SECTION 1: ADULT PLAYERS:                                                        

An adult player must be fifteen (15) years of age or more during the current playing year. There is no maximum age.

SECTION 2: ADULT TEAMS (AMATEUR TEAMS):

A team that includes any adult players shall be considered an adult team. Youth players may play on a adult team following USYSA rules and regulations. U.S. Soccer Rule 4035 as adopted by the IYSA is included here:

Rule 4035 - A youth player will be permitted to play an unlimited number of amateur games without losing his or her eligibility. The youth player must obtain permission from his or her youth coach or other authorized team official. The youth coach or other authorized team official shall, in writing or by form, request eligibility clearance from the National State Association. The youth coach or other authorized team official shall, in writing or by form, request permission from the State Amateur association. When the above clearance and permissions have been granted, the State Amateur Associations have sole discretion in permitting a youth player to play amateur games and will be responsible for establishing the procedures under which this will be implemented. In the event of a conflict between an amateur trail game and a youth game, the youth game shall take precedence. A youth player who is required to sign an amateur form shall retain youth eligibility.

In accordance with U. S. Soccer Federation Rules 4035, Rule 3015, Section 5, and Rule 4063, Section 9, Illinois Youth Soccer Association registered players must obtain an IYSA Amateur Games Eligibility Clearance in order to participate in the amateur games. IYSA Amateur Games Eligibility Clearance Request Form must be completed by the player, player’s IYSA registered team coach granting permission for player to participate in amateur games, coach requesting clearance, and an officer of the league with whom the player is currently registered before submission for clearance to the IYSA. Youth games shall take precedence over amateur games. This clearance does not extend IYSA insurance coverage to the IYSA registered youth player for amateur game activities. The youth player must obtain insurance coverage through the amateur association. Amateur Clearance is valid for current seasonal year only.

SECTION 3: ADULT TEAM SEASONAL PLAYING YEAR:

The year shall be from January 1 to December 31 of the current year.

SECTION 4: YOUTH PLAYERS:

A youth player is one who has not reached the age of nineteen (19) years prior to August 1st immediately preceding the start of any seasonal year. A player who reaches her nineteenth (19th) birthday on or after August 1st of the current seasonal year shall be allowed to complete the seasonal year.

SECTION 5: YOUTH TEAMS:

Youth teams shall be comprised of players in specific age groups as shown below. Players in each age division must be less than the maximum age before the first day of August of the current year.

Division I Under 19       Division VIl Under 13     Division XIl Under 8

Division ll Under 18

Division lll Under 17      Division VIIl Under 12    Division XIlI Under 7

Division IV Under 16     Division lX Under 11    

Division V Under 15       Division  X Under 10

Division Vl Under 14     Division Xl Under 9

There shall be no minimum age for any youth division player. The League shall expand to provide a place for all age divisions to play as teams in each age category.

SECTION 6: YOUTH TEAM SEASONAL PLAYING YEAR:

The seasonal playing year for the Youth shall be determined by the IYSA guidelines as required each year. For the time being, this guideline is from August 1 through July 31 of the following year.

SECTION 7: PROOF OF AGE:

Proof of age shall be required of all youth players and must be submitted to the registrar before registration can be completed. Proof of age shall consist of a birth certificate, a Uniformed Services ID and Privilege Card (DD 1173) issued by the uniformed services of the United States, or birth registration issued by an appropriate government agency, board of health records, passport, alien registration card issued by the United States government, a certificate issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service attesting to age or a certification of an American citizen born abroad issued by the appropriate government agency. Hospital, baptismal, or religious certificates will not be accepted.

SECTION 8: PICTURES

All youth players must submit one (1) recent picture online every two years.

All adult players must submit three (3) recent pictures. All to be no more than three (3) months old. One to be affixed to her pass, the other to be kept by the League. (Extra one for adults is for ISSA).

SECTION 9: ROSTERED PLAYERS, COMMITMENT, TRANSFERS, TAMPERING:

Adult: Affiliated adult teams may have a maximum of 22 players registered but may dress and play only 18 in any one (1) game.

Youth:  Affiliated youth teams may have the following registered and allowed on the line-up and in uniform on game day.  

U08 - U10  plays 7 v 7 on the field with a maximum roster of 14 players.

U11 - U12 plays 9 v 9 on the field with a maximum roster of 16 players.

U13 - U14 plays 11 v 11 on the field with a maximum roster of 18 players.

U15 - U19 plays 11 v 11 on the field with a maximum roster of 22 players but may dress and play only 18 in any one (1) game. 

Only players specifically rostered to a team may play with that team except for the Guest Player rule in Item B. 

B.  Guest Players in IWSL League Games:   An IYSA registered player may play as a guest player on an IWSL team within the same  club other than the one to which she is rostered (host team) under the following conditions.

             The guest player must be rostered to any team within the same club and possess an IYSA issued player pass (not US Club Soccer).        

 Guest players must have their player pass from their rostered team at the game in which they are guest players.

 Guest players must be identified on the "Guest Player Lines" of the gamecard roster.  The team roster on the gamecard must only list    the players who will be in uniform participating in the game (line out any listed who will not be participating).

 If using a guest player, all regularly rostered players on the host team that are present at the game must receive playing time.

Violations of this rule will result in a forfeit against the offending team.

C. No affiliated team shall be allowed to register fewer than eleven (11) players and play with fewer than seven (7), except that U11 - U12 may register no fewer than nine (9) players and play with fewer than six (6),  and U8 - U10 may register no fewer than seven (7) players and play with fewer than five (5).

D. A youth player is committed to a team for the entire soccer-playing year (August 1 through July 31) from the time the IWSL receives the online registration bearing her name and signature until the end of the soccer-playing year for which the team is being rostered (current year). Not withstanding the previous sentence, it is every player’s right to be released from a team at any time she wishes except where the player owes debts and/or dues to the team and/or has equipment belonging to the team. However, she will not be allowed to join another IWSL team until January 1 of the current soccer playing year. To be eligible to join another IWSL team during the current soccer playing year, a player must be released from her team before or during January of the current year or produce competent evidence that she tried to secure such release and was unable to do so.

The only exceptions to this rule are:

(a) where a player’s home address has changed and is newly at least fifteen (15) miles further from the team’s primary practice location and home game field, or

(b) where a player’s sister plays on another team and transportation to practice and games is a hardship for the family, or

(c) where her team has disbanded or will not play the Spring season, or

(d) where, after the end of the Spring season, the team will not play in State Cup or other post-season tournaments.

TAMPERING:  No team, club, coach, player or any other person may approach a rostered player of another team to entice her to leave her team or invite her to participate in a competitive game situation without written consent of the player’s team representative. Except as stated in the immediately following paragraph, no player may try out with another team while she is committed to a team without written consent of her team’s representative.

TRYOUTS:   “Open Tryout” – a tryout in which a player, registered or unregistered, tries out for a roster spot with a club/team for the succeeding soccer year.   High school, no sooner than May 16th and all other teams, the first Tuesday after Memorial Day. 

A club/team may not register/sign a player for the succeeding soccer year prior to June 1^st.

A player does not require permission from his/her club team coach to attend an open tryout held during the period of June 1^st through July 31^st of the same calendar year.  However, once she signs the "Illinois Women's Soccer League Player Registration Form," she is committed to that team and is no longer free to try out for or join another IWSL team for the following soccer playing year.   (Teams and clubs must retain the signed Illinois Women's Soccer League Player Registration Form as proof of the signing and the date of signing.)

Nothing in SECTION 9 shall prevent Intra-club transfers. Intra-club transfers will count as one of the five (5) previously registered players on the roster of the team to which the player transfers. A transfer back to the original team will likewise count as one of the five (5) previously registered players on that team’s roster.

All rosters expire at the end of the current soccer playing year (July 31).

Due Process: IWSL decisions regarding transfers may be appealed to the IYSA within ten (10) days of their issuance. Consult IYSA Rules and Regulations (WWW.IYSA.ORG) for the process to be followed.

No release is required to play on a recreational (non-competitive) soccer team as being rostered on both simultaneously is permitted.

E. All requests for players releases and adds (transfers) shall be submitted online.  Players being released must return all equipment and uniforms belonging to the team and shall pay all incurred debts and/or dues to her team before being released.

Release: Before a player that is registered with an IYSA affiliated team (IWSL) can register with another IYSA affiliated team (IWSL), she must be released from her current team.  All releases are submitted online by the releasing team and her player pass must be returned to the league office for the release to be processed. 

       Voluntary Release:   A voluntary release is one where the player requests a release. 

      Involuntary Release:   An involuntary release is one where the team/club wishes to release the player from the team but it is not requested by the player.  A team/club may release involuntarily a player from its roster only if the player is unable to play for one of the following reasons:

    a.  The player has violated bylaws, policies, or requirements, of the United States Soccer Federation, US Youth Soccer, or the IWSL.

    b.  The player has moved beyond a reasonable travel distance.  Determination of what constitutes a reasonable travel distance is subject to interpretation by the IWSL.

    c. The player is injured in such a manner that the player will not be able to participate for the remainder of the season.  Determination of what constitutes such an injury is subject to interpretation by the IWSL.

F. New players (players joining a team after the original roster is submitted to the IWSL) must be added online by her new team. There is no waiting period for new players to begin playing with the team.

G. Players properly rostered with IWSL may play for another affiliated team other than the team of which she is a member in a friendly exhibition game, park district game, or a sanctioned tournament, if she asks for and receives prior permission from her team’s representative. (THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO IWSL LEAGUE GAMES.)

 H. A team representative is the Head Coach, Assistant Coach or the club’s representative to the IWSL.

A. Adult team registration shall be no later than May 31. Youth Division team registration and fee payment shall be no later than July 1 with the player registration and roster to be submitted by August 1. 

B. Each club must provide an unencumbered home field with proper dimensions and lining for each 6 teams registered. If necessary, a team’s field may be deemed unplayable and must then be approved by the Board of Directors before games may be played on it.

C. Registration and referee fees are determined yearly by the Board of Directors.

D. IWSL and any other organized soccer association fees shall be paid in full at the time of registration.

E. In the Youth Division, full year referee fees must be paid at time of registration.

F. In the Adult Division, referee fees shall be paid directly to the referee by the home team on game day.

G. In the Adult Division, registration is done by the ISSA at its office.

H. All fees become non-refundable once received by the Registrar or Business Manager. 

I.  In the event a referee does not show up for the game, the person who referees the game shall receive the referee payment for that game.

SECTION 11: U-15 & U-16 PLAYERS IN U-14 SPRING LEAGUE

Some teams are comprised of players who are students in Junior High School as well as High School. This program is to provide a vehicle for Junior High players to continue playing in Spring when the majority of their team plays High School soccer. The Junior High players may be combined with those from other similar teams into "Spring Only" teams with the following conditions:

1. The individual must still be in Junior High during the spring season.

2. The player can play as a U-14 in the IWSL only.

3. IYSA and USYSA registration is still with the original rostered team.  The player will use her rostered team (U15-U19) player pass along with an authorization card issued by the IWSL.

4. The player will need an official IWSL authorization form from the league office to play on the U-14 team.

5. An established U-14 team may not register more than five (5) players who have reached their 15^th birthday and none 16 years of age or older.  A "Spring Only" U-14 Team can combine unlimited rostered Junior High players from other similar teams, however they must also meet the birthday rules listed above and the total number of players cannot exceed 18.

6. If a Spring league is provided in the IWSL for U-15 & U-16 teams, the player must play in the U-15 or U-16 age group.

ARTICLE ll: RULES OF PLAY

Except as otherwise provided herein, the FIFA "Laws of the Game" shall apply to any and all competition sponsored by the IWSL with the exception as follows:

Protecting Chest: Players may protect their chest with their arms so long as the arms lie flat against their body with hands touching the opposite shoulders while standing stationary at the time of a free kick prior to making contact with the ball. This rule does not apply if the player is more than 10 yards from the kicker.

SECTION 1: SUBSTITUTION

U8 Thru U12 

U13 thru U19

The maximum substitutions during the length of the game is unlimited and may be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:

With referee consent at your team’s throw in, the opposing team’s throw in if they are substituting, goal kicks, & kick offs.  For U17 – U19 Champions teams only, there will be no reentry in a half once a player has been substituted.

U-08 to U-12

Two qualified linesperson shall be chosen by the home team manager/coach to be used, at the discretion of the referee, in helping him/her call balls in or out of bounds. Should the referee request a different person, the manager/coach is required to provide same.

U-13 to U-19

The Home Team (Club) is responsible to provide 2 certified linemen for these games. The Club is responsible to pay and schedule the linesmen.

U11 to U-19

Each team is responsible to have at least one qualified linesperson (relative, friend or other) available at each game in case the scheduled linesmen don’t appear.

SECTION 3: LENGTH OF GAMES, OVERTIME PERIOD (CUP & TOURNAMENT), AND BALL SIZE:

GROUP       GAME LENGTH          OVERTIME PERIOD(S)      BALL SIZE       HALF TIME

Adults          (2) 45 min. halves                (2) 15 min. halves                    5                       5 min.

U15 - U19   (2) 45 min. halves               (2) 15 min. halves                    5                        5 min.

U13 - U14   (2) 40 min. halves               (2) 10 min. halves                    5                        5 min.

U11 - U12   (2) 35 min. halves               (2) 10 min. halves                    4                        5 min.

U08 - U10   (2) 30 min. halves               (2) 10 min. halves                    4                        5 min.

League games remain tied.

The determination of the outcome of any game not played to its conclusion will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE lll: LEAGUE DIVISION & STANDINGS

A: Youth Division:

The Youth Division teams shall be separated into "Age Divisions" based upon the maximum age of players in each age division, i.e. U-10, U-14, etc. If there are enough teams within an "Age Division" for more than one division, they shall be divided into Sub-Divisions. The Sub-Divisions shall be identified by letters of the alphabet with the more competitive teams grouped in the "A" Sub-Division and the less competitive teams in lower Sub-Divisions in descending order as "B", "C", etc. Where it is desirable, in lower Sub-Divisions where competition is more equal, Sub-Divisions may be grouped geographically and shall be named according to their geographic area within the IWSL territory as, for example, "D North", D South", "D West", or variations thereof.

B. Adult Division:

The Adult Division teams shall be separated into Primary-Divisions according to age, competitiveness, or other criteria as the need appears according to growth and player status. Each Primary-Division shall be separated into Sub-Divisions according to their competitiveness.

Example: IWSL Generally: No age maximum.

Sub-Divisions: Major Division

1^st Division

2^nd Division, ETC

U-23 Division:

Sub-Divisions: 1^st Division

2^nd Division, etc.

C. League standings for each sub-division (both youth and adults) shall be determined by points based on the following:

Win = 3 Points

Tie = 1 Point

Loss = 0 Points

         **The score shall be recorded as a 1-0 win in favor of the non-forfeiting team.

No Game: Where neither team can play a game due to weather, neither teams fields playable, etc. and the season’s end makes rescheduling impossible, the game shall be termed a "No Game" and neither team shall receive nor lose any points. Reasons such as too few players, graduation, homecoming, etc. would normally require a forfeit and shall not be considered a "No Game". Decisions as to whether a game shall be termed a "No Game" or forfeit shall be resolved by the Youth Administrator or Adult Administrator respectively and his/her decision shall be final. Unplayed games must be avoided at all costs. Any games not played at the end of each season which have not been listed as a "No Game" or forfeit by the Youth Administrator, shall incur a fine of $75.00 to each of the coaches involved. The fine must be paid within 20 days of notice for the teams to be eligible to play in the next season. If not paid the team’s club will be responsible.

**Forfeit:

Voluntary forfeit: Where one team is on the field ready to play and the opponent team is not on the field ready to play within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled game time, the absent or tardy team shall forfeit the game. The only exception is where a member of the opponent team arrives at the field fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled game time and requests an additional five (5) minutes due to an unforeseen delay.

Imposed forfeit:  A forfeit imposed upon a person or team by the League for violation of rules, unsporting conduct, etc.

D. Unfinished Games:

Playoff Games (adults Only)

Playoff games played short time due to any cause shall be replayed providing neither team is at fault; but should one of the teams be adjudged at fault, it shall be at the discretion of the adult Administrator as to whether the game is to be replayed or declared a forfeit.

Regular Season Scheduled Game:

Unfinished games due to any cause shall be replayed providing neither team is at fault and play has not begun in the second half. If play is stopped during the second half and play cannot be resumed and provided neither team is at fault, the game shall be deemed complete and the score recorded as it is. But should play be stopped at any time due to one of the teams or coaches being adjudged at fault, it shall be declared a forfeit by the at fault team.

Tie Breaker: Youth Only:

E. Final season standings for 1st and 2nd place, in case of a tie, shall be determined in the following manner:

1^st Tie Breaker - Head to head win/loss results.

2^nd Tie Breaker - Head to head goal differential among tied teams within their

head to head games.

3^rd Tie Breaker - Fewest goals against.

4^th Tie Breaker - Goal differential limited to 10 goals per game (within the division)

5^th Tie Breaker - Most goals for, limited to 10 goals per game (within the division).

6^th Tie Breaker - Number of wins.

If still tied, they shall be declared co-champions.

Tie Breaker: Adults Only:

Even sub-division: One where teams play an equal number of games and they play each other once, or play each other twice on a "Home" and "Away" basis:

1^st Tie Breaker - Goal differential

2^nd Tie Breaker - Goals For

3^rd Tie Breaker - Number of Wins

4^th Tie Breaker - Fewest Goals Against

5^th Tie Breaker - Head to Head Results

Uneven sub-division: One where teams play an unequal number of games or don’t play each other.

1^st Tie Breaker - Head to Head Result (If played each other)

2^nd Tie Breaker - Goal Differential

3^rd Tie Breaker - Goals For

4^th Tie Breaker - Number of Wins

5^th Tie Breaker - Fewest Goals Against

If two or more teams are still tied for the championship after the "tie breakers" are applied, the tied teams shall participate in a championship game or round robin playoff within two weeks following the last league game for their sub-division. The site, time, and seeding of the game(s) shall be determined by the President and Referee Assignor. The winner of the game or playoff shall be declared Champion. If in a preliminary game in the round robin, a game is still tied after the overtime periods and darkness prevents penalty kicks, the game shall be decided by a coin toss. If the final game ends in a tie and is still tied after overtimes and darkness prevents penalty kicks, the two finalists shall be declared co-champions.

Traveling Trophy: Adult Division - Major Sub-division only.

The "Traveling Trophy" shall be presented to the champions of the "Major" sub-division each year to be held until the new champion is named for the following season. The champion’s name shall be engraved upon the trophy. If co-champions are named both names shall be engraved and it shall be held by the adult Administrator and released to either team requesting it for events, etc. If a team wins the trophy three times consecutively, that team shall take permanent possession of it and the league shall buy another for future use. When space for names is filled, the trophy shall be retired and held for safekeeping by the league President. A new trophy shall then be purchased by the IWSL.

E. Seeding - adults: In the case of two divisions in a group, at the end of the playing season, the bottom two teams shall move down a division and the top two teams of the lower bracket shall move up a division.

F. First or second place teams which do not wish to move up to the higher division at the end of the season, may remain in the lower division under the following circumstances:

1. They must have the permission of the Board to remain in the lower division; and

2. The team directly below them in standing wishes to move up. This exception is waived in the case where a second division wins the first place slot for two (2) consecutive years. That team must move up.

G. Seeding – Youth: At the beginning of each new playing season divisions will be determined by team standings in the previous season, and coaches requests for lower and entry level divisions, subject to the following:   With the advent of multiple level divisions only the 1^st place team in each division will be given consideration for promotion at the discretion of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS/Youth Seeding  Administrator.

The number of teams moving down from any division and the movement of other than 1^st place teams moving up shall be solely at the discretion of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS/Youth Seeding Administrator.

SECTION 1: UNIFORMS:

Soccer uniforms must conform to U. S. Youth Soccer Rules: Shorts, socks, shin guards, and jerseys showing a number clearly visible on the back. Each player must wear a different number. Goalkeepers must wear colors which distinguish them from other players and officials. Numbered jerseys for goalkeepers are optional. Bike shorts are allowed. Jerseys must be tucked into shorts, and socks pulled up to the knee and cover the shinguards. Outdoor warm-ups may not be worn, except on extremely cold, rainy, or snowy days.

COLD AND OTHERWISE INCLEMENT WEATHER: No clothing shall show below the shorts or beyond the jersey sleeves except in cold or otherwise inclement weather. Warm-ups, sweats and other similar warm clothing (not necessarily the same color) containing no metal zippers or other hard or sharp parts may be worn but the entire team uniform, jersey and shorts, must be visible and the number must not be covered. Hoods must be tucked under the jersey when not covering the head. The jersey must be tucked into the shorts.

Players are allowed to wear sleeveless jerseys as designed and produced by major manufacturers.  (NOTE: This is added to comply with USSF ruling.)

SECTION 2: SHOES:

Outdoor: Standard gym shoes or rubber molded soles or removable rubber or plastic screw in cleats. No metal may show through removable rubber or plastic cleats.  If cleats are illegal, they must be removed prior to the start of the game.

SECTION 1: JEWELRY:

The wearing of jewelry is not permitted with the exception of medical alert tags and religious symbols which must be taped to the player's body in such a manner so that per the referee's judgment, it is not dangerous to themselves or another player.

SECTION 2: CASTS:

Plaster of Paris or similar material is not allowed - no exceptions.   Braces and other casts are at the referee's discretion.

SECTION 3: ORTHOPEDIC DEVICES:

The device may be worn only if fully covered by foam and elastic bandage, and the player is allowed to play with the consent of the referee solely; not the opposing coach. No metal parts may be exposed. Devices designed for sport play may be worn with referee permission.

SECTION 4: EYEGLASSES OR HATS:

No street glasses or hard brim hats may be worn during the game.  Only safety sport type glasses or goggles are allowed.

A. The IWSL shall have two outdoor seasons: Spring and Fall.

B. Each team shall provide an unencumbered home field.   The field shall be of natural turf and natural grass unless the artificial turf is inspected and accepted by the IWSL Board at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the upcoming season.   Visiting teams shall not be required to provide liability releases or other documents as a requirement for playing on such home field.  Each team is responsible for sending the Registrar (Business Manager) directions to its home fields. 

C. Games must be played on days scheduled except as stated in ARTICLE VI, Section F.  Sunday games should begin no earlier than 9:00AM and be scheduled to end by 5:00 PM, except U15 thru U19 can be scheduled to start thru 7:00 PM.

D. Both teams must present a completed line-up form listing only the players participating in the game and player passes to the referee fifteen (15) minutes prior to game time. This rule includes the situation where a game may be in progress at the time prior to a scheduled game and may be running late.   No player shall be allowed to play without a valid player pass for the specific team playing.  No team shall be allowed to play unless all players are in uniform ready to play and have their valid player passes at the scheduled game time.    If the game is not played due to a lack of player passes, the game shall be forfeited and the forfeiting team will be fined according to the fine for an "imposed forfeit".

E.  After waiting 15 minutes past the scheduled game starting time or 20 minutes if 5 additional minutes have been requested  as stated above, the coach of the waiting team shall inform the referee that his/her team is leaving as the other team is late beyond the required waiting time and that his team  will take a forfeit against the late team.   The waiting coach must so inform the IWSL Business Office within three days of this development.  However, if the waiting team coach agrees to play the game even although the opponent team is late, there can be no protest based on lateness. 

F. Each team shall be coached by a coach  having an IWSL coach's pass for that specific team or a club "All Teams" pass.  If no coach with such coach's pass is present at the game, the game shall not be played and an "imposed forfeit" shall be declared in favor of the opponent team.  The fine and forfeit shall be as prescribed for "imposed forfeits".

G. Home team must have the field prepared and ready for play fifteen (15) minutes prior to scheduled game time, unless the field is being used, or on a rainy day, it may have to be re-marked. This includes proper lining, nets, goals, and corner flags. The home team is also responsible for providing certified assistant referees at all U13 thru U19 games.

H. CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING OF GAMES:

Each team is allowed to initiate change to two scheduled games per season (this includes a time change). Changes caused by any State Cup Scheduled game will be exempt. Game change forms for all rescheduled games must be submitted to the IWSL Business Office by the end of the fourth (4^th) week of the current season. (See items b and f below.)

[a. Changes must be submitted online via the "Game Change Request " available on the team's Team Page of our website.

[b. The request must be submitted to the IWSL at least 7 days prior to the date of the scheduled game, or make up game (whichever is earliest), by the team requesting the rescheduling of the game (not automatically the HOME team).

[c. The request must include the date the make-up game will be played and any other changes.

[d. Failure to submit the change request on time will result in a $75.00 fine and forfeit.

[e. The opposing coach will offer makeup dates for a rescheduling of the game. If the opposing coach refuses to agree to the change or cannot be contacted directly, the requesting coach should request assistance from the League Mediator. The team refusing to cooperate loses home field advantage.

[f. All rescheduled games must be played no later than the date of the last scheduled game of the season as set by the Board of Directors.

[g. A $75.00 fine will be assessed to the team responsible for the forfeit of any games not played.

[h. Two forfeits by a team will result in suspension of the coach for the next playing season. Reinstatement will be by choice of the Board of Directors.

[i. Should it occur  that a game cannot be played as scheduled due to inclement weather where the referee or the League declares the game unplayable, or the park district or club (where the club owns the field) will not allow playing on the field, these rules will not apply. Rescheduling of such games shall be arranged between the two coaches and the home team must notify the Referee Assignor of the make up date. If the referee cannot be notified prior to game time, the home team shall meet the referee at the field to inform him/her the game will not be played.

I. If a referee does not show up for a game, a substitute referee(s) must be used. Each team will provide one individual from each side to officiate the entire game together to the best of their ability. Both coaches must sign the line-up form prior to the game.

J. The referee will request the player and coaches passes at the beginning of the game and will return them to the coach at the end of the game.   Where red cards or coach send off occur, the passes of the involved player or coach will be sent to the IWSL the day after the game.

SECTION 1:  (A protest is the formal filing of a complaint seeking redress such as protesting the outcome of a game for any reason).    Protests shall be filed in writing and must be mailed to the IWSL Business Office, PO Box 68849, Schaumburg, IL  60168  within forty-eight (48) hours after the scheduled game along with paying any fine due and a $50.00 bond in order to be valid. The protest letter, the applicable fine, and the $50.00 bond must be sent together - NO EXCEPTIONS. A $50.00 cash bond shall be posted for each protest.

If the Trial and Appeals Board uphold the protest, the $50.00 bond will be returned and the fine reimbursed. If not upheld, the $50.00 bond will be considered forfeited and deposited to the IWSL bank account. If the check that was forwarded as payment for the fine is returned NSF, the protest will be considered null and void and the $50.00 bond deposited to the IWSL account

SECTION 2: Protests pertaining to the field, or the game and its administration, must be filed with the referee before the game unless the reason for the protest occurs during the game.  Examples follow:

1. Improper uniforms, no numbers on shirts.

2. Improper field size and markings: No penalty area or goal area and no penalty mark and semi-circle. No side or goal lines.  No center line or circle.   No corner flags.  No nets. Unusual holes or markings, or other conditions on the field which may be hazardous to the players.

3. Improper shoes. Metal showing, etc. (see equipment).

4. No official referee.

5. More than eighteen players in complete uniforms (shirt, socks, shorts, shoes).

6. Illegal substitution of players.  Switching uniforms during the course of the game.

7. Late game start. (More than 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time.)

8. No player passes for all players on the line-up sheet, unless it has been dealt with prior to the game with the Registrar and the Referee Assignor.

9. Suspended player or coach/manager actively participating in a game prior to reinstatement time.

10. One team’s reluctance to set a definite date for a make-up game.

11. Player(s), coach/manager, or fan(s) verbal abuse, heckling, or intoxication during the course of the game.

12. Substituting illegally.

In all protests, notify opposing coach/manager, captain(s), and referee, and sign the line-up sheet with the reason for the protest. The protest must be sent within forty eight (48) hours after the scheduled game time. NO EXCEPTIONS.

WORD OF ADVICE:

Referee decisions, right or wrong, are final if they pertain to the FIFA Laws of the Game, or as modified by the IWSL.  No protests are allowed for Red Cards and Yellow Cards for players or Red Cards (send off) and Yellow Cards (warning) for coaches.

Protests should be made with the following assumption and understanding in mind. The protest is filed for the good of soccer and not as a tool of revenge or for personal reasons. Such valid complaints should be sent in a letter form to the IWSL Business Office which will notify the Board of Directors who may decide to act on the matter.  It should not be used as a tool to replay a game or to try to win by a forfeit of a particular game or  for personal reasons.

SECTION 3: The Trial Board will decide if a protest is a valid one and will act accordingly. Their decision is a matter of public inspection by any member in good standing with this League.

SECTION 1: The function of the Trial and Appeals Board is to hear and rule on all protests, and any other matters that may be deemed as requiring a decision of the Board of Directors. The Board will be chaired by the Vice-President and contain two (2) members who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of this League.

SECTION 2: All matters presented to the Board, must be acted upon within twenty one (21) days after receiving written notification of a violation sent in to the Business Office in regards to any protests. Other matters shall be handled expeditiously allowing time for investigation, appointing a committee, and notifying parties.

The line of authority for an appeal shall be:

Youth Teams after paying the appropriate fee.

l. State Youth Association

2. National Appeals Committee

3. USSF Board of Directors

4. FIFA

Adult Teams after paying the appropriate fee.

1. ISSA

2. National Appeals Committee

3. USSF Executive Committee

4. USSF National Council

5. USSF Board of Directors

6. FIFA

No club or team shall be represented by an attorney unless he/she is a member of said club or team.

Neither the IWSL nor its Directors or Committee Members shall be sued by a club, team, or member of such until all proper soccer channels are exhausted by them.   If suit is brought, the party bringing the suit shall be responsible for and pay all defense costs incurred by the IWSL.

SECTION 4: All matters acted upon by the board are public record and may be inspected by any member in good standing with the League.

ARTICLE IX: TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Rules and guidelines for tournaments and out-of-league play (State Cup, Regionals, Nationals, Super League, etc) are as follows:

You must apply for a "Travel Permit" from the IYSA (Youth) or ISSA (adults) before you travel out of state or country.

Make arrangements to play regular scheduled league games  before traveling.   The make up date of the assigned game must be within fifteen (15) days from the original schedule if not played prior to the original  date.

Traveling teams will make up game at the discretion of the opposing team, within reason. Any traveling team that forfeits a League game to play outside of the League will be fined $75.00 plus put on probation for a period of no less than six(6) months, nor more than one (1) year. If said team(s) continues this practice, the penalty will double, with possible expulsion from the League.

NO TEAM CAN TRAVEL OUTSIDE ILLINOIS WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE IYSA (Youth) or ISSA (adults).

Preamble

1. We as coaches accept the IWSL has the right and obligation to establish, maintain, review, and revise standards for its members, including the critical role of coaches and their assistants.

2. As member coaches of the IWSL, we agree to abide by league standards, and we accept that our role in aiding to build physical values, emotional satisfaction, and character-building attributes among our players relies on the trust and confidence players, parents, and the public place in us. We accept it is our responsibility to be familiar with the rules of the game, the IWSL Constitution, Rules & Regulations, and guidelines, and it is our responsibility to see that all conduct by our team representatives adheres to these policies. Coaches who exhibit conduct that does not comply with the Code of Conduct standards have no place in the IWSL.

Purpose

1. The Code of Conduct exists to clarify and distinguish ethical, appropriate, and approved behavior from those practices that are detrimental to players, the game of soccer, or the IWSL.

2. A secondary purpose is to promote and advance soccer through the image of IWSL coaches and individual soccer programs.

Definitions

Suspension: Suspension means temporary removal of the privilege of participation in the sport of soccer in the capacity specified such as, but not limited to, player, coach, assistant coach, administrator, trainer, and/or spectator.  One under suspension shall not attend soccer related events including but not limited to games, practices, tryouts, and/or meetings.  Not attending means being out of sight and sound of the event.

Team: Team means at least the minimum number allowable, or more players, properly registered as a unit with the IWSL during a playing seasonal year. A team shall be limited to a total of five (5) transferred players per seasonal year. A transfer means the movement of a currently or previously rostered player onto another roster or of a player who returns to the original roster within the current seasonal year.

Playing Seasonal Year: Youth - - August 1 through July 31

                                             Adult -- January 1 through December 31

Registered Player: An individual whose name and signature appear on a team IWSL Registration Form and other registration documents properly completed and electronically filed with the IWSL or other programs through the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) or the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) for a current playing seasonal year.

Non-Registered Player: Any individual who has not previously registered with a USYSA or USSF program within the current seasonal playing year.

Coach: The individual whose name and signature appear on the roster submitted by an IWSL member.

Team Representative: Any person identified with a team, including but not limited to coach, assistant coach, club officer, manager, trainer, player, parent, and supporter.

First Registration Team (FRT): A team from which a registered player wishes to depart.

Second Registration Team (SRT): A team to which a registered player wishes to move.

Solicitation: Any and all encouragement, enticement, accommodation, or initial contact made which influences a registered player’s movement from any team to another.

Procedures

1. No coach or team representative (other than the player/parent individual wishing to switch teams) shall solicit a transfer during a playing seasonal year without having met the following guidelines.

2. NO SRT coach or team representative may solicit a registered player, discuss a transfer, or accept an individual to a team until 14 days after the SRT coach has notified the FRT coach and the IWSL registrar of the interest in soliciting a player or the expressed desires of the player. Certified-Return Receipt Requested mail will be the method of communication recognized by the IWSL for the purposes of notification.

Consistent with the purposes of the USYSA, the USSF, the Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA), and the IWSL, any registered player is bound to a team for the entire playing seasonal year unless she requests a transfer.

It is the coach’s responsibility to confirm that all transfers of out-of-state registered players conform with these guidelines.

Violations of the above mentioned guidelines may result in the following action(s):

A. Suspension of the player and/or team from IYSA state cup competition.

B. Suspension of the player and/or team from all IWSL, IYSA, ISSA, USYSA, and/or USSF tournaments.

C. Suspension of the player, coach, team representative, and/or team from all USYSA/USSF affiliated soccer activity.

D. Expulsion of the player, coach, or team representative.

E. Monetary fines assessed to the coach.

At the end of 14 days or at such time prior to that as the FRT coach informs the Registrar that the privilege is being waived, the player transfer process may begin and contact between SRT coach and/or team representative may be made with the registered player.

The Registrar is required to process all transfers in accordance with all accepted IWSL procedures through reasonable business practices, including designated days and hours and/or the U.S, Postal Service.

Transferring player(s) must return all equipment and uniform(s) belonging to her team and shall pay all incurred debts or dues to her team before being allowed to transfer.

GAME CONDUCT

1. A coach’s behavior must be such as to bring credit to soccer, the IWSL, the team, and individual.

2. Opposing coaches should meet prior to the game to exchange welcomes. It is mandatory that both teams and coaches participate in the post-game handshake. Sportsmanship and respect for the opposition must be obviously displayed regardless of the outcome of the game.

3. The IWSL insists that coaches restrict instructions from the sidelines from other than the Head Coach and one Assistant Coach. Coaches must be as inconspicuous as possible during a game, except in setting friendly and kind attitudes towards players, opponents, spectators, etc. Coaches, substitute players, team representatives, and spectators must be restricted to their respective areas.  Where possible, both teams should occupy the same side of the field with one team occupying either half of the field.  Parents/ spectators shall occupy the other side of the field on the half of the field directly across from the team with which they are associated.  The imaginary line that would be drawn by extending the halfway line shall separate teams and parents/spectators of opposite teams.  Teams and groups of parents should be at least ten yards apart.

4. Coaches should always maintain a controlled and undemonstrative attitude toward a game official - no game circumstances warrant departure from this attitude. It shall be considered a violation of these guidelines for any coach or team representative to engage in verbal dissent with a team representative of the opponent or to direct such remarks at a game official. Any physical contact between any team representative and a game official will be dealt with severely in accordance with IWSL rules.

5. Coaches shall use their influence to preempt conduct that would lead to unacceptable or unruly behavior or injury to a player or a game official. No conduct on the part of a spectator should ever interfere with or influence a game.

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

To ensure that ideals of fair play, sportsmanship, and character-building to which the IWSL has dedicated itself, the following are the penalties for the violations shown:

Violations: Penalties:

1. Violation: Coach/Manager receiving a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct:

Penalty: $25.00 fine and 60 day probation.

No protest of a yellow card (warning) is allowed.  The opinion of the referee is final.

2. Violation: Coach receiving a "Red Card" (send off):

Penalty: Automatic $300.00 fine and two (2) game suspension. If required, the offender shall meet with the Trial and Appeals Board and abide with their decision should the offense require any further action. Coaches’ passes will be held by the referee and sent in to the Business Manager by the referee. Being "sent off" means being suspended from the game and after the game.  Coach must leave the game field and surrounding area.  See definition of "Suspension".

No protest of a Red Card (send off) is allowed.  The opinion of the referee is final.

3. Violation: Coach receiving more than one (1) red card (send off) during the year.

Penalty: Suspended for the balance of the current season and fined $300.00. Further action may be taken by the Board of Directors.

No protest of a Red Card (send off) is allowed.  The opinion of the referee is final.

4. Violation: Player receiving a Red Card:

Penalty: Suspended from playing the balance of that game and the next IWSL seasonal game and possible action by the IWSL Board. A subsequent "Red Card" during the same seasonal year shall result in suspension from playing the balance of that game and the next two IWSL seasonal games and action by the IWSL Board. A red card shall not effect play in State Cup or other tournaments unless action of the IWSL Board so directs. Player passes will be held and sent in to the Business Manager by the referee and returned to the coach after the suspension is served.

Adults Only: In addition to the above, the team or club of a adult player incurring a red card shall be fined $50.00 for the first offense, and for the second offense $75.00 plus IWSL Board action.

No protest of a Red Card (send off) is allowed.  The opinion of the referee is final.

5. Violation:  Coaches removing their team from the field during a game so as to end or delay the game without permission of the referee (not the agreement of the opposing coach) shall be guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct and shall incur a "red card" (send off) whether or not issued by the referee on the spot. Coach means coach, assistant coach, and other person in charge of the team acting as the coach during a game.

Penalty: Same as other red cards (send offs) issued to coaches. Any subsequent removing of his/her team from a game whether during the same seasonal year, or another, shall result in a red card (send off) with immediate punishment and IWSL Board action.

6. Violation: Inaccurate player pass information.

7. Violation: Illegal use of Guest Player in an IWSL game.

8. Violation: Player playing in a game for a team to which she is not specifically rostered in the IWSL.  This includes players from other teams within the same club.  (This does not apply to a "Guest Player.")

9. Violation: Voluntary Forfeit. (Click here for definition)

10. Violation:   Imposed Forfeit: (Click here for definition)

Penalty: $75.00 fine. 1-0 win for the opposing team.

 

11. Violation: Failure to provide 2 certified linespersons for the teams U-13 through U-19 home games.

12. Violation: "No Game" Played   (Click here for definition)

13. Violation: Teams making changes to the schedule without following the rescheduling procedures of Article VI, Section F.

Penalty: $75.00 fine, and pay the referee fees if the League is not notified.

14. Violation:  Not attending League meetings.

Penalty: $25.00 fine. NOTE: A manager may miss one meeting a year without incurring a fine except for the semi-annual meetings, held in Spring and Fall. These are mandatory.

15. Violation: Persistent reluctance of one team to make up a game.

Penalty: Forfeit and $75.00 fine plus referee fees will not be refunded.

16. Violation: Registered player or team found playing in an unaffiliated game or tournament without prior permission and written notification to the Secretary.

Penalty: Automatically suspended from further play for the remainder of the playing year. Scheduled games shall be forfeited and the team shall incur a fine of $75.00.

17. Violation: Cautioned players, coaches, or fans.

Penalty: Recorded and listed for infractions as sent in by the referee to the IWSL Vice-President. The Vice-President shall keep said record. Three violations of the same nature by the same team will result in an automatic suspension and an immediate Trial and Appeals Board appearance (if deemed necessary by the President).

18. Returned check up to $499.00

Penalty: $25.00.

19. Returned check over $499.00:

Penalty. $50.00.

20. Violation: Team not having a coach with an IWSL coach's pass for that specific team or a club "All Teams" pass present at a game:

Penalty: "Imposed forfeit" declared in favor of the opponent team.  The game shall not be played and the fine and forfeit shall be as prescribed for "imposed forfeits."

21.  Violation: Team not paying its fines promptly. All fines must be paid within two weeks of being billed:

Penalty: Team will not be allowed to continue playing in the regular schedule until such time as all fines are paid. Teams will incur an imposed forfeit for games not played because of fines not paid.

All penalties are subject to additional action by either the IYSA or ISSA

FOR THE GOOD OF SOCCER

Unsportsmanlike conduct by either a player, a coach/manager, or a fan has no place in organized soccer. A coach/manager is responsible for the conduct of his/her team and spectators reasonably thought to support his/her  team. Abusive or foul verbal language, or fighting, or heckling by the player(s) or the fans towards either their own team or the opposing team or the referee, will be dealt with severely. Such actions may result in suspension of the offending individual by the Board of Directors. The minimum time for such a suspension shall be fourteen (14) days.

Alcoholic beverages and the use of illegal drugs prior to, during, or immediately following the end of the game by any player or coach of the League are strictly forbidden.

Teams are responsible for cleaning up after themselves after each game.

All League meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rule of Parliamentary Order. The President shall be the chairperson and shall preside at all meetings.

If two teams have the same color uniform and the conflict cannot be resolved, the home team must change.

This document is a guideline. All matters that may arise at the games and as the year proceeds should be settled at League meetings and put into history in the minutes of that meeting. This document is a reference guide, not the final work on any matter pertaining to the administration of this League.

In furthering good sportsmanship in our League, teams are asked to do the following:

Where possible, both teams should occupy the same side of the field and the parents/spectators of both teams should occupy the other side.  The home team shall occupy the area bound by an imaginary box (if none is marked) six feet by forty feet (Technical area) beginning five feet to the right of the midfield line and extending forty feet to the right.  The front of the technical area shall be three feet from the touch line.  The visiting team shall occupy a similar area to the left of the midfield line.  Parents/spectators of each team shall occupy the area directly across the field from the team with which they are associated and at least five feet left or right of the midfield line.

All team spectators are asked to recognize a three (3) foot line along the sideline, with only coach/manager and players inside this boundary. This being for the safety of the players and so the linesman and so the referee may see the sideline more clearly.

All spectators, players, coaches/managers are asked to keep the end lines clear at all times. Persons in this area have a tendency to distract the goal tender.