOSA General Meeting. New Member Clubs are only accepted for the Fall Season.