CCSL Spring League Handbook
THE CCSL GAME DAY & PLAY INFORMATION
One of the primary goals of CCSL Spring Soccer 2011 is more players playing in a competitive environment, without the pressure to “win” at all costs. This is a great place to try out new players. Your team can gain valuable playing time before the tournament season begins.
Schedules and Standings
Go to the CCSL home page at www.calsoccerleague.org to access your team schedule and standings. Instructions are on your team information page.
Maps and Directions
It is the teams’ responsibility to provide accurate maps to their fields. Unfortunately, the CCSL Office has not visited all fields in CYSA/ CCSL so we will be of little help in determining directions. If there are “discrepancies” in a map, or there is not a link to an association’s field, please call the team’s contact that is listed on their team page on the CCSL website.
Items Needed For Game Day
There are a number of items that the team, players and coach need at game time. Listed below are those items:
1. PLAYER PASSES AND MATCH REPORT. It is the responsibility of the referees to check player passes before each game. If the officials ask to check passes, then it is the responsibility of the teams to have them at the field. All home teams must provide a three (3) Match Reports to the referee. Failure to have your player passes will result in your forfeiting your games. Failure to have passes for an individual(s) or improper passes (no picture, not signed, etc.) will result in that/those, individual(s) NOT PLAYING until the pass (es) are corrected.
NO PASS = NO PLAY
The CCSL states that CCSL TEAMS will NOT be allowed to begin a league match if they do not have their player passes with them at the time of the scheduled start of play. There should be no changes or amendments to the existing rule. The current "wait time" is 15 minutes for delay of match. If a team cannot produce player passes within this time frame of 15 minutes, then the match will result in a forfeit and the appropriate forfeit fines and referee fees will apply.
If a player plays in a match and is not properly registered, his team shall automatically forfeit that game and may face further disciplinary action by the member league and/or the Board of Directors of CYSA and/or the appropriate Vice Chair of the CCSL depending on the nature of the violation.
The CCSL wants each league to educate their coaches, managers and players of this rule. No exceptions will be allowed.
2. MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS. Even though these forms are not checked, it is important that you have them at the field. In case of injury, these forms are usually required by a hospital to expedite treatment of the injured player.
3. TWO JERSEYS . In case of color conflict, the HOME (home team is the team listed first on the schedule) team changes jerseys.
4. GAME BALL. It is the responsibility of the home team to provide a game ball. However, both teams should have an adequate “back up” in case of an errant kick that loses the game ball.
5. FIELDS. Fields should be properly lined, with spectator restraining lines. Goals must be anchored before play can begin. TEAMS SHOULD KEEP SOME TYPE OF ANCHORING DEVICE IN A CAR TRUNK in case of un-anchored goals.
Referees are instructed to not start a game if goals are unsafe. Do not blame the referee for protecting your players – this is the responsibility of the hosting team. Fields should also have corner flags. Nets should be secure. TEAMS SHOULD ALSO CARRY SOME TYPE OF TAPE OR TIES TO ASSIST IN SECURING NETS should they become unfastened during play.
6. SHIN GUARDS. It is a CYSA / CCSL requirement that our players wear shin guards. Referees have been instructed to require full size shin guards (player size appropriate).
Among the suggested miscellaneous items that a team should carry with them: a medical kit; extra shoe laces; a ball pump w/needle; a trash bag for cups, tape, etc.; extra shin guards; tape for numbering jerseys (if a jersey is forgotten or lost); players should actually have extra jerseys; plastic baggies for ice for injuries (in absence of ice packs); and a city map of the area that you are traveling into.
Online Score Reporting & Match Reports
Match Card-Reports
1. Home team is required to print three copies of the match report. Guest players must be listed and identified on the match report.
2. At the end of the match, the referee fills out and signs the match report, giving one copy to the home team, one copy to the visiting team, and keeps one copy. PLEASE LOOK OVER THE MATCH REPORT BEFORE YOU SIGN IT TO AVOID DISCREPANCIES. The hard copy of the match report that is signed by both coaches and referees will be used as the official document if there are discrepancies.
3. The home team reports the score by phoning in to the number on the Match Card by 9:00 PM day of game. Please see below for instructions
4. In the event of a dispute, the home and visiting teams will mail the signed match cards to CYSA /CCSL 1040 Serpentine Lane, suite 201, Pleasanton Ca 94566. The referee match card will be requested in case of further dispute. The CCSL has sole discretion on resolving score disputes and will review signed match cards, and if missing or in conflict, interview referee(s), home/visiting team officials and spectators.
5. All match reports must be retained until 1 week after end of season.
Home team is to report scores by calling: 714-540-1209 CCSL code is: 414724 then follow the voice prompts. For each game, you need your 6-digit game number listed on your schedule or match report and the score for the home and visiting team. Be certain to press 0 (zero) to end each call. Scores and standings are updated every 10 minutes starting at the top of the hour. Scores entered in error may be corrected by re-entering game # and correct score.
CCSL Field requirements
Each league is required to provide appropriately sized fields. The CCSL must rely on our member leagues to provide appropriate dimensions for the fields provided by them. Artificial turf is acceptable for fields of play. We will need each Site address, written directions to the site for posting on the CCSL website.
The CCSL understands that all Leagues do not have ownership/contract control over their fields and that there are times when a League must deal with an emergency situation with a field (waterline broken, contractor double-booking – situations out of the normal control of a League). CYSA and CCSL strongly discourages the submission of fields for CCSL scheduling that could result in consistent cancellations of games for field-related conditions and/or a League constantly moving games for these reasons. The CCSL League Director has the authority to move the remaining home field matches of a League canceling games on a consistent basis for reasons other than severe weather.
Sides for teams and spectators
The HOME team has their choice of sides of the half of the field for their team/spectators. Coaches, players and spectators should take up opposite sides of the field on the same half as their team. If this is not possible, then opposing teams should take up opposite halves of the field. If both teams agree to other sideline arrangements (i.e. separating the spectators from the players) then that is acceptable also.
Cancellation of Games for Other than Inclement Weather within 24 Hours of Game Day
In the event a League cancels games on fields for reasons other than inclement weather, examples to include: plugging fields; fields too wet to line while games are played on other fields in that League; unexpected school events prohibit use of the field; and any other non-inclement weather field usage related reasons, then that League will find fields to move those matches to. It will be the responsibility of that League to IMMEDIATELY inform the incoming teams, the local referee assignor, and CCSL. A League's failure to adequately move games, immediately notify teams, etc. will result in fines, payment of referee fees, removal of future home games, etc. at the discretion of the League Director. Leagues would have the right to appeal to the Executive Board. Cooperation from Leagues is paramount to the success of the CCSL Program and its teams and players. If a League knows there is problem with a field earlier than 24 hours they must report the change to the CCSL office immediately and then proceed as stated above.
Moving Fields
In the event that a League needs to change field locations for matches for any reason, the League is responsible for notifying ALL teams (home and visitor) scheduled on those fields, the referees scheduled for those matches, as well as the CCSL.
Leagues should also post this information on their website. Fields should only be moved for emergencies including unsafe playing conditions, or weather related issues. Fields should NOT be moved arbitrarily just for convenience sake.
Neutral Fields/Sites for matches
The guideline for maximum travel distance is 90-100 miles and 90 minutes (+/-) 1 way.
Neutral fields may be scheduled for matches between teams that meet the travel guidelines at no cost. If teams do not meet the travel guidelines, there is a minimum $150 fee ($75 per team) for the use of the neutral site. This fee is to cover field use and referee assignor fees. The scheduled home team will be responsible for the referee fees.
REFEREES
Leagues are obligated to certify referees and form their own referee pools. Each CYSA League of Registration involved in CCSL must have a Certified Referee Assignor to assign referees for its CCSL matches.
If your league has NO referee program, then you are required to find a Certified Referee Assignor (from another area) that will book your home matches with certified officials. It is the responsibility of the local league to negotiate reimbursement of the Certified Assignor for his/her work. It is important that each team that travels to an area receive the best officiating possible. It is also important for each league to strive to improve its officials each year, as well as adding to its pool of referees.
It should be noted:
If only two referees show up to the match, one referee will run the center, the other will be a linesman, and a volunteer club linesman will be used. The two-man whistle system is NOT ALLOWED under any circumstances (where both referees are on the field calling the game). There can be only one center referee on the field. If only one referee shows up to the match, the referee will be the center and two volunteer club linesmen will be used. If no referees show up to the match: If both teams play the match with uncertified officials (volunteer/parent) then the time to question the certification is BEFORE the match, not after. If certified referees are not present, BOTH teams MUST agree IN WRITING on the match report PRIOR to playing the match and it is official and cannot be contested. If one or both teams refuse to play the match, or decides to play the game as a “friendly” it MUST be WRITTEN on the match report, and it will be the responsibility of the home team to coordinate the reschedule. If nothing is written on the match report, the match scores will be recorded as stated on the match report.
REQUIRED SCHEDULED MATCHES IN YOUR DIVISION
All matches are used towards a CCSL team’s standing. Every team in a division will have the same number of required scheduled matches – one versus each team in their division or home & away match ups. Three points are awarded for a win, one point for a tie, and zero for a loss. Example: A team’s counting game record is 5-3-2. Five wins for 15 points, three losses for 0 points, and two ties for 2 points equals 17 total points. This is the number that will determine the team’s standing.
All matches must be played or made up so that all teams have played an equal number of matches in the division. Everyone in a bracket plays each other the same number of times. Most age groups play each other just once, but sometimes your team will play teams in the bracket twice. IN the event that both teams do not show up for a scheduled game, and the referee rules grounds playable, then both teams shall be assessed with a loss and pay referee fees and/or fines. Teams will not be allowed to play their remaining schedule until all fines are paid.
If the required scheduled matches have not been played as scheduled, The CCSL will ask both teams for three play dates. If the teams agree on a date, they may set up the match as a reschedule. If the teams cannot agree on a date, the CCSL will set up a date, contact the field coordinator and ref assignor and schedule the match. If a team does not show, it will be a forfeit for their record and standings and they will pay all referee fees and forfeiture fees. The CCSL will contact the teams by the end of the week following the original match date with the intention of setting up the match for the following week.
TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES IN REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS
See the CCSL Rules of Play
FORFEITS
CCSL What Constitutes A Match?
In order to constitute a match, the first half of the match must have been completed.
There are certain situations that may occur in CCSL league play, which will result in a forfeit. In these situations, the score will be recorded as 1-0:
1. Failure to make up required scheduled matches. If teams cannot agree to a make-up date and time, then the CCSL will (a) reschedule the game arbitrarily, and/or (b) give team’s double forfeits.
2. Teams that do not play their scheduled games.
3. Teams that fail to have their player’s passes at a scheduled match. NO PASS=NO PLAY
4. If a player plays in a match and is not properly registered, his team shall automatically forfeit that match.
5. Any team delaying the start of a scheduled match more than fifteen (15) minutes without the sanction of the proper authority shall forfeit the match to the opponent.
In accordance with CCSL rules: If a match is terminated – at anytime by the referee due to fault of a coach, player(s), and spectator(s) – the opposing team will be awarded the win as a forfeited match (if the opposing team has a winning score at the time the match is terminated, it will be awarded the win and the score will stand).
Teams that simply refuse to show up for matches with no call to anyone will face stiff penalties and fines, including possible suspension from league play. League sanctions could follow. The CCSL suggests that if you apply for the league, play the games.
Forfeiture Fees
Once CCSL league play has begun, teams that forfeit a match for any reason will be assessed a fee of $100 per game and are required to pay the ENTIRE referee fee for that match, REGARDLESS OF WHEN THAT TEAM INFORMS THE AGE GROUP COORDINATOR OF ITS INTENT NOT TO PLAY the match. A letter will be sent to the forfeiting team with a bill for this $100 fee and referee fees (Unless a team official shows up to the pitch and pays the referees on the day of the scheduled match). The Official of Record has the option to petition to the League Director to have the forfeit fee “waived” or “altered”. The League Director’s decision will be on a case-by-case basis, as the CCSL does recognize that emergencies do come up. The decision of the League Director can be appealed to the CYSA Executive Board.
PROTESTS
See the CCSL Rules of Play for guidelines when protesting a match.
