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MSA POLICY MANUAL
2014-2015 Season
“Serving Mississippi by promoting soccer and
educating players, coaches, officials, and families
in a safe and fun environment.”
JULY 19, 2014
MISSISSIPPI SOCCER ASSOCIATION
628 Lakeland East Drive, Suite D, Flowood, MS 39232
www.mississippisoccer.org
MSA Policy Manual – Table of Contents
7.13.2014
Policy 101 - Administration ............................................................................
1. U.S. Youth Soccer Definitions ...................................................................4
2. MSA Definitions ......................................................................................4
3. District Territories by County ....................................................................5
4. Boundary Disputes ..................................................................................6
5. Roster Review ........................................................................................7
6. Tournament Forfeit .................................................................................8
7. Playing Equipment ..................................................................................8
8. Goal Inspection.......................................................................................8
9. KidSafe Risk Management Program ...........................................................9
10. KidSafe Risk Management Implementation ............................................. 10
How We Use the Information ........................................................................ 12
Eligibility .................................................................................................... 12
Children ..................................................................................................... 13
Questions or Concerns ................................................................................. 13
Changes to This Online Privacy Policy ............................................................. 13
11. Bloodborne Infection Policy .................................................................. 13
12. Insurance Program Objectives............................................................... 14
13. Insurance Program – General Information .............................................. 14
14. Accident Insurance .............................................................................. 15
15. Liability Insurance ............................................................................... 17
16. Discipline and Appeals – Operating Procedures ........................................ 18
17. Disciplinary Reporting – Misconduct by Player, Team Managers ................. 22
18. League Reporting ................................................................................ 23
19. Disciplinary Actions ............................................................................. 24
20. Other Committee Actions ..................................................................... 25
21. Misconduct towards game officials ......................................................... 26
22. Misconduct by Game Officials................................................................ 28
23. Jurisdiction and Hearings ..................................................................... 28
24. Penalties, Suspensions and Appeals ....................................................... 29
25. Reporting and Assault .......................................................................... 29
26. Code of Ethics for Players ..................................................................... 30
27. Code of Ethics for Players Coaches/Volunteers ........................................ 31
28. Code of Ethics for Parents and Spectators .............................................. 32
29. Awards Program ................................................................................. 33
Policy 102 Registration ..................................................................................
1. Team and Player Registration ................................................................. 34
2. MSA State Registration .......................................................................... 36
3. Multiple Registration .............................................................................. 37
4. Team Number Assignment ..................................................................... 38
5. Player Id Numbers ................................................................................ 38
6. Player Releases ..................................................................................... 38
7. Player Transfers .................................................................................... 39
8. Player Adds…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… 40
9. Disbanded Teams ................................................................….….. …. 40
10. Unacceptable Registration Practices ....................................................... 40
11. Penalties ............................................................................................ 42
Policy 103 Programs ......................................................................................
1. Division III – Recreational Soccer............................................................ 42
2. Division III Program Policies ................................................................... 43
3. Division III Team Assignment Process...................................................... 44
4. Division III Player Releases .................................................................... 45
5. Division III Player Passes ....................................................................... 45
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7.13.2014
6. Division III Tournaments........................................................................ 45
7. Division II – Intermediate Program ......................................................... 46
8. Division II Registration and Releases ....................................................... 49
9. Division II Presidents Cup Tournament .................................................... 51
10. Division I State Division ....................................................................... 52
11. Division I Team and Player Registrations ................................................ 52
12. Division I Player Transfers .................................................................... 53
13. Division I Team Selection Process.......................................................... 53
14. Division I League Play Rules ................................................................. 54
15. MSA State Cup.................................................................................... 58
16. ODP Freeze Dates ............................................................................... 59
17. Division I Disciplinary Reporting ............................................................ 59
18. U19 State Cup Qualification .................................................................. 61
19. Small Sided Games Program ................................................................. 61
20. Small Sided Games Policies .................................................................. 62
21. Rules for 3 v 3 .................................................................................... 62
22. Rules for 4 v 4 .................................................................................... 64
23. Rules for 6 v 6 .................................................................................... 66
24. Rules for 7 v 7 ………………………………………………………………………………………………..68
25. Rules for 8 v 8 .................................................................................... 69
Policy 104 Tournaments .................................................................................
1. Tournaments – Purpose and Objectives ................................................... 71
2. MSA Sponsored Tournaments ................................................................. 71
3. Coaches Cup Tournament ...................................................................... 72
4. State Games of Mississippi ..................................................................... 73
5. Division III Tournaments........................................................................ 74
6. Division III Tournament Rules ................................................................ 74
7. Division II Tournament Rules.................................................................. 84
8. Division I Tournament Rules ................................................................... 91
9. Member Tournaments ............................................................................ 98
10. Exhibition Games .............................................................................. 100
11. Application to Host Foreign Teams ....................................................... 100
12. Application to, or Notification of, Travel ................................................ 100
13. US Youth Soccer Player Passes............................................................ 101
Policy 105 Coaching Programs .......................................................................
1. Coaching Program Objectives ............................................................... 102
2. Coaching Program Operation Policies ..................................................... 102
3. MSA State Coaching Courses ................................................................ 103
4. MSA Coaching Clinic Process ................................................................ 104
6. Coaching Clinic fee Schedule ................................................................ 105
7. Technical Director of Coaching & Player Development .............................. 106
8. Technical Director of Coaching – Primary Duties ...................................... 106
9. Technical Director of Coaching – Secondary Duties .................................. 107
10.Technical Director of Coaching – Other Duties……………………………………………..108
Policy 106 Olympic Development ...................................................................
1. ODP Purpose and Objectives................................................................. 109
2. ODP Program Administration ................................................................ 110
3. ODP Player Selection ........................................................................... 110
4. ODP Player Pool Management ............................................................... 111
5. ODP Budgeting ................................................................................... 112
6. ODP Funding ...................................................................................... 113
Policy 107 Referee Program ...........................................................................
1. Referee Program and Purpose ............................................................... 114
2. Referee Operational Policies ................................................................. 114
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3. Organizational Requirements ................................................................ 115
4. Referee Assignor Program .................................................................... 115
6. Referee Assignor Duties ....................................................................... 115
7. Referee Assessment Program ............................................................... 116
8. Referee rating System ......................................................................... 117
9. Referee Corrective Action Plan .............................................................. 118
10. Referee clinics .................................................................................. 118
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Policy 101 - Administration
1.
U.S. Youth Soccer Definitions
The following definitions from the U.S. Youth Soccer By-Laws, apply to the MSA
Programs.
Add - the addition of a player who has not been rostered to a team during the
current seasonal year.
Eligible to Play - registered, not under suspension.
Registration - the signing of an intent to play the sport of Soccer and the paying of
fees to become a member of U.S. Youth Soccer.
Release - the removal of a player from a roster during the current seasonal year.
See Policy 102.1.2
Rostering – is the assignment of a registered player to a team.
Suspension - the temporary withdrawal of rights and privileges such as, but not
limited to: the right to play, coach, or otherwise administer or directly/indirectly
participate in the game of affiliated soccer. Any person or group (team, club, league,
Board, etc.) that has been suspended shall be in less than good standing for the
entire term of the suspension with all rights and privileges withdrawn unless
specifically stated otherwise by the suspending authority.
Team - a recognized entity organized for the purpose of playing the sport of Soccer.
Transfer –the movement of (1) a currently or previously rostered player onto
another roster or (2) a player who returns to the same roster within the current
seasonal year. (the terminology of previously rostered player or item #2 does
not fall within current MSA policies)
2. MSA Definitions
The following definitions also apply to MSA Programs.
Competition - any competition which has league or tournament standings which
can be affected by both a player's primary and secondary registered teams.
Cups - any MSA and U.S. Youth Soccer sponsored tournaments.
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Controlling Organization - the MSA member organization in which a player is
registered and rostered in during the seasonal year as a result of seasonal
registration or a player transfer.
Disbanded Team - a team which cannot consistently start the maximum number of
field players in local league play due to parental and/or player disinterest. As a
result, the coach, players, and local member officials mutually request MSA Council
approval to disband the team for the remainder of the seasonal year and to reassign
any team players, desiring to continue playing soccer with other local teams, in
accordance with established MSA policies.
Dummy Roster – (Division III only) a roster for registered player(s) where roster
limits have been met on a team but a second team would not meet the minimum
required number of players. Player(s) on a dummy roster may participate in regular
season play prior to MSA roster freeze dates.
Eligibility Roster - a roster for a non-playing team which may have as few as one
(1) player for the sole purposes of either an adult program participant maintaining
their youth eligibility or an eligible youth registering with the U.S. Youth Soccer to
participate only in its Olympic Development Program.
Eligible Youths - individuals who meet the established U.S. Youth Soccer birth-date
criteria for each age/gender group and who either are a player resource of the
member organization due to previous registration or an approved player transfer.
Exhibition Games - games played with visiting teams from another state or
National Youth Association for particular promotion purposes. Pick-up games are not
Exhibition Games.
Hardship Transfer (Division III Teams only) - a MSA-approved transfer to restore a
team's strength back to the maximum number of players allowed on the field at one
time plus two (2) substitutes. The transferred player(s) must be a registered
player(s) in the member organization. The team must remain age balanced according
to MSA policy.
3. District Territories by County
District 1 - Northern District
Alcorn
Lafayette
Attala
Lee
Benton
Lowndes
Calhoun
Marshall
Chickasaw
Montgomery
Choctaw
Monroe
Clay
Noxubee
Coahoma
Oktibbeha
Desoto
Panola
Grenada
Pontotoc
Itawamba
Prentiss
5
Quitman
Tallahatchie
Tate
Tippah
Tishomingo
Tunica
Union
Webster
Winston
Yalobusha
MSA Policy Manual
District 2 - Western District
Adams
Hinds (note 1)
Amite
Holmes
Bolivar
Humphreys
Carroll
Jefferson
Claiborne
Lawrence
Copiah
Leflore
Franklin
Lincoln
District 3 - Central District
Clarke
Kemper
Covington
Lauderdale
Hinds (note 2)
Leake
Jasper
Madison
Jefferson Davis
Neshoba
Jones
Newton
District 4 - Southern District
Forrest
Harrison
George
Jackson
Greene
Lamar
Hancock
Marion
Pike
Sharkey
Sunflower
Warren
Washington
Wilkinson
Yazoo
Rankin
Scott
Simpson
Smith
Wayne
Pearl River
Perry
Stone
Walthall
Note 1 - Those portions of Hinds County west of U.S. Highway 51
Note 2 - Those portions of Hinds County east of U.S. Highway 51
4. Boundary Disputes
1. Player Registration – A youth player must register each seasonal year in the
State Association in which he or she resides with his or her parent or parents
or guardian or guardians, or, for a student in residence at a boarding school,
college, or university, the player may register in the state in which the
boarding school, college, university, or division of the college or university is
located. Any other questions of residency may be determined by the State
Association in which the player is registered to vote or holds a current driver’s
license.
2. Out of State competition - Any youth player wishing to play on a team of a
member of a State Association other than the State Association where the
player is registered must receive written permission from:
a. the State Association where the player is registered; and
b. the other State Association of the team on which the player wishes to
play.
Permission must be obtained each seasonal year.
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3. State and National Cup Competition: All teams must enter State and
National Cup Competitions sponsored by U.S. Youth Soccer in the state in
which they are domiciled and registered.
4. Right of Team: A properly registered team has the right to enter U.S. Youth
Soccer sponsored competition if they are in good standing.
5. Olympic Development Program Player Tryouts – USYS Rule 203
a. Except as provided by section 2 of this Rule, a player wishing to try out
for the Olympic Development Program may only try out and be selected
for the Program through the State Association in which the player may
be registered under USYS Rule 201 of this policy.
b. A player given permission to play under section 2 of Rule 201 of this
policy in a State Association other than where the player is registered,
may request written permission to try out for the Olympic Development
Program of that other State Association. To be eligible to try out in that
other State Association, the player must receive written permission
from:
(1) The State Association where the player is registered; and
(2) The other State Association where the player wishes to try out.
c. A player may only try out for the Olympic Development Program in one
State Association. A player is responsible for all Olympic Development
Program fees of the State Association in which the player tries out.
6. Right of Appeal: A player, team, league, or State Association denied the right
to participate in any competition under the direction of U.S. Youth Soccer has
the right of appeal through the prescribed Appeal Procedure, including the
right to appeal to U.S. Soccer Federation.
5. Roster Review
MSA will NOT review all rosters to identify the appropriate division of play for
each team. Such a review will be made of specific team rosters when requested
by an organization official or when misalignment is suspected by an MSA official.
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The following policies apply to teams, which MSA determines have been registered in
the incorrect playing division by its member organization:
6. Tournament Forfeit
Any team in a specific playing division who, without the consent of the Hosting
Organization, play in that organization's tournament for a different playing
division will forfeit all games in those tournaments and return all awards, if any,
in the same condition as received.
1. That team and its parent organization will be placed on probation for the
remainder of the year.
2. Failure to return awards received in the same condition as received will
result in the suspension of all players and coaches for the next 12 months
after notification of disqualification.
7. Playing Equipment
1. Dangerous Equipment: FIFA Law IV (1): This law states "(1) A player
shall not wear anything that is dangerous to another player".
2. Referee Authority: The referee shall use their judgment to determine if a
player is wearing any item that would be dangerous to the player wearing
the item or another player. In such cases, the Referee shall instruct the
player to remove the item before commencing or continuing the match.
Such items shall include necklaces, earrings, and other adornments. Hats of
any type shall never be worn by any player during the match. This policy
applies to all MSA sanctioned and sponsored games.
3. Shinguard Policy: The wearing of shinguards is compulsory for all players
participating in any and all MSA sanctioned and sponsored games.
Shinguards shall be worn inside the players’ socks if they are separate and
distinct from the sock itself. Any player not complying with the type of
and/or proper wearing of shinguards shall not be allowed to participate in
the match.
4. Shinguard defined: A shinguard is any manufactured device whose
function is to be a shinguard. Homemade or improvised devices to protect
the shins are not acceptable.
8. Goal Inspection
Each member organization shall annually inspect all practice and game field goals.
An affidavit shall be submitted to the MSA State Office online through the E-Org
system before play may begin. The inspection criteria are:
1. Goal Posts: Inspect and insure that:
•Any open hooks that are attached to nets have been removed
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•There are no rusted or weak places in the post
•There are no jagged or sharp points or edges on the posts
For posts in the ground:
•Posts are not weakened at the ground or just below ground level
•By pressing against the posts and shaking them; determine that they
are securely in the ground.
•The posts appear to be vertical and are not leaning significantly
For posts not in the ground:
•Determine that the goal is built so that it does not tip or topple easily
when weight is applied to the top or horizontal bar
•Determine that the goal is built such that it does not tip or topple
easily when the rear supporting part of the goal is raised.
•Is the construction of the goal such that unless staked, it will topple
easily? Remember that a goal that requires staking to be stable is
easily un-staked. Any such goal should be dismantled and removed.
2. Connections or Intersections of pipe:
•Each connection is not deteriorated or weakened by rust or fatigue
•Each Connection will properly support the weight of the members it
supports
3. Supporting Braces:
•There are no rusted or weak places
•There are no jagged or sharp points or edges
•For supporting braces in the ground, braces are not rusted or
weakened at ground or just below ground level
For ANY goal found to be a problem, red tag or place a notice, which is
easily noticeable on the goal. Immediately notify, orally and in writing, the
group responsible for the goal. Advise them of the specific problem
observed and provide them a deadline to make the repair. Re-inspect after
the deadline or the repair is done to insure that the repair has properly
resolved the problem observed.
9. KidSafe Risk Management Program
1. Purpose - The US Youth Soccer KidSafe program is designed to promote
the welfare of youth players and to protect volunteer coaches, program
administrators and the organization.
a. To identify all coaches
b. To develop and communicate the KidSafe guidelines to all coaches
and program administrators
c. To monitor the implementation of the above objectives.
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2. Intent - It is the intent of USYS and its affiliated organizations to exclude
from participation in USYS activities, at a minimum, all persons who have
been charged of crimes of violence or crimes against persons. Further, it is
the intent of the MSA membership to exclude any one charged and/or
convicted of any other violation of the law that the MSA Executive Council
deems detrimental to the health and safety of the players, including those
outlined in the MSA Criminal Conviction Matrix
3. Program elements - The U S Youth Soccer KidSafe program seeks to:
a. Foster safe circumstances for every person, and especially every
child who participates in all US Youth Soccer affiliated activity.
b. Inform all U S Youth Soccer volunteers and employees concerning
the risks associated with youth programs
10. KidSafe Risk Management Implementation
1. State KidSafe Coordinator - A KidSafe Coordinator shall be appointed
with the assigned responsibility of implementing and managing a KidSafe
program for the organization. The KidSafe Coordinator, in conjunction with
the MSA President and/or staff, shall be responsible for reporting any
reported violations to the appropriate law enforcement or Human Services
agencies.
2. Organizational KidSafe Coordinator - Each organization is required to
identify and select a KidSafe Coordinator whose duties shall be to review
and confirm that individuals that may be in the care of the organizations’
youth members have completed their background check and been
approved to do so.
3. Disclosure Statement - Every person wishing to apply for a position as a
coach, trainer, manager, program administrator or be in a position to have
care of the organizations youth members with U S Youth Soccer or an
affiliate must complete an Online Employment / Volunteer Disclosure
Statement (herein called the “KidSafe form.”) at
www.mississippisoccer.org. All KidSafe Disclosure results will be
maintained on line in the appropriate MSA database systems. In addition,
every employee / volunteer of U S Youth Soccer or any of its affiliates who
at any time could be expected, in the performance of their duties, to be
alone with any registered player for any length of time must have on file a
completed Disclosure Statement. This will include, but not be limited to:
a. Coaches include head coaches, assistant coaches or substitute
coaches
b. Program administrators include state, district, league and program
directors; team managers; referees; linesmen; fourth officials; and
athletic trainers.
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c. Any position not listed herein, but is in a position to have
unsupervised care of the organizations youth members.
4. On-Line Registration - The KidSafe form must be completed on-line in
the appropriate MSA database systems. MSA will provide a user name and
password to each organization to provide access to risk management
information for their appropriate organization KidSafe Coordinator
5. Digital confirmation to MSA – The Organization will insure that no
volunteer, coach, Assistant, trainer or Manager is allowed to have contact
with his/her team until he/she has become cleared in the MSA Kidsafe
system. The MSA database systems will not allow non- cleared individuals
to be assigned to teams until they have completed a successful
background check.
6. Affidavit of compliance – Organization Presidents and KidSafe
Coordinators will submit as a part of their good standing requirements, an
affidavit verifying review and compliance of their KidSafe Program. This
review would include officers and other officials.
7. Deadlines a. No volunteer, coach, Assistant, trainer, Manager or other
aforementioned position is allowed to have contact with his/her team
until he/she has become cleared in the MSA KidSafe system.
b. With the exception of replacement coaches, assistant coaches,
managers or trainers, any coach, assistant coach, manager or trainer
added to the MSA KidSafe system after the start of the organizations
league play, shall be assessed a $10 surcharge for each addition.
c. No tournament applications will be approved for organizations not in
compliance with KidSafe guidelines.
8. Penalty - Any organization not in compliance with KidSafe policy will be
considered a “member not in good standing” and ineligible for further
participation in any and all MSA sanctioned events including competition
at any level with any MSA or USYS member until full compliance is
achieved.
9. Confidentiality – Background checks shall be stored securely and that
information on them and cases arising from them shall be handled with
the highest possible level of confidentiality. Only the organizations’
KidSafe Coordinator or the designated alternate shall have access to the
background checks.
10.Disposition of Background check “Hits” - Any substantiated reports
of abuse or allegation returned to MSA on one of its applicants shall be
cause for immediate suspension for the individual in question. A copy of
the report received from the system shall be kept on file by MSA. The
individual suspended as a result of the findings of the Agency may appeal
his/her suspension according to guidelines outlined in this manual.
Persons that have been placed into a Pended mode shall be sent a notice
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of that action with a request to contact the MSA KidSafe Coordinator
within 10 days or be automatically suspended.
11. USYS KidSafe Program limitations - The USYS KidSafe Program is a
minimal set of standards and practices. Local organizations, may, after
consultation with local legal, law enforcement and Human Services
consultation may develop and publish a more rigid set of standards. Local
organizations are required to submit the forms provided by USYS,
however locally developed forms may be used in conjunction with the
USYS form. KidSafe brochures and Volunteer Disclosure forms are
available through the state office and U S Youth Soccer. All coaches
should receive a copy of the USYS brochure for their review.
12. KidSafe Application Privacy Policy - The online KidSafe application is
made through a direct, customized secure socket portal with a national
background checks processing company.
How We Use the Information
The information collected online from national sources is stored indefinitely at a
national background checks processing company and is used for assuring the safety
of our membership as outlined in the MSA KidSafe policy and USYS KidSafe policies.
Local organizations members and officers do not have access to the results of any
background check. The organizations’ officers with access to the password protected
MSA database systems may see if the individual has completed and passed a
successful background check. Individuals noted as N/A, Pending or Denied may not
participate with the organization. Other than name, address and contact information,
no other personal information is displayed.
Information in the KidSafe system is not used for mailings, list rental or any other
form of sale.
MSA reserves the right to disclose personal information if required to do so by law,
or in the good faith belief that such action is reasonably necessary to comply with
legal process, respond to claims, or protect the rights, property or safety of our
company, employees, members, or the public.
Eligibility
When adverse information is received, the individual is contacted directly by the MSA
KidSafe coordinator in an effort to obtain information to clear the adverse
information. If the information is found to be correct, the MSA Criminal Conviction
Matrix is used to determine eligibility and when the individual would become eligible.
The local organization President would be advised that the individual was ineligible to
be used in MSA. The individual may appeal the loss of eligibility in accordance with
MSA Bylaws and policy
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Children
We do not intend to collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If
you are under 18, you should not enter information on this website and should ask a
parent to do so for you.
Questions or Concerns
If at any time you believe that MSA has not followed the above policy, please let us
know by sending an email to execdir@mississippisoccer.org. We will make
reasonable efforts to identify and correct any problem.
Changes to This Online Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change the terms of this privacy policy at any time, but will
not do so without posting the revised policy on this website. We encourage you to
review this privacy policy whenever you visit our website to make sure you
understand how we use the information we collect.
11. Bloodborne Infection Policy
1. Overview - The following policies shall be in effect as a function of the
KidSafe Program and is designed to protect players, officials, and volunteers
by reducing the risk of contracting bloodborne infections during play of any
MSA sanctioned tournament.
2. Guidelines - regarding the presence of blood during play due to the
increasing risk of contracting bloodborne infections (HIV and Hepatitis B
Virus), the following universal hygienic precautions should be taken in an
athletic setting:
a. Before competing, cover any open wounds with suitable bandages and wraps
b. When a referee observes a player bleeding during competition, play shall be
stopped at the next natural stoppage of play. The player must be
substituted.
c. Any player who has left the match due to bleeding shall not reenter the
match until the bleeding has been controlled and the wound covered, at the
next appropriate time for substitution.
d. When a referee observes an excessive amount of blood on a player, or their
uniform, that player shall leave the match at the first natural stoppage of
play and the blood shall be wiped from the player or his/her uniform. The
player may re-enter the match at the appropriate time for substitution.
e. An excessive amount of blood is that amount which could be easily
transferred from one player to another.
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f. Whenever possible, players should render first aid to themselves, or first aid
should be administered by side line personnel, not referees or contest
officials.
g. The referee shall document all cases of players being substituted for the
presence of blood.
12. Insurance Program Objectives
1. Purpose: This program exists to provide accidental medical coverage and
liability coverage for individuals serving The Game in various capacities. The
medical insurance provides secondary medical coverage only unless the
injured individual is not covered by any other medical insurance. In that
case, the policy provides primary coverage. In either case, the coverage is
subject to the policy limitations. The liability insurance provides primary
coverage subject only to the policy limitations.
2. Objectives: These policies are designed to provide sound administration
and management of this vital MSA Program.
13. Insurance Program – General Information
1. Limitations on Coverage: No player, coach, officer, official, etc. covered
under the basic policy obtained by MSA for its participants have this
insurance in effect under the following conditions.
a. When participating in an unaffiliated organization's tournament unless the
tournament has specifically received MSA sanction.
b. When participating in indoor soccer unless that team and all its players
have been registered with MSA. The outdoor registration is valid for
indoor teams, but the indoor team must have its roster filed with MSA.
c. Any youth player given permission to play in senior games is not covered
while participating in any manner (playing, practicing, traveling, etc.) with
the senior team. Any youth player participating in this manner must be
covered by the senior team's insurance, if he/she is covered at all.
2. Certificate of Insurance: At present, the MSA insurance policy is issued in
the name of MSA. If a Certificate of Insurance is desired which specifically
names the local soccer organization, school district, university, private
landowner, or municipality, one can be obtained free of charge from the MSA
State Office.
3. Insurance Fees: The total cost of the accident and liability insurance is
included in the MSA player registration fee established at the AGM.
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4. Insurance Claim: No accident insurance claim will be honored by the
insurance company unless it is reviewed and signed by the MSA Staff. They
will only take this action after verifying that the player is registered; their
organization is in good standing; and the injury occurred during a legitimate
soccer activity under the terms of the contract. If all these criteria are not
met, the claims will be returned unsigned. The claim form and the directions
for completing it can be obtained from the MSA office or the MSA website.
14. Accident Insurance
1. Policy Information: The terms of the policy are only briefly outlined in this
section. Complete provisions are contained in the Master Policy at the MSA
State Office. In the event of any conflict, the Master Policy will govern.
2. Policy Coverage: All registered U.S. Youth Soccer members who participate
in the National Athletic Insurance Trust fund, including their employees,
officials, team members, age 19 and under, coaches, and referees whose
application and premiums have been accepted by the administrator.
3. Period of Policy Coverage: Coverage is in effect while participating in the
sanctioned play or practice of soccer under the direction and supervision of
an authorized official; while traveling directly and uninterrupted to or from
such play or practice and the insured's residence, school, or job; and while
participating in other scheduled group activities which are directly supervised
by an authorized official.
4. Deductible: The Plan requires a $1000.00 deductible payment for the
insured.
5. Policy Benefits: The policy has the following benefits.
a. Accidental Death and Dismemberment: If the injury to the Insured
Person results in the death or dismemberment of the Insured Person,
within 180 days of the date of the covered accident, the company will pay
the benefit as provided by the plan.
b. Accident Medical Expense: The plan will pay excess of all other valid
and collectible group insurance the Usual and Reasonable Expenses
incurred as the result of any one accident up to the maximum benefit for
the plan. After all other insurance has paid to its maximum limit, the
amount of the deductible shall be deducted from each and every claim.
6. Policy Exclusions: The policy does not cover any loss incurred for or
resulting from the following items.
a. Suicide or any attempt threat by the Insured
b. Infections except those caused by the injury
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c. War or any war while serving in the armed forces
d. Accidents as the result of operating or performing duties as a member of a
crew of an aircraft
e. Dental treatment except as the result of injury to sound teeth
f. Injuries for which the insured is entitled to benefits under any Workman's
Compensation
g. The insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic
unless prescribed by a doctor
h. Any pre-existing condition
7. Benefit Limits: These secondary coverage benefits are payable in excess of
all other valid and collectible insurance. Physical Therapy or Chiropractor
Treatment Benefit shall not exceed $2,000 at a maximum of $50.00 per
visit.
a. Accident Medical Expense*
$50,000
b. Accidental Death
$ 5,000
c. Accidental Dismemberment
$ 5,000
d. Payment Period in Weeks
52
e. Per Claim Deductible
$
750
8. Claim Procedures: No accident insurance claim will be honored unless it is
first reviewed and signed by the MSA Staff at the State Office. Completed
claim forms should be sent to the Administrator within 20 days. Bills for
expenses incurred should be submitted writing 90 days of treatment.
a. Complete the online Insurance form found on the MSA website as directed.
b. www.mississippisoccer.org – Download Forms – Insurance Information &
Form.
c. Have the Physician or Dentist complete the appropriate sections on the
back of the form. Standard forms from the Physician or Dentist may be
substituted.
d.Attach all itemized bills.
e. Mail any additional bills directly to the Insurance Company.
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15. Liability Insurance
1. Policy Information: The provisions and terms of the policy are only briefly
outlined here. Complete provisions are contained in the Master Policy on file
at MSA. In the event of any conflict the Master Policy will govern.
2. Policy Coverage: This Plan covers U.S. Youth Soccer members including
State Associations, their leagues, teams, players, coaches, referees,
sponsors, directors and officers, officials an volunteer workers while working
on behalf of MSA.
3. Deductible: The Plan requires no deductible payments for the insured.
4. Policy Benefits: The Plan covers potential liability arising out of the
following items.
a. All sanctioned and supervised activities necessary or incidental to the
conduct of practice, exhibition, regular season, and post-season games.
b. The ownership, maintenance or use of soccer fields, floors, stands and
playing area.
c. Product liability, i.e., consumption or use of food, equipment, and other
products.
d. Year round sanctioned and supervised activities such as fund raising,
meetings, and award banquets.
e. Liability assumed under contract.
f. Libel, slander, defamation of character, false arrest, wrongful eviction, and
invasion of privacy.
g. Non-owned and hired automobiles (limited to teams, leagues, and
associations)
h. Host liquor liability.
i. Advertising liability
j. Fire legal liability.
k. Malpractice liability.
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l. Additional insured’s when added by endorsement.
m. The protection afforded includes the legal liability of injury or death to
players.
o. Liability Medical Expense of $5,000.00.
5. Policy Exclusions: The policy does not cover the property of others in the
care, custody, and control of the insured (personal property of players,
coaches, etc.); injury or death of an employee; player versus player claims);
amusement devices; fireworks; and property damage to animals.
16. Discipline and Appeals – Operating Procedures
1. Committee Operating Procedures: These elements include the following
requirements.
a. The definition of appropriate disciplinary and protest subjects including all
MSA adopted disciplinary and/or protest subjects and policies. Some
examples are the MSA Disciplinary Reporting policy and the USSF physical
and verbal referee abuse policies.
b. Written filing procedures and requirements for an individual, team, and/or
organizational grievance or protest.
c. Documented notification and hearing procedures for all involved parties.
d. The rights and responsibilities of all hearing participants.
e. The automatic disqualification requirement for any committee member who
has a potential conflict of interest in the considered matter, as determined
by the Committee Chairman.
f. The required timetable for accomplishing each procedural step in a timely
manner.
g. The notification procedures for the committee's decision and the MSA
appeals process to the "aggrieved party", i.e., the party in the dispute who
is negatively affected by the committee's decision and/or imposed
disciplinary action. These procedures should include the appeal procedures
to the next highest level.
2. Protest and Appeals Procedures: These procedures must be followed in
order to either initiate a protest or a disciplinary action hearing. Protestable
and/or disciplinary actions are violations of the USSF, U.S. Youth Soccer,
and MSA Constitutions, by-laws, and Administrative Rules; an MSA officer
decision; and established Organizational Committees' decisions, except in
the resolution of their own league or tournament game protests. These
game protest decisions are a final resolution of the issues.
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3. The following procedures apply to initiate a protest and/or disciplinary action
at the MSA level with the initial responsibility for the requested action.
a. Organization Level - All protestable violations and proposed disciplinary
actions at the Organization level shall be received in writing by its Chief
Administrative Officer within ten (10) calendar days of the alleged
violation(s) with any organization required hearing fee. The submitted
letter shall include the alleged violation; a detailed discussion of the
incident; the identity of all involved parties; the appropriate citation of the
violated USSF, U.S. Youth Soccer, and/or MSA document and/or
administrative rules; and any appropriate, necessary documents. The
Chief Administrative Officers are the Organizational President. If
necessary, the elected organizational officers shall conduct a fair and
impartial hearing within twenty-one (21) to determine the merits of the
charge. All involved parties shall be invited to be present at this hearing,
which is subject to the documentation requirements of MSA Bylaws. If the
officers elect to discipline the involved party, their decision is subject to
appeal to the Organizational Protest and Appeals Committee.
b. State Level -The State Disciplinary Chairman and the MSA President
shall receive in writing, via certified mail or commercial delivery service
where a signature is required, at the MSA State Office, all initially
initiated protestable violations and proposed disciplinary actions at the
State level or District level Appeals Committee Decisions, respectively,
within ten (10) calendar days of the alleged violation(s) with a two
hundred dollar ($200.00) check payable to MSA. The submitted letter
shall include the alleged violation; a detailed discussion of the incident;
the identity of all involved parties; the appropriate citation of the violated
USSF, U.S. Youth Soccer Association, and/or MSA document and/or
administrative rules; and any appropriate, necessary documents. The
appropriate forms are available for download on the MSA website.
c. MSA Council Appeal - The MSA President shall receive in writing, via
certified mail or commercial delivery service where a signature is
required, at the MSA State Office, the appeal of disciplinary actions
imposed by the Disciplinary Committee, within ten (10) calendar days of
the official notification of the Disciplinary Committee’s decision(s) with a
two hundred dollar ($200.00) check payable to MSA. The submitted letter
shall include the copies of all documents from previous Committee
hearings; and any other appropriate, necessary documents. The
appropriate forms are available for download on the MSA website.
d. Upon receipt of the required correspondence, the receiving official will
hold a Disciplinary Committee hearing within twenty-one (21) calendar
days to resolve the matter. The Chairperson of the hearing committee
shall verbally notify the aggrieved party within twenty-four (24) hours of
the committee's decision. The Chairperson shall also mail a written
notification letter within seven (7) calendar days to the aggrieved party.
This letter shall state the committee's decision, the basic reasons for the
decision, and any applicable appeal rights and procedures of the
aggrieved party.
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e. The Chairperson of the hearing committee will ensure a documented
summary record is written and available to the involved parties and for
any subsequent Protest and Appeals Committee hearing.
4. Appealing State Disciplinary Decisions - The following procedures
apply to appealing decisions at or above the district level.
a. All appeals shall be filed by certified mail or commercial delivery service
where a signature is required, to the MSA State Office within ten (10)
calendar days of receiving written notification of the resolution action by
an Organizational, District, or MSA Disciplinary Committee.
b. Documentation and Appeal Fees - A written appeal letter in duplicate,
with all appropriate attached documentation and appropriate fees made
payable to MSA, should be submitted to the to the MSA Disciplinary
Committee Chairperson (for an appeal of a Organization Committee
decision) certified mail or commercial delivery service where a signature is
required, to the MSA State Office; and the MSA President (for an appeal
of MSA Committee or MSA Council decision) via certified mail or
commercial delivery service where a signature is required to the MSA State
Office.
Appeals fees are used to offset the expense of convening
Disciplinary Hearings and are not refundable.
Local Fee - Consult your local organization
Disciplinary Committee - $300.00
MSA Council - $300.00
USSF National Appeals - $300.00
c. Upon receipt of the required appeal correspondence, the receiving MSA
official will hold a committee hearing within twenty-one (21) calendar days
to resolve the matter. The Chairperson of the hearing committee shall
verbally notify the appellant within twenty-four (24) hours of the
committee's decision. The Chairperson will then mail a written notification
letter within ten (10) calendar days to the appellant. This letter shall state
the committee's decision, the basic reasons for the decision, and any
applicable appeal rights and procedures of the appellant.
d. The Chairperson of the hearing committee will ensure a documented
summary record is written and mailed with all appropriate attached
documentation to the MSA State Office and all involved parties.
5. Hearing Participant Rights: The utmost objective in any MSA
Administrative Protest or Disciplinary Hearing from the Organizational to the
State level is to reach a just and equitable resolution of the alleged actions
and/or violations while protecting all participants' rights in a fact finding
meeting by a body of fair and impartial knowledgeable and experienced
Soccer volunteers. To this end, the following participant rights shall be
observed by the hearing body members.
6. Any party, who must defend themselves against protest and/or
alleged misconduct actions, shall be entitled:
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MSA Policy Manual
a. To participate in any and all levels of MSA hearings pertaining to the
allegations against them.
b. To present pertinent and applicable documents, personal statements, and
witnesses at any such hearings.
c. To question the party who requested the disciplinary action or initiated the
protest. The party referred to herein may be a knowledgeable
representative in the case of a team or an organization.
d. To have an advisor participate with them at any such hearing. This advisor
cannot be an attorney or any other member of the legal profession. This
same requirement exists for any Soccer volunteer or paid organization
employee who serves in this advisory capacity.
e. To have all rules and procedures outlined in these by-laws observed by the
hearing committee.
7. Any aggrieved party, who loses a protest or is disciplined for misconduct
actions, shall be entitled to all items of recourse described in Section 3.12
except:
a. Recalling the initiator of disciplinary or protest action, unless deemed
necessary by the Committee chairman.
b. To appeal a final MSA Council decisions to the next meeting of the MSA
membership. If the aggrieved party is an Organization, it may appeal
directly to the U.S. Youth Soccer Association Committee if it exercises this
option within ten (10) days of receiving MSA written notice of an adverse
final decision.
8. Any aggrieved party, who loses a protest or is disciplined for
misconduct actions, shall be entitled to all items of recourse
described in this manual and may make appeals through the following
line of Soccer authority with the appropriate established USSF fees.
a. United States Soccer Federation National Appeals Committee
b. Appeals must be presented within 10 days from the date of receipt of the
decision rendered by the State Association including the appropriate fees
in the form of money order or cashier’s check. The appeal fee shall be
retained by the Federation.
c. Upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the USSF will send a letter outlining
the timeframe within which the parties must comply with certain
document requests. Calculations as to dates are based on business days
(which exclude Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)
d. After an appeal is heard, the Appeals panel shall render a final decision
within ten days after the hearing.
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e. A decision of the State Association may be upheld, reversed or remanded
by the USSF Appeals Committee.
17. Disciplinary Reporting – Misconduct by Player, Team
Managers
1. Objective - The objective of the Disciplinary Reporting System is to provide
a vehicle through which the Mississippi Youth Soccer Association (MSA) can
monitor and control the discipline of its players, coaches, and managers
during play in the Division I League, Division II play, MSA tournaments and
other USYS sanctioned tournaments. This will allow “the good of the game”
to take first priority.
2. Scope - All ejections issued in any Division I match as described in Division I
Disciplinary Reporting policy, must be reported, and all penalties apply to all
Division I personnel, including players, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and
Team Managers. All ejections issued in any Division II match in all age
divisions must be reported, and all penalties apply to all Division II personnel,
including players, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers.
3. Governing Body - The MSA Council shall be the governing body with final
authority as applies to all incidents, questions, decisions and appeals arising
out of the Disciplinary reporting system.
4. MSA Disciplinary Committee - Notwithstanding the foregoing, however,
the MSA Disciplinary Committee shall, between meetings of the MSA Council,
act with full decision-making authority regarding any incidents, questions,
decisions, actions or appeals arising from the Disciplinary Reporting System
provided, however, that any act taken by the Disciplinary Committee is
subject to change, override, alteration or modification by the MSA Council at
its next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. All actions of the MSA
Disciplinary Committee shall require a majority vote thereof.
5. Reporting - It is the sole responsibility of the team manager and league
officials to report cautions and ejections. Referees will submit game reports
for all MSA League Play, MSA Sanctioned Tournaments and State and District
Tournaments. MSA will receive misconduct reports from USYSA Sanctioned
tournaments in which MSA teams participate.
6. Pre-Game agreements - As cautions and ejections are duties and powers
of the referee in the Laws of the Game, no team or team official may enter
into an agreement asking or requiring the referees to not issue cautions or
ejections in any match. Coaches, players, teams and referees found to be
involved in such actions shall be suspended from all play, coaching duties or
officiating until such time as the Executive Council shall meet to review the
violation and issue additional penalties, if any.
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18. League Reporting
1. Cautions and Ejections - It shall be the responsibility of each Team
Manager to report each and every Caution or Ejection to the MSA Disciplinary
Committee Chairman on a monthly basis via the E-discipline system on the
MSA website. Reports should be received in the MSA State Office no later
than 10 days following expiration of the particular reporting month.
a. State Tournament Competition - In the event an MSA Qualifying,
District, or State Tournament is held prior to the tenth day of a particular
month, reporting must be received on the Monday following the last
Sunday prior to the tournament date.
Details of the incident resulting in the Caution or Ejection shall likewise be
reported therewith on the MSA reporting form provided to the League. For
the purposes of reporting, two cautions received in the same game should
be reported as an ejection only. Also, ejections resulting from striking
and/or fighting will count as two ejections for accumulation purposes.
Each League shall determine and adopt its own system for local reporting
of such incidents and relevant facts relating thereto. Statistics relating to
the number and nature of each and every Caution or Ejection shall be
maintained by each league for purposes of imposing the disciplinary
actions outlined herein below.
2. League Certification - Each monthly report submitted online by the team
manager shall be considered the true representation of all Cautions and
Ejections for that reporting period
3. Negative Reporting - Reports shall be made to in the e-discipline system
indicating that no ejections or cautions have been received by its team. This
negative reporting ensures that all organizations are monitoring and
participating in the process.
4. Special Rules for MSA State Cup - A “running total” of all Cautions and
Ejections shall be maintained on a “per season basis”. A “season” shall be
defined as period commencing on each August 1 and terminating at the
conclusion of the final match on the first Sunday prior to the State Cup, if
the team competes in League Play, otherwise on the following July 31. A
regularly scheduled game is defined as an MSA State League Game or the
next USYS Sanctioned Tournament game. If, at the conclusion of League
Play, a player has accumulated the requisite number of cautions and/or
ejections to require suspension, that suspension shall carry over to the State
Cup. If, however, the player does not, all disciplinary cautions and/or
ejections shall be declared void and the player shall enter the State Cup with
no disciplinary cautions or ejections on record. Suspensions earned during
the final game of the State Cup shall be served in the next game of the
Region III Tournament.
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19. Disciplinary Actions
1. Cautions - A "running total" of all Cautions shall be maintained on a "per
season basis". With respect to Cautions, a "season" shall be defined as a
period commencing on each August 1 and terminating at the conclusion of
the final match on the Sunday prior to the State Cup, if the team competes
in State League Play otherwise, on the following July 31. A regularly
scheduled game is defined as an MSA State League Game or the next USYS
Sanctioned tournament game. Cautions shall result in the following actions:
No. of Cautions
1st - 4th
5th
6th - 9th
10th
11th - 14th
15th
Action to be taken
Report to MSA
Report to MSA and count as an Ejection; individual disqualified
from participating in next regularly scheduled game, unless,
when added to any other Ejections which may be outstanding,
then follow disciplinary actions outlined herein below for
"Ejections", including the probationary and suspension rules.
Report to MSA
Report to MSA and count as second Ejection; individual
disqualified from participating in next 2 regularly scheduled
games, unless, when added to any other Ejections which may
be outstanding, then follow disciplinary actions outlined herein
below for "Ejections", including the probationary and suspension
rules.
Report to MSA
Report to MSA; individual disqualified from participating in any
MSA - Sanctioned event for the duration of the season
Note: Two cautions received in the same game must be reported as an ejection and
not included in the accumulation of cautions.
2. If, at the conclusion of League Play, a player has accumulated the requisite
number of cautions to require suspension, that suspension shall carry over
into the MSA State Cup. If, however the player does not, all disciplinary
cautions shall be declared void and the players shall enter the MSA State Cup
with no disciplinary cautions on record.
3. Ejections - A "running total" of all ejections shall be maintained on a "per
season" basis. With respect to Ejections, a "season" shall be defined as a
period commencing on each August 1 and terminating at the conclusion of
the final match on the Sunday prior to the State Cup, if the team competes
in State League Play otherwise, on the following July 31. A regularly
scheduled game is defined as an MSA State League Game or the next USYS
Sanctioned tournament game. Ejections shall result in the following actions:
No. of Ejections
1st
2nd
Action to be taken
Report to MSA; individual disqualified from participating in next
regularly scheduled game
Report to MSA; individual disqualified from participating in next
2 regularly scheduled games.
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3rd
4th
5th
Report to MSA; individual disqualified from participation in next
three regularly scheduled games.
Report to MSA; individual disqualified from participation in next
four regularly scheduled games.
Report to MSA; individual disqualified from participation in any
MSA Sanctioned event for the season
For purposes of the above actions to be taken, any ejection for striking a player,
or for fighting or for Violent Conduct or Serious Foul Play, shall count as two
ejections.
4. Clarification of penalties: Suspensions shall be served as described above
regardless of the type of competition in which the misconduct was
committed, with the following exceptions:
a. Suspensions may not be served in “friendly” games.
b. Misconduct committed in State League play resulting in a suspension
must be served in the next State League game, which may include the
MSA State and Regional competitions.
c. Misconduct committed in a USYS sanctioned tournament resulting in a
suspension must be served in the next regularly scheduled game.
d. Local organizations will be responsible for disciplinary actions relating to
“friendly” games.
5. If, at the conclusion of League Play, a player has accumulated the requisite
number of ejections to require suspension, that suspension shall carry over
into the State Cup. If, however the player does not, all disciplinary ejections
shall be declared void and the players shall enter the State Cup with no
disciplinary ejections on record.
20. Other Committee Actions
1. Discipline against a Team/League - The MSA Disciplinary Committee
shall recommend disciplinary action against any team found in violation of the
Disciplinary Reporting System. Such recommendations are intended to
discipline any team/League which fails to timely and correctly report all
Cautions and Ejections and/or which fails to timely and correctly apply the
appropriate discipline against the appropriate individual pursuant to the
actions outlined herein. Teams in violation of the policy will have all access to
travel documents and online rosters and passes frozen on the MSA website.
2. Periodic Review - Not less frequently than a quarterly basis, the MSA
Disciplinary Committee shall review all records and statistics on a per league
basis and shall report to the MSA Council with respect to any concerns and
recommended actions related thereto which are not otherwise covered
herein.
3. Interpretations - Any interpretation of incident or actions pursuant to the
Disciplinary Reporting System shall be made by the MSA Disciplinary
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Committee, subject to override, alteration, modification or other actions by
the MSA Council as the MSA Council may deem appropriate.
4. Appeals - any and all appeals by an individual regarding decisions or actions
taken by the MSA Disciplinary Committee shall be made in writing and
delivered to the MSA Disciplinary Committee Chairman with a copy thereof
provided to the MSA President. Such appeals shall include all relevant
information including, but not limited to, the specific issue being appealed,
the date and timing of such issue, the facts and circumstances surrounding
each issue, and the grounds upon which such an appeal is being made.
5. Meetings - The MSA Disciplinary Committee shall meet as expeditiously as
possible, either in person or by telephone, to rule on the appeal. The MSA
Council shall serve as the appellate body for any decisions or actions made
or taken by the MSA Disciplinary Committee. All decisions of the MSA Council
shall be final and binding upon all parties.
6. Amendments - The Disciplinary Reporting System may only be amended by
the MSA Council and shall require a majority vote thereof for any such
amendments.
7. League Leadership - It is hoped that the leadership of each league will
encourage its players, coaches, team managers and family members to place
the “good of the game” as its first priority. The development of player skills,
team spirit, competitive but safe play and good personal relationships must
always dominate the involvement of every individual in the MSA.
21. Misconduct towards game officials
The policy below is taken direct from the USSF Policy Manual and is
applicable to all levels of MSA members.
1. General
Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after the match,
including travel to and from the match. Misconduct may occur also at later
times when directly related to duties of a game official as a referee.
2. Rule Application
a. This policy shall supersede any inconsistent rules of Organization
Members that pertain to assaults or abuse upon Federation referees,
assistant referees, the manner and means of hearings, appeals, and
additional hearings in matters pertaining thereto.
b. Nothing in this policy rule shall be construed to restrict or limit any
league, event/tournament or Organization Member from applying equal
or greater restrictions to anyone not listed in section 4(a)(1) of this policy
(i.e., a spectator associated with a club or team).
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c. This policy shall not apply to players, coaches, managers, club officials, or
league officials while participating in Professional League Member
activities.
3. Terms and References
As used in this policy—
a. “Referee” includes the following:
1. All currently registered USSF referees, assistant referees, 4th
officials or others duly appointed to assist in officiating in a match.
2. Any non-licensed, non-registered person serving in an emergency
capacity as a referee (under Rule 3040).
3. Any club assistant referee.
b. “Hearing” means a meeting of at least three neutral members, one of
whom is designated or elected to serve as chairman. The hearing shall
be conducted pursuant to guidelines established by the Organization
Member.
c. “Referee assault” is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a
referee.
1. For purposes of this policy, "intentional act" shall mean an act
intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of
another in a way that is socially unacceptable. Unintended
consequences of the act are irrelevant.
2. 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.
d. 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.
1. Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon
a referee: using foul or abusive language toward a referee that implies
or threatens physical harm; spewing any beverage on a referee’s
personal property; or spitting at (but not on) the referee..
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22. Misconduct by Game Officials
Allegations of referee misconduct shall be adjudicated by the State Referee
Committee pursuant to guidelines set forth within USSF Policy 531-10--Misconduct of
Game Officials.
23. Jurisdiction and Hearings
1. General
a. When any amateur or professional player, coach, manager, club official
or game official assaults or abuses a referee, the original jurisdiction to
adjudicate the matter shall vest immediately in the responsible
Organization Member which is affiliated with the United States Soccer
Federation.
b. When an allegation of assault is verified by the Organization
Member, the person is automatically suspended until the hearing on the
assault.
c. The Organization Member must hold a hearing within thirty (30)
days of the verification by the Member of the abuse or assault or, if
applicable, the thirty-day period provided by subsection (B)(3) of this
section. If the Member does not adjudicate the matter within that period
of time, original jurisdiction shall immediately vest in the Federation’s
Appeals Committee to adjudicate the matter, to which the same
provisions as to the term of suspension shall apply.
d. Failure to hold the initial hearing shall not rescind the automatic
suspension.
2. Events and Tournaments
a. In the event an assault or abuse of a referee occurs in an event outside
the alleged offender’s home state, the referee shall (A) immediately
notify the Event/Tournament Chairman, and (B) forward a copy of the
game report and his/her comments on the incident to the
Event/Tournament Chairman.
1. The Event/Tournament Chairman shall have the right to immediately
convene a hearing at the site of the Event/Tournament, at which the
alleged offender, the coach of the alleged offender when the offender
is a player, and the game official should be present. Information
presented at this hearing shall promptly be relayed to the alleged
offender’s Organization Member President by the Event/Tournament
Chairman, both orally and in writing; however, failure to provide
written information shall not restrict the offender’s Organization
Member from taking action with regard to any referee abuse or
assault.
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2. Final jurisdiction shall vest with the alleged offender’s Organization
Member. A hearing shall be held by that Organization Member within
thirty (30) days of the receipt of the initial report of the abuse or
assault on a referee.
24. Penalties, Suspensions and Appeals
1. Assault
a. The person committing the referee assault must be suspended as follows:
1. For a minor or slight touching of the referee or the referee's uniform
or personal property, at least 3 months from the time of the assault
2.
Except as provided in clause (i) or (ii), for any other assault, at
least 6 months from the time of the assault:
(i)
for an assault committed by an adult and the referee is 17
years of age or younger, at least 3 years; or
(ii) for an assault when serious injuries are inflicted, at least 5
years.
An Organization Member adjudicating the matter may not provide a shorter
period of suspension but, if circumstances warrant, may provide a longer
period of suspension.
2. Abuse
The minimum suspension period for referee abuse shall be at least three (3)
scheduled matches within the rules of that competition. The Organization
Member adjudicating the matter may provide a longer period of suspension
when circumstances warrant (e.g., habitual offenders).
25. Reporting and Assault
a. Procedures for reporting of referee assault and/or abuse shall be developed
and disseminated by the National Referee Committee to all Federation
registered referees.
b. Referees shall transmit a written report of the alleged assault or abuse, or
both, within 48 hours of the incident (unless there is a valid reason for later
reporting) to the designee of the Organization Member and the State
Referee Administrator. For tournaments or special events, the referee shall
transmit a written report to the tournament director on the day of the
incident and to his home state SRA within 10 days of the incident.
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26. Code of Ethics for Players
a. I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials
and parents at all times.
b. I will remember that soccer is an opportunity to learn and have fun.
c. I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and
alcohol; and expect everyone to refrain from their use at all soccer games.
d. I will do the best I can each day, remembering that all players have talents
and weaknesses the same as I do.
e. I will treat my coaches, other players and coaches, game officials, other
administrators, and fans with respect at all times; regardless of race, sex,
creed, or abilities, and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
f. I will concentrate on playing soccer. Always giving my best effort.
g. I will play by the rules at all times.
h. I will at all times control my temper, resisting the temptation to retaliate.
i. I will exercise self-control.
j. Conduct during competition towards play of the game and all officials shall
be in accordance with appropriate behavior and in accordance with FIFA's
"Laws of the Game", and in adherence to MSA rules.
k. While traveling, shall conduct themselves so as to bring credit to
themselves and their team.
l. Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not
be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any
game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.
Failure to comply with the MSA Code of Ethics may result in the suspension of the
privilege to participate in MSA sanctioned events, for the following periods:
● 1st offense suspension minimum fifteen (15) days to a maximum of Five
(5) years
● 2nd offense suspension for a minimum of one (1) year to a maximum of
Ten (10) years
● 3rd offense suspension for a minimum of five (5) years to a maximum of
Twenty five (25) years.
NOTE: Any individual charged with a violation of this Code of Ethics, except
for cautions and send-offs as stated in the Laws of the Game,
Tournament Rules or MSA Disciplinary policy including allegations of
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referee abuse or assault, shall be afforded due process as defined in
MSA’s rules before the implementation of any suspension.
27. Code of Ethics for Players Coaches/Volunteers
a. I will never place the value of winning before the safety and welfare of all
players
b. I will always show respect for players, other coaches, and game officials.
c. I will lead by example, demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship at all
times.
d. I will demonstrate knowledge of the rules of the game, and teach these
rules to my players.
e. I will never use abusive or insulting language. I will treat everyone with
dignity.
f. I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, regardless of the situation.
g. I will not allow the use of anabolic agents or stimulants, drugs, tobacco, or
alcohol by any of my players.
h. I will never knowingly jeopardize the eligibility and participation of a
student-athlete.
i. Youth have a greater need for example than criticism. I will be the primary
soccer role model.
j. I will at all times conduct myself in a positive manner.
k. Coaching is motivating players to produce their best effort, inspiring players
to learn, and encouraging players to be winners.
l. Coach’s actions on sidelines during games shall be in the spirit of "good
sportsmanship" at all times. Profanity, profane gestures, arguing, inciting
disruptive behavior by spectators and/or players, or any conduct not
in the spirit of good sportsmanship, shall require disciplinary action from
the affiliate.
m. Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not
be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any
game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.
Failure to comply with the MSA Code of Ethics may result in the suspension of the
privilege to participate in MSA sanctioned events, for the following periods:
● 1st offense suspension minimum fifteen (15) days to a maximum of Five
(5) years
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● 2nd offense suspension for a minimum of one (1) year to a maximum of
Ten (10) years
● 3rd offense suspension for a minimum of five (5) years to a maximum of
Twenty five (25) years.
NOTE: Any individual charged with a violation of this Code of Ethics, except
for cautions and send-offs as stated in the Laws of the Game,
Tournament Rules or MSA Disciplinary policy including allegations of
referee abuse or assault, shall be afforded due process as defined in
MSA’s rules before the implementation of any suspension.
28. Code of Ethics for Parents and Spectators
a. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for
all players, coaches, game officials, and administrators at all times.
b. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of all players ahead of any
personal desire to win.
c. I will support the coaches, officials, and administrators working with my
child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
d. I will remember that the game is for the players, not for the adults.
e. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, game officials,
administrators, and fans with respect.
f. I will always be positive.
g. I will always allow the coach to be the only coach.
h. I will not get into arguments with the opposing team’s parents, players, or
coaches.
i. Unless summoned by a game official, I will not come onto the field for any
reason during the game.
j. I will not criticize game officials.
k. Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not
be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any
game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.
Failure to comply with the MSA Code of Ethics may result in the suspension of the
privilege to participate in MSA sanctioned events, for the following periods:
● 1st offense suspension minimum fifteen (15) days to a maximum of
Five (5) years
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● 2nd offense suspension for a minimum of one (1) year to a maximum
of Ten (10) years
● 3rd offense suspension for a minimum of five (5) years to a maximum
of Twenty five (25) years.
NOTE: Any individual charged with a violation of this Code of Ethics,
except for cautions and send-offs as stated in the Laws of the Game,
Tournament Rules or MSA Disciplinary policy including allegations of
referee abuse or assault, shall be afforded due process as defined in
MSA’s rules before the implementation of any suspension.
29. Awards Program
1. Coach of the Year: Each year MSA will select a Coach of the Year for Boys
and Girls in the following categories:
Recreational – Boys
Recreational – Girls
Select – Boys Select
– Girls
The selected candidates will represent MSA in U.S. Youth Soccer
competition. Each District will select it District Coach of the Year in these
categories to compete for the MSA Coach of the Year Awards. The MSA
Council will select the state winners from the district winners in
consideration. State winners will be announced at the AGM with both state
and district winners receiving appropriate awards. Organizations who
nominate coaches for the district award must complete The MSA-USYS
Coach of The Year Nomination Form. Forms can be downloaded or entered
online at the MSA website at www.mississippisoccer.org.
2. Youth Referee of the Year: Each year MSA will select a Youth Referee of
the Year for Boys and Girls who will represent MSA in the U.S. Youth Soccer
competition. Each District will select it District Youth Referee of the Year for
Boys and Girls who will them compete for the MSA Youth Referee of the
Year Awards. The MSA Council will select the state winners from the district
winners in consideration. State winners will be announced at the AGM with
both state and district winners receiving appropriate awards. Organizations
who nominate individuals for the award must complete The MSA-USYS
Youth Referee Forms can be downloaded or entered online at the MSA
website at www.MSAms.org.
3.
Player Sportsmanship of the Year: MSA will recognize one player from
each team in MSA with a Player Sportsmanship of the Year Award. Each
member organization or team will select the player who exhibits the
greatest sportsmanship for the year. Each organization should provide MSA
with complete list of players receiving the Sportsmanship of the Year
Award. Forms can be downloaded or entered online at the MSA website at
www.mississippisoccer.org. After required signatures are affixed, MSA will
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MSA Policy Manual
return Award Certificates to the organization for presentation to the Award
Winners.
4.
MSA Parent of the Year: Each year MSA will select a Parent of the Year.
Organizations will submit their nominations to their District Director prior to
established deadlines. The MSA Council will select a winner from the
nominees received. The Parent of the Year will be announced at the AGM
and presented with a certificate from USYS. Forms can be downloaded or
entered online at the MSA website at www.mississippisoccer.org.
5.
MSA Administrator of the Year (Suzanne Brown Award): Each year
MSA will select an Administrator of the year who will receive a certificate
from USYS. Nominees should be submitted to your District Director by the
established deadlines. The winner will be announced at the AGM. Forms
can be downloaded or entered online at the MSA website at
www.mississippisoccer.org.
6. MSA Sportsmanship Award: This award will be presented to the team in
each age/gender division of a MSA-sponsored tournament who achieve the
maximum points for the adopted evaluation criteria as scored by the game
referees during the preliminary games prior to the Championship Game or
all played round robin games. Excessive off-field misbehavior will disqualify
a team from the sportsmanship competition at any time during the
tournament period.
Policy 102 Registration
1. Player Registration
1. Eligible Individuals: To register with MSA through a member organization
an individual must be domiciled in the State of Mississippi and meet the
established age requirements for program participation. In order to
authenticate each player meeting established age requirements; member
organizations are required to verify the birth date of each player with birth
certificate records. Organizations must maintain records of verified birth
dates. Permanent copies of birth certificates are not required to be kept on
file.
The only exceptions to these requirements are:
a. A resident of another state, who attends a boarding school, college, or
university located in Mississippi, may register with the appropriate member
organization, as determined by MSA policies for the appropriate playing
division and age group.
b. A resident from another state may register with a member organization if
he/she receives written permission from the U.S. Youth Soccer State
Association in their state of domicile and the MSA Registrar or designated
MSA Staff. These permissions must be obtained prior to player registration
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MSA Policy Manual
on the MSA Request for Interstate Player Registration form and may be
found online at www.mississippisoccer.org.
c. A resident from another state may register with a member organization if
he/she receives written permission from the U.S. Youth Soccer Association
State Association in their state of domicile and the MSA Council. With the
exception of U-19 teams, a non–USA resident player shall either:
1. Be enrolled in a school in Mississippi or,
2. Play in 50% of the spring season proceeding the MSA State Cup or;
3. Receive special approval by a 2/3 vote of the MSA Council
These permissions must be obtained prior to player registration on the
MSA Request for Interstate Player or Team Registration.
d. A player may register with another member organization in their bonafide
age group provided they are not currently registered/rostered in a
different organization. A player may not be registered, rostered or
participate in any play until this action is completed.
e. A player may register with another State Association in their bonafide age
group providing he/she is currently registered with an MSA organization or
has direct registered with MSA for the sole purpose of being released to
another state and the MSA Registrar or designated MSA Staff member has
approved the official document.
f. An eligible youth player may register with MSA for the sole purposes of
allowing the player to participate on a Adult Division team without losing
their youth eligibility or participating in the Mississippi State Select
Program (ODP) without participating on a member organization's team. A
player who does not which to be obligated to an organization, may register
directly with MSA for the purposes of playing occasionally as a guest with
existing MSA teams. This player must pay the applicable registration fee
for the highest level Division for which he wishes to play.
2. Obligation of Registered Players:
a.
b.
A registered player, who is properly rostered on a team, is bound to that team for
the MSA seasonal year unless he/she is legitimately removed or transferred
from the assigned team. Once a player has been removed from a team, he/she
may not be assigned to another during the seasonal year. A player that is
requested to play as a guest with another team or organization must
obtain permission from his/her coach to play as a guest as long as his
obligations have been met with his/her current team .
3. Registration Forms – Member organizations must include a statement in
their registration form that advises players and players’ parents/guardians
that registration with an organization is a binding agreement that the
player has an obligation to complete their requirements as a registered
member of their organization.
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4. False Registration: Any member team, who plays an over-age player or
who has a player registered with the Senior Division, shall forfeit any games
in which the player participates during the seasonal year. Any organization
that knowingly and intentionally registers a player using deception or
subterfuge to subvert MSA policies and procedures, shall be subject to
sanctions by the MSA Council including possible suspension of the
organization from MSA for the period of one year.
5. Domicile requirements - The address of the dwelling at which the player
resides the greater portion of a seasonal year shall be deemed the players
domicile. P.O. Boxes may be used for mailing purposes only. A player shall
NOT be considered registered unless a domicile address is included.
Organization Registrars must show the domicile address in the
address field in the registration software.
2. MSA State Registration
1. Submission of Fees: Organizations will complete and submit the online
MSA Invoice forms for all monies submitted to MSA.
2. Team Registration: Official team rosters must be established in the MSA
online registration system within ten (10) days after team formation and
prior to practice or games beginning.
a. A team roster consists of coaches, assistant coaches and each
assigned registered player being coached.
b. Generated team rosters must be provided to the organization coaches
prior to league competition beginning.
NOTE: An Organization will not be in good standing until Coaches, and if
applicable, Assistant Coaches, Trainers or Managers, are assigned to rosters.
Excepting Kid Safe data, organizations may request, in writing, a deferment
under special circumstances prior to deadlines.
3. Administrator and Volunteer Registration: Administrators and anyone
with direct responsibility for children on behalf of the local organization must
be registered in the MSA Online Registration System prior to practices and/or
games.
4. Registration Fees: The member organization must send MSA the required
player registration fee for each registered team member including a multiple
(secondary) registered player. It will send the player registration fee for the
three (3) MSA playing divisions to the MSA Office, within 15 days of the start
of Organization competition. Cities and municipalities must present payment
within 30 days after presentation to the required city officials (any delay
must be noted to MSA). These mailings will include an itemized accounting of
player registrations by playing division using the Invoice form within the MSA
Online Registration System. On a monthly basis, registrars shall generate
an invoice for any registration fees accumulated and submit appropriate
fees to MSA.
5. Coaches Registration: Each coach is required to be registered by
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completing and passing, their online KidSafe background check.
3. Multiple Registration (Secondary Roster)
Multiple Registration (Secondary Roster) in this section does not apply to
Division II. (Refer to Division II registration and rostering in Policy 103
Section 7). All multiple registrations and rosters must be approved by the
MSA State Registrar prior to registering and rostering. This multiple
(secondary) registration policy is subject to the following conditions.
1. A Division III Player may be registered/rostered on no more than two
Division III teams in a seasonal year. The player must indicate their primary
Division III team at their initial registration. If the player registers and
rosters on only one team at this initial registration, this team is their primary
team. He/she may subsequently register and roster on a second team as
their secondary team within their own organization, if approved by their
controlling organization. In Division III the multiple registration and
secondary rostering can only be on a team in a different age group than the
primary team in order to comply with the MSA policy governing age balance
(see policy 103, Section 3.1).
Example in Division III – In the fall U16G have 16 players; U19G have 10
players; 5 of the U16G secondary players register and roster with the
U19G’s. In the spring, more players sign up adding players to the U16G and
U19G. The five players that secondarily registered and rostered on the U19G
must decide whether to remain on the U16G team or change their primary
team to the U19G (See #4 below). This must be done prior to the Division
III freeze date
2. A Division I Player may secondarily register and roster on another Division I
team in their controlling organization if approved by it. A Division I player
may be registered/rostered on no more than two Division I teams in a
seasonal year. No Division I player can secondarily register on a Division III
or Division II team. The player may not play in either the State Cup or in the
Division I League Games of their secondary registered team.
a. The Division I Player must indicate their primary Division I team at
their initial registration. If the player registers and rosters on only one
team at this initial registration, this team is their primary team.
He/she may subsequently register and roster on a second team as
their secondary team within their own organization.
3. A Division I or Division III player must play for their primary team in case of
a game schedule conflict, this includes any player that has been asked to
participate as a guest player with another team or organization.
4. With their controlling organization's approval, a player may reverse their
primary designation once per seasonal year. This reversal will be processed
with the State Office as a Player Transfer in compliance with all transfer
policies.
5. A secondary registered/rostered player must pay the appropriate player
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registration fees for each team to MSA.
4. Team Number Assignment
The following policies apply to team numbers:
1. The member organization will assign each team in its various playing
divisions a unique team number through the e-Reg System, which it will use
for the entire year on all official MSA forms.
2. A youth coed team must be registered as a Boys Team. This unique
number must be preceded by the member organization’s 2 digit number as
listed in this policy manual.
3. The first three digits of the team number will indicate the organization's
number, the next number is the Division number, the alpha letter is the
gender and the last digits are the team number. The Age Group Digits are
04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
4. Adult Team Numbers shall be: First 2 digits indicate the organization’s
number, followed by an A for Adult, a B for male, a G for female, C for Coed,
then four digits. The remaining four digits must be unique from other
Amateur teams in the organization.
5. Player Id Numbers
1. Assignment of Player ID Numbers: The e-registration system will assign
a unique number to each registered player. This number will be a permanent
identification number which will always be used by that player as long as
he/she registered with Mississippi Soccer Association.
2. ID Numbers - These numbers will run sequentially from MS00000 to
MS99999
6. Player Releases
1. Player Removal From Seasonal Play
A parent/guardian of a registered and rostered player who desires to be
free of their contractual obligations before the end of the seasonal year
must submit an online Player Release from Soccer Request form. Since
this type of release does not replace a player transfer action, this player is
not either free to be rostered on another team in their current
organization or to register and be rostered in another member
organization in compliance with all applicable MSA policies until the year is
over. This irrevocable action removes a player from soccer for the
seasonal year. There is no fee charged for this type of release.
2. Interstate player releases must be renewed each year as outlined in
the USYS handbook.
3. (Division III Only) An organization may not form a team consisting of
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MSA Policy Manual
more than five (5) registered players coming from the same external
organization during a seasonal year.
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7. Player Transfers
A player transfer is defined as the movement of a currently rostered player
to another existing roster.
1. Player Transfers: There will be a fee for intrastate transfers paid by the
initiator. The initiator is the parent/guardian of the player requesting the
transfer. Through the E-movement system, the initiator must submit and
receive approval of the online MSA Request for Transfer. A player who fails
to receive a response to the Request for Transfer from their current
organization within seventy-two (72) hours of their documented request,
shall be released directly by MSA in accordance with MSA policies.
2. Internal movement (within an organization) of a rostered player to
another team requires a Request for Transfer. There is no fee for this
movement.
3. A player transferring in any MSA playing division must receive MSA
approval at least fourteen (14) days prior to the first date of player
participation on the new team for MSA Sponsored Tournaments or
MSA League Play. The player may play within their own league for the
purposes of their own inter league play after seven days.
a. Previously rostered players on a Division I team may not participate in
league games within 14 days of being transferred onto the team.
Recreational or previously non-rostered players added to a Division I
team may participate in league play irrespective of the 14 day wait
period.
b. The only exception to this policy will be a legitimate Hardship
Transfer request for Division III in the Kohl’s American Cup
Championship Rounds. The transfer fee remains in effect.
4. A team shall be limited to a total of five (5) transferred players per seasonal
year. A player shall be limited to a total of one (1) transfer per seasonal
year.
5. Player Transfers are permanent for the seasonal year. The player also
becomes the permanent player resource for the gaining team's member
organization until the transferred player decides to discontinue play with the
controlling organization.
6. The Controlling Organization's policy control the permissibility of eligible
player transfers from a lower age group to a higher age group; a higher age
group to a lower age group, if eligible for the lower age group; and among
the established MSA playing divisions within the member organization.
7. Any Registered and Rostered Player, who fails to receive a response to the
request for transfer from their current organization within seventy-two (72)
hours of their documented request, shall be transferred directly by MSA.
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8. Player Adds
1. Teams participating in the Division II State Championship rounds shall not be
upgraded prior to the tournament by the addition of other players from other
teams, except Division III Recreational players that completed their
obligations in Division III and was not previously rostered to a Division II
team, subject to any district/organizational requirements, may be added to
Division II teams until 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the start of the
Presidents Cup.
2. Teams advancing to the Division I State Championship rounds shall not be
upgraded prior to the tournament by the addition of other players from other
teams, except Recreational players that completed their obligations in
Division III or previously unregistered players, may be added to Division 1
Teams until 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the start of the State Cup.
9. Disbanded Teams
It is recognized that occasionally due to player numbers, lack of available
coaching staff and other reasons; some teams should be disbanded so that the
remaining players may continue to play.
1. Notification Process - The Organization Registrar must contact the MSA
State Registrar prior to disbanding the teams for the new season.
2. Approval of disbanded teams - The MSA State Registrar shall review and
provide preliminary approval using the appropriate online form to disband
and transfer to the new team(s). The Executive Council shall review all
disbanding actions for final approval.
3. Transfer limit for disbanded teams- Transfer limit for disbanded teams –
The maximum number of players allowed to be assigned (transferred) to a
single team from a disbanded team within an organization shall be no more
than six (6) players for a full size 11 v 11 team or three (3) players for an 8
v 8 team or two (2) players for a 6 v 6 team or one (1) player for a 4 v 4
team. The transfer fee shall be waived for players from disbanded teams.
4. Player Assignments from Disbanded Teams: Players from this type
team can only be reassigned to another local member team(s) when the
member organization disbanded the team with MSA Council approval at least
sixty
(60) days prior to the State Cup of the new team's playing division. A
Division II or III team may not be formed from disbanded Division I team.
10. Unacceptable Registration Practices
Membership in MSA requires that registration is open to all interested players.
This membership requirement dictates that all organizations must actively seek
to increase their player, coach and referee registration through widespread and
open advertisement. Some registration practices are counter to this purpose
and are deemed unacceptable. Examples of some of these practices are
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described below.
These examples are not all inclusive. Any registration method that has the
potential for, and is likely to exclude players, is unacceptable.
1. Funneling players with little or no playing experience to other unaffiliated
programs such as an unaffiliated YMCA or other unaffiliated organizations.
2. Any registration practice in which announcement, advertising and invitation
to registration is made only to selected players with the intent of excluding
other players. This includes relying upon a coach or other person with selfinterest to call or not call currently registered players in preparation for the
spring season. Any required personal contact should be made only by the
appropriate organization official, e.g., impartial league director.
3. Any registration mail out or advertising that is only sent to current members
and is not otherwise advertised in local newspapers and/or other available
community-advertising medium.
4. Registration of players or player contact activities relating to registration
conducted by individuals other than the organizations registrar (or the official
with registration duties) or the registrar’s designated assistants. This
specifically forbids coaches or their agents from the following practices:
i. Recruitment of players by any means
ii. Registration of players
iii. Dissemination of information pertaining to players, availability of
team spaces, etc. with the specific intent of excluding certain
players.
5. Permitting actions by coaches, other adults, or players’ team mates to
intentionally discourage registration or continued participation of any player
through badgering, harassment, etc., the result of which is to eliminate least
experienced or least skilled players, and for which the specific result is
improvement of the original or subsequent strength of a team.
6. Accepting registration from players before a request for player transfer is
completed by the organization from which the player is registered.
7. Formations of sub-pools until after sub-pools have been approved by the
applicable District Director and the MSA Registrar and confirmed by the MSA
Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting. If sub-pools are formed
without first receiving approval by the applicable District Director and MSA
Registrar, those sub-pools shall be deemed ineligible for MSA Recreational
District and/or Cup play.
8. Directly, through word or action, soliciting non national cup competition level
players from other organizations Division I programs until after the
completed advertised trial periods of those other organizations.
9. Requiring any level of player competence in order to be accepted on Division
III teams.
10. Any other practice that knowingly and intentionally seeks to exclude any
player from participating in the local organization, or cause specific players
to be assigned to specific castes due to lack of playing experience.
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11. Transferring players in MSA Online Registration System– Players may
not be transferred from one organization to the other unless approved by
MSA State Registrar or designated MSA Staff. A player profile must not be
created by any organization without first completing a player search in the
MSA e-registration software. Do not attempt to enter the player by
changing the spelling, birthdates or any other information to “spoof”
the e-registration system.
11. Penalties
The MSA Council will fine the organization a minimum of $100 per incident
and/or censure the organization in addition to possible suspension of the
guilty party. The penalty for coaches who participate in this unacceptable
practice is suspension for one year. Organizations that permit this practice
are subject to censure by the MSA Executive Council
Policy 103. Programs
1. Division III – Recreational Soccer
1. Purpose: The Division III - Recreational Level is the MSA entry playing
level for boys and girls Under 6 through Under 16 teams, and Under 19
Teams. It is the recreational playing division, which U.S. Youth Soccer
requires its State Associations to provide.
2. Program: To be considered a Division III program, it must be open
to any and all players and meet the following additional
requirements.
i.
Conduct player registrations in accordance with this manual.
ii.
Make player assignments to teams in accordance with policy.
iii.
Accept all eligible youths desiring to play The Game in the
member organization, subject to reasonable terms of
registration.
iv.
Adjust the composition of its teams each seasonal year to
ensure a competitive balance between all teams that would
routinely play against each other in the member's Division
III program. Organizations must publicize spring
registration procedures to ensure that all fall registrants are
advised of the new season and makes restoring team
strength the responsibility of league officials.
v.
Establish a written policy governing the players' rights to "play
up" in a higher age group than their bona fide age group. This
policy should include specific decision-making criteria if policy
requires consideration on a case-by-case basis.
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3. Objectives: Its registered teams are formed for the express purposes
of teaching the necessary playing abilities and skills of The Game;
maximum game and practice participation of each rostered player;
physical and mental fitness; and the enjoyment of The Game. Division
III teams are not formed to play competitive level soccer. All programs
in the Under 5, Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8 age groups shall play
either 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 play. Single year age divisions shall be used
whenever possible for U5 – U8. U10 and above shall be played in dual
age groups. Boys and girls programs should be separated; under
special circumstances girls may be allowed to play in the boys division.
For details, refer to MSA Admin regarding Small Sided Games.
2. Division III Program Policies
1. Player and Team Registrations: All registered Division III players and
teams must meet registration policy requirements which are outlined in this
manual.
2. Player Transfers: All transferred players to Division III teams must meet
the policy requirements for team transfer actions which are outlined in this
manual with the following exceptions:
a. A rostered Division III player in one member organization may
transfer to a Division I team in another member organization if the
organization does not have a Division I team and the organization's
board approves the transfer. These types of transfers are limited to
three (3) per age group. The local board decision is final.
b. A Division III player may transfer to a Division I team in their
controlling organization if approved by that organization.
3. Hardship Transfers: defined in Section 5, this manual, are the only
acceptable player transfers for Division III teams, which are scheduled to
play in their respective American Cup State Championship Cups (District
Tournaments and Championship Rounds). They must meet all established
player transfer policies unless MSA grants the exception defined in this
section.
4. The MSA State Registrar or MSA Executive Director must approve and
register all Division III player transfers at least fourteen (14) days prior to
the affected player participating in the MSA District and Championship
Rounds of The American Cup Division III State Championships. This
requirement applies to a Hardship Transfers for Division III teams entered in
MSA sponsored tournaments.
5. A member organization can petition the MSA Executive Council to waive the
fourteen (14) day requirement in this section for the Championship Round of
The American Cup State Championships. The exception can be granted if the
hardship situation for a team occurs as a result of documented and verified
player injury, player sickness, or family emergency which occurs between
the District Tournament and the Championship Round.
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3. Division III Team Assignment Process
1. Team Assignment Process: The member organization must use a player
assignment method which creates teams in a given age/gender group
approximating an equal age distribution of the total registered players in this
group. Any team, whose actual assignment distribution from the upper-half of
the age/gender group exceeds the organization's total distribution of the
upper-half age group players by more than fifteen (15) percent, must correct
the imbalance before the team may participate in MSA games.
2. Sub-Pool Teams: Teams may be formed around small communities for the
purpose of encouraging development of an eventual new soccer organization
but must use a player assignment method which approximates an equal age
distribution within that small community. The MSA Council will review annually
to determine if sub-pools of small communities, cities, extreme geography,
schools or neighborhoods are sufficient and viable to be encouraged to seek
full membership. Sub-pools may not be based on number of games played,
extra practice or training sessions, or use of guest players and/or paid
coaches. Sub-pools may be based on cities, counties, extreme geography,
schools or neighborhoods and must be specifically defined and approved by
the District Director and the MSA State Registrar before any players are
assigned to any sub pool team. The MSA Council will confirm any and all
approved sub-pools at its next regularly scheduled Council Meeting following
such approval. In order for any sub-pool to be approved, there must be a
minimum of two (2) teams in any given age/gender group. Players that are
domiciled in an approved sub-pool community, city, county, extreme
geography, school or neighborhood must play within that sub-pool. Any subpool that is determined by the MSA Council to provide additional benefits to
that sub-pool not available to other pools, i.e.: “extended play teams”, or the
same teams remaining together year after year shall be declared Division I
teams. For more information see By-Law 112i.
3. The Player Assignment Method must meet the five (5) following criteria in
order to receive its required annual approval of the MSA Council or its
designated representative. Coaches for the upcoming seasonal year are
allowed to take part in the player assignment process.
a. Each member organization must have an MSA-approved Player
Assignment Method that assigns players by age older to youngest by
month and year.
b. The local organization will oversee the team formation process to insure
that each coach is given equal opportunity to any player. The procedure
established by the local organization will be included as a part of the
leveling procedures on file at the MSA State Office. Players may not be
rated using trials or tryouts.
c. Such a process ensures that any player may be assigned to any team in
their age/gender division except those players listed in below.
d. The children of the Head Coach and one Assistant Coach are the only
players which are automatically assigned to the team.
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e. Brothers and Sisters in the same age/gender group shall be assigned to
the same team unless their parents or legal guardians request
otherwise.
4. The number of assigned players per team roster must meet the team
size policy in this manual.
5. Period of Registration - A youth player is registered for a seasonal
year from the moment the player or the player’s representative
executes the registration form and pays the appropriate fees.
6. Under 19 Division III Teams: To be a legitimately registered Under
19 Division III team within a member organization, the team roster
cannot have seven (7) or more registered players outside the
organization's MSA- approved territorial boundaries without MSA
Council approval prior to team formation. Any team, which violates this
policy, shall automatically be registered as a Division I for the seasonal
year.
4. Division III Player Releases
A member organization must meet all outlined release policies in this manual.
5. Division III Player Passes
Each player must have a player pass for all interstate games. These passes are
obtained through the MSA online player pass system. U19 players must obtain
player passes prior to participation in their appropriate District Tournament
and/or Kohl’s Cup Tournament.
6. Division III Tournaments
1. State Cups - The MSA Council shall sponsor and conduct the annual
American Cup Recreational Division State Championships. This tournament
will include two rounds of play, i.e., the District Tournaments and the
Championship Rounds. The MSA Council shall sponsor one round of play for
the U8. This round will be the U8 State Open Cup. Each District will be
allowed to send the top four teams in U10 through U12 age/gender division
and top two teams in the U14 through U19 age/gender divisions to the
American Cup Recreational Division State Championships. If a district
cannot send four teams, the remaining spots shall be offered first to the
tournament host.
2. Rosters shall be frozen @ 5:00 pm 14 days prior to the beginning of the
American Cup Recreational Division State Championship play.
3. The MSA Council shall publish annually the tournament rules and make
them an exhibit in this manual.
4. The tournament rules shall apply to the District Tournaments and the
Championship Rounds.
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5. All rostered players, shall play at least one-half (1/2) of each MSA
Sponsored Tournament Game in each Tournament Round except under the
specified conditions outlined in the tournament rules. Each rostered U19
player shall play at least in each half of each match.
7. Division II – Intermediate Program
1. Purpose
Division II is the MSA Intermediate playing division for Boys and Girls
Under 9 through Under 19 teams. It is a combination developmental and
all-star division designed to result in a more competitive level of play.
Organizations must maintain recreational soccer program, in each
age/gender group in which it intends to form a Division II team, to remain
a full member of MSA.
2. Program and Classes
The local organization shall determine the most appropriate assignment of
these types of teams for the benefit of its organization. However, for each
seasonal year, in order for the local organization to form USYS Premier
Teams (2A) as defined below, the following additional requirements must
be met:
U9 and Above Age/Gender Groups (s) – the local organization must
maintain a minimum of one (1) Division III team per age/gender in which
it intends to form USYS Premier Teams (2A).
Participation in either type of team is solely the decision of the local
organization is not appealable to MSA.
The Division II Program shall be organized into two classes of
teams:
USYS Primary Teams (2A) – U9–U19 Primary registered teams that
maintain a minimum roster of a full field player plus three for the purpose
of playing in developmental competitive events
And
USYS Secondary Teams (2B) – U9–U19 players secondarily registered to a
team or pools for the purpose of limited developmental competitive play
The local organization shall determine the most appropriate assignment of
these types of teams for the benefit of its organization. Participation in
either type of team is solely the decision of the local organization is not
appealable to MSA.
The permanent, rostered teams in the Program will be eligible to compete
in the MSA President’s Cup.
The developmental player pools and the permanent-rostered teams may
be formed in any manner, including tryouts. There is no player age
variance required.
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Organizations may form more than one team or more than one player pool
in any age division.
There is no requirement for the composition of teams to be adjusted to
insure a competitive balance between multiple teams.
To be considered a Division II program, it must be opened to any and all
players from its MSA-approved territorial boundaries and meet the
following additional requirements.
3. Objectives: This Program is played in single age groups, regardless of
class, Divisions U9 through U19. However, Organizations may choose to
form in dual age groups if sufficient players are not available to form in
single age groups but will be required to compete in the higher age group.
a. Division II Secondary teams may not be formed until all Division III
teams have been formed in the appropriate age division within an
organization. Secondarily registered Division II Developmental Player
Pools are to be composed of registered recreation players pursuant to all
fees and player pass requirements.
b. Organizations may hold tryouts for their D2 Primary teams as they do their D1
teams. These tryouts may not be held until after the completion of the MSA State
Cup. All players named to the D2 Primary team(s) must be rostered within 15 days
of tryout completion. All recreational teams in the affected age division/gender must
be registered and rostered by September 15th for those organizations having a dual
season and rostered by December 15th for those organizations having only a spring
season. In the event a recreational team(s) within the appropriate age division is not
properly registered/rostered by the appropriate deadline, one of the following actions
will be taken; (1) if it is determined that 2 or more teams can be formed between
those players registered for recreational soccer and the D2 primary team, the D2
Primary team will be dissolved and all players moved into the recreational league
and disbursed among the recreational teams with no more than 50% of the players
from the original D2A team being placed on the same recreational team. These
players may then be placed into a D2 pool and named to a D2 Secondary team prior
to the April 1st deadline. (2) If an organization designates the D2A team and the D3
team to be one in the same, the D2A team will be reclassified as D2B and the
designated recreational team will not be allowed to participate in any MSA
sanctioned D3 event nor the MSA District Tournaments or Kohls American Cup. The
D2B team will be permitted to participate in the MSA Presidents Cup. PC 8.18.14
4. Cautions and ejections earned in the MSA Presidents Cup must be reported
appropriately. Suspension earned in, but not served in the MSA Presidents
Cup must be served in the Regional President’s Cup.
5. Passes and Travel: Division II Teams are required to obtain player
passes and travel permits as specified in the Division II Policy.
6. Multiple Teams: Organizations may form multiple teams in each age
division.
7. Other policies: Unless otherwise stated, all other Division I policies apply
8. Boundaries/Releases: Division II teams may only be formed with players
from within the sponsoring organization’s boundaries as determined
by the players domicile, except for releases authorized by MSA.
Players may be released from their organization for Division II play only
when the following conditions are met:
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a. For all D2 Secondary Teams (2B), Released 2B players are required to
continue to play recreational soccer in their local organization, which
takes precedence over Division II play in cases of a conflict.
Documented failure of released 2B players to actively participate on the
player’s primary Division III team in the home organization shall
result in reversal of the release by MSA and removal of the player from
the Division II roster. These releases may only occur within the
player’s district of domicile.
b. For all Division II Players - Players must try out and accept any offer
of play for Division II in their organization of domicile when an age and
gender appropriate class is available or planned. However, if the
organization has not formed an appropriate Division II class within 30
days after closed of their initial player registration of any calendar
year, that player is considered eligible for release to another
organization.
i. Secondarily Registered and Released players (2B) in Division
II revert back to their controlling organization for the next
seasonal year.
9. Organizational Deadlines and Responsibilities: All organizations
intending or considering forming Division II Teams must submit an online
letter of intent, to the MSA Office no later than April 1st of the current
seasonal year for the next seasonal year, describing the age/gender
divisions within which the teams may be formed and whether the teams
will be classed as Primary Teams (2A) or Secondary Teams (2B). It is
recognized that secondary registered teams will form after recreational
teams; however, organizations must immediately upon formation of teams,
properly register the teams with the MSA State Office.
10. Registration: Player pools may be registered with the MSA Office effective
September 1 of the new seasonal year. The registration procedure includes
obtaining player passes and coach passes. The deadline for completing the
registration process for a new team, (number of field players plus three)
with the MSA Office is April 1st.
11. Rosters for Games or Events: “Event” rosters must be created in the e registration software by the local organizations registrar for games or events,
such as tournaments. The event roster submission must be entered in
advance of the event within the time constraints published. The event
team may compete against other USYS teams for which they are eligible,
or participate in any other event that is not in conflict with the Division III
teams from which the Secondary (2b) is primarily registered.
12. Event Team Roster Sizes: Event Pool-Team Rosters must conform to the
roster requirements of the event or tournament in which the Pool Team is
participating.
13. Secondary (2b) Permanent Team Rosters: Permanent team rosters will
be selected from existing developmental player pools in the e-registration
software by the local organization registrar. The deadline for submitting
permanent team rosters shall be April 1st.
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14. Game Scheduling: Although it is not required, a scheduling meeting shall
be held to facilitate inter-play between Division II Teams. Teams are not
required to play any other Division II Team. Match scheduling is entirely up
to each team.
15. MSA Sanctioned Tournaments: MSA will only sanction Division II
tournaments that are operated within the GotSoccer Tournament system.
GotSoccer Ranking Points from MSA Tournaments shall be used for seeding
the MSA Presidents Cup. Organizations are encouraged to include Division
II brackets as a part of their Tournaments. Division II Teams may also
compete in Competitive Tournaments.
16. MSA Sponsored Tournaments: MSA shall sponsor the Presidents Cup
Tournament as a Championship Tournament for Division II Teams. District
level competitions may be played if sufficient numbers of teams warrant
them. The Champions of the Division II portion of this event will proceed to
the USYS Region III Presidents Cup. The MSA Council shall publish
annually the tournament rules and make them an exhibit in this manual.
17. Co-operation: Organizations shall try to facilitate cooperation between
coaches of Recreational Division III Teams and Secondarily rostered
Division II Teams to ensure that the player has the opportunity to compete
at both levels; however, in the case of a conflict, players must play with
their primarily registered team.
18. Violation Penalties: Any violation of the requirement to play with the
primary team or written report documenting coercion against a secondarily
rostered Division II player shall result in suspension of the violating team
for the two calendar months following the month of the violation. The team
will be considered not in good standing during the suspension. Repeated
violation shall be referred to the MSA State Level Disciplinary and Protest
Committee, who shall act and impose additional penalties as they
determine, are appropriate.
19. Disciplinary Reporting System: Should a Division II League Play be
scheduled, the current Division I discipline reporting system would be in
effect for the all age groups playing in that League Play.
8. Division II Registration and Releases
1. Player and Team Registrations: All secondary registered Division II
players and teams must meet the territorial boundary and registration
policy requirements which are outlined in this manual.
2. Player Releases: All secondary released players on Division II teams
must meet the policy requirements for D II releases which are outlined in
this manual with the following exceptions:
a.
A Primary Division II player may transfer to a Division I team
in their controlling organization if approved by that
organization.
b.
A Primary Division II player may transfer to another Division II
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MSA Policy Manual
team if approved by the controlling organization subject to the
14 day transfer and territorial requirements.
3. The MSA Registrar or appropriate MSA Staff member must approve and
register all Division II players at least fourteen (14) days prior to the
affected player participating in the MSA Division II State Championships.
Any Division III recreational player who completed his/her obligations for
the seasonal year and was not previously rostered to a Division II team
may be added to a Division II roster by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday,
subject to any district/organizational requirements, prior to the Presidents
Cup, and be allowed to participate in the Presidents Cup irrespective of the
14 day rule for Division II players.
4. Player Releases: A member organization must meet all outlined release
policies in this manual.
5. Player Passes: Each player must have a player pass for all games. These
passes are obtained online at the MSA website in the player pass section.
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9. Division II Presidents Cup Tournament
1. State Cup: The MSA Council shall annually sponsor and manage the
Presidents Cup Championship for Division II Teams. Division II teams do
not have a qualification process for this tournament as Division II teams
are accepted and seeded by the Division II Vice President based upon
appropriate bracketing and GotSoccer ranking points. The MSA Council
shall publish annually the tournament rules and make them an exhibit in
this manual.
2. Playing Format: The playing format for the President’s Cup shall be
determined by the Division II Vice President based upon the number of
teams registered in each Age/Gender group with the following two
exceptions:
a. Age/gender groups with less than six (6) teams but more than two
teams will use a round robin format.
b. Age/gender groups with only two teams will play each other in the
best-of-three format.
3. Rosters: Rosters shall be frozen at close of business 14 days prior to the
Presidents Cup for Division II registered players. Any Division III
recreational player who completed his/her obligations for the seasonal year
and was not previously rostered to Division II team may be added to a
Division II roster by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the Presidents
Cup, subject to any district/organizational requirements, and be allowed to
participate in the Presidents Cup irrespective of the 14 day rule for Division
I players.
a. Fees: Fees for the Presidents Cup will be set annually by the MSA
Division II Vice President with approval by the MSA Council.
b. The Playing Rules for the Presidents Cup Competition will be in
accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game and its tournament rules.
4. USYS Region III Presidents Cup: Champions of the MSA Presidents cup
shall represent MSA at the USYS Regional Presidents Cup.
a. Championship team rosters may be supplemented in accordance with
the Regional Presidents Cup Policies prior to competition in the
Regional Presidents Cup.
b. The Regional Presidents Cup Committee may extend wildcard slots to a
State Presidents Cup finalist.
10. Division I State Division
1. Purpose: The Division I (State Division) is the highest playing level of MSA
competition. A member organization forms these teams for the expressed
purpose of playing competitive soccer and representing MSA in the U.S.
Youth Soccer Region III Championships. For this reason, its player
selection process does not have to conform to the Division III’s
(Recreational) and Division II’s (Intermediate) team assignment
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requirements. An organization must have at least one primary registered
Division I team in order to offer a Division I program. A primary registered
team for Division I must have the maximum number of players allowed on
the field plus two substitutes.
2. Objective: This program offers advanced level of playing competition
which U.S. Youth Soccer policies require MSA to offer its registered players.
3. Program. A member organization must submit a Letter of Intent to field or
not field a Division I team in each eligible age/gender division. This letter
must be received by the MSA State Office by April 1st of each year. If an
organization does not submit this required statement by this date, players
within its territorial boundaries are free to tryout and play for other
members’ Division I teams. Division I tryouts may begin the Monday
following the appropriate MSA State Cup Championship Tournament.
4. Operation Committee: The MSA Division 1 Operation Committee will
recommend the Division 1 playing format. The MSA Division 1 Vice
President will chair this committee. The committee will consist of the
Director of Coaching or an appointed member from each MSA member
organization that has at least 1 Division 1 teams. If a MSA organization
does not have a DOC, a representative from their organization can be
appointed by that organization to serve on this committee. Each committee
member will have one vote.
5. Alterations: Should USYS lower age groups for completion to the Regional
and National Championship Series, the age groups encompassed by the
USYS changes shall be automatically adopted by the MSA division I
program in all of its respective rules and policies.
6. Sanction For Violation of Rules
Failure to comply with the “Rules for Registration of Youth Players” shall
result in the offending coach, assistant coach, manager/trainer and/or
team representative, and players being suspended from soccer activities
for a period of not less than one (1) year.
11. Division I Team and Player Registrations
1. All registered Division I players and teams must meet the registration
policy requirements. The only exceptions are the following items.
2. To publicize and conduct a player selection process in compliance with MSA
Policy.
3. Fails to submit its required Letter of Intent to field a team in the player’s
specific age/gender group in accordance with the established deadlines.
4. Any organization that desires to form a U19 team for the purpose of
Regional Play must have a minimum of 9 players rostered by 5:00 pm on
the Tuesday prior to the MSA State Cup (U11 – 19) and complete that
roster one day prior to the date set by Region III for Blue Rosters to be
sent.
5. Club Pass. A club pass may be used during the period of time between
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MSA Policy Manual
the completion of the MSA State Cup and the roster freeze deadline for
RIII Southern Regionals. ONLY those players registered with the club
prior to the MSA State Cup Freeze Date may be club pass players. Club
Registrars should contact the MSA State Office or MSA State Registrar to
club pass any player onto the Regional Roster.
12. Division I Player Transfers
1. Player Transfers: All transferred players to Division I teams must meet
the policy requirements for team transfer actions, with the following
exceptions.
2. A rostered Division III player in one member organization may transfer to
a Division I team in another member organization if the organization
approves the transfer. These types of transfers are limited to five (5) per
age group. The local board decision is final.
3. A Division III or Division II player may transfer to a Division I team in their
controlling organization if approved by the organization.
4. The MSA Registrar or designated MSA Staff must approve all Division I
player transfers at least fourteen (14) days prior to the affected player
participating in any interstate/intrastate games and MSA sponsored
competition including the Division I League and the Mississippi State
Championships. Previously rostered players on a Division I team may not
participate in league games within 14 days of being transferred onto the
team. Recreational or previously non-rostered players added to a Division I
team may participate in league play irrespective of the 14 day wait period.
5. Transfers: Rosters shall be frozen 14 days prior to the
Mississippi State Championships.
13. Division I Team Selection Process
1. Team Selection Process: A member organization can form its Divisions I
teams through any selection process provided it adheres to the following
policies.
2. It is advertised throughout its designated territory and open to all
interested registered players within its territorial boundaries.
3. It must occur prior to the team roster assignment of Division III and
Division II players, so the non-selected participants can exercise their
options. Players may either tryout and be selected for another Division I
team in another member organization in accordance with the exception
policies in this manual or be included in the Division III and Division II
player distribution pool in their home organization.
4. A team, which is formed through this process, will remain a Division I
team until it either disbands or receives MSA Council approval of its
petition for re-designation as a Division III or Division II team.
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5. The MSA Registrar or the designated MSA staff must approve and register
all new player assignments to Division I teams at least fourteen (14) days
prior to the affected player(s) participating in any intrastate or interstate
games and in any MSA sponsored competition including the MSA Division I
League and the Mississippi State Championships.
6. No organization may require a player to sign any registration form, or
other document that seeks to bind the player to that organization prior to
being accepted in writing to that team or teams for which the player is
trying out for. No registration is accomplished until all MSA required
registration fees, and/or transfers are received and approved by MSA,
subject to any MSA deadlines.
14. Division I League Play Rules
1. Division 1 League: This league is established as the State’s first round of
qualification of the USYS National Youth Championship. The purpose is to
qualify teams to the MSA State Championship Tournament and the
National Championship Series. The league shall be open to all
appropriately registered Division I teams. This league will be under the
direction of the MSA Division I Vice President.
2. Fees and Intent to Play: Fees will be set annually by MSA for each
age/gender group to cover all applicable expenses.
a. Each team participating in the USYS National Cup Series is required to
sign and submit a Letter of Intent to participate in the league by
September 1st of the playing year. All team fees must be paid prior to
official rosters and/or player passes being released by the MSA office
or by September 1st whichever comes first. Any failure to pay
appropriate Division I fees will result in forfeiture of bond money and
disqualification from the State Championship Tournament.
b. All U11-12 team’s fees must be paid prior to official rosters and/or
player passes being released by the MSA office or by September 1st
whichever comes first.
3. Credentials: Each Team must have the following credentials in their
possession for each rostered player and be available for official review
by MSA officials at any MSA League game.
1. Approved MSA Roster
2. Current Notarized Medical Release
3. Birth Certificates or any other document recognized by USYS
Rule 204. Proof of Age.
4. Team specific MSA Member Pass
4. Scheduling/Playing Format:
Under 13 – Under 18 League Play Guidelines:
1. The State Champions from each age/gender division in the previous
State Championship Tournament will be offered the opportunity to
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MSA Policy Manual
participate in the Region III Premier League. The second slot filled for
Region III Premier League will be determined by the Mississippi State
Rep for RIIIPL. These teams will be seeded #1 and #2 respectively
into the upcoming State Championship Tournament based on the final
standings in Premier League play. These teams must have a minimum
of 4 teams within their age division for the PL games to count as
qualifying games. The 2nd or 3rd place team(s) from the previous State
Championship Tournament will be allowed to participate in the Region
III Premier League if a slot becomes available. The 3rd place team(s)
must also compete in the in-state league play.
2. All teams in each age division not participating in Premier League
games as qualification will participate in a state league directed by the
Division I Vice President.
3. All league games must be completed by April 30th of the current
season.
4. U13-u18 Leagues will be established under the following guidelines:
a. Age/gender divisions with 3 teams or less (excluding #1 and #2
Premier League teams) – must play 3 different MSA Sanctioned
Division I teams to qualify for the State Championship Tournament.
b. Age/gender divisions with 4+ teams (excluding #1 and #2
Premier League teams) – must play each team within their
respective age/gender division at least one time to qualify for the
State Championship Tournament.
c. League games scheduling will be recommended by the Division I
Operation Committee under the direction of the Division I Vice
President.
d. Points will be awarded as follows: win - three (3) points, tie - one
(1) point, loss - zero (0) points.
e. All league games will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the
Game. A regulation game for the following age groups will be two
halves each of the following lengths:
Game lengths:
a. Under 13 – 35 minutes
b. Under 14 - 35 minutes
c. Under 15 - 16 - 40 minutes
d. Under 17 and above - 45 minutes
No league game can be shortened and must be played within the
length stated above. Only the referee has the authority to alter the
time based upon the inclement weather policy.
f. Any failure to pay appropriate Division I fees or violation of the
established policies and procedures will result in forfeiture of bond
money and disqualification from the State Championship
Tournament.
g. If a team a team drops out of the MSA State Cup after having been
accepted to the MSA State Cup; that team will remain named in the
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State Cup Tournament if there is not a next seeded replacement
team available. That teams games shall be scored as forfeits.
5. Withdrawal from League Play: Any team that withdraws from the
league or fails to participate in all league games as scheduled becomes
ineligible for the MSA State Championship Tournament and further
participation in the league for the remainder of the playing year. If a team
withdraws from the league or is deemed ineligible for the State
Championship Tournament, all games played will be void and no points will
be awarded.
6. Forfeit Policy: Any team(s) not ready to play at the scheduled starting
time of the game shall be deemed to have forfeited the match. The match
shall be recorded as a forfeit and the team that was present, and ready to
play, shall be awarded a win. The team not present or ready to play shall
be awarded the loss and will forfeit its bond. The game(s) will be scored as
a 0-3 loss. The referee shall note the game as a forfeit and forward the
report to the MSA Division I Vice President. Any team who fails to show up
for a scheduled game must submit a written explanation to the MSA
Division I Vice President within 48 hours of the scheduled game time. The
explanation will cite the extenuating circumstances beyond their control,
which prevented them from fulfilling their obligations. The Division I Vice
President will notify the team(s) involved within 48 hours after receipt of
explanation whether the game should be rescheduled.
7. Responsibilities of Each Team:
1. Coaches are responsible for controlling the actions of their players
and spectators. Both teams will occupy the same sideline.
2. Only three (3) team representatives will be allowed on the player
sideline. All other representatives and spectators must be on the
opposite sideline.
3. The first team listed will be the home team and will change jerseys
if there is a color conflict.
4. Each team must have a match ball. The referee will decide on
match ball.
5. An official Game Card will be submitted to the MSA Division I Vice
President within 48 hours by the official assignor upon completion of
all scheduled games. Each manager or coach must sign the game
card upon match completion verifying the correct score, cautions or
ejections, etc.
6. U13 & older teams must present a game roster with a maximum of
18 players designated on the game roster must not be in uniform
and may sit on the players side.
8. Ties at the Conclusion of League Play: If at the conclusion of league
play, two or more teams are tied in the points awarded, the final
standings will be decided in the following order:
1. Head to Head game results - winner will advance.
2. Goal differential – team with highest goal differential against
opponent will advance (maximum of five (5) goal differential).
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(Example: A 7-0 game = 5-0 in calculating advancement; a 11-5
game = 10-5 in calculating advancement).
3. Fewest goals allowed - team with fewest goals allowed will advance.
4. Fewest accumulation of caution points, 1 point for yellow and 2
points for red.
5. A playoff series established by the Division I VP to determine which
team(s) will advance to the State Championship Tournament.
9. Protests: Protests will only be considered on rule interpretations. Both
the referee and opposing coach must be notified within one hour of the
conclusion of the game and the protest must be submitted in writing to
the MSA Division I Vice President within 48 hours with the appropriate
protest fee.
10. Ineligible or Suspended Players: A team will be disqualified for
knowingly playing an ineligible or suspended player.
11. Transfer/Add Players: Previously rostered players on a Division I team
may not participate in league games within 14 days of being transferred
onto the team. Recreational or previously non-rostered players added to a
Division I team may participate in league play irrespective of the 14 day
wait period.
12. Stoppage of Play: If the referee determines that a game must be
suspended due to weather conditions and the game cannot be restarted
within sixty minutes the following will apply:
1. If one half of the match has been completed has been completed
prior to the stoppage, the results of the match will stand.
2. If less than one half of the match has been completed at the time of
the stoppage the match will be replayed in its entirety.
3. A second stoppage of play due to weather conditions will result in
termination of the match.
13. Fouls and Misconduct: A player or coach who is sent off from a game
shall not be allowed to participate in the teams next scheduled League
game and/or MSA State Championship Tournament game in which that
team actually plays. A coach who is sent off shall leave the immediate
vicinity of the playing area as determined by the referee and is prohibited
from any further contact for the remainder of the game. A player who is
sent off shall leave the immediate vicinity of the playing area. Failure to
comply will result in termination of the game. A team shall forfeit a game if
its misconduct causes a game to be terminated or abandoned and will be
subject to review by the MSA Disciplinary Committee.
14. USYS Player Passes: Each player and coach shall have a current season
approved USYS Player Pass. The coach or team manager must surrender all
of the teams’ passes to referee prior to the start of the match. No player
will be allowed to play who does not have a valid pass.
15. Referee Assignment: All league game officials must be scheduled through
a MSA Sanctioned Referee Assignor. The Assignor shall undertake his/her
best efforts to provide neutral officials. Only the Diagonal System of Control
(DSC) will be used to officiate league games. Referee assignment is
not protestable. As long as one qualified assigned official is present the
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league game will be considered official. The qualified referee will use the
DSC by securing neutral or club linesman. If no assigned official is present
the two teams concerned can agree to use an unassigned official and it
would be considered an official game if mutually agreed upon. In either
case a report should be submitted to the MSA Division I Vice President.
16. Playing Site Requirements: As per this policy.
17. Communications: The MSA Division I Vice President shall provide each
team with a copy of established league policies and procedures.
Communication may be done through electronic media.
15. MSA State Cup
1. State Cup: The MSA Council shall annually sponsor and manage the
Mississippi State Cup Championship.
a.
The MSA State Cup will be a competitive tournament that consists of
Under 13 through Under 19 gender/groups. The Under 13 through
Under 19 division will include two rounds of play: The Division I
League play will be the first round and will be used to qualify teams for
this tournament. The second round will be the Championship Round.
The winners of the Under 13 through Under 19 age/gender groups
Championship Round shall represent MSA in the USYS Southern
Region III Championships. Only teams that have entered the
tournament through its first leg, i.e.; Division I League Play will be
qualified for the Championship round. The MSA Council shall publish
annually the tournament rules and make them an exhibit in this
manual.
b.
The U11-U12 State Open Cup will be opened to all USYS/MSA Division
I U11- U12 teams. The only requirement to submit an application to
this tournament is for tournament registration fee and all Division 1
fees to be paid.
2. Playing Format: Teams will be seeded based upon League Play results.
The Championship Round will play under the following format:
a.
Age/gender groups with six (6) or eight (8) teams will use bracket play
format. There will be two (2) brackets each with an equal number of
teams. Winners of each bracket will play each other in a Championship
Game.
b.
Age/gender groups with less than six (6) teams but more than two
teams will use a round robin format.
c.
Age/gender groups with only two teams will play each other in the best
of three format.
e.
The tournament shall be seeded based upon league standings with
teams 1,4,6,8 placed in Bracket A, and teams 2,3,5,7 placed in
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Bracket B.
3. Rosters: Rosters shall be frozen at close of business 14 days prior to the
MSA State Cup for Division I registered players. Any recreational or
previously non-registered player may be added to a Division One roster by
5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the MSA State Cup, and be allowed to
participate in the MSA State Cup irrespective of the 14 day rule for Division
I players.
4. Fees: Fees for the Championship Round will be set annually by the MSA
Executive Council.
16. ODP Freeze Dates
1. Dates Set aside: shall take place on dates as determined by the State
Director of Coaching and approved by the MSA Executive Council. Dates
may only be frozen after consultation with the four (4) District Directors
and the Division I Vice President or his designee, and if possible, should be
agreed upon at the MSA AGM Annually. Players may not be prevented nor
punished for participating in ODP.
2. Purpose: To maximize the number of players participating in ODP by
freezing all other inter-state, intra-state and out of state activity for MSA
players in the relevant ODP birth years. Freeze dates shall be limited to any
two full weekends from sundown on Friday evening to sundown on Sunday
evening during the period September – November. In the event of
a freeze date being cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances such as
weather, Acts of God, etc. then a further makeup date can be set, but
cannot be frozen.
3. Violation Penalties: Any violation of this policy shall result in suspension
of the team for the two calendar months following the month of the
violation. The team will be considered not in good standing during the
suspension. Repeated violation shall be referred to the MSA State Level
Disciplinary and Protest Committee, who shall act and impose additional
penalties as they determine, are appropriate.
17. Division I Disciplinary Reporting
1. Disciplinary Reporting System: The objective of this system is to provide
a disciplinary monitoring and control system of the coaches, assistant
coaches, players, and team managers playing in the Division I League, the
MSA sanctioned tournaments, and USYS sanctioned tournaments. This
system is necessary to ensure that the involved individuals and their teams
consistently demonstrate the desired level and quality of game play and
good sportsmanship which is required for the "Good of The Game".
2. The system establishes multiple levels of required disciplinary action; and
contains the required disciplinary action for these specified levels of
accumulated cautions and ejections.
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3. The administrative oversight for this system shall be accomplished through
the MSA Council, the MSA Protest and Disciplinary Committee, and the
Team Managers of Division I member organizations. These administrative
participants shall have the following responsibilities.
a. The MSA Council shall have the following duties:
1. To make the final decision on any system policy or dispute
arising out of this reporting system including any appeal of
unresolved MSA and member organization disputes.
2. To exercise its daily oversight responsibilities through the MSA
Protest and Disciplinary Committee and its Chairperson.
b. The MSA Protest and Disciplinary Committee has the following
responsibilities:
1. To perform the daily administration of the system.
2. To exercise full decision making authority in all incidents,
decisions, actions, or appeals between the quarterly meetings
of the MSA Council. The MSA Council, at its next meeting, has
the authority to alter, change, modify or override the
committee's actions in any matter.
c. To provide Division I member organizations and the MSA Council
with quarterly reports of all reported cumulative disciplinary
information during the Seasonal Year. Its report to the MSA Council
should address any concerns or recommended policy or procedural
changes for the system.
d. To use a simple majority vote system for all decision-making.
e. To recommend appropriate MSA Council disciplinary action against
member organizations who violate the provisions of this reporting
system. The recommended action(s) may include, but not be
limited to, monetary fines, suspension or removal of an individual,
suspension or disbanding of a team, or suspension of a member
organization from any or all MSA sanctioned or sponsored events.
The purpose of this provision is to ensure accurate, timely
information reporting and local enforcement of the appropriate
discipline for the specified violations.
4. The Team Managers shall have the following responsibilities.
a. To determine and adopt its own method for accumulating this
information.
b. To submit monthly disciplinary system reports not later than the
tenth of the following month online to the MSA State Office with
his/her certification that the contained information is true and
complete for the reporting period. These reports shall include the
supporting special MSA detailed incidents for each and every
player/coach/team manager caution (Yellow Cards), player ejection
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(Red Card), and coach/team manager ejection.
5. To review and initiate action for resolving statistical discrepancies between
their local organization's reported system information and the MSA Protest
and Disciplinary Committee's quarterly report. The MSA records are the
official records and shall prevail in any dispute until the member
organization provides acceptable and verifiable documentation which MSA
accepts as a basis for changing its records.
18. U19 State Cup Qualification
1. Division I Team: Any U-19 team which posts a performance bond to play
in the Mississippi State Cup Championship is automatically declared a
Division I regardless of the composition of that team and is thereby eligible
to participate in Division I league play and the State Cup Tournament. This
team is ineligible for the Division II Championship Tournaments.
2. Division II Team: If the U-19 team does not post a performance bond for
the Mississippi State Cup Championship by January 15th, the deadline
submission date, and has been formed in compliance with all requirements
for a properly constituted Division II team, it is automatically classified as a
Division II team and thus can participate in this division’s State Cups.
3. Reclassification of Teams: Any U-19 team that has posted its
performance bond and been declared a Division I team cannot be
reclassified as a Division II team after the bond deadline
19. Small Sided Games Program
1. Purpose: The MSA membership has adopted all USYS and/or USSF
recommendations for small sided games (3 on 3 and 4 on 4) and modified
soccer (less than 11 on 11 play). This policy shall provide details and
guidance for the implementation and development of these programs.
2. Program: All programs in the Under 5, Under 6, Under 7, Under 8 and
Under 9 age groups shall play small-sided or modified soccer. Single year
age divisions should be used wherever possible. Boys and Girls programs
should be separated, though under special circumstances girls may be
allowed to play in the boys division at the discretion of the local
organization.
U5 & U6
U7 & U8
U9 & U10
U11
U12
U16-U18
shall play 3 v 3
shall play 4 v 4
shall play 6 v 6
shall play 8 v 8
shall play 8 v 8
may play 7 v 7
3. Objectives: Small sided games should allow players more contact with the
coaches, greater number of touches on the ball and more opportunity for
skills development. This should increase the overall skill of youth players in
Mississippi.
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20. Small Sided Games Policies
1. Rostering for Small Sided Games: Organizations may roster as many
players as are necessary for the overall success of the program. The
obvious and recommended numbers to use are six (6) for teams of three
(3) and eight (8) for teams of four (4). For teams of six (6) and eight (8) it
is recommended that no more than two times the number of players
allowed on the field at one time are rostered but in any case no more than
the maximum allowed under current USYS roster limitations.
2. League Standings: There are no league standings to keep and the score is
of no importance, only the fun and enjoyment the players should have in
playing the game.
3. Single Year Aging: The difference in maturity and abilities between a
player in an under eight (8) program who turns eight (8) in the fall and a
player who isn’t even seven (7) until the spring or summer is such a huge
one, it needs addressing. Getting players into single year aging is the
answer. You will also keep more players in the program and help your
eventual numbers for 11-aside. This will not totally eliminate the problem
of dealing with the advanced player who dominates his or her team and
those around him but fewer players on the team means more chances for
the other players to touch the ball and to play. An organization may choose
to move the advanced player up in age group if his physical and mental
readiness allows it. There is nothing wrong with players, ‘playing up’ as
long as they are ready for it. Extreme caution should be used whenever
considering this option as some parents can too often push their children
too far too soon.
21. Rules for 3 v 3
Under 6 - 3 v 3
Includes Under-5 for organizations that have single-age groups
Law 1, The field:
a. Field Length
b. Field Width
c. Goal Size
d. Goal Safety
25 yards (by USYS: 20-yd minimum to 30-yd
maximum.)
20 yards (by USYS: 15-yd minimum to 25-yd
maximum.)
4-ft high by 6-ft wide to 6-ft high by 12-ft wide. See
Note 1, below. (Note that USYS-recommended goal size for
3v3 is 6-ft-high by 18-ft-wide or smaller.)
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this
requirement.
e. Goal Area
None
f. Penalty Area None
g. Halfway Line A halfway line shall divide the field into two halves with
a center mark indicated at the midpoint of the halfway
line.
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h. Center Circle Four (4)-ft radius drawn from the center mark.
i. Corner Arc
Conform to FIFA.
j. Flag Posts
None.
Law 2, Ball Size:
Size three (3)
Law 3, Number of players:
Maximum number of players on field at one time
is three (3).
a. Roster Size: Minimum roster size should not be less than four (4) and
the maximum not exceed six (6).
b. Goalkeepers
None.
c. Substitutions At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
d. Playing Time Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of total
playing time.
e. Coed teams
Teams and games may be coed, but are considered boys
teams.
Law 4, Player's Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based
on weather conditions, but uniforms must still
distinguish teams. Players may use tennis shoes or
soft-cleated soccer shoes. SHINGUARDS ARE
MANDATORY
Law 5, The Referee: An OFFICIAL (Game Manager or Coordinator or Parent or Coach
or Grade 9 referee) may be used. All infringements shall be briefly explained to the
offending player.
Law 6, Assistant Referee:
None.
Law 7, Duration of Game:
Four equal quarters of 8 minutes each with 5-minute
halftime break and a break of 2-minutes each between
the quarters per half.
Law 8, Start/Restart of Play:
Conform to FIFA. With the exception that opponents
of the team taking the kick are at least four (4) yards
away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9, Ball in & Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10, Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11, Offside:
None.
Law 12, Fouls & Misconduct: Conform to FIFA, with the exceptions that all fouls shall
result in a indirect free kick. The referee/coach/parent
must explain ALL infringements to the offending player.
No cards are shown for misconduct.
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Law 13, Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that all free kicks
are indirect with the opponents four (4) yards from the
ball until it is in play.
Law 14, Penalty Kicks:
None.
Law 15, Kick-In:
The Kick-In is considered as a direct free kick with the
opponents four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 16, Goal Kick:
The goal kick should be taken within 2 to 3 yards of the
goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play
at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved.
Opposing players must be four (4) yards away from the
ball until it is in play.
Law 17, Corner kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents
remain at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in
play.
NOTE 1: Many goal vendors do not offer 6-ft-high goals. The alternate height of 6.5
ft (2-m high, often referred to as European goals) is an acceptable alternative.
22. Rules for 4 v 4
Under 8 - 4 v 4
Includes Under-7 for organizations that have single-age groups
Law 1, The field:
a. Field Length
b. Field Width
c. Goal Size
45 yards (by MSA: 35-yd minimum to 45-yd
maximum.)
30 yards (by MSA: 25-yd minimum to 30-yd
maximum.)
6-ft high by 12-ft wide, See Note 2, below.
Organizations that only have 4-ft x 6-ft goals may use a
five (5) yard arc centered on the goal in this age. The
arc is optional. If used it is recommended that players
not enter the arc until the ball enters the arc first.
(Note that USYS-recommended goal size for 4v4 is 6-ft-high by 18-ft-wide or smaller.)
d. Goal Safety
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this
requirement.
e. Goal Area
A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line,
three (3) yards from the inside of each goal post. These
lines extend into the field of play a distance of three (3)
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yards and are joined by a line parallel to the goal line.
The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the
goal area.
f. Penalty Area
None
g. Halfway Line
A halfway line shall divide the field into two halves with
a center mark indicated at the midpoint of the halfway
line.
h. Center Circle
4-yard radius drawn from center mark.
i. Corner Arc
Conform to FIFA.
j. Flag Posts
None
Law 2, Ball Size:
Size three (3)
Law 3, Number of players: Maximum number of players on field at one time is four
(4); minimum is three (3).
a. Maximum Roster Minimum roster size should not be less than six (6) and the
maximum not exceed eight (8).
b. Goalkeepers
None.
c. Substitutions
At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
d. Playing Time
time.
Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of total playing
e. Coed teams
teams.
Teams and games may be coed, but are considered boys
Law 4, Player's Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based
on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Players may use
tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes. SHINGUARDS ARE MANDATORY.
Law 5, The Referee: An OFFICIAL (Game Manager or Coordinator or Parent or Coach
or Grade 9 referee) may be used. All infringements shall be briefly explained to the
offending player.
Law 6, Assistant Referee:
None.
Law 7, Duration of Game: The match shall be divided in to four (4) equal, twelve
minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and
two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four. There shall
be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8, Start/Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of
the team taking the kick are at least four (4) yards away from the ball until it is in
play.
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Law 9, Ball in & Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10, Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11, Offside:
None
Law 12, Fouls & Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with exception that all fouls shall result
in a indirect free kick. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to
the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct.
Law 13, Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all kicks are indirect
and all opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is play.
Law 14, Penalty Kicks:
None.
Law 15, Throw-in:
Conform to FIFA with exception that an improperly performed
throw-in can be retaken once.
Law 16, Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents must
remain outside the goal area and at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in
play.
Law 17, Corner kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents must
remain outside the goal area and at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in
play.
NOTE 2: Many goal vendors do not offer 6-ft-high goals. The alternate height of
6.5 ft (2-m high, often referred to as European goals) is an acceptable alternative.
23. Rules for 6 v 6
Under 10 - 6 v 6
Law 1, The field:
a. Field Length
60-65 yards (Use longest length possible).
(by MSA: 60-yd minimum to 70-yd maximum.)
b. Field Width 40 yards. (by USYS: 35-yd minimum to 45-yd maximum.)
c.Goal Size
6-ft high by 18-ft wide up to 7-ft high by 21-ft wide.
See NOTE 3, below.
d. Goal Safety
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals
may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
e. Goal Area
Conform to FIFA.
f. Penalty Area
A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, twelve (12)
yards from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend
into the field of play a distance of twelve (12) yards and are
joined by a line parallel to the goal line. The area bounded by
these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
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g. Halfway Line
A halfway line shall divide the field into two halves with a
center mark indicated at the midpoint of the center line.
h. Penalty Mark
Within the penalty area a penalty mark is made ten (10) yards
from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant to
them.
i. Penalty Arc
8-yard radius.
j. Center Circle
8-yard radius drawn from the center mark.
k. Corner Arc
Conform to FIFA.
l. Flag Posts
Conform to FIFA.
Law 2, Ball Size:
Size four (4)
Law 3, Number of players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not
more than six (6) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.
a.Maximum Roster The minimum number of players should be eight (8) and should
not exceed ten (10) for single-field teams, if total numbers in player pool permit.
b. Substitutions
At any stoppage of play and unlimited for Division II. Division
III will substitute on quarters except for injured or cautioned players.
c. Playing Time
total playing time.
Each Division III player SHALL play a minimum of 50 percent of
d. Coed Teams
teams.
Teams and games may be coed, but are considered boys
Law 4, Player's Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed in
Division III based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
SHINGUARDS ARE MANDATORY.
Law 5, The Referee: Registered referee, especially Grade 9. All rule infringements
shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6, Assistant Referee:
Registered Referee, especially Grade 9. May use club
linesmen/lineswomen if desired, except for State Cup Games, e.g., District
Tournaments and State Recreation Tournament. Club linesman shall not call offside
violations.
Law 7, Duration of Game: For Division III, the match shall be divided in to four (4)
equal, twelve (12) minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break between
quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and
four. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Division II will conform to FIFA with exception of the match being divided into two
(2) equal halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each. There will be a halftime interval
of five (5) minutes.
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Law 8, Start/Restart of Play:
Conform to FIFA with the exception of the
opponents of the team taking the kick being eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in
play.
Law 9, Ball in & Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10, Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA with the exception that the goalkeeper
punting/kicking the ball from his/her goal area, may NOT score directly into the
opponent’s goal. Balls punted by the goalkeeper MUST be touched by another player
on the field in order to score.
Law 11, Offside:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 12, Fouls & Misconduct: Conform to FIFA. Briefly explain ALL rule infringements
to the offending player.
Law 13, Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at
least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14, Penalty Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that the penalty
mark is at ten (10) yards from the goal line and that players other than the kicker
and defending goalkeeper are at least eight (8) yards from the penalty mark.
Law 15, Throw-in:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 16, Goal Kick:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 17, Corner kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at
least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
NOTE 3: USYS recommends goal size of 6-ft high by18-ft wide in 6v6 U10. MSA
permits use of 7-ft x 21-ft goals in U10 to allow organizations to defer purchase of 6ft x 18-ft goals. When new goals are acquired for U10, they shall be 6-ft x 18-ft.
NOTE: Many goal vendors do not offer 6-ft-high goals. The alternate height of 6.5 ft
(2-m high, often referred to as European goals) is an acceptable alternative.
24. Rules for 7 v 7
(Recreational U16 & older only)
Law 1.
Players on the field:
7 including the goalie
Law 2.
Field size:
Law 3.
Referee: One
Law 4.
Game time: Two 25‐minute halves, 5‐minute halftime
Similar to U10/U12: approximately 60/80 yards x 45/55 yard
Law 5. Substitution: On the Fly – players do not need referee permission or
stoppage. Players should enter and exit within 5 yards of the team’s bench area.
(similar to hockey)
Law 6.
Offside: none
Law 7.
Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least
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eight (8) yards from the ball.
Law 8.
The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty
mark is at ten yards and that players other than the kicker and defending goalkeeper
are at least eight (8) yards from the penalty mark.
Law 9.
The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents
remain at least eight (8) yards away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 10.
Roster: player can come from different teams from within the same club
during the league season only. Rosters will be frozen on the same date as the
recreational rosters. All teams may compete in District Tournaments with the top 2
in each age/gender division advancing to the Kohl's American Cup.
25. Rules for 8 v 8
Under 12 - 8 v 8
Law 1, The field:
a. Field Length
70-80 yards (Use longest length possible).
(by USYS: 70-yd minimum to 80 yd maximum)
b. Field Width
50 yards. (by USYS: 45-yd minimum to 55 yd maximum)
c. Goal Size
7-ft high by 21-ft wide. See Note 4, below.
d. Goal Safety
Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals
may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
d. Goal Area
Conform to FIFA.
e. Penalty Area
A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, fourteen
(14) yards from the inside of each goal post. These lines
extend into the field of play a distance of fourteen (14) yards
and are joined by a line parallel to the goal line. The area
bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
f. Halfway Line
A halfway line shall divide the field into two halves with a
center mark indicated at the midpoint of the center line.
g. Penalty Mark
Within the penalty area a penalty mark is made 10 yards from
the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant to them.
h. Penalty Arc
8 yd radius drawn from the penalty mark.
i. Center Circle
8-yd radius drawn from the center mark.
j. Corner Arc
Conform to FIFA.
k. Flag Posts
Conform to FIFA.
Law 2, Ball Size:
Size four (4).
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Law 3, Number of players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not
more than eight (8) players and not less than 6 (6), one of whom is the goalkeeper.
a. Maximum Roster
The recommended minimum roster size is ten (10) and the
maximum recommended size is twelve (12 for single-field
teams, if total numbers in player pool permit.
USYS rule 205 (3) states that a team playing less than eleven
(11) a side (e.g., U11 or U12) may not have more than two
times the number of players played or less than one time the
number of players played plus one on its roster at any time
during the seasonal year. NOTE: U11/U12 teams can roster 9
to 16 players. The maximum size by this rule is not
recommended for Division III recreation teams, but U11/U12
Division I and Division II teams can roster to the maximum
size).
b. Substitutions
At any stoppage of play and unlimited for Division I and
Division II. Division III will substitute on quarters except for
injured or cautioned players.
c. Playing Time
Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50 percent of total
playing time.
Law 4, Player's Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed in
Division III based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
SHINGUARDS ARE MANDATORY.
Law 5, The Referee: USSF registered referee.
Law 6, Assistant Referee:
USSF registered referees. For Division III use club
linesmen/lineswomen in the absence of registered referees except for State Cup
Games, e.g., District Tournaments and State Recreation Tournament and President’s
Cup. Club linesman shall not call offside violations.
Law 7, Duration of Game: For Division III, the match shall be divided in to four (4)
equal, fifteen (15) minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break between
quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and
four. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Division I and Division II will conform to FIFA with exception of the match being
divided into two (2) equal halves of thirty (30) minutes each. There will be a
halftime interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8, Start of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the
team taking the kick being eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9, Ball in & Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10, Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11, Offside:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 12, Fouls & Misconduct: Conform to FIFA.
Law 13, Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at
least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
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Policy 104. Tournaments
1. Tournaments – Purpose and Objectives
1. Purpose: MSA Tournament Policies exist to define the provisions which are
applicable to all MSA and member tournaments and which are not covered
elsewhere in the MSA Constitution, By-Laws, or other Administrative Manual
Chapters. The chapter for a specific program should be reviewed for any
exceptions to these policies.
2. Objective: These policies are designed to provide sound administration and
management of the various MSA Sponsored and Sanctioned Tournaments.
2. MSA Sponsored Tournaments
1. MSA Sponsored Tournaments: The Association shall conduct State Cups in
the appropriate Under 10 through Under 19 age/gender divisions for its three
(3) playing divisions.
The MSA Tournament Committee will announce the host organizations of each
Championship Round at the Annual General Meeting. The Host District
Schedule for MSA State Cups, Section 8.1 Exhibit A, will be used to prioritize
tournament bids, and MSA Organizations with Division I teams will have
priority for serving as the Hosts for the Division I tournaments, however
ultimately the best cost benefit for MSA shall serve as the final determiner for
the host location. The Association may conduct a Jamboree for all Under 7 and
Under 8 age and gender groups of Division III as defined below, in each
of the four Districts.
The MSA Council and/or its appropriate Tournament Director shall adhere to
the following policies.
2. Operate each tournament on a self-sustaining financial basis in accordance
with the established Tournament budget. Any excess tournament funds must
be placed in the MSA General Fund since general fund moneys must bear any
financial loss. This policy applies to all MSA sponsored tournaments.
3. Establish a set of standardized tournament rules for each playing division's
State Cup qualifying rounds, district tournaments, and Championship Rounds.
4. Ensure the District Directors determine the playing formats for qualifying
district tournaments in accordance with these rules and uses the same
playing format for each age/gender group with the same number of team
entries.
5. Establish boundaries for any district tournaments, which will achieve
balanced competition throughout the State.
6. Establish the playing format and structure of each State Cup.
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7. Ensure that the playing fields for the tournaments are facilities, which are
normally used as athletic fields.
8. Solicit host organization bids for each State Cup, which address the
required information in the e-org system. The playing fields for State
Sponsored Tournaments must meet the specified minimum sizes and quantity
for each age group.
9. Ensure that each member organization, which enters teams in the State
Cups, posts the required Performance Bond and completes the required
Tournament Participation Agreement online at registration by the estimated
tournament entry deadline date.
10. American Cup Division III Tournament Performance Bond - One Hundred
Dollars ($100.00) per entered team, not to exceed a maximum of Three
Hundred Dollars ($300.00).
11. Division I or II State Cups Championships Performance Bond - Based
upon the Region III Bond requirements and will be set by the Division I Vice
President each year.
12. Encourage the referee assignor to use all available referees in all
tournament age/gender groups.
13. MSA Sportsmanship Award: See Awards Programs Section.
3. Coaches Cup Tournament
1. Coaches Cup: The MSA Council shall sponsor and conduct the Annual
Coaches Cup Tournament. This tournament shall be for Division III teams.
2. The MSA Division III tournament rules shall apply, but shall allow a maximum
of three guest players per team from its own organization..
3. Purpose: This tournament shall serve as a fall State Cup for U-10 – U16
Division III and a Jamboree event for U8.
4. Participation Policy: All rostered players shall play at least one-half (1/2) of
each MSA Sponsored Tournament game in each Tournament Round except
under the specified conditions outlined in the tournament rules.
5. Coaching License: The MSA Technical Director will award each licensed
coach that registers a team, a promotional code for online coach licensing and
conduct a field training session at the event.
6. Tournament Site: The Coaches Cup Tournament shall be held rotated
through the districts unless otherwise approved by the MSA Executive
Council.
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7. Sanction: No other Division II or Division III tournament shall be approved
on this tournament weekend. No Division I Tournament shall be approved
within 100 miles of the Coaches Cup Tournament.
4. State Games of Mississippi
1. MSA Sanction and limits - The State Games of Mississippi is an Olympic
style recreational level event held throughout the state that involves several
youth athletic events. MSA sanctions the State Games of Mississippi as an
event that promotes youth soccer in the State of Mississippi. It is not
operated by MSA and therefore administrative details of that event are at the
sole discretion of the State Games Committee, however the following policy
applies to all MSA teams:
All questions and concerns regarding the State Games of Mississippi should be
directed to:
The State Games of Mississippi Committee
P.O. Box 5866
Meridian, MS 39302-5866
601-482-0205
601-483-0650 fax
2. Deadlines - All rosters and appropriate fees must be submitted to the
MSA office by close of business Monday following the State Recreational Cup.
All requests for rosters, player cards and travel permits are subject to normal
MSA deadlines and charges. Any team who wishes to play in State Games of
Mississippi must do so in one of two ways:
a. As a registered and rostered team that was in effect as of the closing
date of the MSA State Recreational Championship Tournament.
b. An All-Star Team.
3. State Game Tournaments – All State Games Tournaments shall comply
with all requirements for MSA Sanctioned tournament application and posttournament reporting.
4. State Games Teams – Each local organization shall be responsible for
determining which teams it will send to the State Games of Mississippi. Each
local organization must announce and publish its method of such
determination with their member-in-good standing documentation.
5. Official State Game Rosters – MSA will certify and supply a sealed roster
to the team and to the State Games officials prior to participation in any
sanctioned event.
6. Adult Team Sanction - All Adult Amateur teams playing in the State
Games of Mississippi must be registered and rostered teams with the
Mississippi Soccer Association, a Division of the Mississippi Youth Soccer
Association.
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7. Referee Abuse/Assault - MSA reserves all rights and control over any of
its registered players or members who commit referee abuse or assault.
Officials involved in The State Games of Mississippi must report any cases of
Referee abuse or assault to the MSA immediately.
5. Division III Tournaments
1. State Cups: The MSA Council shall sponsor and conduct the Annual State
Recreational State Championships. This tournament will include two rounds of
play, i.e., the District Tournaments and the Championship Rounds.
2. The MSA Council shall publish annually the tournament rules and make them
an exhibit in this manual.
3. The tournament rules shall apply to the District Tournaments and the
Championship Rounds.
4. Participation Policy: All rostered players shall play at least one-half (1/2) of
each MSA Sponsored Tournament game in each Tournament Round except
under the specified conditions outlined in the tournament rules.
6. Division III Tournament Rules
1. FIFA Laws of the Game - These rules will apply to all competitions except as
otherwise provided herein.
2. Additional Field Markings / Controls
a. Team / Spectator Boxes: (outside the field of play) Starting 10 yards
parallel from the halfway line on either side and running parallel to the
touch line going no closer than 10 yards from a line parallel to the front
line of the penalty areas on each end.
b. Restricted Area: The area between the Team / Spectator boxes are off
limits to all participants and spectators. This area is intended to be a
buffer between opposing teams.
c. Team / Spectator Restriction Line (Red Line): A Single line parallel to
each touchline three feet (or one meter) offset of the touchline, shall
extend the length of the Team / Spectator Boxes. This line shall be
painted red and shall provide a lane for the Assistant Referee and shall
also serve as a buffer to keep participants and spectators from entering/
encroaching the field of play. Violations of crossing the “Red Line” shall be
treated as “unsportsmanlike” conduct.
d. Seating: Teams shall sit on one side of the field and Spectators shall sit on
the opposite side of the field. The home team has choice of which end to
sit on. Spectators from opposing teams may not intermix and shall be
divided by a no man’s land equivalent to the size of the center circle on
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the parents side of the field. Teams and Spectators are required to sit on
the same end of the field.
e. Mechanical Devices: Coaches or parents may not use any mechanical or artificial
noise making devices, such as bullhorns, cowbells, amplifiers, or megaphone during
the game.
3. Game Length - A regulation game for the following age groups will be:
U10 - Four 12 minute quarters
U12 - Four 15 minute quarters
U14 - Four 17 minute quarters
U16 - Four 20 minute quarters
U19 - Two 45 minute halves
4. Tournament Bracket Scoring System - Each age/gender group game will
be scored:
6
1
1
3
0
points for a win
point for each goal scored maximum 3
point for a shut out
point for a tie
points for a loss
A match that finishes in 0 to 0 tie in bracket play shall be scored as 4 points.
5. Scoring system policies for bracket standings and ties
All ties stand in Under 10 and above. All ties stand except in the optional
quarterfinal games, the optional semifinal games, and the championship
games. A winner in the tied exception games will be decided through the play
of the specified age group overtime period and, if still tied, kicks from the
penalty spot (FIFA application).
The following tiebreakers will be used to determine the winner of
bracket play:
(1) Head to head competition
(2) Goal differential maximum/minimum of 3 goals per game **
(3) Least number of total goals conceded
(4) Kicks from the penalty spot
Each team has the responsibility to know the time, place, and be ready
at the scheduled time.
** Note: Goal Differential is the difference between total goals scored minus
total goals conceded in an individual game. To calculate goal differential, the
winning team must score three points higher than its opponent to obtain 3
positive goal differential points, the loser will be awarded an equal number of
negative points. A two point difference in the score shall result in the winner
obtaining 2 positive goal differential points; the loser will be awarded an equal
number of negative points. A one point difference in the score shall result in the
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winner obtaining 1 positive goal differential point, the loser will be awarded an
equal negative point. This is calculated on a “per game” basis.
7-3
6-0
6-2
3-1
3-2
would be max goal differential of 3 goals; +3 for the winner, -3 for the loser
would be max goal differential of 3 goals; +3 for the winner, -3 for the loser
would be max goal differential of 3 goals; +3 for the winner, -3 for the loser
would be max goal differential of 2 goals; +2 for the winner, -2 for the loser
would be max goal differential of 1 goal; +1 for the winner, -1 for the loser
a. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time in any Best of Three
games, quarter-final, semi-final, or championship games, overtime
periods shall be played. If, at the end of the overtime periods a tie still
exists, the game shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the
penalty mark in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game. The
overtime periods are U12 and down two-five minute halves; U14 and up
two ten-minute halves.
b. The Tournament Championship in a round robin format will be decided
through Head to Head competition. In the case of a tie, the tiebreakers
listed in section 5 shall be used to determine the Champion.
c. The Tournament Champion in a two team tournament will be determined
by a game format set by the Tournament Director. Each scheduled game
will be played with appropriate overtime periods and kicks from the
penalty mark, if necessary, to determine a winner.
6. Forfeit game policies
a. A team who forfeits any game will forfeit ALL games and all of those
games played by that team will be scored as to allw the opposing teams
a 3 – 0 victory.
A team forfeits a game when it:
1. Leaves the field of play without the referee's permission;
2. Is not ready to play at the scheduled game time;
3. Does not wear an alternate jersey upon the referee's request;
4. Does not meet the player participation rule for every tournament
rostered player;
5. Is disqualified due to unsportsmanlike conduct;
6. Does not field the minimum number of field players.
b. The forfeiting team, who plays all scheduled games, will forfeit its
performance bond to MSA and may be subject to further penalties.
c. The forfeiting coach, organization and team, who do not play all
scheduled games will suffer the following automatic penalties:
1. The Coach and/or Team Manager will be suspended for one calendar
year, starting on the Monday after the completion of the
tournament. These individuals may appeal this action through the
MSA disciplinary and Appeals process.
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2. The Organization will be fined a minimum of $500, at the discretion
of the tournament committee, which will be payable within (30) days
of the tournament completion date.
3. The Team will forfeit its performance bond to MSA
4. If the application of this rule causes two or more teams to change
positions for first and/or second place in the final preliminary round
robin bracket play standings, the tie breakers in paragraph 5, these
rules, shall be applied to the affected teams to determine who
qualifies for semifinals and/or championship games in the
tournament schedule.
5. Should any team lose the opportunity to finish as Overall Best
Second in group play for advancement from bracket play because a
team has forfeited, they shall face the Second Overall best Second
team in Kicks from the Penalty spot to decide who advances.
7. Tournament Responsibilities of each Coach and their team
a. To comply with all published tournament rules (see paragraph 7)
b. To wear an alternate jersey when it is the home team if color conflict
should occur and the Game Referee requests a jersey change. The home
team is listed first in the game schedule. T-shirts with taped or written
numbers will be acceptable as the alternative jersey.
c. To remain in an area 10 yards either side of the midfield line regardless of
the existence of a marked area during the play of a game.
d. To choose his team's field end & side when they are the home team.
e. To furnish a game ball if requested and selected by the referee. The
correct ball sizes are Size #4 (U10 and U12), and #5 (all others)
f. To be responsible for its players, parents, and spectators behavior
including no allowance or toleration of foul and abusive language.
g. To insure that no team member or parent use any mechanical or artificial
noise making devices, such as bullhorns, cowbells, amplifiers, or
megaphone during the game.
8. Player Participation rules and disciplinary policies
a. Every U10 through U16 player except absent, ill, injured, disciplined, or
suspended players must play 50% of each tournament game.
b. Every U19 player except absent, ill, injured, disciplined, or suspended
players must play in each half of each tournament game.
c. An injured or cautioned U10 through U16 player who is removed from a
game will be considered to have played the entire quarter.
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d. The disciplinary action for player participation rule violations is expulsion
of the team from the Tournament.
e. The team coach must accomplish the following responsibilities to help
administer this participation rule:
1. Report excepted-category players to the MSA Tournament Director at
team registration when known and as soon as possible prior to other
affected games.
2. Complete the MSA distributed game cards for each tournament game
with player names and jersey numbers in numerical order (lowest to
highest).
3. Turn the properly completed game card into the Referee before the
start of the game.
9. Substitution and game restart policies
a. U10 through U16 substitutions for any player will be made during half
time and the two-minute break at the end of the first and third quarters.
Other allowed substitutions are an injured player at the time of the injury
that requires their removal from the game; and a yellow carded player
incident when the coach chooses to remove the cautioned player.
b. If the coach substitutes for an injured or yellow carded player in an U10
through U16 game, the player may not re-enter the game until the next
quarter substitution period. After the two-minute substitution break at
the end of the first and third periods, U10 through U16 games will be
restarted in the second and fourth quarters at the substitution stoppage
point (throw-in, goal kick, etc. ). The quarter break will be taken at a
natural stoppage within a one to two minute window of the scheduled
minutes for a game quarter. Teams may leave the field during this break
but the game will be resumed exactly two minutes after the stoppage of
play.
c. U19 substitutions are unlimited and may be made at the following times:
(1) Prior to your teams throw in
(2) Any goal kick
(3) After any goal
(4) Player injury for either team
(5) A yellow-carded player
(6) Half time
d. A coach will not replace an ejected player from the game (red card). The
player must sit the next game/games depending on the nature of the foul
and must do so in the red card tent if designated by the Tournament
Director.
e. An ejected (Red Carded) coach must leave the game premises. The
coach may not coach the next game, but may be present on the field and
must serve the suspension in the red card tent if designated by the
Tournament Director.
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10. Protest policies
a. A team or its representative cannot protest any matter associated with
either the tournament or its games
b. The Tournament Director has the authority to resolve a clearly
substantiated violation of the tournament rules or Laws of the Game,
which is reported to them. The Director may take the following actions
in resolving a valid violation:
(1) Replay a game in its entirety
(2) To forfeit a game in which a team plays an unauthorized player
(3) To disqualify a tournament team from further participation due to
unsportsmanlike conduct
(4) To disqualify individual team members, coach, or team manager
from further or selected tournament participation due to
unsportsmanlike conduct
c.
By definition, unsportsmanlike acts are not in accordance with the rules
of fair play or reasonable personal conduct. Such acts include, but are
not limited to, starting or participating in an individual team fight or
team brawl; damaging, destroying, or stealing another team's
property; harassing, taunting, physically abusing or verbally abusing
referees, tournament officials, opposing players, other team managers,
and other team coaches.
11. Game conduct and Uniform Policies
a. The game referee will enforce MSA policy regarding the use of directed
or non-directed foul play or abusive language on the field of play.
b. All coaches and assistant coaches shall wear an identification tag as
provided at the coaches meeting conducted by the tournament
officials. Only one coach and two assistants are allowed ID tags.
c. All participating players must meet the following uniform standards in
order to play in a tournament game.
1. All players must wear the same uniform including shirts, shorts,
and socks except the goalkeeper. Some minor exceptions can
apply to alternate jerseys. Any hardship exceptions to this rule
must be requested in writing and approved by the Tournament
Director prior to the first tournament game.
2. All players must wear commercially manufactured shin guards
under their pulled up socks.
3.
Shirts must be tucked in
4. Warm ups will be allowed under the shorts in adverse weather
conditions or on fields of play rendering them necessary
5. Sliding or Bicycle shorts may be worn under shorts if they are the
same color as the predominant color of the team shorts and not
extend farther than the top of the knee.
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6. The Game Referee will determine if a player's uniform complies
with this uniform standard.
7. A player, who does not play due to non-compliance with this
uniform standard, is not an exception to the player participation
requirement.
12. Other Tournament Policies
a.
The Tournament Director has the sole discretion and authority to deal
with any matter that is not covered in these rules
b.
Only credentialed team members will be allowed to discuss any team
issues with the tournament director(s). The Team managers
and/coaches are responsible for all its team managers and parents
behavior. Code of Ethics sanctions will be enforced where necessary.
c.
Tournament directors will use a standardized playing format for all
age/gender groups unless the number of entered teams in a specific
age/gender group requires a different format. The playing format shall
not include cross bracket games in an age division, except semifinal
games, in the American Cup State Championships excluding the District
Tournaments.
d.
The USYS short-sided game rules, as amended by MSA, will apply to all
respective age groups.
e.
The game referee will report all game ejections to the Tournament
Headquarters on their turned in game card.
f.
Individual awards will be presented to eighteen players and two
coaches of each age/gender group champion and runner up teams.
g.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on or near
the playing fields.
h.
The game referee may suspend a game due to adverse weather
conditions or to protect players when game play or crowd becomes
uncontrollable. If after suspending play, the situation does not improve
within a reasonable time period, the referee shall report the suspended
nature of the game to the Scorer's table and turn in their game report.
i.
Only the coaches/ team managers of the suspended game(s) shall meet
with the Tournament Director to ascertain a restart status. The
Coaches/ team managers shall meet at a location as designated by the
Tournament Director (as indicated at the coaches meeting). No
additional parents or players are allowed in this area/location.
j.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to reach an outcome in a
suspended game necessary to determine a proper bracket or round
robin finish. The Tournament Committee will decide if a game is to be
terminated, if the referee suspended it due to weather and/or safety
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considerations. If it cannot be restarted within sixty (60) minutes from
the stoppage time, the following termination policies shall apply to the
game.
1.
If one half (1/2) of the match has been completed prior to the
stoppage, the score at the time of the stoppage shall stand. The
game will not be replayed in the tournament.
2.
If less than one half (1/2) of the match has been completed at the
time of the stoppage, the match will be replayed in its entirety on
either the same day or the next available playing date.
3.
A second stoppage of play due to weather conditions shall result in
the termination of the game on that day. The two (2) preceding
policies then will be applied to this game.
k. In the case of continuous inclement weather or unsafe field conditions,
the remaining Tournament games may:
1. Be shortened – The Tournament committee may reduce the length
of matches due to weather conditions before the start of a match;
all such matches will be considered official.
2.
Be rescheduled (time and location to be determined by the
Tournament Committee)
3.
Proceed to mini-game format of the “Taking of Kicks from the
Penalty Mark”. (Time and location to be determined by the
Tournament Committee)
4.
Be canceled if there is no chance of advancement
If the Tournament Committee rules that during the preliminary round a minigame format of the “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark” will be done due
to inclement weather or unsafe field conditions, the following rules will apply:
1.
Each team will take a maximum of five (5) penalty kicks
2.
At the end of (5) kicks, the game will be scored as a complete
game. Each goal scored will count as a goal and may end in a tie.
For example: at the end of kicks, a score of 5-3 will be scored as a
game score of 5-3.
3.
In the overall standings for Division I and II, 3 points will be given
for the win, 1 point for a tie and ) points for a loss; Division III – 6
points for the win, 3 points for a tie plus 1 point for each goal
scored up to 3, 1 point for a shut out.
13. Reducing the Risk of Blood-borne Infections - See Policy 101, Section
11
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14. Pets: No pets shall be allowed on or near the tournament premises. The
only exception to this rule is for certified assistance animals. Certification
must be presented upon request. Spectators / participants who bring pets
to the tournament will be required to remove the animal from the premises
immediately
8. Division II Tournament Rules
1. FIFA Laws of the Game - These rules will apply to all competitions except as
otherwise provided herein. Player passes must be presented to the officials at the
start of each match. Players that are sent off during a match will have their player
passes turned over to the MSA Tournament Director(s) or his designee.
2. Game Length - A regulation game for the following age groups will be two halves
each of the following times:
a. Under 10 – 24 minutes
b. Under 12 - 30 minutes
c. Under 14 - 35 minutes
d. Under 16 - 40 minutes
e. Under 19 - 45 minutes
The Tournament Director may shorten game times should circumstances require it.
3. Tournament Bracket Scoring System - Each age / gender group game will be
scored:
a. Win = 3 points (including forfeits, which are considered a 4-0 victory)
b. Tie = 1 point
c. Loss = 0 points
e. Maximum points per game = 3 points
4. Scoring System policies for bracket and round robin standings and ties a. All bracket play or round robin game ties will be scored as a tie in the
tournament standings.
b. Ties in bracket or round robin team stand except as noted:
1. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time in any Best of Three games, semifinal games or championship games, two over time periods shall be played to
determine a winner. If, at the end of the overtime periods a tie still exists, the game
shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with
the FIFA Laws of the Game. The overtime periods are two ten-minute halves for U14
and below, and two fifteen-minute halves for all others.
2. The Tournament Championship in a round robin format will be decided through
Head to Head competition. In the case of a tie, The tiebreakers listed in section C
shall be used to determine the Champion
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3. The Presidents Cup State Champion in a two team tournament will be determined
through a “best of three” playing format. Each scheduled game will be played with
appropriate overtime periods and kicks from the penalty mark, if necessary, to
determine a winner.
c. The following tiebreakers will be used to determine the bracket standings (six or
more teams) and the round robin team standings (five or less).
1.
Winner of Head to Head Competition (This criteria is not used if
more than two teams are tied)
2.
Winner of most games in the tournament
3.
Goal Differential (goals for minus goals against up to a maximum
differential of +4 or -4 points per game)
4.
Fewest Goals allowed
5.
A. If two teams are still tied after computing all of the above listed
tiebreakers, the results shall be decided by the taking of kicks from the
penalty marks in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game.
B. If three teams are still tied after computing of all of the above listed
tiebreakers, a draw between tied teams will be conducted by the
Tournament Director to determine order of contest between tied
teams. The first team drawn will receive the bye: the next team
drawn will be the home team against the remaining team in the first
contest of kicks from the penalty mark. The winner of the first
contest will then compete against the bye team in kicks from the
penalty mark to determine the winner. The bye team will be the
home team.
Eleven players from the roster of the final game will be selected by
each coach to participate, and that roster handed to the referee
assigned to break the tie on a field assigned by the Tournament
Director.
d. Each coach and team in a tiebreaker championship game has the responsibility to
know the date, time, place and be ready to play at the scheduled date and time. The
length of overtime will be two ten-minute halves for U14 and below and two fifteenminute halves for U15 and above.
5. Forfeit Game Policies - The following policies apply:
a. If a team drops out of the MSA Presidents Cup after having been accepted
into the Presidents Cup; that team will remain named in the Presidents Cup
tournament if there is not a replacement team available. That teams games
will be scored as forfeits.
b. A team who forfeits any game will forfeit All games with a score of 0 - 4
against them. It will be ineligible for championship play although it may play
all remaining scheduled bracket games.
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c. A team forfeits a game when it:
1. Leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission;
2. Is not ready to play at the scheduled game time;
3. Does not wear an alternate jersey upon the referee’s request,
4. Is disqualified due to unsportsmanlike conduct;
5. Does not field the minimum number of field players.
d. The forfeiting team, who plays all scheduled games, will forfeit its
performance bond to MSA.
e. The forfeiting coach, organization and team, who do not play all scheduled
games, will suffer the following automatic penalties but will not be subject to
any other disciplinary action.
1. The coach and / or Team Manager will be suspended for one
calendar year, starting on the Monday after the completion of the
tournament. These individuals may appeals this action through the
MSA Disciplinary and Appeals Process.
2. The organization will be fined $500, which will be payable within
thirty days of the tournament completion date.
3. The team will forfeit its performance bond to MSA
f. The winner of a forfeited game will receive 3 points in the tournament
scoring system.
1. If the application of this rule causes two or more teams to change
positions for first and/or second place in the Semi-Final or Finals, the
tie breaking rules of Head to Head competition and then, if necessary,
a mini game with appropriate kicks from the penalty mark will be
applied to the affected teams to determine who qualifies for the
Championship Round of the President Cup Championships.
2. If the application of this rule causes two or more teams to change
positions for first place in the Championship Round Standings, the tie
breaking rules of Head to Head competition and then, if necessary,
another complete game with the appropriate overtime and kicks from
the penalty mark will be applied to the affected teams to
determine who wins and / or finishes second in the Presidents Cup
Championships.
6. Tournament Responsibilities –
Each Coach and team are responsible:
a. To comply with all published tournament rules.
b. To report or verify game scores to the Tournament Headquarters within an
hour of the game’s conclusion if they win or tie the game.
c. To wear an alternate jersey when it is the home team if color conflict
should occur and the Game Referee requests a jersey change. The home
team is listed first in game schedule.
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d. To remain in a technical area 15 yards either side of the midfield line
regardless of the existence of a marked area during the play of a game.
e. To occupy the same side of the playing field as the opposing team.
f. To require the team’s spectators to watch the game from the playing field
side opposite the two teams’ side
g. To furnish a game ball if requested and selected by the referee. The correct
size for U11 and U12 is size 4, and size 5 for all others.
h. To be responsible for its players, parents, and spectators behavior
including no allowance or toleration of foul and abusive language.
i. To insure that no team member or parent use any mechanical or artificial
noise making devices, such as bullhorns, cowbells, amplifiers, or megaphone
during the game.
7. Participation Rules - The following rules apply: Division II teams do not have a
qualification process for this tournament as all Division II teams are accepted by the
Division II Vice President. Division II tournament rules and policy regarding Division
II tournaments may be found on the MSA Web Site in the MSA Policy section.
8. Substitution Policies - are as follows:
a. Player substitutions are unlimited and may be made at the following times:
1. Prior to your team’s throw in
2. Any goal kick
3. After any goal
4. Player injury for either team
5. A player that has been cautioned and issued a yellow card
6. Half time Interval
b. A coach will not replace an ejected player from the game. Any player that
has been issued a red card and sent off must sit out the next tournament
game. In the even a player is ejected from a final match and the team
advances to the Regional event, said player must be present and sit out the
first game of the Regional event.
c. An ejected coach must leave the game premises prior to the referee
restarting the game. The coach may be present at the next scheduled game,
sitting on the spectator side and may not under any circumstance including
use of any communication devices, exercise any coaching responsibilities.
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9. Protest Policies - are as follows:
a. A team or its representative cannot protest any matter associated with either
the tournament or its game.
b. The Tournament Director has the authority to resolve a clearly substantiated
violation of the tournament rules or Laws of the Game, which is reported to
them. The Director may take the following actions in resolving a valid violation:
1. To replay the game in its entirety
2. To forfeit a game in which a team plays an unauthorized player
3. To disqualify a tournament team from further tournament
participation due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
4. To disqualify individual team members, coach, or team manager
from further or selected tournament participation due to
unsportsmanlike conduct
c. By definition, unsportsmanlike acts are not in accordance with the rules of fair
play or reasonable personal conduct. Such acts include, but are not limited to,
starting or participating in an individual or team brawl; damaging, destroying,
or stealing another team’s property; harassing, taunting, physically abusing or
verbally abusing referees, tournament officials, opposing players, other team
mangers, and other team coaches.
10. Game conduct and uniform policies - are as follows:
a. The Center Official will enforce MSA policy regarding the use of directed or
non-directed foul or abusive language on the field of play.
b. All participating players must meet the following uniform standards in order to
play in a tournament game:
1. All players must wear the same uniform including shirts, shorts, and socks
except the goalkeeper. Some minor exceptions can apply to alternate
jerseys. Any hardship exceptions to this rule must be requested in writing
an approved by the Tournament Director prior to the first tournament
game.
2. All players must wear commercially manufactured shinguards under their
pulled up socks.
3. Shirts must be tucked in.
4. Warm ups will be allowed under the shorts in cold weather.
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5. Sliding or bicycle shorts may be worn under shorts if they are the
same color as the predominant color of the team shorts and not
extend farther than the top of the knee.
c. The Game Referee will determine if a player’s uniform complies with this
uniform standard.
11. Other Tournament Policies- include the following:
a. The Tournament Director has the sole discretion and authority to deal with
any matter that is not covered in these rules.
b. Only credentialed team members will be allowed to discuss any team issues
with the tournament director(s). The Team managers and coaches are
responsible for all its team managers and parents behavior. Code of Ethics
sanctions will be enforced where necessary.
c. Tournament Directors will use a standardized playing format for all age /
gender groups unless the number of entered teams in a specific age / gender
group requires a different format.
d. Individual awards will be presented to twenty players and two coaches of
each age / gender group champion and runner up teams.
e. The consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on or near the
playing fields.
f. The Game Referee will report all game ejections to the Tournament
Headquarters on their turned in game report.
g. The Game Referee may suspend a game to adverse weather conditions or to
protect players when play or crowd becomes uncontrollable. If after
suspending play, the situation does not improve within a reasonable time
period, the referee shall report the suspended nature of the game to the
Scorer’s table and turn in their game report.
h. Only the coaches/team managers of the suspended game(s) shall meet with
the Tournament Committee to ascertain a restart status. The Coaches/team
managers shall meet at a location as designated by the Tournament
Committee (as indicated at the coaches meeting). No additional parents or
players are allowed in this area/location.
i. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to reach an outcome in a
suspended game necessary to determine a proper bracket or round robin
finish. The Tournament Committee will decide if a game is to be terminated, if
the referee suspended it due to weather and/or safety considerations. If it
cannot be restarted within sixty (60) minutes from the stoppage time, the
following termination policies shall apply to the game.
1. If one half (1/2) of the match has been completed prior to the stoppage,
the score at the time of the stoppage shall stand. The game will not be
replayed in the tournament.
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2. If less than one half (1/2) of the match has been completed at the time of
the stoppage, the match will be replayed in its entirety on either the same
day or the next available playing date.
3. A second stoppage of play due to weather conditions shall result in the
termination of the game on that day. The two (2) preceding policies then
will be applied to this game.
j. In the case of continuous inclement weather or unsafe field conditions,
the remaining Tournament games may:
1. Be shortened – The Tournament committee may reduce the length of
matches due to weather conditions before the start of a match; all such
matches will be considered official.
2. Be rescheduled (time and location to be determined by the Tournament
Committee)
3. Proceed to mini-game format of the “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty
Mark”. (Time and location to be determined by the Tournament
Committee)
4. Be canceled if there is no chance of advancement
If the Tournament Committee rules that during the preliminary round a minigame format of the “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark” will be done due to
inclement weather or unsafe field conditions, the following rules will apply:
1. Each team will take a maximum of five (5) penalty kicks
2. At the end of (5) kicks, the game will be scored as a complete game. Each
goal scored will count as a goal and may end in a tie.
For example: at the end of kicks, a score of 5-3 will be scored as a game
score of 5-3
3. In the overall standings for Division I and II, 3 points will be given for the
win, 1 point for a tie and ) points for a loss; Division III – 6 points for the
win, 3 points for a tie plus 1 point for each goal scored up to 3, 1 point for
a shut-out.
12. Yellow and Red Card rules - MSA Presidents Cup.
Division II currently does not play league games. Division II has no policy
specified for accumulation of Cautions and Ejections during a seasonal year that
would apply to suspensions to be served for Presidents Cup or other matches.
The one exception is that ejections issued in the last match played in the
previous Presidents Cup Or Regional Presidents Cup must be served in the
matches of the next Presidents Cup.
13. Reducing the Risk of Bloodborne Infections - See Policy 101, Section 30
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14. Pets: No pets shall be allowed on or near the tournament premises. The only
exception to this rule is for certified assistance animals. Certification must be
presented upon request.
15. Saving Clause: Any instance or situation not covered by these rules shall be at
the sole discretion of the Tournament Director(s).
6. Division I Tournament Rules
1. FIFA Laws of the Game - These rules will apply to all competitions except
as otherwise provided herein. Player passes must be presented to the officials
at the start of each match. Players that are sent off during a match will have
their player passes turned over to the MSA Tournament Director(s) or a
designated tournament staff member.
2. Game Length - A regulation game for the following age groups will be two
halves each of the following times:
a. Under 11 – U13 – 30 minutes
b. Under 14 - 35 minutes
c. Under 15 - 16 - 40 minutes
d. Under 17 and above - 45 minutes
Only the tournament committee has the authority to shorten or agree to shorten
any match except for the referee under tournament rule 11.g. (Inclement weather
policy) and the referee only has this authority after the match has started.
3. Tournament Bracket Scoring System - Each age / gender group game will
be scored:
a. Win = 3 points
b. Tie = 1 point
c. Loss = 0 points
Maximum points per game = 3 points.
4. Scoring System policies
a. All bracket play or round robin game ties will be scored as a tie in the
tournament standings.
b. Ties in bracket or round robin team stand except as noted:
1. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time in any Best of Three
games, semi-final games or championship games, two over time periods
shall be played to determine a winner. If, at the end of the overtime
periods a tie still exists, the game shall be determined by the taking of
kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the
Game. The overtime periods are two 10 minute halves for U11 through
U14 and fifteen-minute halves for all others.
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2. The Tournament Championship in a round robin format will be decided
through Head to Head competition. In the case of a tie, the tiebreakers
listed in section C shall be used to determine the Champion
3. The Mississippi State Champion in a two team tournament will be
determined through a “best of three” playing format. Each scheduled
game will be played with appropriate overtime periods and kicks from
the penalty mark, if necessary, to determine a winner.
c. The following tiebreakers will be used to determine the bracket standings
(six or more teams) and the round robin team standings (five or less).
1. Winner of Head to Head Competition (This criteria is not used if more
than two teams are tied)
2. Winner of most games in the tournament
3. Team with Greatest Goal Differential (goals for minus goals against up
to a maximum of +4 or -4 points per game)
4. Fewest Goals allowed
5. Highest goals for, maximum of 4 per game
6. Kicks from penalty spot per FIFA Laws of the Game
a. If two teams are still tied after computing all of the above listed
tiebreakers, the results shall be decided by the taking of kicks from
the penalty marks in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game.
b. If three teams are still tied after computing of all of the above listed
tiebreakers, the winner shall be decided by the drawing of lots
conducted by the Tournament Director. The first team drawn will
receive the bye; the next team drawn will be the home team against the
remaining team in the first contest of FIFA kicks. The winner of the first
contest will then compete against the by team in FIFA kicks to determine
the winner. The bye team will be the home team.
d. Each coach and team in a tie breaker championship game has the
responsibility to know the date, time, place and be ready to play at
the scheduled date and time. The length of overtime will be two ten
minute halves for U14 and below and two 15 minute halves for U15
and above.
5. Forfeit Game Policies - The following policies apply:
a. A team who forfeits any game will forfeit all games with a score of 0-4
against them. A team that forfeits a match will be considered to have
withdrawn from the tournament.
b. A team forfeits a game when it:
1. Leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission;
2. Is not ready to play at the scheduled game time;
3. Does not wear an alternate jersey upon the referee’s request,
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4. Is disqualified due to unsportsmanlike conduct;
5. Does not field the minimum number of field players.
c. The forfeiting team, who plays all scheduled games, will forfeit its
performance bond to MSA.
d. The forfeiting coach, organization and team, who do not play all scheduled
games, will incur the following automatic penalties but will not be subject
to any other disciplinary action.
1. The coach and / or Team Manager will be suspended for one calendar
year, starting on the Monday after the completion of the tournament.
These individuals may appeals this action through the MSA Disciplinary
and Appeals Process.
2. The organization will be fined $500, which will be payable within thirty
days of the tournament completion date.
3. The team will forfeit its performance bond to MSA
e. The winner of a forfeited game will receive 3 points in the tournament
scoring system.
1. If the application of this rule causes two or more teams to change
positions for first and/or second place in the Qualifying Round, the tie
breaking rules of Head to Head competition and then, if necessary, a
mini game with appropriate kicks from the penalty mark will be applied
to the affected teams to determine who qualifies for the Championship
Round of the Mississippi State Championships.
2. If the application of this rule causes two or more teams to change
positions for first place in the Championship Round Standings, the tie
breaking rules of Head to Head competition and then, if necessary,
another complete game with the appropriate overtime and kicks from
the penalty mark will be applied to the affected teams to determine who
wins and / or finishes second in the Mississippi State Championships.
6. Tournament Responsibilities –
Each Coach and team are
responsible:
a. To comply with all published tournament rules.
b. To provide all required documents for each rostered player at team checkin:
1. Approved MSA Roster
2. Current Notarized Medical Release
3. Birth Certificates or any other document recognized by USYS Rule
204. Proof of Age.
4. Team specific MSA Member Pass
b. To report or verify game scores to the Tournament Headquarters within an
hour of the game’s conclusion if they win or tie the game.
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c. To wear an alternate jersey when it is the home team if color conflict
should occur and the Game Referee requests a jersey change. The home
team is listed first in game schedule.
d. To remain in a technical area 15 yards either side of the midfield line
regardless of the existence of a marked area during the play of a game.
e. To occupy the same side of the playing field as the opposing team.
f. To require the team’s spectators to watch the game from the playing field
side opposite the two teams’ side
g. To furnish a game ball if requested and selected by the referee.
h. To be responsible for its players, parents, and spectators behavior
including no allowance or toleration of foul and abusive language.
i. To insure that no team member or parent use any mechanical or artificial
noise making devices, such as bullhorns, cowbells, amplifiers, or
megaphone during the game.
7. Participation Rules - The following rules apply:
a. The top eight teams of age/gender groups with more than eight (8) teams
as determined through Division I League play will advance to the
Championship Round.
b. Age/gender groups with six teams or less will advance all teams to the
championship round.
8. Substitution Policies - are as follows:
a. Player substitutions for u13 – u14 divisions are unlimited.
b. For all other age groups, a maximum of 7 substitutions for each team shall
be allowed in each game during each half of play and during overtime play.
After leaving the game during a half of play, the substituted player may no
re-enter the game. Substitutions may be made with the consent of the
referee, at the following times:
1. Prior to your team’s throw in
2. Prior to any goal kick
3. After any goal
4. After an injury for either team when the referee stops play
5. When the referee stops play to caution a player, on the cautioned
player may be substituted prior to the restart of the game
6. Half time Interval
c. A coach will not replace an ejected player from the game. Any red carded
play must sit out the next tournament game. If the player is ejected in the
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last game of the tournament and his team advances to the Regional
Tournament, the player must sit out the first game of the Regional
tournament.
d. An ejected coach must leave the game premises prior to the referee
restarting the game. The coach may be present at the next scheduled
game, sitting on the spectator side and may not under any circumstance
including use of any communication devices, exercise any coaching
responsibilities.
9. Player/ Team Official Passes
The referee will review all 18 player passes prior to the beginning of the game.
Before each half, the referee or assistant referee (AR) will receive the player
passes from a team official for the starting 11 players. When a substitute
player enters the game they will hand their pass to the AR. Player passes will
be returned to the team official after each half. It will be the responsibility of
the team official to obtain the passes at the end of the game.
Coaches must have their US Youth Soccer pass and Team Bench Credential on
them at all times while on the bench.
If teams’ US Youth Soccer passes cannot be produced at the start of a game,
the RTC will determine appropriate actions.
10. Protest Policies - are as follows:
a. A team or its representative cannot protest any matter associated with
either the tournament or its game.
b. The Tournament Director has the authority to resolve a clearly
substantiated violation of the tournament rules or Laws of the Game, which
is reported to them. The Director may take the following actions in
resolving a valid violation:
1. To replay the game in its entirety
2. To forfeit a game in which a team plays an unauthorized player
3. To disqualify a tournament team from further tournament
participation due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
4. To disqualify individual team members, coach, or team manager from
further or selected tournament participation due to unsportsmanlike
conduct
c. By definition, unsportsmanlike acts are not in accordance with the rules of
fair play or reasonable personal conduct. Such acts include, but are not
limited to, starting or participating in an individual or team brawl;
damaging, destroying, or stealing another team’s property; harassing,
taunting, physically abusing or verbally abusing referees, tournament
officials, opposing players, other team mangers, and other team coaches.
11. Game conduct and uniform policies - are as follows:
a. The MSA policy regarding the use of directed or non-directed foul or
abusive language on the field of play will be enforced by the Game
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Referee.
b. All participating players must meet the following uniform standards in
order to play in a tournament game:
1. All players must wear the same uniform including shirts, shorts, and
socks except the goalkeeper. Some minor exceptions can apply to
alternate jerseys. Any hardship exceptions to this rule must be
requested in writing an approved by the Tournament Director prior to
the first tournament game.
2. All players must wear commercially manufactured shin guards under
their pulled up socks.
3. Shirts must be tucked in.
4. Warm ups will be allowed under the shorts in cold weather.
5. Sliding or bicycle shorts may be worn under shorts if they are the same
color as the predominant color of the team shorts and not extend farther
than the top of the knee.
c. The Game Referee will determine if a player’s uniform complies with this
uniform standard.
12. Other Tournament Policies- include the following:
a. The Tournament Director has the sole discretion and authority to deal with
any matter that is not covered in these rules.
b. Only credentialed team officials will be allowed to discuss any team
issues with the tournament director(s). The Team managers and/coaches
are responsible for all its team managers and parents behavior. Code of
Ethics sanctions will be enforced where necessary.
c. Tournament Directors will use a standardized playing format for all age /
gender groups unless the number of entered teams in a specific age /
gender group requires a different format.
d. Individual awards will be presented to twenty players and two coaches of
each age / gender group champion and runner up teams.
e. The consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on or near the
playing fields.
f. The Game Referee will report all game ejections to the Tournament
Headquarters on their turned in game report and USSF Supplemental
reports.
g. The Game Referee may suspend a game to adverse weather conditions or
to protect players when play or crowd becomes uncontrollable. If after
suspending play, the situation does not improve within a reasonable time
period, the referee shall report the suspended nature of the game to the
Scorer’s table and turn in their game report.
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h. Only the coaches/team managers of the suspended game(s) shall meet
with the Tournament Committee to ascertain a restart status. The
Coaches/team managers shall meet at a location as designated by the
Tournament Committee (as indicated at the coaches meeting). No
additional parents or players are allowed in this area/location.
i. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to reach an outcome in a
suspended game necessary to determine a proper bracket or round robin
finish. The Tournament Committee will decide if a game is to be
terminated, if the referee suspended it due to weather and/or safety
considerations. If it cannot be restarted within sixty (60) minutes from
the stoppage time, the following termination policies shall apply to the
game.
1. If one half (1/2) of the match has been completed prior to the
stoppage, the score at the time of the stoppage shall stand. The game
will not be replayed in the tournament.
2. If less than one half (1/2) of the match has been completed at the time
of the stoppage, the match will be replayed in its entirety on either the
same day or the next available playing date.
3. A second stoppage of play due to weather conditions shall result in the
termination of the game on that day. The two (2) preceding policies
then will be applied to this game.
j.
In the case of continuous inclement weather or unsafe field conditions,
the remaining Tournament games may:
1. Be shortened – The Tournament committee may reduce the length of
matches due to weather conditions before the start of a match; all
such matches will be considered official.
2. Be rescheduled (time and location to be determined by the
Tournament Committee)
3. Proceed to mini-game format of the “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty
Mark”. (Time and location to be determined by the Tournament
Committee)
4. Be canceled if there is no chance of advancement
If the Tournament Committee rules that during the preliminary round a minigame format of the “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark” will be done due
to inclement weather or unsafe field conditions, the following rules will apply:
1. Each team will take a maximum of five (5) penalty kicks
2. At the end of (5) kicks, the game will be scored as a complete game.
Each goal scored will count as a goal and may end in a tie.
For example: at the end of kicks, a score of 5-3 will be scored as a
game score of 5-3
3. In the overall standings for Division I and II, 3 points will be given for
the win, 1 point for a tie and ) points for a loss; Division III – 6 points
for the win, 3 points for a tie plus 1 point for each goal scored up to 3,
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1 point for a shutout.
13. Yellow and Red Card rules MSA State Cup - A “running total” of all
Cautions and Ejections shall be maintained on a “per season basis”. A
“season” shall be defined as period commencing on each August 1 and
terminating at the conclusion of the final match on the first Sunday prior to
the State Cup, if the team competes in League Play, otherwise on the
following July 31. A regularly scheduled game is defined as an MSA State
League Game or the next USYS Sanctioned Tournament game. If, at the
conclusion of League Play, a player has accumulated the requisite number
of cautions and/or ejections to require suspension, that suspension shall
carry over to the State Cup. If, however, the player does not, all
disciplinary cautions and/or ejections shall be declared void and the player
shall enter the State Cup with no disciplinary cautions or ejections on
record.
Suspensions earned during the final game of the State Cup shall be served in
the next game of the Region III Tournament.
14. Reducing the Risk of Bloodborne Infections - See Policy 101, Section 30
15. Pets: No pets shall be allowed on or near the tournament premises. The only
exception to this rule is for certified assistance animals. Certification must be
presented upon request.
16. Saving Clause: Any instance or situation not covered by these rules shall be
at the sole discretion of the Tournament Director(s).
9. Member Tournaments
1. Host Requirements for Member Tournament or Games: Any member
who wishes to host a local tournament or games that will include teams
from outside of Mississippi or MSA (often called “friendlies”) must complete
the U.S. Youth Soccer Application to Host Tournaments or Games on-line at
the MSA website. These forms may be submitted in a document format;
however, additional fees may apply.
2. Foreign Teams: Tournaments which will have foreign teams must be
submitted to MSA for processing to US Youth Soccer not later than one
hundred and eighty days (180) or a late fee will apply as outlined in the
Travel and Tournament Manual.
3. First Right of Refusal: Organizations that hosted tournaments during a
specific date during the prior year have first right of refusal for the dates
closest to their prior year date. A requested date later than the prior year’s
tournament shall not be considered as protected provided, however, a
requested date later than the prior year’s tournament shall not be
considered protected longer than one (1) week from the immediate previous
tournament date.
4. The organization applying for a tournament must be a member in
good standing. If the member is deemed not in good standing, they
shall have 10 working days to reconcile the issue causing them to
be declared in good standing before the tournament sanction is
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rescinded.
5. Processing Fees: The cost for processing a Tournament Application will be
equivalent to the highest Tournament Entry Fee and a $300.00 bond will be
required to be posted for each tournament. The Tournament Fee may be
paid online, however, if they are paid by check, it must be mailed as two
separate checks.
6. Restricted vs Unrestricted: Restricted tournaments are tournaments that
are restricted to USYS member teams only. Unrestricted tournaments allow
all USSF affiliate teams including teams (see Foreign Teams Above). This
type of tournament must provide a certificate of insurance naming the
Mississippi Soccer Association as an additional insured in the amount of the
current MSA liability and medical insurance policy. Be aware that some
USSF affiliates have less stringent rostering rules and may not apply
reciprocity for discipline matters between the USSF affiliates. It is for this
reason that MSA does not assume that liability with its members insurance.
MSA will not approve an unrestricted tournament until that certificate is
received.
7. Tournament Approval: Once the MSA office has distributed the approved
application in accordance with U.S. Youth Soccer instructions, the hosting
member may extend tournament or games invitations which must include
the information specified in the online tournament application.
8. Post Tournament Report: For Tournaments, The hosting organization
must submit a Post Tournament Report to the MSA State Office within thirty
days after the conclusion of the tournament or games. Upon receipt of the
Post Tournament Report within the thirty-day time frame, MSA will return
the organization’s bond check.
9. Tournament Date Conflicts: MSA will not approve two tournaments of the
same division and same gender within 100 miles of each other based upon
the MSA approved mileage chart.
10. Requesting dates for the following year – Organizations must be in
good standing and submit their completed tournament application and
applicable fees for fall tournaments by close of business March 1st and close
of business July 1stst for Spring Tournaments, in order to secure their
tournament date for the next seasonal year. If this request is not received
within the required deadlines, the date shall be forfeited and be declared
open.
11. Tournament Definition – For the purpose of delineating between a
tournament and Games for the application process, a tournament shall be
defined as follows:
A soccer event in which teams are invited and pay a fee to play, winners are
declared and awards are given, shall be deemed a tournament. Further, any
event of “friendly” Games that have more than 6 teams in a single age group,
shall be declared a tournament.
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12. Tournament Rules: All MSA Sanctioned tournaments shall use the
appropriate Tournament rules for the appropriate Division with the following
exception:
a. Guest players and different bracketing rules may be allowed only if
they are stipulated in the tournament application.
b. Tournaments may allow divisions for 11 a-side soccer (10 – 12) only if
out-of-state teams whose state has not yet implemented small side
games are accepted; until such time that all Region III states have
implemented the USYS small sided games policy.
9. Exhibition Games
1. Exhibition Games: Exhibition Games are games played with visiting teams
from another state or National Youth Association for particular promotion
purposes. Pick-up games are not Exhibition Games.
2. Permission to Play: Exhibition Games must be obtained by completing four
(4) copies of the MSA Application available online and submitting it to the
MSA office for approval. If permission is granted, one copy of the form will
be returned to the visiting team, one copy will be sent to the visiting team's
Association, one copy will be sent to the hosting Organization, and one copy
will be retained by MSA.
10. Application to Host Foreign Teams
Contact the MSA office to obtain these forms
11. Application to, or Notification of, Travel
1. Permission from MSA: MSA registered teams must obtain MSA approval to
travel outside the boundaries of Mississippi but within the confines of the
United States, Mexico, and Canada. This permission to travel cannot be
granted if the Host for the Mississippi team is unaffiliated with U.S. Youth
Soccer or is in bad standing with its State or Local Association. Appropriate
disciplinary action will be taken for teams who travel outside Mississippi
without prior permission from MSA.
2. Notification of Travel: Teams that wish to travel to unaffiliated events
must complete a Notification of travel. This notification serves as notice that
the team may not necessarily be a appropriately rostered MSA team and
indicates that MSA insurance is not in effect.
3. Application for Notification of Travel: Team Managers or Coaches can
complete these forms online at the MSA website using the E-travel Systems.
Paper versions are available from the MSA State office, however, additional
processing fees may apply. These forms are not required for the U.S. Youth
Soccer National Championship or Regional Cup games.
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4. Requirements:
a. One (1) traveling team per permit
b. One (1) per visited state and entered tournament
c. Form Must be completed in its entirety
d. Submission of the form indicates agreement with the requirements and
notifications on the forms
5. Advance Notice For MSA Permission: Offline Requests received with less
than 30 days notice must be accompanied by the payment of a late fee of
$25.00
6. U.S. Youth Soccer Player Passes: All team players must carry player
passes when playing interstate games. Teams should also carry Medical
Releases from parents or guardians.
12. US Youth Soccer Player Passes
1. U.S. Youth Soccer Player Passes: These passes provide a consistent and
fair method of certifying U.S. Youth Soccer player eligibility and team
credentials. A player pass for any transferred player or new team player
must be obtained at the same time as the player registration is submitted to
the MSA State Office. The player passes must the following Submission and
Use policies.
2. The Submission Policies for all registered or transferred team
players are:
a. The local league registrar will submit a team roster created by the
registration software, signed by either the Local Member
President/Commissioner or Registrar.
b. The team manager will submit the data on line at the MSA website EPass System, registration and processing fee must be submitted with the
player pass request.
c. Passes created at the MSA Office may require additional fees for
expediting and photographic services
3. The MSA official will validate each player pass against the team roster to
assure all data is accurate and complies with MSA and U.S. Youth Soccer
guidelines. After validating the passes and rosters, the official will prepare
the passes and ship them to the requestor.
4. The Use Policies for all registered or transferred team players are:
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a. All team players from all playing divisions must have a player pass for all
interstate games in which he/she participates for their team. If a player
does not have one, he/she cannot play in the game.
b. All Division I players, as of September 30th of each Seasonal Year, must
have their approved U.S. Youth Soccer Player Passes prior to October 1st
in order to play in all intrastate/interstate games after this date.
c. All players added or transferred to a Division I team, on or after October
1st, must obtain a player pass prior to playing in any intrastate or
interstate games, effective fourteen (14) days after the issue date of the
player pass.
Policy 105 Coaching Programs
1. Coaching Program Objectives
1. Purpose: This program exists to provide the coaches of our member
organizations with the necessary training in the abilities, knowledge, and
skills of The Game in order that they may successfully teach them to their
players while developing a dedication and commitment to The Game.
2. Objective: These policies are designed to provide sound administration
and management of this vital MSA Program. Operational Policies are
outlined on the following policies.
2. Coaching Program Operation Policies
1. State Technical Director of Coaching and Player Development:
The Technical Director of Coaching and Player Development is
responsible for providing youth coach training at all levels. The
Technical Director of Coaching shall develop a staff of USSF A, B, C, D
and National Youth Licensed Coaches who shall assist him in
presenting clinics and to collect, organize and develop curriculum for
ongoing coach training. Requests to schedule Coaching clinics for
organizations should be submitted online at the MSA website.
2. Organization Head Coach: Each Organization should have its own
Head Coach to be responsible for the coaches training in the Local
Organization. The Head Coach should be the liaison between the
Organization and the MSA Technical Director of Coaching. The Head
Coach should encourage coaching training at all levels and be the
source of coaching information within the Local Organization.
3. License Recognition: Only the Technical Director of Coaching,
through his staff, can license other coaches in Mississippi. MSA has no
guarantees that other USSF Licensed Coaches who give clinics will file
the necessary reports with MSA. Unless proper reports of an
individual's participation and successful completion of the requisite
course of study for licensing are filed with MSA, it will not recognize
licensing by out-side agents.
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3. MSA State Coaching Courses
1. MSA State Coaching Courses: The MSA State Coaching Program has
been designed to provide instruction to any individual regardless of
his/her background. The State Coaching Program offers state level
modules of the National Youth Coaching License (U6/U8 and U12 Youth
Modules) as well as the E & D Certification Courses. Courses are
designed to lead to the National Coaching Program A, B, and C License
Levels and the National Youth Coaching License Level. The U6/U8 and
U12 Youth Modules courses and the E & D courses must be requested
online through the MSA website.
2. Youth Module Courses: The state Youth Modules (U6/8 and U10/12) are
age specific. Each module consist of both an online lecture and test; and a 3hour field session.
U6/U8 Module – Online and Field Session (6 hours)
U8/U10 Module – Online and Field Session (6 hours)
3. E-Certification Course: The E-Certification Course is for coaches who have
some experience coaching 11-aside soccer. While it is preferred that coaches
should have first successfully completed the Level 3 module it is not a
requirement. The E-Certification consists of eighteen (18) hours of
instruction.
4. D-License Course: The D-License Course consists of approximately thirtyeight (38) hours of instruction and includes testing and examination in both
theory and practical elements of coaching. The E-License is usually a prerequisite for admission to the course, though may be waived under special
consideration of the MSA Technical Director of Coaching. The License course
has three levels of grading.
a. Pass (National Level) – Required for admission to a National “C” License
Course
b. Not Ready (NR) – State Level
c. Fail
D-License upgrade Course – Candidates who wish to upgrade from a State
Level pass to a National Level Pass are required to retake and pass all
necessary classroom and fieldwork as assigned.
5.License Requirement: All MSA coaches must have earned a minimum of the
State required coaching license equivalent to the age group in which the
coach before they can coach in an MSA organized game or tournament,
including Districts and State Cups. See details in the table below.
Effective September 1st, 2009 with full implementation September
1st, 2010. Newly registered/rostered coaches will have 3 months to obtain
age appropriate licensing after registration.
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State Minimum Coaching Requirement
REQUIRED LICENSE
TEAM AGE
US Youth Soccer
U6 & U8 Modules
U6 -U8
US Youth Soccer
U10 & U12 Modules
U10 - U12
USSF E License or equivalent
[Div. I ]
U11 - U14
[Div. II & III]*
U13 – U19
[Div. I]
U13 – U19
[D. II & III]**
U16 – U19
(NSCAA Level 4, 5, or 6
Diploma)
USSF D Certificate or License
or equivalent
(NSCAA National Diploma or
Advanced National Diploma)
•
•
•
* U12 Div. II & III can take the E course if they wish
** USSF D Certificate or License not required BUT recommended for Div. II &
III U16 and Above
*** National C License NOT required but recommended for all Division I
Coaches
4. MSA Coaching Clinic Process
1. Coaching Clinics: MSA will provide or make available Coaching Clinics to
assist in coaching development.
a. Dates: Each District Director, in cooperation with the State Technical
Director and the District Organizations, will establish dates and site
locations for the state or district sponsored U6/U8 and U12 Youth Module
Field Sessions to be held within that district during the Seasonal Year.
Dates will be chosen to satisfy the requirements for fall and spring play.
The District Director will be the focal point for these Clinics and will be
responsible for dates, locations, announcements, correspondence, record
keeping, and transmittal of records to MSA.
b. Request for local clinics - Local Organizations can obtain clinics for any
level within their organization but must pay the costs associated with such
clinics. Scheduling of such clinics must be made on-line on the MSA
website, with as much notice as possible to insure instructor availability.
The Instructor will be responsible for record keeping and transmittal of
records to MSA.
c. Group Clinics - Local Organizations may join together to hold clinics, such
as a "D" Clinic, when no one organization has enough interest within their
own local organization to justify the costs of the clinic. These clinics will be
provided at a fee. Students must pre-register for clinics on-line on the
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MSA website. A minimum participation level will be set in order for a clinic
to make. The Instructor will be responsible for record keeping and
transmittal of records to MSA.
2. Coaching Clinic Costs: The clinic fees for the specified clinic level will be
the following costs.
a. The District Clinic will be provided at no charge. All Instructors costs
associated with this clinic will be paid from the District Budget.
b. Member Organization Clinics - The Local Organization will be
responsible for all costs for the Member Organization Clinics. The fees in
this manual will apply to these clinics.
c. Group Clinics - The participating Organizations will be responsible for all
costs for any Other Clinics, only one organization will be invoiced for the
total cost of the clinic. The fees in this manual will apply to these clinics.
7. Coaching Clinic fee Schedule
1. Instructor Reimbursement: Each Instructor who conducts a clinic
receives reimbursement for both time and expenses in accordance with the
following scales.
a. Actual expense reimbursement in full to include: duplication of materials,
phone, supplies, bookkeeping costs, medical supplies, lodging, and meals
during hours of instruction, etc.
b. Transportation expense reimbursement for the primary driver shall be
at the following rate:
20 - 49 One way Miles - $5.00
50 - 99 One way Miles $20.00
100 - 199 One way Miles - $40.00
200+ One way Miles - $60.00
c. Instructor time reimbursement according to the following table:
COST
A, B, C and NYL Instructors
U6/U8
Module
$75
U10/12
Module
$75
E
Course
$350
D
Course
$700
2. Registration Fee Policies: Registration for all clinics will be by prepayment of required fees. A deposit of $300 is required with each request
to host a clinic. Handling of the fees will depend upon the type of Coaching
Clinic and at the discretion of the State Technical Director of Coaching and
Executive Director.
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3. District Sponsored Courses: The instructor fee and reimbursements for
District sponsored courses will be made by the MSA Treasurer. The State
Technical Director of Coaching or Executive Director must first approve all
instructor claims before submission for payment is made. Collection of any
candidate fees due is the responsibility of the instructor in cooperation with
the State Technical Director of Coaching and the host organization.
4. Member Organization Clinics: The fees for the Member Organization
Clinics are to be collected by the host organization and given to the
instructor before the commencement of the course or should have
previously been mailed to the MSA State Office. The instructor will submit
the required MSA Coaching Clinic Participation Record and the MSA Expense
Form available on the MSA website to the State Technical Director of
Coaching along with any fees collected. The State Technical Director of
Coaching will then forward the necessary forms to the State Treasurer who
will reimburse the instructor. The member organization is responsible for all
costs even if the clinic is conducted at a loss. Any surplus moneys collected
as a result of this Clinic will become part of the MSA Coaching Fund.
Course Cost
U6/U8
$15
U10/12
$35
E Course
D Course
$65
$95
6. Technical Director of Coaching & Player Development
1. Purpose: To provide a central focus for the Education and development of
coaches and players affiliated with the Mississippi Soccer Association. The
MSA membership recognizes and acknowledges that the critical element in
developing players to their maximum level of performance and satisfaction is
the exposure to consistent and effective coaching. The membership also
recognizes that an organized approach toward development of all affiliated
coaches is required to accomplish the goal of reaching the greatest number
of players.
2. Description of Duties: The Technical Director of Coaching and
Player Development shall have tasks that fall into three general
categories:
a. Statewide Coach Education and Licensing Program
b. State Select Program Team Development
c. Internal and External Promotion of the MSA Program
3. Annual Plan: The Technical Director of Coaching and Player Development
shall submit to the Executive Council an Annual Plan for achieving the tasks
and goals for each duty and report the progress towards these tasks and
goals at the MSA Council Meetings and Annual General Meetings.
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7. Technical Director of Coaching – Primary Duties
1. Statewide Coach Education and Licensing Program: The development
And maintenance of a high quality organized program of state-wide
education for all levels (State, District and Local Organizations) of MSA
affiliated coaches to include:
a. Administering the licensing of affiliated coaches through the use of USSF
Coaching Courses.
b. Develop customized State Courses combining accredited programs such as
USSF and NSCAA as well as with other MSA approved curriculum. Special
emphasis will be placed on coaching clinics and appropriate curriculum
geared to educating all coaches and players in all age/gender groups and
playing divisions.
c. Serve as Supervisory instructor for all MSA Coaching licensing courses and
serve as coordinator for National licensing courses offered in Mississippi.
d. Prepare, compile and publish coaching manuals for distribution to coaches
and Staff Coaching Instructors
2. The State Director of Coaching and Player Development shall:
a. Identify and evaluate prospective Staff Coaching Instructors.
b. Recommend to the MSA Executive Council, an appropriate staff of
instructors to accomplish the coaching education and licensing programs.
c. Ensure personal participation and direct instruction as required
d. Aggressively pursue the completion of coaching clinics to all MSA affiliates.
3. Identify and train State and District Staff Coaching Instructors and/or
Program Coordinators
4. Review and recommend the purchase of educational coaching materials and
provide a central focus for those materials for use by affiliated members.
5. Develop, propose and maintain a yearly budget for all coaching development
programs. Oversight of all budget expenditures are the responsibility of the
President and/or Executive Director.
6. Manage the Coaching Program Administrative issues in conjunction with the
MSA President and/or Executive Director.
7. Provide consultation as required to the MSA Council in developing the longterm direction of State Programs.
8. Participate in the overall effort to publish articles/media releases in support of
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the game or MSA accomplishments in national and/or local media as well as
MSA publications.
9. Ensure attendance of the State Technical Director of Coaching and/or Staff
Coaching Instructors or Coaches at all required USSF and MSA functions as
approved in the Coaching Budget, or by MSA Council approval. Serve as a
member of any MSA Coaching Committee
10. Other duties as may be specifically arranged through the MSA Executive
Council or Executive Director.
8. Technical Director of Coaching – Secondary Duties
1. State Select Team Program Development: This is the secondary priority
and responsibility of the State Technical Director of Coaching and Player
Development and may be assigned to another qualified coach. These duties
include:
a. Developing a high quality player development program
b. Providing a central focus for State Select coaches in the development of
players. Appropriate programs should be established which provide
consistent direction amongst staff members based upon their input
relative to specific training process and procedures.
c. Serving as a member, or appoint a staff coach to act on behalf of the
Technical Director of Coaching as a member of the MSA administrative
committees, which are the appointed ODP program Directors as appointed
by the MSA President. Their duties include:
1. Establishing the format for the Selection of State Select Team
Players subject to all applicable MSA policies.
2. Arranging training and Competitions for the State Select
Program
3. Providing reports to MSA on all State Select Program activities.
d. Evaluating and recommending coaching appointments for State Select
Teams
e. Developing and training all coaches directly involved with the State Select
Program. As State Technical Director of Coaching, coaching involvement
should be joint participation with individual team coaches relative to
specific team development.
f.
Supervises the selection of players for the State Select Team Program.
The State Technical Director of Coaching is responsible for developing and
implementing a special development curriculum for State Select Team
Players.
g. Accompany teams to competitions and oversee all staff coaches and team
performance. Promotion of the MSA State Select Program and MSA
players at these events is critical.
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9. Technical Director of Coaching – Other Duties
1. Promotion of the Mississippi Soccer Association and its Programs: This
is the third category of duties of the State Technical Director of Coaching and
Player Development. It shall be accomplished in the following manner:
a. Serve as a member of any effort in the overall effort to develop
relationships with appropriate potential sponsors who could provide
financial support toward specific programs such as coaching
development or the State Select Team Program.
b. Where possible, assist with development of new affiliates. This
includes, but is not limited to speaking at affiliated meetings, new
organizations, parent groups, and schools, regional and national
meetings.
c. Maintain liaison with the MHSAA in the development of High School
programs and Coaching Development.
d. Assist in the entertaining/hosting of visiting teams, coaches,
USSF/USYS officials, Regional or National staff, etc., as required.
2. Prohibitions: The State Technical Director of Coaching and Player
Development shall not serve on any soccer team, club, league or association
except MSA in a coaching, managing, administrative or consulting role, either
for hire or voluntarily, except:
a. As may be specifically arranged through the MSA Executive Council or
Executive Director,
b. The normal duties distributed to parents for a team on which his child
plays
Policy 106 Olympic Development
1. ODP Purpose and Objectives
1. Purpose: The Association's program exists to define, select, and train players
for various United States Youth National Teams. In order to achieve its
purpose, the Association shall have jurisdiction over all players and affiliated
youth organizations within its territory who participate in the National selection
process.
2. Program Definition: This program is the MSA administered program for the
advancement of soccer. It encompasses and concerns game development
through organized league play, referee training, coaches clinics, State Cup
Competitions and individual player development programs for male and female
players. It is also a part of the total U.S. Olympic Development Program (ODP),
i.e., the lowest player entry level.
3. Objectives: This program is designed to accomplish the following objectives.
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a. Develop and recognize individual players.
b. Provide individual MSA player exposure at the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III
and/or National levels.
c. Be operated and managed in accordance with U.S. Youth Soccer
Administrative Rules.
d. Be operated and managed in accordance with MSA program rules and
regulations
2. ODP Program Administration
1. Administration: The program shall be administered and managed in
accordance with the following policies.
a. State Administrators - The MSA President with Council approval shall
annually appoint an overall State Administrator and Administrator for the
Male and Female programs. These administrators have the ultimate
responsibility for the supervision and operation of their programs within the
established U.S. Youth Soccer and MSA State Select administrative rules.
Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to, budgeting, expenditure
supervision, player training, and tournament entries of all established State
Select teams.
b. State Coaches – Each State Administrator will work with the ODP
Administrator and the State Technical Director of Coaching, or the MSA
Council’s designee, to assist their respective programs. The State Technical
Director of Coaching, or the MSA Council’s designee shall annually appoint
coaches for each established team (player pool) with the concurrence of
their respective State Administrator and MSA Council. Should any conflict
arise between the State Technical Director of Coaching, or the MSA
Council’s designee and the Administrator over selection of coaches, then
the matter shall be resolved by the MSA Council.
c. Team Administrator - Each State Select Team shall have a Team
Administrator appointed with the Approval of the respective State
Administrator. This individual shall provide the administrative support for
the Team Coach and team management.
2. Wherever possible, the boys and girls programs will attempt to use joint
assets, sites, and training dates to maximize cost savings and minimize
disruption to MSA organizations.
3. ODP Player Selection
1. Player Selection: The State Technical Director of Coaching, or the MSA
Council’s designee shall make arrangements for player selection in accordance
with the following procedures.
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2. Mailing - The State Administrators through the State Office staff shall
communicate through mail or internet to all appropriate MSA registered players
a tryout information announcement for each age division. This
communication shall contain a statement of the State Select program purpose;
notice of any tryout fees; and the specific tryout information about the date,
time and location. The appropriate players for the indicated age and gender
groups are:
a. All eligible Division III, Division II, and Division I players for authorized by
the Regional and National Staff and any developmental pools approved by
the MSA Executive Council.
b. A special communication shall be accomplished to any eligible players that
may have transferred out of the state to play with organizations in other
states as they may only play ODP in the state in which they are domiciled.
3. A player must meet all U.S. Youth Soccer established State Select eligibility
rules concerning age, citizenship, etc. and be registered with an MSA affiliated
organization prior to participating in the MSA State Select player selection
process.
4. State Selection Process - which may begin at the district level, shall take
place on dates as determined by the State Technical Director of Coaching, or
the MSA Council’s designee and approved by the MSA Executive Council. Dates
may only be frozen after consultation with the four (4) District Directors and
the Second Vice President or his designee, and if possible, should be agreed
upon at the MSA AGM Annually.
a. Maximize the number of participating players participating by freezing all
other inter-state, intra-state and out of state activity for MSA players in the
relevant ODP birth years. Freeze dates shall be limited to any two full
weekends from sundown on Friday evening to sundown on Sunday
evening.In the event of a freeze date being cancelled because of
unforeseen circumstances such as weather, Acts of God, etc. then a further
makeup date can be set, but cannot be frozen.
b. Minimize impact on league and/or club play.
c. Allow players an alternate tryout date if unable to attend the original tryout
due to illness, school activity, or other acceptable conflict. Any conflict
other than illness and school activity must be submitted in writing to the
respective State Administrator or their designated representative prior to
the originally scheduled tryout date.
d. The State Select pools shall be announced by January 15th, the State Select
Teams shall be announced by March 15th.
4. ODP Player Pool Management
1. Player Pool Management: The State Administrators and Team Coaches
responsibility is first and foremost to the initial pool of selected players. They
shall abide by the following pool management policies in order to fulfill these
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responsibilities.
a. To first fill any vacated team player slot for a State Select event with a
selected player from the Alternate Group for the event. If no alternate
group player is available for the vacated slot, the Team Coach, with the
respective State Administrator's concurrence and approval of the State
Select Program Manager, may fill the vacant slot for this specific event
from outside the player pool. The non pool player, who participates in a
specific State Select event under this provision, does not become a
member of the player pool and cannot participate in any future event even
if the Team Coach must obtain a non-pool player for a State Select event.
b. After the player is selected to the player pool, the only authority for
removing them is a request from either the player or parents/guardians.
c. No player may be added to a Mississippi Team that has not come through
the trial process without Executive Council Approval.
2. All players shall have the opportunity to be a participant in any and all training
sessions except the training of a selected group for a specific State Select
event.
5. ODP Budgeting
1. Budgeting: The State Administrators, with the MSA Budget Committee, shall
develop, supervise, and account for their respective program budgets within
the following priorities, guidelines, and policies.
2. The State Select budgets shall reflect the following priorities.
a. To first pay all required U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Camp Fees for the
player pool Coaches and Team Administrators who are required to attend
the camp.
b. To second pay all required travel expenses to the U.S. Youth Soccer Region
III Camps for the player pool Coaches and Team Administrators who are
required to attend them.
c. To lastly pay any other expenses as determined by the appropriate State
Select Team Administrator.
d. The Team Coaches' and Administrators' "out of pocket expenses" may be
paid from any available budgeted funds. These expenses can be associated
with training sessions, competitive events, and U.S. Youth Soccer Region
III Camps.
f. Team uniform and equipment expenses may also be paid from any available
funds.
3. Each State Select Team Administrator shall prepare a team budget for its
various expense items which are not covered by the MSA and State Select
Program Budgets. Such items include medical supplies, meals, equipment,
etc.
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6. ODP Funding
1. Funding: The MSA shall fund the program from its player tryout fees, team
fees which are generated from player assessments, and/or private fund
solicitations.
2. The State Administrators shall determine and assess individual player tryout
fees at the various established tryouts. These fees must be paid by all player
participants prior to the tryout. These moneys shall be assigned to the
appropriate State Select Program conducting the tryout of the individual
players.
3. The Team Administrator of any established player pool, with the appropriate
State Administrator's approval, may assess team fees in order to complete the
annual team budget. These fees shall only be used by the specific team
assessing the fees, and must first be reviewed and approved by the State
Administrators.
4. The State Administrators and/or Team Administrators of any established State
Select team may use the MSA tax exempt status to solicit private fund support
for their State Select programs and/or age group team. The State
Administrator, which raises funds through this method after MSA Council
approval, shall determine the division of these funds among their established
player pools. The Team Administrator shall obtain the State Select
Administrator's approval prior to fund solicitation for their team's use.
5. The State Administrators shall submit a comprehensive financial report to MSA
at the conclusion of the State Select Seasonal Year. This report shall detail the
revenues and expenditures of MSA budgeted funds, tryout income, assessed
team fees, and any other income sources.
6.
The State Administrators' out of pocket expenses shall be paid from the MSA
State Select Budget in accordance with MSA established reimbursement
policies. The U.S. Youth Soccer Region III ODP Workshop expenses shall be
funded by the MSA ODP Program Budget or either the MSA General Fund
Budget or as approved by the MSA Council.
7. Players selected for the ODP Teams shall be assessed one half of the total
Regional Camp Fees at the time of the players selection to the team. If the
player accepts a position on the team, this assessment becomes non
refundable. If the selected player chooses not to continue on the team, he
shall be dropped from the pool.
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Policy 107. Referee Program
1. Referee Program and Purpose
1. Purpose: This program exists to provide the coaches of our member
organizations with the necessary training in the abilities, knowledge, and
skills of The Game in order that they may successfully teach them to
their players while developing a dedication and commitment to The
Game.
2. Objective: These policies are designed to provide sound administration
and management of this vital MSA Program. Operational Policies are
outlined on the following policies.
2. Referee Operational Policies
1. Purpose: This program exists to provide the coaches of our member
organizations with the necessary training in the abilities, knowledge, and
skills of The Game in order that they may successfully teach them to
their players while developing a dedication and commitment to The
Game.
2. Objective: These policies are designed to provide sound administration
and management of this vital MSA Program. Operational Policies are
outlined on the following policies.
3. Organizational Requirements
1. Organization Requirements:
a. Referees: Each MSA Organization must maintain four (4) currently licensed
referees per one hundred (100) registered players up to a maximum of
twenty (20) licensed referees. Failure to comply with this requirement will
result in a automatic one-year probation.
b. Head Referee - Each MSA organization must appoint a currently licensed
referee to serve as the person in charge of the Referee program within the
local organization. This official shall serve, with the concurrence of the State
Referee Committee and must be licensed in Mississippi and subject to the
State Referee Committee, as the organization contact for the State Referee
Committee on all referee matters. The name, address and phone numbers
of this individual must be supplied with the annual officers’ list.
c. Referee Assignor - Each MSA organization must appoint a currently
licensed assignor to serve as the key person responsible for identifying,
classifying and assigning the appropriate official to the appropriate match.
The Head Referee, if licensed as an assignor, may serve in this capacity.
This official shall serve, with the concurrence of the State Referee
Committee and must be licensed in Mississippi and subject to the State
Referee Committee. The Referee Assignor is not required to be a licensed
referee; however an Assignor who is not a currently certified referee may
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not serve as the organization’s Head Referee.
4. Referee Assignor Program
1. Overview- It is the objective of the National Referee Committee that all
league and tournament matches sanctioned by the National State Association
are officiated by three qualified referees using the diagonal system of control,
and that all referees are provided with proper assignments that ensure their
development, retention, and promotional opportunities. Refer to the USSF
Assignors Handbook for specific program details.
2. Structure - The Referee Assignor Program should consist of four levels within
the National State Association:
a. Level 1 - State Coordinator of Referee Assignments
b. Level 2 - State Games Assignor
c. Level 3 - League Assignor
d. Level 4 - Tournament Assignor
3. Assignor Appointment - Referee Assignors should be selected by the playing
association/league being serviced, with the concurrence of the State Referee
Committee and must be licensed in Mississippi and subject to the State Referee
Committee. The appointment will be for one year and be based upon
experience as a referee and/or as an assignor, organizational skills and
character. The assignor should be familiar with the process of becoming a
registered referee.
5. Referee Assignor Duties
1. Assignor Appointment - Referee Assignors should be selected by the playing
association/league being serviced, with the concurrence of the State Referee
Committee and must be licensed in Mississippi and subject to the State Referee
Committee. The appointment will be for one year and be based upon
experience as a referee and/or as an assignor, organizational skills and
character. The assignor should be familiar with the process of becoming a
registered referee.
2. State Coordinator of Referee Assignors: must be a USSF licensed referee
assignor, possessing administrative ability, being able to coordinate assigning
activities throughout the state, including training and guidance within the
state. The State Coordinator of Referee Assignors is jointly appointed by the
SRA and SYRA with the concurrence of the amateur and youth state
associations.
3. State Games Assignor: must be a USSF licensed referee assignor, having the
ability to work within the state association (youth and amateur) and the SRA
/ SYRA to properly assign games under the state associations’ jurisdiction.
The State Games Assignor function is to assign all games within the state
which are sponsored at the state level by the amateur or youth association,
assisting in the assigning of referees to professional and national competitions
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held within the state. This official shall serve, with the concurrence of the State
Referee Committee and must be licensed in Mississippi and subject to the State
Referee Committee. Exception to this may be granted by the SRA.
4. League Assignor: must be a USSF referee assignor, having the ability to
communicate with the league and referees. The League Assignor must be able
to organize and assign referees in a timely manner. The League Assignor
assigns matches under the league/club jurisdiction. Assist the state game
assignor and tournament assignor when games under their jurisdiction are
played in his area.
5. Tournament Assignor: must be a USSF referee assignor having the ability to
work with the state game assignor and league assignor to coordinate
tournament assignments. The Tournament assignor shall assign matches
involving tournament play not covered by the state game assignor. This official
shall serve, with the concurrence of the State Referee Committee and must be
licensed in Mississippi and subject to the State Referee Committee. Exception
to this may be granted by the SRA.
7. Referee Assessment Program
1. Referee Assessment: These assessments are not designed to criticize or
disqualify a referee but are designed to identify the areas of his or her overall
performance that are good and those areas that need improvement.
2. Upgrade Requirement -Assessment is mandatory for a referee desiring
promotion from one referee grade to another. The Assessment of Referee
Performance is recommended on a yearly basis.
3. The State Director of Assessment (SDA) is responsible for the conduct of all
assessments. The SDA will use the District Director of Assessment (DDA) to meet
his responsibilities. Each organization should have its own Head Referee or Referee
Assessor who is responsible for the continued assessment and promotion of referees
at the organization level.
4. Scheduling - The Scheduling of Assessments should be done through the SDA or
the DDA with as much lead-time as possible to insure assessor availability.
Approximately two hours should be allowed for the actual game and the assessor's
review with the referee and linesmen. The organization requesting the assessment
is responsible for ensuring that field conditions and other arrangements are
conducive to a proper assessment, i.e., marked lines, goal nets, corner flags,
appropriate level of teams playing in the match being served, etc.
5. Criteria - Assessments consist of the observation of a referee and/or linesmen for
an entire game by USSF licensed assessor immediately followed by a personal and
written review of the performance of the referee and linesmen. The entire threeman crew should be assessed at the same time so that the evaluation can determine
their ability to work as a team. It is also recommended that the game during which
the assessments take place be at an age group level commensurate with the referee
grade for which the individuals are being assessed. These levels are described in the
FIFA Laws of the Game. If this is not possible, other arrangements must be made
with the assessor prior to the time the assessments are made. A game of less than
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40-minute halves can not be used for upgrade or maintenance without prior
approval.
6. Regional Tournament Referee Assessments - Referees being considered for
recommendations for assignments at Regional Tournaments and Regional Olympic
Development Team Camps will be expected to have an assessment within the six(6) months prior to the regional event.
7. Assessment Costs - The organization or the referee requesting the assessment
is responsible for all costs. How the moneys are collected is at the discretion of
the organization or individuals involved. All moneys are paid directly to the
assessor performing the assessment. Assessors should be reimbursed for their
time and services by the State Director of Assessment.
8. Mileage Reimbursement: This fee, computed on one way travel, applies to all
games, age groups, and competitions:
0 - 49 miles
50 - 100 miles
Over 100 miles
No mileage reimbursement
$25
$40
9. Assessor for the Day -Organizations can request an Assessor for the Day. This
request should be made to the DDA. The assessor will be compensated $100 for
approximately 10 half-game assessments. No travel, lodging or meal allowance
will be paid. The assessor will work with the tournament assignor or local head
referee to determine which officials are given the mini-assessments. The assessor
will use a “ Developmental and Guidance” Form.
8. Referee Rating System
1. Overview- A standardized rating system should be documented by the Assignor
with updated input from developmental and formal assessments, coaches’ reports,
mentors, evaluations, the referee, and other input available to the assignor.
2. Rating System - Referee ratings should be based on the following criteria:
a. The referee’s grade, ability, and experience
b. The referee’s availability
c. The referee’s physical fitness
d. The nature of the assignment:
Center vs. linesman or fourth official
Age / skill of players
Competitive spirit / history of teams
Level of competition
Importance and difficulty of game
e. The referee’s comfort level
3. Assignments - The top referees, based on assessments and grade, and should
be used on the assignor’s most difficult games.
4. Equal Opportunity - Referee assignors should offer equal opportunity to all
qualified referees and avoid discrimination against any individual or group regardless
of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
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9. Referee Corrective Action Plan
1. Scope - This program is designed to be a corrective action system to address
perceived referee deficiencies. Referee Evaluation forms shall be submitted by the
team coach, a league official, or a USSF referee that actually observed the match
being reported, within 7 calendar days of completion of the match to the State Youth
Referee Administrator. The accumulation of Evaluation forms shall be cause for
investigation and action by the State Youth Referee Administrator to the local
organization Head Referee, the State Director of Referee Assessment or the
Mississippi Soccer Referee Association Committee.
2. Referee Evaluation Form - The Referee Evaluation Form Exhibit A. must be
submitted to the SYRA at the MSA State Office within 7 calendar days of the
completion of the match. The Form must be completed in its entirety and must be
accompanied by a statement regarding perceived specific deficiencies, problems, or
law violations for review. Hand printed or typewritten text would be preferred.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered for review.
3. Submission for Review - Only submissions from the following individuals shall
be considered, providing that individual actually observed the match in question:
a. The Team Head Coach, match in which his team has played.
b. A local organization official, match in which their organizations team has
played.
c. Any MSA Council member, any match.
d. Any USSF Certified Referee, any match.
e. No parent may submit a request.
4. Corrective Action Plan - The SYRA shall collect Referee Evaluation Forms from
the MSA office as they arrive. Although several of the individuals listed in section 3
may submit an Evaluation, only the fact that an evaluation of that game has been
submitted shall be counted toward Corrective Action. The SYRA will evaluate the
forms submitted and maintain a file on each official for which a form has been
submitted. After 3 game submissions on an individual referee, the SYRA will contact
the League Head Referee in writing and request that the Local head Referee review
the perceived deficiencies with the official in question. After 3 additional game
submissions, the SYRA will request in writing to the SDRA to have an assessment
assigned to the official in question. If after local intervention, and assessment; 3
additional game submissions are received in that soccer season, the MSRA
Committee will review the deficiencies with the official in question and administer
any further corrective action or penalties.
5. Imposition of Penalties - While MSA may refuse to use an official for MSA
events, only the MSRA and USSF may impose penalties to an official as outlined in
the National Rules.
10. Referee clinics
1. Referee Clinics: By July 1 of each year, the District Director, in cooperation with
the District Organizations and the SDI, will establish and publish at least thirty (30)
days prior to the event the dates and locations for the Free Referee Training Clinics.
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The dates will be established to complement the Fall and Spring Season play. The
District Director will be the focal point for these clinics and will be responsible for
scheduling, facilities, equipment, announcement, related correspondence, and
coordination. All costs for these clinics, except for the referee licensing fees, will be
paid from the Mississippi Soccer Referee Association. The District Director is
authorized to make special arrangements for these clinics for new programs entering
MSA.
2. Organizations can schedule other Referee Clinics for a Fee. Scheduling must be
done with the SDI or DDI with advance notice to insure the availability of instructors.
Each referee instructor who gives this type of clinic will be reimbursed for both time
and expenses. For planning purposes, the following guidelines govern the allowable
expenses.
a. Transportation allowance will be paid at the rate per mile rate, as
determined by the SDI; from the instructors' residence to the location of the
clinic and the return.
b. Other actual expenses are paid in full and include costs for duplication,
phone, supplies, bookkeeping, lodging, meals during hours of instruction, etc.
c. A single fee of $250.00 is paid the instructor for each clinic. Instructor
reimbursement must be requested from the MSA Treasurer using the MSA
Coaching and Referee Expense Claim Form. This form can be found on the
MSA website.
d. The Organization requesting the clinic is responsible for all the above costs.
How the money to cover these costs is obtained is left the discretion of that
organization.
3. Each participant in a clinic will be charged the appropriate fee at the beginning of
the clinic to cover the cost of the LAWS OF THE GAME and the administrative costs
for the SDI and SRA.
4. Participants must be at least twelve (12) years old to take the test. This
fee is non-refundable even if the candidate does not pass the examination. For those
candidates who pass the test, the fee is automatically applied to the USSF
registration. For those candidates retaking the examination, a $5.00 fee will be
charged for the retake. All moneys are paid directly to the instructor giving the clinic
who will transmit them to the SRA. Payment checks for the referee registration
should be made payable to MSRA-SRA.
5. Referee In-Service, recertification and other clinics: The instructor shall
receive $14.00 per hour not to exceed $112 per day, $30 minimum fee, plus travel
expenses.
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** Revised 9/20/2008 by MSA Council
** Revised 7/20/2008 by MSA Council
** Revised 5/30/2008 by MSA Council
** Revised 5/23/2007 to comply with National rules updates
** Revised 5/24/2007 to comply with USSF changes for ref assault/abuse
** Revised 9/8/2007 by MSA Council
** Revised 12/15/2007 by MSA Council
** Revised 1/23/2009 by MSA Council (Coaching items)
** Revised 1/25/2009 by MSA Membership
** Revised 3/21/09 by MSA Council
** Revised 5/11/2009 by MSA Council
** Revised 8/22/09 by MSA Council
** Revised 1/24/10 by MSA Membership (subpool items effective 6.1.10)
** Revised 3/12/11 by MSA Council
** Revised 8/11/11 by MSA Council
** Revised 1/29/13 by MSA Membership
** Revised 6/29/13 by MSA Council
** Revised 2/01/14 by MSA Membership (items effective 9.1.14)
** Revised 5/11/14 by MSA Council
** Revised 7/13/14 by comply with National rule updates
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