Law A        League

 ÝÝ Law A1ÝÝ By-laws

These rules exist in conjunction with the By-Laws of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The By-Laws may be Amended changed or deleted or have new language adopted by a majority of the teams in good standing. Any changes not written can be made by a majority of teams of good standing.

 ÝÝÝ Law A2ÝÝ Laws of the Game

All games under the jurisdiction of the League shall be conducted according to the rules and regulations recognized by the League. Playing Rules of the League shall be those adopted by the most recent USSF/FIFA rulebook except for those exceptions listed herein.

 ÝÝÝ Law A3ÝÝ Playing Season

The playing season of the League should start on May 1st, though that date is not a mandatory start for all teams, and end no later than the first weekend of August. Each team must start by mid-May. Each team in the League must play every team in its division home and away.Ý If the league has two Divisions, every team will play home and away in it's division and one game will be played with every team in the other division with half home and away games. The following year the teams will alternate home and away. Second division teams can play limited games within the league.

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 ÝÝÝ Law A4ÝÝ Playoffs

All Playoff Games shall be under the control and supervision of the League.

 ÝÝÝ Law A5ÝÝ Championships

The team that wins its Division is the Champion. If more than one Premier First Division exists, the League Champion will be the winner of the Championship Tournament, the structure of which the League Governing Board will determine at the beginning of each season. A team will not be considered for the Championship Tournament unless all league dues are current.

 ÝÝÝ Law A6ÝÝ Tie in Standings

In case of a tie in the Final League Standings the following tiebreaker will be used only when a playoff is not feasible.

1)      Goal difference between the two teams.

2)      Goals difference within the Division.

3)      Goal difference within the entire League.

4)      Most goals scored within League.

5)      Least goals scored against within League.

6)      Tiebreaker to be determined by a coin toss.

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 ÝÝÝ Law A7ÝÝ Game Balls

The home team must provide the referee with at least three (3) game balls prior to the kickoff. The referee will return all game balls to the home team upon completion of the game.

Every team must submit to the league what type of game balls they will be using by April 15th. The balls must be stamped FIFA match approved.

 ÝÝÝ Law A8ÝÝ Substitutions

Each team will be allowed to have a maximum of 20 players on the Game Day Roster from the unlimited Team Roster. A substitute can be used at anytime throughout the duration of the game, at any dead-ball situation and multiple entries is allowed.

 ÝÝÝ Law A9ÝÝ Game Tied After 90 Minutes of Regulation Play

ÝIn the event of a tie after 90 minutes, the game ends in a tie with each team receiving one (1) point.

 ÝÝÝ Law A10ÝÝ WPSL Point System

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Win in Regulation TimeÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 3 points
ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Game ends in a TieÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 1 point
ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ LossÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 0 points
        Forfeit                                         -3 points

 ÝÝÝ Law A11ÝÝ League and Division Structure

Premier First Division will be comparable to the best amateur teams in the world.

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 ÝÝÝ Law A11.1ÝÝ Regional Flexibility

Regions outside of the west, as defined by USASA, may determine their regions:

1.Ý Schedule deadlines

2.Ý Conference calls/meetings

3.Ý Financial arrangements

However, if any of the decisions will affect the entire league financially or otherwise, the entire league must take part in the decision making process.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law A12 League Schedule

The schedule is the ultimate responsibility of the Governing Board. The league schedule, once issued by the league office, shall not be changed without the consent of the League Governing Board.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law A13ÝÝ Cancellations

The cancellation procedure is as follows:

No game may be canceled prior to the scheduled date unless both teams and the League Governing Board agree.Ý If a stadium is closed (due to "acts of God" or circumstances beyond control) the league must receive notice in writing, a statement of closure from the facility owner immediately after closure. The League Governing Board shall determine the policy of rainouts and all other cancellations including games in progress.

The League Governing Board will determine on a case-by-case basis whether or not a game is considered a cancellation or a forfeit.

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 ÝÝÝÝ Law A14ÝÝ No Shows/Forfeit

A No-show is when a team willfully does not appear at a game without a specific agreement approved by the Executive Board. The penalties for a No-show are as follows:

1)   A 3-0 loss, a 3-point deduction from their standings and a League fine of $250.00.

2)    Compensation to opponent of $2500.00. Opponent may seek no additional compensation.

3)    All fines and fees must be paid within 7 days. If fines and fees are not paid within 7 days, the League Governing Board will cash the team's letter of credit, bond, or cash deposit to satisfy the financial compensation to the opponent.

4)      A club will be expelled from the league if it accumulates two No-shows within one season.

A team unable to attend a scheduled game because of an accident, weather or Act of God should immediately notify the opponent and the league office. The League Governing Board will review each situation and a decision rendered. Consideration may be given by the League Governing Board in situations where the opponent has been given at least five days notice of an impending No-show. The League Governing Board may also give consideration if an opponent shows up with at least seven players prepared to play and the team has given the opponent and League office advanced notice of this situation.

  Law A14.1   Non Performance of Home Team

In the event the visiting team is present at the venue and the home team is unable to provide a venue or fails to show up at the scheduled venue and time, all sanctions in Law A14 apply, except for compensation, which will be, the greater of $1000.00 or actual travel costs incurred by the road team for that particular game. This law does not apply if a facility owner, due to weather or an Act of God, closes a stadium.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law A15ÝÝ Quarters

Teams shall play quarters as opposed to halves when the weather is over 100 degrees or when heat requires it for safety reasons.  This should be decided before the game begins.  The players should not leave the field.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law A16ÝÝ Provisional Teams

Provisional teams will not be guaranteed any games during their provisional season.

Provisional games do not count in the standings.

It will be up to the Executive Board to decide how long a provisional team may remain a provisional team.

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Law BÝÝÝÝ Team

 ÝÝÝÝ Law B1ÝÝÝ Operation Fees

The operations fee is a league maintenance fee and is due at the annual general meeting . The operations fee will be decided upon prior to the annual general meeting. Should a team be 60 days past due on payment of the operations fee then the League may cash in the Performance Guarantee.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law B2ÝÝÝ Other Fees

Each team is responsible for league fees including but not limited to:

1. USSF/USASA
2. Liability/Medical Insurance Fees
3. Player Registration
4. Media Guide
5. Game Day Programs
6. Referee Fees
7. Travel Expenses

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 ÝÝÝÝ Law B3ÝÝÝÝ Roster

There is no limit to the number of players listed on the team roster at any given time.

All registered players must be listed on the team's roster web page. Teams will have until Friday noon to update their roster for the upcoming weekend games.

A maximum of 20 players may dress for games (this is the game day roster).

As a courtesy, the visiting team shall submit a proposed roster to the home team by noon Friday. The home team will produce a game day publication including both team rosters at all league games.

The Director of Operations will decide on whether or not to allow player loans. Only players that are not considered starters may be loaned.

Rosters will be frozen two weeks before the Championship Tournament..

 ÝÝÝÝ Law B4ÝÝÝ Conduct & Appearance of Team Bench Personnel

Professional conduct and attire is required of all personnel on the team bench. Abusive language will not be tolerated. Minimum dress code will include polo shirt, dress shorts and shoes.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law B5ÝÝÝÝÝ Bench Requirements

Absolutely no one but players on the Team Roster, Coaches, Managers and Medical Staff will be permitted in the bench area.

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 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law B6ÝÝÝ Game Day Reports

Prior to the start of the game, a team representative shall provide the referee with a WPSL Game Form listing the registered players participating in the game. Referees shall report to the league the results of the game, the goal(s) scorer(s), the time of the goal(s), assists and list any cards which may have been issued- any violations of rules and regulations by either team or their team officials must be included, and shall be given to a team representative from both teams. The referees will also be required to fill out the referee information form located on the backside of the Game Report for each game indicating whether they have been paid and how they were paid. The home team is responsible for submitting this information to the league.

The home team must fax both sides of the Game Report to the designated office by noon of the following Monday. Failure to furnish the League Office with this information by the stated time can result in loss of points in the standings.

The home team shall assign a person to sit with the 4th official and assist with the game report. Game Reports need to be checked by both teams and signed AFTER the game. By signing the Game Report the team agrees that it is correct.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Law B7ÝÝÝ Disbanding

In the event a team, by disbanding or for any other reason, withdraws from the league without finishing its scheduled games the following regulations will take effect: 

1)      If at least half of the full schedule of games has been played, all resulting scores shall stand as validated by the League.

2)      The remaining un-played games shall be credited to the opponents, as scheduled with the score of 1-0.

3)      If less than one-half of the full schedule of games has been played, the resulting scores of the games played shall be canceled.

4)      If a team is suspended or expelled, players can be transferred by filling out a Transfer Form (see section 10) and paying a $5 transfer fee.

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ÝÝÝ ÝÝÝÝLaw B8ÝÝÝÝ Risk

Each player or team official shall assume all risks, responsibilities and liabilities for loss, damage, injury or death to him/herself while using property and facilities of the WPSL and whether such loss, damage, injury or death be occasioned by the team or by the league, its officers, agents or otherwise. See Form in Section 10.

ÝÝ Law B9ÝÝ Indemnification

Each team shall provide the league with a suitable indemnification agreement to hold the league, member teams, league officers, employees and agents harmless against all claims, action, liability or demands of whatever nature which my be commenced by any person or connection with the member's agreement to become a member of the league and league's acceptance of such member. Each player coach, trainer and team personnel will sign an acknowledgment of a hold harmless clause.

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Law CÝÝÝÝ Players

 ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Law C1ÝÝ Amateur and Professional

An amateur player is any person other than a professional player.
A professional player is a person who currently receives payment for playing soccer and/or who signs a professional form of the United States Soccer Federation. A WUSA player cannot be paid to play in the WPSL.
A player may not receive and retain any remuneration for playing except expenses directly related to a game or games that have actually been incurred by the player. A professional player can play in the WPSL with proper clearance (professional reinstated playing as an amateur) but as the case with all players may not receive compensation to play.

 ÝÝ Law C2ÝÝ Foreign Player Status

Any player coming from clubs outside the United States must obtain proper international clearance with applicable rules of the USSF and FDFA being complied with before they can register the player.

 ÝÝ Law C3Ý ÝÝÝÝ Participation

Players may participate in any competition under the jurisdiction of the League provided that they are duly registered in accordance with the regulations contained herein. No player shall be allowed to participate in any League Game without a WPSL, USSF/USASA player pass.

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ÝÝÝ Law C4Ý ÝÝÝÝ Registration

An eligible player is one properly registered with the League and the USSF/USASA, and not under suspension. A youth player, (that is one who has not attained the age of eighteen prior to August 1 of the current year) registered as such with the USSF on a junior team, will be permitted to play after having obtained the appropriate permission, eligibility clearance, etc., as required by the State Youth Association.Ý Valid registration for players will be from September 1 of the current year through August 31of the following year.

 ÝÝÝ Law C5ÝÝ ÝÝ Player Pass

Every player must have a current WPSL, USSF/USASA player pass. WPSL, USSF/USASA player passes shall be presented to the referee prior to the game. If no pass is presented, player(s) must show some proof of identification (with picture), and the game may be played under protest, subject to verification.

ÝÝÝÝ Law C5.1 Registrar

The Director of Operations shall be the League Registrar and maintain records of all players and teams participating under the sanction of the WPSL. The Registrar shall report to the USASA and USSF such portions of that record by the rules of USASA and USSF. The Registrar shall determine the eligibility of players and teams.

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ÝÝÝÝ Law C5.2 Player Registration

The purpose of player registration is to limit access to participation in sanctioned games of soccer to those who show respect for and abide by the laws of the game and the rules of the WPSL. Therefore no player may participate in a sanctioned competition without a valid player registration card in his or her possession. The WPSL shall make rules and establish procedures and fees for issuance of player registration cards. No person can be denied issuance of a player registration card on the bases of race, color, age, creed or national origin. Player registration cards remain the property of the WPSL and must be surrendered upon request under the rules of competition of the WPSL.Ý At the minimum, the player registration form must include the player date of birth, full name, signature, ID number, address, and phone number. The player registration card must indicate the date of birth and the full name of the individual. It must also have a current photo, signature and ID number.

 ÝÝÝ Law C6ÝÝÝÝÝ Illegal Player

An illegal player is a player not properly registered with the League and/or the USSF/USASA and does not appear on the Team Roster. A team using an illegal player shall forfeit 3-0 all games illegal player(s) plays in and will lose 3 points per illegal player per game.

 ÝÝÝ Law C7 ÝÝÝÝ Restrictions

A player registered with the League as a member of one team shall not play for any other team within the same Division of the League.

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 ÝÝÝÝ Law C8ÝÝÝÝ Transfer and Releases

During the official playing season, a player shall not sign for another team within the Division of the League until the team's current managing director of record properly releases her from her former team. No team shall approach a player who is registered with another team within the Division without the consent of her team. A player desiring her release shall apply to her team and according to USASA rules must be released if she has met all the conditions set forth here. In the event that she is refused, she may bring the matter to the attention of the League with reasons stated. Any player withholding property of the team of which she was last a member of shall not be eligible for release or transfer.

1)      The Player - Player may terminate (this Contract) after meeting the above conditions.

2)      The Team - Team may terminate the Player Contract at anytime for any reason, including but not limited to, player's performance and violation of team rules, upon written notice to player. Upon such termination all of the rights obligations of team and player here under shall terminate, provided that team actions are in accordance with the Player Contract.

3)      Any team contacted by a player must inform the player to contact her own team and ask to be released or transferred. Also the team contacted shall notify the manager of the player's team.

*To transfer a player: A Transfer Form (see Section 10) must be filled out and signed by the appropriate persons, a $5 processing fee made out to the WPSL must be paid and the form must be received and signed by the League Registrar before the player will be allowed to play.

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 ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Law C9ÝÝ Insurance

USASA provides each amateur clubís registered players secondary player medical insurance and team liability.

ÝÝÝÝÝ Law C10ÝÝ Risks

Each player shall assume all risks, responsibilities and liabilities for loss, damage, injury or death to herself while engaged as a player for a team or a representative team of the League. It is the player's responsibility to have a primary health care plan.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law C11Ý All-Star Team

The most valuable player, most valuable goalkeeper, and top point scorer, will be automatic members of the All-Star Team. Each team may nominate one player for the 1^st All-Star Team and one player for the 2^nd All-Star Team. There will also be an All-Star Team for each Region.

Regular season statistics will not be affected or enhanced by the playoffs. The playoff and season statistics will be separate.

 ÝÝÝ Law C12ÝÝÝ Most Valuable Player and Goalkeeper

The championship team will first make the most valuable player, and goalkeeper nominations. Other teams may nominate other players.

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Law DÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ RefereesÝÝÝ

ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D1ÝÝ Ý Registration

Only currently registered USSF or FIFA referees shall officiate league-scheduled games. Referees will be National level and assistant referees will be State level. Once a year the League may designate a USASA referee coordinator.

 ÝÝÝÝ Law D2ÝÝÝÝ Game

The referee shall be the sole judge of all matters pertaining to the game. All USSF Law applies except were WPSL modifications have been accepted by the USSF.

 ÝÝÝ ÝLaw D3ÝÝÝÝ Field Inspection

Before the commencement of each game, the referee shall inspect the playing field and if its conditions render the field unsafe for the players, he/she shall call the game off, notifying the two competing teams of his decision.

 Ý ÝÝÝÝLaw D4ÝÝÝ Fee

The fee for refereeing service is set by the WPSL. The WPSL is not responsible for travel cost incurred by referees unless expressly approved by the WPSL in writing. Travel must be over 50 miles one way to be considered for reimbursement. Referees will be paid by the home team at the end of the game provided the referees fill out and sign the referee information form on the back of the Game Report. Referees are asked to notify the Director of Operations immediately if they do not receive payment at the end of the game.

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 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D5ÝÝÝ Fee Disbursement

The referees shall be entitled to the fee when:

1)   They arrive at the field at the proper time (minimum 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the game) and they perform assigned services.

2)   They arrive at the field at the proper time and the game has been canceled without proper notification.

3.)Ý Either of the competing teams fails to appear for the scheduled game.

4.)Ý The game has started but for some reason it is not brought to completion.

5.)Ý They travel to the field and do not officiate the game due to an error of the league,

6.)Ý Only 50% of the total referee fees will be paid in the event of a rain-out or any other weather related issue.

Ý7.)Ý They complete the required Game Report as instructed (including goals, assists and time of goals) and return a copy to both teams.

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 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D6ÝÝÝ Assistant

Two (2) official assistant referees must be assigned in every game. In the event they are not available, each competing team must furnish a qualified team assistant referee.

 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D7ÝÝÝ Team Assistant

A team assistant referee shall receive specific instructions from the referee and shall make every effort to assist the referee to the best of their ability.

 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D8ÝÝÝ Team Assistant Responsibilities

In no way shall the team assistant referee interfere with the officiating of the game.

 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D9ÝÝÝ No Show

If Referees do not show up, you may use substitute referees if both teams agree.

 ÝÝÝÝÝ Law D10Ý WPSL Rules

Before each game the referee will be provided with rule sheet with specific to the WPSL.(See Addendum D12)

 ÝÝÝÝ Law D11ÝÝ Referee Suspension

If both teams agree, a referee may be discouragedÝ from any future WPSL games for whatever reason the teams deem proper.

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Law EÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Discipline

 ÝÝÝÝ Law E1ÝÝÝÝÝ Executive Board

The Executive Board shall have the authority to suspend, fine or disqualify any official(s), player(s) or competing team(s), who may be proven guilty of breaching any Laws of the League or for any action or conduct not in the best interest of soccer or the WPSL.

 ÝÝÝ Law E2ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Cautions

Cautions shall include, but not limited to:
Retaliation, unsporting conduct, dissent to a referee, encroachment, entering or leaving the field of play without permission, persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game, etc.

 ÝÝÝ Law E3ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Ejections

Players, coaches, managers or team bench personnel issued a red card or two violent yellow cards will incur a mandatory minimum of a one game suspension, which must be served in the next scheduled league game, unless it is the last game of the season. Ejections shall include, but not limited to: violent conduct, foul and abusive language, persistent misconduct after a caution, etc.

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 ÝÝÝ Law E4ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Serving Ejections

Any ejection will incur a minimum of a one game suspension, which must be served in the next scheduled league game. However, if the player is still on an overnight trip when issued the suspension, the player may play the next scheduled league game and serve the suspension the following weekend.

 The official Game Report shall be reviewed by the League to determine the duration of all suspensions due to ejection. Any violent act directed against the referee(s) will be an automatic suspension from all league play for the remainder of the season. Teams may appeal to the Director of Operations before the next scheduled league game. If the team loses the appeal, they will be required to pay a $200 fine to the league.

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 Law FÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Facilities

 ÝÝÝ Law FlÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ Playing Field

The home team shall be responsible for keeping its field in playing condition and it shall be responsible for visible, correct and complete markings of the playing field.

 ÝÝÝ Law F2ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Nets and Corner Flags

Goal nets and comer flags (not less than 5 feet high), shall be used for all games.

 ÝÝÝ Law F3ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Benches

Home team must provide home and visitor benches large enough to accommodate 10 persons per team.

 ÝÝÝ Law F4ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Referee Provisions

Home team must provide a table and water for referees at midfield.

 ÝÝÝ Law F5ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Water & Ice

There must be water and ice supplied for the visiting team.

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 ÝÝÝ Law F6ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Back-Up Field

All teams will work towards having a back-up field in case of the unforeseen chance the regular field is not useable (Act of God, Rain, Field Owner cancellation, etc.). A back-up field may be used unless an immediate mutually agreed upon time and place is scheduled. There will be considerations given to back up fields not meeting the Laws of the WPSL and Minimum Standards.

 ÝÝÝ Law F7ÝÝÝÝÝÝ Fans

Fans may be 7 yards from behind the net. However, the referee may remove the fans if there is unruly behavior.