1.1 The East Coast Soccer League will be affiliated with the Florida State Soccer Association (FSSA), and will be maintained as a non-profit organization under the laws of the state of Florida.

1.2 The league will be administered by a board of directors consisting of five (5) officers.

1.2.1 President, who will administer the league and may assign anyone involved with the league to perform any necessary functions or duties not specifically stated. These may include: Collecting game reports, keep track of players accumulated Yellow and Red cards, co-ordination of game scheduling and field usage.

1.2.2 Vice President (VP), who will perform the duties of the president in his/her absence. The VP will normally be responsible for coordinating field usage, rescheduling matches, notifying the Referee Assigner of changes, and maintain the league standings table.

1.2.3 Treasurer, who will handle and account for league funds, including collection and disbursement, as required by the league and/or FSSA.

1.2.4 Registration Secretary (RS), who will register players with the league and the FSSA, maintain official team rosters and records of any changes in a player's eligibility reported by the Referee Assigner or President.

1.2.5 Referee Assigner, who will schedule game officials, and monitor referee input on teams and league play. The RA will also normally head the Discipline and Review Committee.

1.3 ECSL must be represented at Quarterly FSSA meetings or pay a fine. The President or his designee will attend these meetings and a portion of any expenses incurred will be reimbursed from league funds.

1.3.1 Anyone who performs services for the league, may be paid a fee, upon approval at regular league meetings.

1.4 The League operating year will run August 1st through July 31st.

1.5 League Meetings:

1.5.1 To be held on the first Monday of each month during the regular season.

1.5.2 On an "as required" basis, during the "off" season.

1.5.3 May be called by the President on short notice, if the meeting is mandated by a serious situation.

1.5.4 An Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held during September of each year. The agenda will include financial reports, and an initial commitment from teams for the coming year. A financial commitment cut-off date for the upcoming season will be established.

1.5.5 The meeting must be chaired by the President (or VP, in his/her absence), and be attended by half of the teams representatives. If the league consists of an odd number of teams, the proportion will be rounded up.

1.5.6 Business will be conducted according to the published agenda, and will be conducted in compliance with standard rules of order.

1.5.6.1 Each financially committed team will have one vote, to be cast by the team manager or designated representative.

1.5.6.2 Each league officer will have one vote. (except during election of new officers)

1.5.6.3 A league officer may also represent his/her team, however, they can only cast a single vote.

1.5.6.4 If a league officer is filling more than one position, they may still only cast a single vote.

1.5.7 Meeting attendance is mandatory.

1.5.7.1 Each missed meeting, during the playing season, incurs a $15 fine against the absent club.

1.6 The initial games of the regular playing season shall start in late October.

1.7 League divisional alignment will be determined by the number of teams participating. *** See Appendix ***

1.8 League officers will serve a term of one (1) year. Election of Officers will be held during the April meeting.

1.9 An Arbitration Committee will render a decision after hearing all team protests or appeals of Discipline and Review Committee actions.

1.9.1 The committee will consist of the team managers.

1.9.2 The committee will meet as required, chaired by the President. (VP in his/her absence) The President will vote only to break ties.

1.9.3 The committee requires half of the team managers to conduct business. (Rounded up for an odd number of teams.)

1.9.4 Protests to be considered by the committee must be submitted to the President (VP) within 72 hours of the incident. Appeals of Discipline and Review Committee actions must be submitted within 72 hours of the team manager's notification of the decision being appealed.

1.9.5 All protests and appeals must be accompanied by a $25 non-refundable fee paid to the treasurer.
 

2. PLAYER REGISTRATION

2.1 All players participating in ECSL regular season matches must be properly registered with FSSA through the league. Players are registered for one league operating year. (Year end August 31st.)

2.2 Team rosters will be limited to Twenty-two (22) players.

2.2.1 Patrick Air Force Base's roster will be limited to 25 players. (With a maximum of 18 on a Line-up form at any given game.)

2.2.2 A maximum of two active professional players allowed per team.

2.2.3 A maximum of four active NCAA sanctioned players allowed per team.

2.3 Registration procedures:

2.3.1 The charge for player registration will be $33.

2.3.2 The normal deadline for roster changes is 72 hours prior to the match.

2.3.3 The registration materials will be returned to the Registration Secretary properly filled out with two clear passport type photographs of the player.

2.3.4 If requested by the Registration Secretary, all players may be required to furnish proof of identification. (Such as a legible copy of a Driver's License.)

2.3.5 The player's pass will be signed by the Registration Secretary, laminated and returned to the team manager.

2.3.6 Players may not transfer from one team to another team more than once during the regular playing year. (Exclusive of post season tournaments.)

2.4 Dropping a registered player:

2.4.1 If a team has a full roster (22 players), it is necessary to drop a player before registering a new one.

2.4.2 The player's pass card of the player being dropped must be returned to the RS before adding a new player.

2.5 Youth players must obtain proper authorization from the Florida Youth Soccer Association before being granted permission to participate. (Generally, any player under 20 years of age.)

2.5.1 Youth players must complete a youth player registration form.

2.5.2 Youth Players may lose eligibility with their former youth league if the proper registration procedure is not followed.

2.6 Multiple league registration

The ECSL voted in favor of having multiple registration and will comply with the Florida State Soccer Association rules . . .

2.7 For divisional placement, etc.; Seven (7) or more returning players, who played together in a previous "Season" or "League Year", shall constitute a returning team.
 

3. LEAGUE PLAY

3.1 The week prior to the match, the HOME team manager is responsible for verifying with the visiting team manager:

3.1.1 Location of the game.

3.1.2 Kickoff time.

3.1.3 Team jersey colors (to avert conflicts at game time).

3.2 Game rescheduling and forfeiting (prior to the match):

3.2.1 There shall be no rescheduling of ECSL regular season games without 48 hours notice and concurrence of the President or VP.

3.2.2 Any game conflicts must be resolved by rescheduling of the delayed league game within two weeks of original date. No interruption of the normal league schedule shall occur.

3.2.3 Arrangements are to be made by the team managers, with the principal onus on the team involved in the Florida cup. Failure to accomplish this will mean forfeiture of the league game. It will be counted as 1-0 loss in the offending team's record.

3.2.4 Games forfeited with 48 hours notification of game officials will not require payment of referee fees.

3.2.5 Any financially committed team that is unable to register or field a team after the season schedule has been set, will not be refunded (Total referee fees amount for a single game.) of the escrow money.

3.3 Forfeitures:

3.3.1 A forfeiting team is one that fails to notify the President or VP and the opposing team manager 48 hours prior to game time.

3.3.2 Each team will deposit in escrow a minimum amount equal to the total referee fees for two games. And, at the team Manager option, an additional amount which may be used for player fines, etc. This escrow amount is to be kept current, and may in no event drop below the minimum. The monies will be held by the league Treasurer to be used in the event of a forfeiture. This money will be refunded at season end if not used.

3.3.3 A forfeiting team becomes liable for all referee fees for a scheduled game.

3.3.4 In the event of a forfeiture, the referee fees are to be paid through the team's escrow funds held by the treasurer.

3.3.5 The forfeiting team must replenish the escrow amount back to the league Treasurer 48 hours prior to their next game or they are suspended from league play until such time as they replenish the required escrow amount.

3.3.6 If a team forfeits two games in a row, the team must stand before a league Arbitration Committee.

3.3.7 In the event of a forfeit, designated home teams are still responsible for lining the fields. Failure to do so, or make prior arrangements with the other home teams involved in games following theirs, will result in a $15 fine.

3.4 Field Preparation:

3.4.1 Mowing, lines, corner flags, nets, etc. is the responsibility of the home team. Failure to adequately prepare the field may result in disciplinary action by the league.

3.4.2 The game officials will decide whether the game can be played, and he/she must subsequently report the problem to the ECSL President or Referee Assigner for appropriate action.

3.5 Games must start promptly as scheduled. The minimum number of players on each team is seven (7).

3.5.1 If the minimum number of players on both teams are present, the game will start. Should players on either team arrive late, the referee will check them in during a break in the play, but only to a maximum of eleven (11) on each team. All remaining late players will be checked in at half time, or at a stoppage in play during the second half.

3.5.2 If neither team has the minimum number of players, the game start may be delayed up to fifteen minutes. If only one team has the minimum number after the fifteen minute delay, that team shall be judged the winner by forfeit, and the losing team shall be liable for both portions of the referee fees.

3.5.3 If, following the fifteen minute delay, neither team has the minimum number required, the match will be canceled, and both teams will be liable for the referee fees. Any rescheduling of the match will be determined by the ECSL president.

3.5.4 If a game must be delayed or stopped because of extreme weather conditions, and the game can not be restarted within a reasonable time (approximately 15 minutes), the game will be deemed complete if the game was in the second half.

3.6 Required and prohibited equipment:

3.6.1 Shin guards are mandatory equipment for any ECSL or FSSA sanctioned game.

3.6.2 Aluminum cleats are not allowed in any ECSL games.

3.6.3 It is suggested team captains wear distinctive arm bands during the game.

3.7 Each team will pay half of the referee(s) fees prior to the start of the game.

3.8 Each team manager must complete an ECSL lineup form for the referee to use during player check-in. The form must be signed by each player that will participate in the match, and the team manager.

3.9 Game conduct:

3.9.1 Player dialogue with the referees during the game shall be conducted via the team captains only.

3.9.2 Obscene language is prohibited on the field and/or sidelines, and it is the responsibility of the team manager/captain to enforce compliance. Disciplinary action necessary will be at the discretion of the referee, who shall report same to the Referee Assigner or the ECSL President.

3.9.3 No alcoholic beverage consumption during matches, by players or manager.

3.9.4 Unlimited substitution is permitted during a game, but only when the ball has gone out of touch, and requires a Throw-in by the substituting team, a Goal Kick, or a Kick-off to restart play. The substitutions will be made at mid-field with referees permission.

3.9.5 One side of the field shall be designated for use only by players and team managers. All spectators and other non-participants must remain beyond the opposite touchline. No person shall be permitted to remain in the area behind either goal line.

3.9.6 Any player or other participant who is sent off by the referee shall leave the immediate vicinity of the match. No such player or participant will be allowed to remain in the bench or spectator area, or at any other location where, in the opinion of the referee, that person may continue to be a disruptive influence to the game.

3.9.7 No player's or spectator's motor vehicle may be parked along the side of the field. All motor vehicles will park in designated parking areas. The Referee will not start any half until vehicles are in compliance. Should this rule be violated at any time during the game, the Referee shall suspend play until the offending vehicle has been removed.

3.10 Post game:

3.10.1 Referees will send both team lineup forms and the ECSL game report to the ECSL President, or other league officer, along with the player pass of any ejected player.

3.10.2 If the Referee fails to send the game report within the prescribed 48 hours, that Referee will not be used in ECSL matches again for a minimum of three weeks.

3.10.3 The winning team manager, (or home team in the event of a tie) is responsible for reporting the results of the match, and the number of referees present to the VP or President.

3.11 League standings:

3.11.1 At the conclusion of the season, t-shirts, or other award decided upon at the monthly meetings, will be presented to each division champion.

3.11.2 Division champions will be determined according to the following criteria:

3.11.2.1 Total points (three points for win, one for tie, none for loss).

3.11.2.2 Total of goals scored by teams in head to head competition. (Only goals scored in the games between the teams vying for first place will be counted.) This could include more than two teams.

3.11.2.3 Total of goal difference (goals scored minus goals allowed) for all games played within that division.

3.11.2.4 Play-off game(s) will be scheduled to determine division champion.

3.12 ECSL Cup

3.12.1 At the conclusion of the Winter/Spring season, ECSL teams will compete for the ECSL cup. The format and schedule for the tournament shall be decided before the end of the Winter/Spring season. *** See Appendix ***

3.12.2 The ECSL cup trophy shall be inscribed with the name of the winning team and presented to the winning team to hold until the following year.

3.13 If a non-sanctioned ECSL game is scheduled (player registration not required) and a USSF referee is employed to officiate the game, The District Referee Administrator must be informed of the use of a referee. The home team manager will report this to the President, VP, or DRA.
 

4. DISCIPLINARY STANDARDS

4.1 Disciplinary standards shall be enforced on all ECSL sanctioned games. A sanctioned game is one requiring team registration and player's passes. (league games, ECSL Cup games, etc.)

4.2 Any person who is guilty of assault (verbal or physical) on a Referee or Linesman shall be suspended from ECSL participation and shall be prohibited from entering the vicinity of any ECSL match until disposition of the incident by FSSA.

4.3 A player who is sent off the field of play for misconduct (shown a Red card), or any other participant (team manager or other bench personnel) who is sent off by the Referee, shall be subject to additional suspension from league play and a fine, in accordance with the following guidelines:

4.3.1 Violent Conduct and Serious Foul Play.

4.3.1.1 Violent conduct that results in injury to another, or violent conduct as a non-participating player: Suspended for a minimum of six games and fined $60.

4.3.1.2 Violent conduct that does not result in injury to another, but involved physical contact (including spitting): Suspended for a minimum of four games and fined $40.

4.3.1.3 Violent conduct that does not involve physical contact (attempting to strike or spit at, etc.): Suspended for a minimum of two games and fined $20.

4.3.1.4 Serious foul play that involves hard physical contact or results in injury to another (and is not judged to be violent conduct): Suspended for a minimum of two games and fined $20.

4.3.1.5 Serious foul play by attempting to prevent an opponent's goal scoring opportunity: Suspended for one game and fined $10.

4.3.2 Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language.

4.3.2.1 Using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive language: Suspended for a minimum of one game and fined $10. Additional penalty or fine may be imposed based on the Referee report of the incident.

4.3.3 Persists in Misconduct.

4.3.3.1 Persisting in misconduct after receiving a previous caution: Suspended for one game and fined $10.

4.3.4 Accumulated Misconduct.

4.3.4.1 Accumulation of four cautions (yellow cards) during a league operating year: Suspended one game and fined $10.

4.3.4.2 A second send off (two red cards) in a league year: One game suspension and $10 fine shall be added to the penalty for the second incident.

4.3.4.3 Three send offs (three red cards) in a league year: Suspended from league play for ten games and fined $100.

4.4 The Discipline and Review Committee shall review all incidents of misconduct and render a decision.

4.4.1 The committee shall consist of at least: the President, or the Vice President, and two representatives from an alternate Division. Additional input may be requested if deemed necessary by the basic committee.

4.4.2 The committee shall use the guidelines from Section 4.3 as minimum standards for suspension and fines, and shall have the discretion to increase penalties if warranted in individual incidents.

4.4.3 Within 72 hours of any incident report being received, the President will notify the team manager involved of the penalty. Any appeal of the decision must be made in accordance with Section 1.9.

4.5 Player Suspensions.

4.5.1 Suspension games will count only when the player is registered.

4.5.2 Suspensions will carry over to the next league year, and will resume when the player is registered during the subsequent league year.

4.5.3 A suspended player's pass will not be returned to the team manager until the fine has been paid.

4.5.4 Forfeited games will count as suspension games, with the exception of games forfeited under Section 4.6

4.6 League disciplinary action against a team may result from gross team misconduct (on or off the field), roster violations or use of ineligible players, or failure to meet a financial obligation. League disciplinary action against a team will consist of warnings, fines, forfeited games, and finally expulsion from the league. Offenses will usually be dealt with in this order, with the exception of the following circumstances:

4.6.1 If a team uses an ineligible player and the team manager is aware of the player's status, the team shall forfeit any game(s) in which the ineligible player participated and be fined an amount equal to half the total referee fees for a single game.

4.6.2 If a team fails to pay referee fees, the team shall forfeit subsequent games until fees are paid. Games will be forfeited, with notification to opponent and referees 48 hours prior to kickoff.

4.6.3 Any serious misconduct that warrants immediate attention, as determined by the league, with opportunity for appeal to the Arbitration Committee.

*** APPENDIX 2009-2010 ***

1.7.1 For the 2009-2010 Season: All players will be registered with FSSA. Assuming Ten (10) teams registered, ECSL Teams will divide into (A, B) divisions for a "Fall" season.

1.7.1.1 Teams will play each team in their division at least twice, for a total of 8 games.

1.7.1.2 Divisional Champions will be determined by the criteria outlined in 3.11.2.

1.7.2 Based on standings at the end of the Fall season,  teams may be moved up or down in Divisions.
Teams will then divide into (A, B) Divisions for a "Spring" season.
 
 
 

3.12.1.1 Two ECSL Cup tournaments will be open to any ECSL team that wishes to participate.

3.12.1.2 Seeding of teams will be based on final regular season standings.

3.12.1.3 If there are an odd number of teams, the first place seeded team normally will receive a bye.

3.12.1.4 A winner must be decided in each game. If a game ends in a tie, two full ten minute overtimes followed by a shootout (if necessary) will be used to determine a winner.

3.12.1.5 Tournament will be played in April/May.