In the interest of attempting to make the CYSA Constitution and Bylaws more user-friendly, we have added references to Policy Interpretation Memoranda's (PIM's).  The references are for convenience only and do not constitute an amendment to or modification of the document.  The cross-referencing of a PIM to a portion of the document does not mean that it is the only part of the document to which the PIM applies. Similarly, the fact that a PIM is not cross-referenced to a section does not mean that it does not apply to that section.

Click on the PIM below for more information

New/Updated Policy Interpretation Memoranda (PIMs)

• Updated/New: 10-1 REGISTRATION (Rev. 07/2010) Section 5 b. i.; Section 6 a. & b. (Rev. 08/2010)
  
• New: 10-2 GAME TIMES AND BALL SPECIFICATIONS (OUTDOOR ONLY)
• New: 10-3 RULES OF PLAY
• New: 10-4 SEND OFF PROCEDURE
• Updated: PIM 81-2 (Rev. 06/2010) TRAVEL OUT OF STATE / OUT OF UNITED STATES
• Updated: PIM 98-1 (Rev. 06/2010) UNIFORM/EQUIPMENT POLICY FOR STATE EVENTS
• Updated: PIM 09-3 (Rev. 08/2010) GUEST PLAYER POLICY
  

PIM 76-1 (Rev. 09/1990) TEAMS PLAYING IN MORE THAN ONE LEAGUE

A team is registered with only one league but may play in more than one league at the same time or different times during the season.

It is necessary, however, that the home league concurs with the team's request to play in more than the home league. Permission must be obtained from the league of registration in order for the team to play in another league. The non-home league should check with the league of registration for concurrence. The non-home league may charge an administration fee to the outside teams if they feel it is needed.

Inter-District league play may be held with written agreement of both District Commissioners involved.

PIM 76-2 (Rev. 09/1990) TRAVEL OUT OF DISTRICT

Teams that travel out of their District to play "friendly" games must notify their District Commissioner of their intent. The District Commissioner will coordinate with the other District Commissioners. This policy must be followed in order for the insurance coverage, both medical and liability, to be in effect for the team.

The insurance company will cover any event that is considered a sanctioned event. The notification of the planned trip is necessary for the event to be considered sanctioned.

PIM 77-5 (Rev. 04/1996) DISTRICT REGISTRARS

The signature of a District Registrar will be accepted in the place of the District Commissioner on those registration materials delegated by that District Commissioner. These signed documents will be considered legal for all state competition.

This policy is based on the grounds that the District Registrar is an extension of the District Commissioner in the area of registration.

PIM 78-1 (Rev. 05/2009) DEFINITION OF TERMS

PIM 78-3 TEAMS PLAYING LEAGUE PLAY OUT OF THEIR DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE

Teams that wish to play in a league that is not in the district for any reason must obtain permission from their natural (normal) home league of residence.

The request should be in writing with the reasons so stated. If the league approves the request, it would then be forwarded to the out of District league for an answer. Upon approval the District Commissioner must be notified to clear the request between Districts and/or District Commissioners.

PIM 78-4 (Rev. 11/2006) PRACTICE BETWEEN YOUTH TEAMS AND SENIOR TEAMS

Practice games between CYSA youth teams and any adult (senior) team including teams registered with the California Soccer Association North, Women's Premier Soccer League, National Premier Soccer League, Premier Development League, United Soccer League Super 20s or any other affiliated adult Organization may not be sanctioned by the District Commissioner. The term "adult" is interchangeable with the term "senior" and includes ANY college teams or unregistered adult teams. If a CYSA youth team does play against an adult (senior) team, the league/coach and/or manager are assuming full responsibility, including legal liability, for any injuries or other ramifications that may occur through the playing of the game.

PIM 79-2 (Rev. 09/1990) SUB-DISTRICT WITHIN A DISTRICT

A district Commissioner may, with Board approval, sub-district his/her District and appoint a sub-commissioner. This appointment should be to improve communications between existing leagues and CYSA programs and to facilitate affiliation of new areas into CYSA.

The assistant will work under and be directly responsible to the District Commissioner. Any financial support would be subsidized by the district if needed. The assistant would not be a CYSA Board member but would be a District Board member. The job would include being the communication link between the District Commissioner and the sub-area, going into and developing new areas for affiliation, attending sub-area league meetings upon request for the purpose of explaining CYSA and District rules, procedures and programs.

PIM 79-3 (Rev. 04/1996) DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BOARD

Formation Authority - A District Commissioner may create a representative panel comprised of league representatives and appointed District staff personnel to assist in the administration of the assigned district area under his/her leadership.

Purpose - To streamline administration and improve communication between the State and the Leagues through an avenue that expedites the dissemination of all information in a timely manner. To assist in the development of soccer in established areas. To provide a direct and local communication avenue for the Leagues to the state on matters of their interest and concern and to share information and problems.

Responsibility - May create programs for the benefit of the District. Has jurisdiction over programs that are instituted within the District by the District Administrative Board) premier Leagues, special events, ODP) to coordinate CYSA related programs. Determine the use of the District's budget for District's use. May act as an arbitrator on matters involving two or more Leagues within the District. Assist in the development of new areas and create programs for a total soccer concept within the District boundaries for those that wish to participate in the programs developed.

Who Makes Up The District Administration Board - The District Commissioner; the assistant(s) along with staff appointed by the District Commissioner for registration purposes, (District Registrar); coaching and referee programs (District Referee and Coaching Coordinators); league designated representatives and other staff as needed

All Leagues within the District are entitled to have a League representative in attendance at all meetings of the administration and should be encouraged to do so for growth and communication purposes. It also helps in the development of an understanding of the various problems within the District and Leagues.

In affiliated soccer, the hosting administrations are responsible for teams visiting in their area. Because of the increasing number of teams traveling in the states and from other countries and vice versa, notification of approval from the home organization is being required.

Any team desiring to travel outside the jurisdiction of this Association must submit a properly completed US Youth Soccer "Application for Travel" form and "CYSA Official Travel Roster" form. No travel shall be allowed until the US Youth Soccer "Application for Travel" and "CYSA Official Travel Roster" have been processed by the CYSA office.

To travel within the United States, a copy of the approved request will be forwarded to the state association that will host the team. For travel outside of the United States, it is necessary that the request form be sent to US Youth Soccer for approval, which will then be forwarded to the country of choice.

Please allow enough time for these processes. Any team applying to play within the United States must submit their application to the CYSA office at least 30 days prior to the date of the game. Requests for games out of the United States are to be submitted to the CYSA office at least 90 days prior to the date of the game.

PIM 83-2 HOST LEAGUES

Whenever two or more leagues enter teams in a combined schedule of play, one of these leagues shall be designated as the Host League, and shall be responsible for rules, schedules, protests, appeals and discipline, etc. The League may designate a separate committee, which may include members of the participating League(s), to administer the combined League.

PIM 88-3 (Rev. 04/2003) SHIN GUARDS

All players must wear shin guards in any CYSA sanctioned event.

1. Shin guards shall be worn properly in order to provide adequate and reasonable protection to the shin.
2. Shin guards shall be professionally manufactured, age/size appropriate and unaltered.

Referees will not allow players who are not wearing shin guards to play if item 1 and item 2 are not in accordance with this PIM.

Purpose of a District Playing League - To develop, promote and administer a method of providing inter-league competition for boys and girls teams, U19 and below.

Definition of a District Playing League - A District Playing League is a League formed within a District for the purpose of providing a playing season for teams representing different affiliated Leagues from within the District. District Playing Leagues normally provide competition for Division I teams but, when demographic considerations warrant, may be used to provide competition for Division III and IV teams from various Leagues within the District.

Affiliated teams representing Leagues from another District may participate in a District Playing League if approved by the Commissioners from both Districts.

Leagues of residence are responsible for the proper registration of the players on the teams that represent them.

Formation Authority - The Commissioner of the District, in which the District Playing League is formed, is responsible for the management of the Playing League.

The District Commissioner may create a committee to assist in managing the District Playing League with the individual heading the committee chosen in accordance with rules governing appointments in the District. Each League supplying teams from the Playing League will be represented on the committee that governs the District Playing League.

PIM 90-1 (Rev. 11/2006) YOUTH PLAYING SENIOR

In order to maintain his or her eligibility, a youth player must have a properly completed form 1612 (Youth to Provisional Senior Player) approved and on file with CYSA prior to registering with the adult amateur organization and/or senior team. A separate form is required for each adult organization with which the youth player registers. A form must be completed for each season of registration.

PIM 90-3 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION

Team Manuals - CYSA Team Manuals are paid for by the membership and are therefore the property of the teams. No one has the right to withhold these kits from properly registered teams. These must be dispensed immediately upon the receipt of a CYSA team registration form.

League Bulletin - Contents of the League Bulletins MUST be reiterated to the membership. The information within these bulletins is meant for League Boards, not just the recipient.

General - Any information or publication disseminated from CYSA to the general membership must be passed on in a timely manner.

It is the League's responsibility to disseminate all information to the membership. Failure to do so may place your League in violation of the CYSA Constitution.

PIM 91-1 SUBMISSION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS

The CYSA Committee Reports will be made in writing, within thirty (30) days of scheduled committee meetings. Report will include alternative ideas of respective members. These reports will be disseminated to the Board of Directors and Committee members.

PIM 91-2 NOTIFICATION OF ALL MEETINGS OF THIS ASSOCIATION

Notification of all meetings of this Association, with the exception of emergency business, will have a minimum of fourteen (14) days notice of scheduled meeting.

PIM 93-1 LEAGUE AFFILIATIONS

All League Affiliations and appropriate fees must be in the CYSA office by March 1 deadline. Penalties for failure to meet the deadline as stated are as follows:

Not in by March 1: $50.00 fine

Not in by April 1: $100.00 fine

League to be put on probation for the following year.

PIM 94-1 TRAVEL PAPERS

All teams traveling out of state are required to pay a $10.00 processing fee with respect to their travel papers, effective June 1, 1994.

PIM 95-1 FILL-IN TEAMS

"Fill-In" teams may be used in CYSA sanctioned tournaments to complete a bracket if a tournament is short of proper entrants.

1.       A "Fill-In" team is comprised of at least one properly credentialed coach and up to 18 properly registered players from within any single CYSA District.

2.       "Fill-In" teams are only used as a last resort and must be qualified to play in the age group and gender classification of the tournament. To fill a vacancy, officially rejected teams must be given first right of refusal before a fill-in team is used.

3.       "Fill-In" teams are charged no tournament fee and play for no scores or standings and therefore their members do not lose their eligibility for future tournament, League or Cup play.

4.       "Fill-In" teams must notify their District Commissioner prior to their participation in the tournament.

The equipment for teams and players, including teams banners, flags, uniforms, warm-ups, and team and player equipment bags, in all State Cup, Association Cup, Founders' Cup, Presidents Cup and CYSA - Cal Soccer League games shall only have those markings that are consistent with the purpose of this Association. Logos, trademarks, emblems, or any other insignia expressing, promoting, or otherwise symbolizing alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances (drugs) are specifically prohibited. It is recommended that the leagues adopt this policy for all other play.

PIM 01-1 (Rev. 02/2006) OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COACHES, TRAINERS, AND STATE ADMINISTRATORS

Any coach, assistant coach or trainer who is assigned to coach, train or is affiliated with the District, State, Regional or National Olympic Development Program (ODP), may not coach, assistant coach, or train at the team level any player that they work or worked with on an ODP team unless that player would have played for that team by virtue of the player's residence. Further, an approved ODP coach, assistant coach, or trainer may not coach or train any District or State ODP team of the same gender that the coach, assistant coach, or trainer may coach or train on the Club or League level.  Any exception must be approved by the State Director of Coaching.

PIM 02-1 (Rev. 11/2002) PARTICIPATION IN CYSA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS AND EVENTS

Except for tournaments approved by the CYSA Board of Directors for international status, no team shall be eligible to participate in any CYSA sanctioned tournament or event unless every player, coach, and administrator or team official of the team is registered with a state association affiliated with US Youth Soccer or if not so registered first registers with CYSA and complies with all of the regular registration requirements and applicable rules of CYSA.

PIM 02-2 (Rev. 05/2003) UNAUTHORIZED USE OF CYSA AND AFFILIATES PROPRIETARY RIGHTS AND PROPERTY

1. Unauthorized Use of CYSA and Affiliate Rights and Property

1.       Every person has the legal right to travel for any legal purpose they want and to participate in any legal activity they choose, including attending events of other soccer organizations that are not sanctioned or approved by CYSA. No person, group, or entity, however, has any right to:

a.      without authorization of the owner to take for that person, group, or entity's own use the rights and property of others, including those of CYSA and its affiliates, for any purpose at all, including attending events not sanctioned or approved by CYSA or

b.      misrepresent or fail to disclose information so that others are misled.

2.       Participation of any kind including travel to and from events and participation in events not sanctioned by CYSA without the prior approval of CYSA is entirely the responsibility of those electing to so participate, and not that of CYSA. Any recourse or remedies persons or groups electing to so participate may claim or seek must be sought from the organizations, groups, or persons sanctioning, authorizing, or sponsoring the events and participation, and not from CYSA.

3.       No league official, team official, coach or others shall by affirmative misrepresentation or by the failure to disclose material facts to parents and players mislead them into believing that travel to or participation in events not sanctioned by CYSA is authorized or approved by CYSA or that they have any of the protections afforded by association or affiliation with CYSA.

4.       No coach, players, team official, administrator, or team shall use without CYSA's authorization any CYSA logo, trade mark, trade name, or other propriety or property right of CYSA, or any resources or funds or the proceeds, financial or in kind, including insurance, or funds obtained as a result of affiliation with CYSA for any purpose not authorized by CYSA, including travel to or participation in events not sanctioned or approved by CYSA.

5.       Any violation of this PIM will subject the person, group, or entity violating it to disciplinary action and any other action CYSA deems necessary and appropriate to safeguard the proprietary and other rights of CYSA and its affiliates.

2. Attempts to Circumvent or Abuse CYSA Rules, Procedures, or Benefits:

1.       No affiliated league, coach, team official, or administrator shall directly or indirectly do any of the following or attempt to do any of the following or permit any coach, team official, or administrator to:

a.      Use any league resources of any kind (including clubs within leagues) acquired or obtained as a result of affiliation or association with CYSA in any respect in connection with participation in any organization or event not sanctioned by CYSA without, before such use, full disclosure to the league and to each of the parents of players involved that the organization or event is not sanctioned by CYSA.

b.      Use any facility or field of any kind for which CYSA or its insurer has issued a Certificate of Insurance for any purpose not sanctioned by CYSA without full disclosure to the owner or other person or entity granting the right to use such facility or field that the use is not sanctioned by CYSA or that CYSA insurance and other protections are not in effect for such use.

c.       Use or display without CYSA's prior authorization any CYSA logo, trade mark, trade name, or otherwise infringe any other proprietary right of CYSA.

d.      Allow any person or entity to believe or be led to believe either through affirmative misrepresentation or by failure to disclose material facts that the league, team, player, coach, team official, and/or administrator's participation in any kind, including but not limited to tournaments, practices, and games, not sanctioned by CYSA is in any way connected, associated, or affiliated with CYSA.

1.       Each coach, team official, administrator, and league involved in the participation of any CYSA registered player, group of players, or team in any event not sanctioned by CYSA has an affirmative duty and obligation to fully disclose to the players and the league that such participation not sanctioned by CYSA and that none of the benefits of affiliation with CYSA, including by not limited to insurance coverage, are available or applicable.

e.      Use or employ any CYSA process or procedures to mislead, deceive or defraud any person into believing any action, activity, or event not sanctioned, authorized, or approved by CYSA is sanctioned, authorized or approved by CYSA.

2.       Any violation of this PIM will, in addition to all other rights and remedies available at law, subject the person, group, or entity violating it to disciplinary action and to any other action CYSA deems necessary and appropriate to safeguard the proprietary and other rights of CYSA and its affiliates.

PIM 03-2 REQUIRED SOCCER PROGRAMS TO BE OFFERED BY EACH LEAGUE

All Leagues must offer a Recreational program and may offer a Competitive program if there are enough interested players and other resources. Recreational consists of Division 4 and Division 3 teams as defined in the CYSA Tournament Classifications & Definitions.  In order to have a Competitive team, or teams, there must be at least one team of the same age and gender in the Recreational Group. Exceptions can be made with CYSA Board approval. Leagues may have as many Recreational teams as they can manage without a corresponding number of Competitive teams. Since CYSA is predominately Recreational based, it is expected that every league will in good faith develop Recreational programs. Leagues found not to be in compliance, will have three years in which to meet these requirements. If not in compliance, the League's continued affiliation will be reviewed and could be revoked.

PIM 04-1 PLAYER EQUIPMENT

All players, parents, coaches, and referees are required to act as a reasonable person concerning player safety, including protecting players from wearing any equipment or device that is dangerous to the player wearing the equipment or device or to any other player. Dangerous equipment and devices include but are no limited to orthopedic casts, air-splints, or metal splints. Players wearing any dangerous equipment or device including orthopedic casts, air-splints, or metal splints, shall not be eligible to participate in any game, practice, tryout or training session.

PIM 05-1 CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE

The CYSA Board of Directors shall have the authority to suspend the applicable certificate(s) of insurance and/or cancel any CYSA function if the hosting league or any sub-group of the hosting league operates an event that is not sanctioned by CYSA on the same dates using the same volunteer pool, facilities and/or fields.

PIM 08-1 CYSA PROGRAMS PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be able to play in any CYSA Cup or any CYSA sanctioned tournament, a team must first be registered to play in a CYSA affiliated league established and operated for purposes other than creating or establishing eligibility solely for cup or tournament play.

PIM 08-2 DATE FOR DISTRICT COMMISSIONER VOTING REGISTRATION

For purposes of electing District Commissioners pursuant to section 2:06:03 of the Constitution and Bylaws, the number of votes each affiliated league in the district is entitled to cast shall be determined based on the number of players properly registered with CYSA, in good standing with the affiliated league and CYSA, 30 calendar days before the first date set for the election of the District Commissioner.

PIM 08-3 PROTESTS, APPEALS AND DISCIPLINE

ASSOCIATION INITIATED DISCIPLINE

The Protest and Appeals Committee may initiate disciplinary proceedings against any player, coach, manager, team assistant, league officer, referee or spectator from any member team, league or organization. The proceedings may be initiated based on information brought to the attention of the Board of Directors or the Protest and Appeal Committee through complaints, reports of incidents, information obtained during the course of protest and/or appeal hearings, and otherwise. The disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated by notice to the appropriate party containing a brief statement of the reasons for the initiation of the proceedings. Parties against whom such proceedings have been brought may, with a proper hearing, be suspended, barred completely, or otherwise disciplined.

The Executive Committee of this Association may suspend any person, team or League prior to the commencement of disciplinary proceedings if, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, there is sufficient evidence to believe that any individual(s) in this association may present a non-acceptable risk to the association and its members. Parties suspended under this paragraph will be afforded, if application, a hearing in accordance with the procedures outlined in the CYSA Constitution and Bylaws.

PLAYER/TEAM OFFICIAL DISCIPLINE (SUSPENSION)

A player/team official serving a term of suspension for disciplinary reasons will serve that suspension in the next regularly scheduled CYSA or US Youth Soccer competition(s), i.e. League, Cup, Tournament. This does not include friendly games or scrimmages. Any disciplinary action will carry over from seasonal year to seasonal year.

When a player/team official is sent off in a game outside his/her home League or District jurisdiction, the player/team official pass and referee report shall be forwarded within 48 hours to their home League or District Commissioner as appropriate.

Unless specifically stated otherwise at the time a suspension is imposed, the suspension of a team official, applies to participation in any CYSA sanctioned activity during the period of suspension and, like the suspension of a player, must be served with the team with which the suspension was incurred.  If for any reason the suspended team official cannot serve all of the suspension with the team with which the suspension was incurred, the part of the suspension not served must be served with another CYSA team of which the suspended person is a registered team official.  Suspensions carry over from seasonal year to seasonal year.  All of the suspension must be served.

Example 1: X is a team official of both the red team and the blue team.  X receives a 3 game suspension for a send off in a red team game.  X may only serve the suspension of three games with the red team. X also may not participate in blue team games until X has served all of the 3 game suspension with the red team.

Example 2: X is a team official of the red team, the blue team, and the green team.  X receives a 3 game suspension for a send off in a red team.  After X has served 1 game of the suspension, the red team disbands.  X must serve all of the remaining two game suspension with either the blue team or green team, but not both.  X also may not participate in blue or green team games until the remaining 2 games of the suspension are served.

Example 3: X is a team official of the red team.  X receives a 3 game suspension for a send off in red team's last game of the season.  The next season X is a team official with the green team.  X is suspended for the first 3 green team games.

PERSON, TEAM OR LEAGUE DISCIPLINE ("BAD STANDING")

Any person, team or league associated with the operation of this Association may be declared "in bad standing" by the appropriate administrative body. The term "bad standing" may only be applied due to a very severe detrimental action or after a probation has been violated and may mean either total suspension (expulsion) from CYSA or a limited suspension (partial benefits). Any person, team or League declared to be "not in good standing" must be so notified in writing and advised of the right and procedure to appeal.

1. Person, Team or League placed in bad standing -
1. May only play teams from within home League
2. No Inter-League/District play.
3. No tournament play.
4. No State Competitions (Association Cup, CYSA-Cal Soccer League, Founders' Cup, Presidents Cup, State Cup).
5. No Travel outside of CYSA-North.
6. No participation in the CYSA Olympic Development Program.
7. No voting power at District or State level as per CYSA rule 1:07:04
8. If the player registration and fees are not received by January 1^st, the League may be denied League affiliation for the following seasonal year

REFEREE ABUSE/REFEREE ASSAULT

Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after a match, including travel to and from the match. Misconduct may also occur at later times when directly related to the duties of a game official as a referee. Misconduct will be classified as referee abuse or referee assault.

1.       (a) Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee's property or equipment.

(b) Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: using foul or abusive language toward a referee; spewing any beverage on a referee's personal property; spitting at (but not on) the referee; or verbally threatening a referee. Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm.

2.       (a) Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee.

(b) Assault includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury; damaging the referee's uniform or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, etc.

The penalty for referee assault for all age groups will be suspension for a minimum of one (1) year and review by the Board of Directors regarding further disciplinary action.

ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

The use, consumption, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances immediately before, during, or after the play of any game, practice, or athletic event is prohibited. Any player, team official, league official, parent or spectator, or any member of this Association subject to the jurisdiction of this Association, its Districts, or its affiliated member Leagues shall be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, by the League, District, or this Association.

INAPPROPRIATE PLAYER INTERACTION

All coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and team officials are required to abide by the policies outlined in the CYSA risk management program. Inappropriate physical contact with players is strictly prohibited. Social interactions with players less than 18 years of age (such as dating, parties without parental involvement and private one on one situations) are prohibited. Violation of these rules may result in immediate suspension from all CYSA and affiliated activities and initiation of disciplinary proceedings as outlined in PIM 08-3.

PIM 09-2 TEAM CLASSIFICATION AND MODIFICATION

Team Classifications

1. Division 1
1. A top level team formed by a selection process in order to compete in Division 1 or State level league/division play. Division 1 tournament play administered by CYSA, and tournament play administered by other State and National Youth Associations. Age groupings (U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U19) of these teams are determined by the age level of the oldest player on the team, regardless of the age of other team members.
2. A Division 1 team may participate in Division 3 or Division 4 league/division, tournament, or cup play only with prior approval of the District Commissioner.

2. Division 3
1. An intermediate level team formed by a tryout selection process to compete in Division 3 league/division, tournament, or cup play. Age groupings (U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U19) of these teams are determined by the age level of the oldest player on the team, regardless of the age of other team members.
2. In accordance with the Modifications and Special Provisions section of this PIM, a Division 3 team that participates in a Division 1 league/division, Division 1 CYSA tournament, or a tournament for competitive teams administered by other State and National Youth Associations may be reclassified by the team's District Commissioner or the CYSA Board of Directors as a Division 1 team for the remainder of the seasonal year.

3. Division 4
1. A team formed within a home league on a equal (in) strength basis to compete in a Division 4 recreational league/division. The use of tryouts, invitations, or recruiting in order to roster players on a team according to player talent is forbidden.

2. In accordance with the Modifications and Special Provisions section of this PIM, a Division 4 team that participates in a Division 1 league/division, Division 1 CYSA tournament, or a tournament for competitive teams administered by other State and National Youth Associations may be reclassified by the team's District Commissioner or the CYSA Board of Directors as a Division 1 team for the remainder of the seasonal year.
3. In accordance with the Modifications and Special Provisions section of this PIM, a Division 4 team that participates in a Division 3 league/division, Division 3 CYSA tournament, or a tournament for competitive teams administered by other State and National Youth Associations may be reclassified by the team's District Commissioner or the CYSA Board of Directors as a Division 3 team for the remainder of the seasonal year.

4. Division 5

TOPSoccer is a community based soccer program that is designed to meet the needs of players with physical and/or mental disabilities. The Program is geared toward player development rather than to competition. Athletes are placed on teams according to ability NOT by age.

Modification and Special Provisions

1. The CYSA Board of Directors, District Commissioner or District Commissioner designee may review and change the classification of any team to a higher classification registered in the District. The basis of such review may be:

1.       according to the team's relative strength in its playing league.

2.       upon written request of the team's playing league.

3.       upon written request of the director of a tournament in which the team participated.

4.       upon written request of the team.

Any modification of team classification by the District Commissioner will be communicated in writing within 10 days to the team coach, team's league of registration, the District Registrar, and the CYSA Board of Directors. Any modification of team classification by the CYSA Board of Directors will be communicated in writing within 10 days to the team coach, team's league of registration, the District Registrar, and the District Commissioner.

2. A team will not lose their normal classification on the basis of participating in a tournament as an official "fill-in" team.
3. No team will be qualified for CYSA Cup play, other than State Cup, if they have participated in a play at a higher classification than the classification of the Cup they are entering, unless the Board of Directors has granted prior approval for a team to participate at a higher classification in a district playing league based on the determination that such approval is necessary to establish or maintain a viable playing league in the district.
4. Players that originally start to play on a team but must transfer to a team of a lower classification due to bona fide reasons may still be eligible to participate in CYSA Cup play with their new team only with the approvals of the player's league and District Commissioner.
5. Teams from newly formed leagues (as distinguished from newly affiliated leagues) may all be classified as Division 3 or Division 4 during their first seasonal year and may annually apply, upon recommendation of their District Commissioner, for further dispensation.

PIM 09-3 GUEST PLAYER POLICY (Rev. 08/2010)

A.         DEFINITION OF A GUEST PLAYER

1.     A guest player is defined as a player with an approved member pass who is not listed as a rostered player for the CYSA team with which the player is participating in a particular event.

2.      A player who is suspended cannot participate as a guest player.

B.      GUEST PLAYER POLICIES FOR CYSA TEAMS

1.       Guest players may be utilized by:

a.    Teams participating in a CYSA recognized statewide (i.e.: any District may provide teams to participate) playing league.

i.      The Guest player must be rostered on a team within the same league as the team on which the player will be guesting.

·         Team IDs are formatted as DD-LL-CC-TTTTTT where:

o        DD is the District number

o        LL is the League number

o        CC is the Club number

o        TTTTTT is the Team number

·         The DD-LL numbers must be the same on the guest player CYSA member pass as those on the CYSA member pass for the team on which the player is guesting.

                                                                              ii.            The soccer age of the guest player must be the same age or older than the age group of the team on which the player will be guesting.  For example, if the player has a soccer age of 11 years and is rostered on a U12 team, then the player is eligible to guest play on a U11 or older team.

b.      Teams participating in a CYSA sanctioned tournament

i.        The guest player can be rostered on any CYSA team.

ii.      Each guest player must have a completed Guest Player Form 1611 with all the required signatures.

c.       Teams participating in a secondary season District sanctioned playing league

i.        The guest player must be from the same District.

ii.      Districts will determine further guest player requirements for their secondary playing leagues.

2.       For teams using guest players:

a.      The maximum number of guest players allowed is seven (7) per game.

b.      The official team roster may never exceed the maximum number of player as approved by the CYSA Board of Directors.

c.       On game day, the list of players designated on the official game card may never exceed eighteen (18) players.

d.      The team using the guest player must be at the same division or higher than the team on which the guest player is originally rostered.

e.      The credentials for the guest player must be from the same season as those being used by the team on which the player will be guesting.

f.        The coach of the borrowing team must have in his/her possession the player's approved member pass and the current CYSA Membership Form (Form 1601) for the guest player with the medical release and the hold harmless section signed in original ink by the parent or guardian or by the guest player if the player has reached eighteen (18) years of age.

3.       For CYSA Tournaments:

a.    The decision to include teams with guest players in a CYSA tournament is solely at the discretion of the tournament.

b.  Each CYSA tournament has the responsibility of establishing a policy regarding the participation of teams with guest players in their tournament. This policy must be stated in the tournament Information/Rules Document for each CYSA tournament calendar year.

c.       The coach must have in his possession for each guest player a CYSA Guest Player Form (Form 1611) signed by the appropriate persons.

d.     Out of State or International teams playing in an unrestricted CYSA tournament must provide the following for each guest player:

i. The appropriate approval documentation from their state association or federation.

ii. A release/consent for Medical Treatment.

iii.    A valid US Youth Soccer member pass or a valid member pass authorized by the appropriate foreign federation if the guest player is not from the United States.

4.       For Out of State/Out of Country Tournaments:

a.      For Out of State/Out of United States play, the maximum number of guest players allowed will be determined by the official rules or policies of the tournament.  At no time may the number of guest players on the CYSA Official Travel Roster exceed seven (7) players.

b. Teams travelling outside of CYSA's jurisdiction to play in an out-of-state, US Youth Soccer-sanctioned tournament may add guest players to their CYSA Official Travel Roster.  The CYSA Official Travel Roster, which limits teams to a maximum of eighteen (18) players, must be completed to indicate which players are guest players. (PIM 81-2)

PIM 09-4 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CYSA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

1. An individual must register with a CYSA affiliated league for a specific seasonal year using form 1601.
2. The CYSA membership fees for the registered individual for the specified seasonal year must be paid by the affiliated league to CYSA in accordance with CYSA procedures.
3. The individual must be rostered on a CYSA team for the specified seasonal year and participating with a CYSA team on a regular basis during that seasonal year.
4. The CYSA team on which individual is rostered must play in a recognized CYSA league for the specified seasonal year.
5. Placement of an individual on a CYSA roster solely for the purpose of establishing the individual's eligibility for CYSA benefits and programs is prohibited.
6. The creation by an affiliated league of a playing league or other form or type of league solely for the purpose of establishing a team's or individual's eligibility for CYSA benefits and programs is prohibited and participation in such a league will not confer on or be considered in determining eligibility for any program, cup, or event.
7. Failure to fulfill the requirements of CYSA membership will result in the immediate revocation of CYSA membership benefits and the team's and/or individual's eligibility to participate in CYSA programs.

PIM 10-1 REGISTRATION

1. MEMBER REGISTRATION
1. All players registering for members in CYSA must annually submit a completed CYSA Membership Form (Form 1601).  The Release of Liability and the Medical Consent sections of the form must be signed by the parent/legal guardian, or the player if the player is age eighteen (18) or older.  Players for outdoor and indoor soccer must submit separate membership forms for outdoor and indoor soccer respectively.
2. The signed CYSA Membership Form (Form 1601 with the ORIGINAL WET INK SIGNATURE must be carried by a team official at all tam functions (practices, games, tournaments) for each player on the roster.
3. Players attaining the limiting age for any age group on or after August 1 immediately preceding the start of the seasonal year, will be eligible to play for the remainder of the seasonal year.
4. A player's age, for registration purposes, shall be his/her age on the July 31^st immediately preceding the start of the seasonal year.
5. PROOF OF AGE

                                   i.      Proof of age must be presented at time of registration if the birth certificate of the player has not previously been verified in the CYSA approved registration system.

                                ii.      Proof of age shall consist of a birth certificate; a Uniformed Services Identification  and Privilege Card (DD Form 1173) issued by the uniformed services of the United States, a birth registration issued by an appropriate government agency; board of health records; a passport; an alien registration card issued by the United States Government; a certificate issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service attesting to age; a current driver's license, an unexpired federal, state , or local government identification card, or a certification of a United States  citizen born abroad issued by the appropriate government agency.  Hospital, baptismal, or religious certificates, or immunization records will not be accepted.

                                    iii.   Proof of age in foreign languages must have a Foreign Document Translation form attached to the original document. Translations shall be provided by anyone recognized as a translator by the US Youth Soccer's National State Association (CYSA) governing that player. No parent or other family member can translate for any member of their son's or daughter's team unless they are certified and/or accredited to teach the specific language, i.e. high school teacher, professor of languages at a university or college, court translator, or anyone recognized as an official translator by the respective District Commissioner. All translations will be dated and include the signature, address and telephone number of the translator.

2. REGISTRATION DATA
1. Throughout CYSA, all registration is subject to the approval of the District Commissioner or District Registrar and the dates used for registration shall be consistent.
2. All registration data entered into the CYSA approved registration system is the sole property of CYSA and is not to be used for any other purpose without the express written consent of CYSA.
3. Each seasonal year, all player registration shall be entered into the CYSA approved registration system before the player begins competition for that season.
4. Additionally, all teams shall be formed and approved in the CYSA approved registration system by no later than one week past the beginning of local league play.

3. MEMBER PASS
1. All registered players and team officials shall be issued a US Youth Soccer MEMBER PASS with the following information: Member's name, Birthdate (player's only), Team name, Team number, Age Group, Seasonal Year, CYSA I.D. number, State Association name, Member title i.e. Player, Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager or Team Assistant, current photo (approximately 1" by 1-1/2" glued onto pass in designated location).
2. All member passes used for inter-league play, tournaments or Cup play must have the official CYSA unique identifier and must be completely laminated in plastic with no open ends or sides.
3. All players shall present their US Youth Soccer Member passes to the referee before the start of the game. All passes are to be returned to a team official at the end of the conclusion of the game, unless a player has been ejected for misconduct.
4. A player who does not present a US Youth Soccer Member pass to the referee prior to entering a game may not participate in that game. If it is determined that a player participated in a game without a US Youth Soccer Member pass, the team will forfeit the game.
5. A league may elect to not require the use of member passes when each of the following requirements is met:

                                       i.      The player is playing on a U10 or younger team

                                      ii.      The player is properly registered

                                    iii.      All of the games and competitions of the team that the player is registered on are played in the league with which the team is registered and against teams registered with that league.

A.   Provided however, that such players and teams may participate in jamborees within their District without player member passes if the District allows.

                                 iv.      Before each game the referee is shown an official roster of the team (goldenrod) approved by the League Registrar

                                     v.      Each child participating in the game or competition is listed on the official roster of the team (goldenrod)

6. If a player plays in a game and is not properly registered, his/her team shall automatically forfeit that game and may face further disciplinary action by the League and/or the Board of Directors of this Association, depending upon the nature of the violation.

Please refer to PIM 08-3 for further information.

4.       PLAYER MOVEMENT

a.    New Registration (ADD)

                                i.   A player shall be deemed "registered" effective the date the completed CYSA Membership Form (Form 1601) and fees are received by the League Registrar or designee. If the form and fee are mailed, then the "date of registration" shall be the postmark shown on the envelope.

                                 ii.    A player is eligible to play on the date of roster approval by the District Registrar.

                               iii.    If a player release is required to add a player to a team, and the release is received AFTER the add request, then the effective date for the add shall be the effective date of the release.

       b.   Player Release

                                i.     When a player decides to leave a team, the player movement is considered to be a "release". Once a player has been released from a team, the player is no longer eligible to play soccer for the remainder of the seasonal year.

                                ii.    Any player who is released from a team and subsequently decides to play soccer again within the same seasonal year must be transferred back on to the team from which the player was originally released.

                              iii.     If the player wishes to play for a different team and the original team roster is not full, the player must first transfer back on to the team from which the player was originally released before being transferred to the new team.

                              iv.     If the original team roster is full or the player wishes to transfer to another team, the player may transfer to a new team with the approval of the District Commissioner or District Registrar.

                               v.     A player shall be deemed "released" effective the date the completed paperwork with valid reason for release and membership pass are received by the District Commissioner/Registrar. If the paperwork and pass are mailed, then the effective "date of release" shall be the postmark shown on the envelope.

                     c.    Team to Team Transfer

                                i.      A transfer means the movement of a currently or previously rostered US Youth Soccer player onto another roster, or a player who returns to the same roster, within the same seasonal year.

                               ii.      "Previously rostered player" means a player whose team has finished the season or whose team has been disbanded.

                              iii.     A player shall be deemed "transferred" effective the date the completed paperwork, member pass and appropriate fees are received by the District Commissioner/Registrar. For teams playing in games involving more than one league (State/District playing leagues, tournaments, Cups, Olympic Development and international competition), the player is eligible to play on the eighth (8^th) day after receipt of the paperwork and member pass by the District Commissioner/Registrar.

                             iv.      In the event of player movement between Districts, the effective date will commence upon receipt of the paperwork, membership pass and appropriate fees by the accepting District Commissioner/Registrar.

                               v.     If the paperwork is mailed, then the effective date shall be the postmark shown on the envelope. The player is eligible to play on the eighth (8^th) day after the postmarked date.

                               vi.    If a player release is required to transfer a player onto a team, and the release is received AFTER the transfer request, then the effective date for the transfer shall be the effective date of the release.

                              vii.    A player may transfer to any team that is in the player's age group as determined by the player's birth date.

Example: An U-16 player initially was registered to an U-19 team. The player could transfer to an U-16 team, if a spot is open. The movement of a registered player from one team to another is considered a transfer.

                              viii.   A team is allowed the number of transfers on to the team roster as approved by the CYSA Board of Directors. Each movement of a player from one team to another is considered a transfer and shall be counted against the team receiving the player. There is no limit to the number of times a player may transfer.

                                ix.   If the releasing coach fails to sign the transfer request, the designated league official or the District Commissioner/Registrar may sign in the coach's place.  If the releasing league fails to sign the transfer request, the District Commissioner/Registrar may sign in the league's place.

                                 x.   A player that is registered in one district and wishes to play in another district may do so upon the approval of the Transfer by the releasing and accepting leagues and the releasing and accepting District Commissioners/Registrars.

                                xi.   The only processing fees to be charged are:

a)   The accepting and releasing districts may charge a reasonable fee for an inter-district transfer with a maximum of $30.00.

b)   Districts may charge up to a $15.00 fee for transfer from league to league and from team to team within a district.

5.       TEAMS

a.      HEAD COACH AGE REQUIREMENT

                                  i.   All head coaches shall be a minimum of 18 years or older, unless they have an assistant coach or team manager of 18 years or older, who is properly credentialed and who will be present at all team functions (games, practices, etc.)

                        b.      TEAM ROSTER SIZE

                                   i.   Maximum roster: For Division 1 and Division 3 Under 15 and younger teams, the team roster may not have more than eighteen (18) registered players on the team roster at any given time during the seasonal year.  For Division 1 and Division 3 Under 16 and older teams, the roster may have up to twenty-two (22) registered players on the team roster at any given time during the seasonal year.  All other teams may have no more than eighteen (18) registered players on the team roster at any given time. (Rev. 07/2010) 

                                  ii.   Minimum roster: No team shall be allowed to have less than (7) registered players at any given time.

                                 iii.   League variations: The State Association may permit variances on team roster sizes in the best interest of development of the sport within the State. Such variances shall not apply to the state level of National Cup competitions.

                                  iv.  Game rosters shall have a maximum of eighteen (18) players and a minimum of seven (7) players.

              c.     Any team playing with a player who is over-age shall forfeit the game(s) in which that  player takes part.

              d.    Team names incorporating the same name (e.g.: the club name) must be uniquely identified. The same team name shall not be used for more than one team in the same age division.

              e.       TEAM PLAYING IN A HIGHER AGE GROUP

                              i.    A team may play in any age group higher than the one of registration. A team may NOT play in an age group lower than the one of registration.

                             ii.    When necessity of the local program warrants a team to play above its age group for league play, the team may enter State Competitions in the age group of registration vs. the age group of league play.

Example: A registered U-14 teams plays in the U-16 age group in league play. The U-14 team may enter state competition in the U-14 level or higher if the team wishes.

                f.       TEAM RECLASSIFICATION

                             i.        If a player is released or transferred, changing the highest birth date of the team (lowering the age group), the team may change the age group of registration

Example: A team has 15 player s in the U-16 age group and one player in the U-19 age group. The team must register as an U-19 team. Later the player with the U-19 birth date moves from the locale. The team may release the player from the roster and change the team age group registration to the appropriate grouping, U-16.

                g.       DISBANDED TEAM

                             i.         A disbanded team is one which has competed during a playing season established by its league and through its responsible officials, i.e. league/coach, has declared in writing that the team is no longer playing and is therefore no longer eligible for CYSA sanctioned play. Any player from a disbanded team is eligible for a transfer. Any player from a team that is disbanded PRIOR to its season of play and has NOT competed in any competitions, shall be considered to be an ADD on a new team.

                 h.       MIXED TEAMS

                            i.            Affiliated leagues may combine boys and girls on the same team roster. A coed team shall follow the rules designated for boys teams and will be allowed to enter all competitions except those that are designated for girls teams only.

i.   TEAM BINDERS

                          i.           The paperwork ("team binder") carried by teams within CYSA must contain the following: (1) member passes; (2) CYSA form 1601 for each rostered player with original wet ink signature; and (3) approved roster.

                            ii.         In the interest of protecting all players and coaches and as part of risk management, the team binder shall not contain any other identifying documents, including, but not limited to, the CYSA form 1628 (Team Official Registration & Risk Management Disclosure Form) or any player birth documents.

                            iii.        Inappropriate documents shall be removed by the team official.

6. REGISTRATION FEES

a.      All leagues shall submit directly to the CYSA State Office, no later than the 1^st of September of each seasonal year at least 75% of their expected registration fees for the coming year. The District Commissioner must be contacted by the league prior to September 1^st to request an extension of the invoice due date because of the league play starting later than September or other extenuating circumstances. (Rev. 08/2010)

b.      The CYSA State office will invoice each league on June 1. The amount owed shall be based on 75% of the registration count of players as of May 31 times the per player registration fee.  Adjustments to the 75% invoice calculation must be requested prior to September 1^st and are subject to District Commissioner approval.  Leagues with outstanding balances will receive monthly statements as of July 1, August 1 and September 1 indicating the amount paid and the amount outstanding. (Rev. 08/2010)

c.      All invoices and statements shall be mailed to the League's address of record.  Electronic copies will be sent upon request.

d.      Additionally, beginning on August 1 of each year, the CYSA website shall present a list of all leagues and their payment status.

PIM 10-2 GAME TIMES AND BALL SPECIFICATIONS (OUTDOOR ONLY)

Length of games, overtime periods, and ball specifications, except as provided by US Youth Soccer and its affiliates, the length of games, ball size, ball weight, ball dimensions, and tie-breaking rules for each age group shall be as follows:

PIM 10-3 RULES OF PLAY

A.   Players wearing orthopedic casts, air-splints or metal splints shall not be eligible to participate in any game.

B.    Players shall be permitted to wear and/or use medical devices that are prescribed to address a medically recognized disability such as glasses with corrective lenses, insulin pumps, hearing aids and cochlear implants.

C.   Charging the goalkeepers shall not be permitted at any time, when he/she is within his/her own penalty area.

D.   Coaching from the sidelines, giving direction to one's own team on points of strategy and position, is permitted provided:

                                i.            No mechanical devices are used.

                              ii.            The tone of voice is informative and not a harangue.

                            iii.            No coach, substitute, player, or spectator is to be anywhere but at his/her bench area during the game. A team's bench area shall be that area one (1) yard from the touchline and extending to ten (10) yards, one way, from the half-line only.

                             iv.            No coach, substitute, player or spectator is to make derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other players, substitutes, or spectators.

                               v.            No coach, substitute, or player is to use profanity.

                             vi.            No coach, substitute, player, or spectator is to incite, in any manner, disruptive behavior of any kind.

The penalty for the above shall be ejection from the game and disciplinary action will be taken by the Board of Directors of this Association.

Please refer to PIM 08-3 for additional information.

E.      Where colors of uniforms are similar, the home team must effect a change to colors which are distinct from those of the opponent.

F.      The home team will be responsible for the condition of the grounds, the proper field markings and proper equipment. Nets and corner flags are required. It will be the responsibility of both teams to have a game ball and see that their fans behave in a proper and respectful manner.

G.     Players may be substituted at the following times:

                  i.           Prior to a throw-in, in your favor.

                  ii.          Prior to a goal kick, by either team.

                  iii.         After a goal, by either team.

                  iv.         After an injury, when the referee stops play, by either team.

                   v.         At half time.

                  vi.        When the referee stops play to caution a player, only the cautioned player may be substituted, prior to the restart of the game.

The number of substitutes shall be unlimited, unless a competition superseding the jurisdiction of this Association determines otherwise. In any case, a substitute shall not enter the field of play until he/she has been given a signal to do so by the referee.

H.   The referee shall require that both teams enter all the appropriate information on a CYSA Referee Report form prior to the start of the game.

                                 i.      The referee shall verify the identity of the player with his/her player pass. He shall collect the passes of those players who are to participate in the game. The referee must allow no player into the game for whom he/she has no pass or whose name does not appear on the Referee Report form. The referee shall also require that the coach or manager of each team sign the Referee Report form verifying that the information entered on the form is correct.

Please refer to PIM 10-1, Section 3 for additional information.

                                 ii.      Upon completion of the game, the referee shall send his/her report to the proper authority within forty-eight (48) hours, holidays excluded, along with the member pass of any ejected player and, in such cases of ejection, he/she shall also mail a supplementary 24 Hour Ejection Report.

                                  iii.      Prior to the game, the referee shall make sure that each player's equipment is in proper order.

Please refer to PIM 88-3 for additional information.

                                 iv.      A Referee Report form must be filed for every game played.

                                   v.      In the event of a forfeited game, the winning team must submit a Referee Report form made out listing the players of their team; it must be noted on the card "forfeit" and submitted to the proper authority within the stipulated time (see "B" above). A postmark dated within the stipulated time will be deemed as proper compliance with this regulation.

I.    The winning team is responsible for calling the proper authority in charge of the competition, immediately following the game (or within a reasonable time) to notify him/her of the outcome.

J.    Any team delaying the start of a scheduled game more than fifteen (15) minutes without the sanction of the proper authority shall forfeit the game to the opponent by a score of 1-0.

K.   In the event both teams do not show up for a scheduled game, and the referee rules the ground playable, then both teams shall be assessed a loss.

L.    Referees responsible for the late start of a game may be disciplined by the proper authority. Referees may, at any time, be called upon by the proper authority to explain their reports.

Please refer to PIM 08-3 for additional information.

M.   The referee's judgment with regard to the physical condition of the field and its acceptance for play, to the actual happenings and occurrences related to the conduct of the game and those prerogatives granted to him/her, by the "Laws of the Game" for outdoor soccer and the "Official Indoor Soccer Rules" for indoor soccer, shall not be challenged.

PIM 10-4 SEND OFF PROCEDURE

If a player is sent off for misconduct, then the referee shall mail the member's pass to the League (in case of League games), or to the proper authority, along with his/her game report. That player is ineligible until the player pass is returned to the player, upon completion of suspension.

Please refer to Specific Rules 4:05:07 and PIM 08-3 for additional information.

A.   Game reports and "Referee Send-Off Report" for Olympic Development or International Games during which players or team officials are expelled (Red Card) shall be sent to the Board of Directors at the Association's corporate office. Individuals shall be informed of the disciplinary action via their District Commissioner.  All reports must be mailed no later than forty-eight (48) hours from the event's conclusion by its governing authority.

B.   Players and team officials who are sent off (red card) during Cup or tournament play, and have not served the required suspension at the conclusion of the event, shall have their membership passes mailed directly to their respective District Commissioners, along with the "REFEREE SEND-OFF REPORT" and copies of the game report. Should suspensions be served during the event, the membership passes must be returned to the team official but copies of the "REFEREE SEND-OFF REPORT" and game reports must be mailed to the respective District Commissioner(s). All reports shall be mailed no later than forty-eight (48) hours from the event's conclusion by its governing authority.