Western Branch Soccer Club - Policies

Section 1. TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES.

1. TEAMS shall ensure safe and equitable matches in accordance with USSF laws (as modified by Affiliates).
2. Maintain and submit such records/reports as may be required.
3. A written report is required within 48 hours for all ejections or for termination of a match. It shall be provided to the Administrator.
4. Abide by WBSC and Affiliates bylaws, policies and procedures.
5. Address issues/complaints/concerns to the President or to another member of the board.

Section 2. UNIFORMS

1. Teams shall provide for players to wear a matching team uniform consisting of jersey, shorts and socks. Such Uniforms shall be of the design and colors approved by WBSC.
2. Team uniforms shall be properly marked with the WBSC logo on the front and center of the jersey and otherwise conform with WBSC and TASL requirements.
   
3. Regulation soccer shoes are required and shall be approved by WBSC and Affiliates.
4. Players shall be required to wear shin guards in both practice and game.
5. Players shall not wear anything which is dangerous to either themselves or other players.

Section 3. FIELD EQUIPMENT

1. All field equipment will be furnished by WBSC for all home games.

Section 4. SOCCER BALLS

1. Game balls are furnished by WBSC. The home team will furnish the game balls.

Section 5. FIELD CONDITIONS

1. WBSC is responsible for insuring that the fields are playable and in safe conditions.

Section 6. REFEREES

1. Shall be assigned by Affiliates.

Section 7. PLAYER PARTICIPATION

1. To participate in WBSC a player must present a parental consent form, the required registration fee, birth certificate, and completed registration form. The amount of the registration fee will be determined prior to player registration by the Administrator and approved by the President.
2. Players will be assigned to the age group divisions based on their age as of August 01.
3. Age divisions in the spring will be the same as those in the preceding fall season.

Section 8. TEAMS

1. Team size and the number of teams will be determined by the Administrator in accordance with guidelines agreed upon by Affiliates.

Section 9. PRACTICE

1. Teams are assigned practice venues on 1st come, and on more than 2 different days.

Section 10. SCHEDULE

1. Games shall be played in accordance with a schedule set by Affiliates.
2. At the discretion of WBSC, affiliated inter-league and post season games may be scheduled.
3. Games must be played under Affiliates rules and regulations.
4. Rescheduled games must be agreed upon by all parties, as per Affiliates rules and regulations.

Section 11. LENGTH OF GAMES.

1. As per Affiliates rules and regulations.
2. Each player’s playing time will be at the discretion of the team’s coach.

Section 12. CONDUCT

1. Fighting, abusive language and/or unsportsmanlike behavior by a player, coach, league member, parent, or spectator may result in his/her immediate, irrevocable and permanent suspension from WBSC and forfeit of any fees paid.
2. Cautions. Any coach receiving 3 cautions (in one season), will be suspended for the next game after receiving the 3rd caution.
3. Ejections. Any coach ejected for dissent will receive an automatic suspension for the next game. Upon review, a second (2) offense may be an automatic 2 game suspension.
4. Any coach who approaches a referee after his/her game and complains about that game will be suspended for one game. Any coach who uses an offensive gesture or verbally abuses a referee in or out of uniform will receive a three game suspension (starting with his next game). Any coach who touches a referee in or out of uniform in a threatening manner will be suspended for no less than one calendar year.
5. Reporting of Cautions and Ejections. Coaches are to report any cautions or ejections to the Administrator within 24 hours, who will notify the Affiliates coordinator.

Section 13. JUDICIAL/ETHICS/GRIEVANCE

1. WBSC membership is a privilege and carries an obligation that each member uphold and promote the goals and objectives of WBSC. Members shall act in a manner as not to discredit or work against WBSC goals. Conduct considered unethical (including conflict of interest) shall be subject to review and possible disciplinary action by WBSC.
2. Any Judicial problem arising from a member team that affects another member team or WBSC will be addressed by the President.
3. As a judicial authority the President can request a vote by the voting members, or make a binding decision.
4. Procedures. A complaint of unethical behavior may be filed by a club member or official. It must be made in writing to the Administrator. The appointed members will investigate the complaint and either dismiss the complaint or take disciplinary action. The appointed members must make a determination and announce it’s Western Branch Soccer Club decision, in writing, to the member within 14 days after receipt of the letter citing alleged unethical behavior. The only disciplinary actions allowable are:

1. Letter of reprimand
2. Suspension for a period not to exceed the end of the current season.
3. Any combination of the above.
4. Dismissal from WBSC
5. Based on the severity of the alleged unethical behavior, the President may temporarily suspend the member (notification in writing during the investigation and appeal process).
6. Disciplinary action may be appealed to the Officers through the Administrator. The appeal must be in writing and made within 10 days of the date of the letter announcing the disciplinary action.
7. Any action taken by the appeals board, maybe appealed to SAY.

Section 14. AMENDMENTS.

1. These Rules maybe amended by a majority vote of the voting members.