Rules and Revisions Proposal Cover Sheet Submitter: Organization [x] Council D District Director O Committee D Other LJ

Contact Information: �-------· · ·-· .. ··- ···--

Kay Bouler - Executive Director . Mississip�i Soccer Association Name and Title Organization, District or Committee Name

628 Lakeland East Dr. Flowood, MS 39232 Street Address I Post Office Box City, State, Zip

601-813-5551 execdirector@mississippisoccer.org Home Telephone Email Address

Change to: Constitution LJ By-Laws D Policies[&] Other D

Section I 103 Paragr�ph j 10 (New Policy}

Rationale For the Proposed Change: The purpose of the Mississippi Competitive Soccer League (MCSL)shall be to foster and advance competitive soccer in Mississippi while providing a venue for advancement to the MSA State Tournaments through participation in the Competitive League. The purpose shall also be to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, and courage through organized athletic competition.

Proposed Implementation Date: [9/1/201·6-_=] Date and Time Stamp: [12/28/2015 3:22:23 PM �

------------------------

Rules and Revisions Committee Position: Approve D Modify I).{'] Disapprove D

Amended D Passed D Failed [ -]

9/1/2016

_0�£J __ Signature of Committee Chairperson

Proposal

I Number

Rationale Policy 103.10 Competitive Soccer League

To implement a state competitive league with different levels of competition. This league will be the

oversight responsibility of the MSA 2nd VP Competitive II and MSA 3rd VP Competitive I along with 4

members appointed to the Competitive League Committee. The goal of these leagues is to improve the

quality of competitive soccer in Mississippi. The league will be administered through the Competitive

League Committee and the MSA State Office staff.

Rules and Revisions Committee Recommendation: (Modifications italics)

Proposal #3 MCSL

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5. Competitive League Fees:

Second paragraph:

The team league fee shall be $600 per team aRfl 11,i.f/.l be established by MSA.

1.3:

Competitive Ill League: If a U9 - YM--U12 team is formed ...

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8. Travel Considerations for League Games:

Promotion and Regulation: Strike number 3

3. After cc:mdi:lsieR ef !eaf}t,w play f-0r a seasoRal ye9r, t/:Je seGoRfl highestjiRishiRfJ teem

iR the Compet1tive 2 (C2} leef}1:1e may Gf:19f.leRfJe tl�e seceRfi Jev,r.est fiRishiRfJ teem iR the

Competiti11e (C1} leGfJl:lefor G spot iR the follew-iRf} sefJSORGI year's C1 !ef1g1:1e.

a. If the C2 teem wishes to GhalleRfJe, it m1:1st plfly f1 oRe mfltGR, wiRRer tflke al! mfltGh

at the home fie!fl of the C1 team

b. If the C1 teGm does Rot fJGGept the Ghf1/..'eRfJe, it will be relegfltefl to the C2 !eE1g1:1e f1Rfi

the C2 teflm wi!J be promoted to the C1 leE1g1::1e fer the 1::1prnmiRfJ seasoRfll yeer.

Policy - Mississippi Soccer Competitive League (MCSL)

1. Competitive League FormatThe purpose of the Mississippi Competitive Soccer League (MCSL) shall be to foster and advance competitive soccer in Mississippi while providing a venue for advancement to the MSA State Tournaments through participation in the Competitive Leagues. The purpose shall also be to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, and courage through organized athletic competition.

The Competitive 1 league shall be the highest level of play for MSA teams and will open to UU through U18 boys and girls competitive teams who are in good standing with their MSA affiliated club and the Club is in good standing with the Mississippi Soccer Association. Ul3 League - The top 4 from the fall league in each gender will be promoted into the Spring Region 3 RPL league if approved by the league committee.

The Competitive 2 league shall be the next highest level of play for MSA teams and open to u9 through u18 boys and girls competitive teams who are in good standing with their MSA affiliated club and the Club is in good standing with the Mississippi Soccer Association.

The Competitive 3 league shall be open to developmental teams u9 through u12 boys and girls teams who are in good standing with their MSA affiliated club and the Club is in good standing with the Mississippi Soccer Association

Individual team standing and eligibility will be verified by the team's Club President or designated Executive Director/DOC at the time of declaration for league play.

2. Competitive Team Coaching RequirementsBeginning with the 2016-2017 seasonal year, any person registering as a head coach or as an assistant coach with a team in the MCSL must have the appropriate license as outlined in the current MSA Policy.

3. Competitive League CommitteeThe Competitive League Committee (CLC) will be chaired and co-chaired by the Competitive I VP and Competitive II VP of MSA. There will be 4 additional members appointed to the committee by the MSA Executive Director as recommended by the Chair and Co-Chair. These committee members will be organization Directors of Coaching or a properly designated member of an organization. The MSA Executive Director will serve on the committee as an ex­officio member and only vote if a tie breaking vote is needed. The MSA State Technical Director may serve in an advisory capacity if requested.

4. Admission to Competitive LeagueTeams shall be admitted to the Competitive League upon receipt of the signed Letter of Intent to Participate which has been endorsed by the head coach and

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team's Club President or Executive Director/DOC. All fees must be paid by the assigned deadline.

5. Competitive League Fees:A Performance Bond in the amount of $500.00 per Club. This bond check will not be deposited unless a team does not fulfill their obligations. If a Club's bond check is deposited, the Club must submit another $ 500.00 bond check within 10 calendar days of the date of notification or all of its league teams will not be eligible to participate in Competitive League or State Tournaments.

The team league fee shall be $600 per team and will be established by MSA. Included in this fee will be: 1) a $50 per game host fee payable to the hosting organization for each

scheduled match played.2) an Assignor fee of $10 per game payable to the hosting organization for each

scheduled match.

All fees due to the organization will be paid upon completion of the entire league season. Proper documentation must be submitted to MSA and verified by the league chair and co-chair prior to payments issued.

All game officials will be paid by the teams prior to each game. Each team is responsible for 1h of the appropriate game fee. All teams should have the exactcash denomination for payment.

All bond and entry fees must be paid on or before August 8th for all league entries. If the date falls on the weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.

1.1 Competitive I League: If a Ull or Ul2 team is formed after the August 8 deadline, there will be an additional period to add a team to the Competitive I league. The deadline for this Letter Intent to participate in the spring league will be November 15 of the current season. If the date falls on the weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.

1.2 Competitive II League: If a U9 - Ul8 team is formed after the August 8 deadline, there will be an additional period to add a team to the Competitive II league. The deadline for this Letter of Intent to participate in the spring league will be November 15. If the date falls on the weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.

1.3 Competitive III League: If a U9 - u14 u12 team is formed after the August 8 deadline, there will be an additional period to add a team to the Competitive III league. The deadline for this Letter of Intent to participate in the spring league will be November 15. If the date falls on the weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.

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6. Rosters and Game Rosters for Competitive Teams1.1 Roster sizes for Competitive Teams will comply with MSA Policy

1.2 Game roster guidelines for Competitive Teams that allow more than 18 players on their roster: a. Competitive League Games and State Tournaments: Game rosters for

U13-U19 teams shall be limited to 18.b. Competitive 2 League Games and State Tournaments for Competitive 2

and lower Competitive levels:c. All players listed on the MSA roster are eligible to play unless there is a

player serving a suspension.d. Guest players (inter-club) and Club Pass Players (intra-club):

i. Guest Players (inter-club) are NOT allowed in MCSL games.ii. Club Pass (Intra-club) players are allowed in MCSL games.iii. An eligible club pass player is any youth player who is a registered

youth player of the club. Teams are permitted to have an MSA­approved "club pass roster" comprised of eligible club pass players.

iv. US Youth Soccer Rule 101 defines a club as an organizationproviding soccer to youth players that is a member of a stateassociation. Soccer clubs that have operations in multiple states areconsidered different clubs for application of the club pass rulebecause the soccer club in each state is registered with a differentstate association.

1.3 Club Pass Players may be used in MCSL games as detailed below:

a. A player may NOT be a Club Pass Player on a team that is playing in alower league to which the player is rostered.

For example: A player rostered on a Competitive 1 team cannot be a club pass player on a Competitive 2 team.

b. A player may be a Club Pass Player on a team that is playing in a higherleague to which the player is rostered.

For example: A player rostered on a Competitive 2 team can be a club pass player on a Competitive 1 team.

c. A player may be a Club Pass Player on a team that is playing in the sameleague to which the player is rostered.

For example: A player rostered on a Competitive 2 team in Club A can be a club pass player on another Competitive 2 team within Club A.

d. Each team will be limited to three (3) Club Pass players per weekend andthe team's game report roster maximum must still comply with the rulesof the com petition.

e. A player cannot play for the team they are rostered to, IN ANOTHERMCSL GAME, while playing as a Club Pass Player with another team

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DURING THE SAME WEEKEND OR SAME DAY. WEEKEND IS DEFINED AS FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

f. There is no limit to the amount of MCSL games a team may use Club PassPlayers.

g. A player who is playing up in age on a team is governed by the same ruleswith regard to being utilized as a Club Pass Player. The player is governedby the level of the league in which their primary team competes.

h. A team may list players on the club pass roster at any time during the MCSLseason but must do so no later than the close of business on the Thursdayprior to the match in order for MSA to review the rosters. Once a player islisted on the club pass roster, he/she may not be removed until theconclusion of MCSL play.

i. All adults found to have failed to properly monitor and comply with the clubpass rules are subject to penalty. Based on the circumstances of theviolation, all adults responsible for monitoring and complying with the ruleswill receive a minimum of a four (4) match suspension and/or be barred fromusing the club pass for a period of time to be established by the MSACompetitive League Committee.

7. Competitive League and Competitive League Scheduling Policy

1.1 Competitive League Scheduling

a. MSA will not schedule competitive league matches between teams fromthe same club/association. The teams will have until August 31st to bothreport the time, date and location of these matches to MSA.

b. Teams that participate in one of the Region III leagues may count theirRegion III league matches as MCSL matches to meet their requiredgames.

c. Reschedule Deadline. Teams participating in the MCSL will have two (2)weeks from the date MSA releases the MCSL schedule to reschedulegames for the fall season without penalty. For the spring season,participating teams will have until February 10th to reschedule games forthe spring season without penalty. Both teams involved in the rescheduleprocess must report the rescheduled match(es) to MSA on or before theReschedule Deadline for the reschedule to be applicable.

d. A reschedule made on or after the applicable Reschedule Deadline willincur no fee if:

a. referees are not availableb. weather necessitates the reschedulec. teams receive a Mississippi tournament schedule with both teams playing

each other in bracket play

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d. Any reschedules made on or after the applicable Reschedule Deadline willincur a $75 fee (payable to MSA) from the team requesting thereschedule.

e. If weather requires a postponement of a league match, the match doesnot have to be made up if the result of the match will not have an impacton league standings as long as it does not prevent the team fromobtaining the minimum required 3 games (if participating in theCompetitive 1 league). Both teams are required to agree to not play thematch and must submit written consent to the Competitive LeagueChairperson or Co-chairperson at least 3 days prior to match date.Teams will not be penalized for failing to play the match once writtenconsent is submitted by the deadline.

7. Failure to Play a Scheduled Competitive League Game:

Failure to play a scheduled MCSL game will result in a team being deniedparticipation in Mississippi State Tournament. The head coach of the team, orExecutive Director/President of the MSA-affiliated club may file an appeal withthe CLC. The committee's decision is final.

If the team that failed to play a scheduled league game is:

U 11-U 12, the team may no longer play the remaining games as official gamesand all the team's games will be removed from the league as if the team neverparticipated. If this occurs in the Fall the team may participate in the MCSL in thespring but cannot participate in State Cup.

U13-U18, the team will not play the remaining games, and all of the team'sgames will be removed from the league as if the team never participated.

8. Travel Considerations for League Games:

Competitive 1 (State Wide) League games Ul3-U18: Each team in a Competitive 1 league will receive approximately the same number of home and away matches not to include Region III Premier League matches. Neutral site matches may be employed to minimize travel and may have an impact on the number of home matches.

Ull and U12 League Games: Each team will be scheduled at least 2 home games at their home field per league season, provided the hosting organization has quality fields available. Neutral site matches may be employed to minimize travel and may have an impact on the number of home matches. The limitation for travel time for a single match for Ull and U12 league games will be approximately three (3) hours one way. Clubs hosting teams that have a travel time greater than three (3) hours are asked to assist in scheduling an additional match or matches if the visiting team requests.

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Competitive 2 (Regional League) Games U9 - U18: Each team will receive approximately the same number of home and away matches. Neutral site matches may be employed to minimize travel and may have an impact on the number of home matches. The limitation for travel time for a single match for Competitive 2 league games will be 3 hours one way. Clubs hosting teams that have a travel time greater than 3 hours are asked to assist in scheduling an additional match or matches if the visiting team requests.

North Division

Amory Greenwood

Cleveland Grenada

Columbus Hernando

Corinth Indianola

Desoto County Oxford

Greenville Saltillo

Central Division

Brandon Jackson Futbol Club

Central Jackson Meridian

Clinton Northwest Rankin

Florence Pearl

Flowood YMCA Pelahatchie

South Division

BAYS Hattiesburg

Biloxi Laurel-Jones

D'Iberville Ocean Springs

East Central Pearl River

George Greene Poplarville

Gulf Coast United**

Singing River

**(Comp I/III Leagues Only)

Senatobia

Starkville

Tupelo

West Point

Richland

South Madison

Southwest Jackson

Vicksburg

South MS Soccer

Stone County

West Jackson County

West River

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Competitive 3 (Developmental League) Games U9 - U14: Each team will receive approximately the same number of home and away matches. Neutral site matches may be employed to minimize travel and may have an impact on the number of home matches. The limitation for travel time for a single match for Competitive 2 league games will be 3 hours. Clubs hosting teams that have a travel time greater than 3 hours are asked to assist in scheduling an additional match or matches if the visiting team requests. If needed, these games will be set up on a regional basis following the chart above.

Ull - U12 Age Divisions: There will be two seasons of league play with one in the Fall and one in the Spring.

On the Letter of Intent, the club will designate what competitive level they anticipate the team to be so that divisions can be formed.

The Competitive League Committee will divide the teams into divisions based on their geographic location and club designated level of ability. The goal is to have at least three levels of play within Ull - U12: Competitive I, Competitive II and Competitive III.

Fall League play will commence after Labor Day and will be completed no later than the weekend before Thanksgiving.

a. Each team must be available for 4 league play weekends, 3 as primaryleague play weekends, one as a make-up weekend.

b. Designated on the team's Letter of Intent each team will be able to blackout two weekends that they are not available to compete in league playfor the Fall.

c. The league schedule will be posted by September 1 unless that date fallson a weekend or Labor Day. In such a situation, the schedule will bereleased on the first business day after the weekend.

d. It will be attempted to schedule more than one game per day on two ofthe league weekends to allow teams to only have games on one day onsome of the weekends. It is desirable, but not required that if two gamesare played in one day that there is 2 hours of rest from the end of thefirst game and the start of the second game.

Spring League Play will commence beginning in February and will be completed by the middle of April.

Based on the results of league play in the Fall, the divisions will be realigned as follows:

a. The lowest two teams in Competitive 1 will move to Competitive 2 andthe top two teams in Competitive 2 will move to Competitive 1. The

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realignment will be repeated as above for as many divisions as are created for a seasonal year.

b. Each team must be available for 4 league play weekends, 3 as primaryleague play weekends, one as a make-up weekend.

c. Each team must submit by December 1, the two black out weekends thatthey are not available to compete in league play in the Spring.

d. The league schedule will be posted no later than January 15.

e. Attempts will be made to schedule more than one game per day on two ofthe league weekends to allow teams to only have games on one day. It isdesirable, but not required that if two games are played in one day there is 2hours of rest from the end of the first game and the start of the secondgame.

State Tournaments: All U9-U12 teams that complete their Competitive league play will be eligible to participate in their respective State Tournament. Those choosing not to compete in the MCSL shall be seeded into their respective State Tournament by blind draw.

The league results of the Ull season will be used to determine the competitive level of the team. The team must return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster to retain its body of work which is used to determine the competitive level of the team. If a team does not return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster it will be considered a new team for league formation and must play in the lowest league level.

A club may petition MSA to review the make-up of a team for the placement of that team.

Such circumstances could result from a team that had players who played up one or more age group the previous seasonal year and the older group moves on but a portion of the roster will be playing in same age group as opposed to moving up an age group. In such a circumstance, on-the-field results from the players who will comprise the team must be presented to MSA in order to advocate for a higher league placement, and those results must be used by MSA in making the decision.

MSA will divide the teams into divisions based on their geographic location and competitive level of play based on Ull State league results with the 50% test applied. The goal will be to have three (3) levels of play within U12.

Fall League play will commence after Labor Day and will be completed no later than the weekend before Thanksgiving.

a. Each team must be available for 5 league play weekends, 4 as primaryleague play weekends, one as a make-up weekend.

b. Designated on the team's Letter of Intent each team will be able to blackout two weekends that they are not available to compete in league play

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for the Fall. c. The league schedule will be posted by September 1 unless the date falls

on a weekend or Labor Day. In such a situation, the schedule will be released on the first business day after the weekend.

d. It will be attempted to schedule more than one game per day on two ofthe league weekends to allow teams to only have games on one day onsome of the weekends. It is desirable but not required that if two gamesare played in one day that there is 2 hours of rest from the end of thefirst game and the start of the second game.

Spring League Play will commence in February and will be completed by the middle of April. In the event of continuous inclimate weather conditions the chairperson of the League Committee will determine if an extension is needed.

a. Based on the results of league play in the Fall, the divisions will berealigned. The top team in each of the leagues, based on league play inthe Fall will be promoted to the next higher league.

The last place team in each of the leagues will move to the next lowerleague.

b. Each team must be available for 4 league play weekends, 3 as primaryleague play weekends, one as a make-up weekend.

c. Each team must submit by December 1, the two black out weekends thatthey are not available to compete in league play in the Spring.

d. The league schedule will be posted no later than January 15.

f. Where possible, it will be attempted to schedule more than one game perday on two of the league weekends to allow teams to only have gameson one day on some of the weekends. It is desirable but not required thatif two games are played in one day that there is 2 hours of rest from theend of the first game and the start of the second game.

State Tournament: All Ull-U12 teams that complete their Competitive league play, will be eligible to participate in their respective State Tournament. Those choosing not to compete in the MCSL shall be seeded into their respective State Tournament by blind draw.

U13-U18 Leagues - There will be two seasons of league play in the Competitive· 1 league.

There will be as many levels of league play as the number of teams permits.

Fall League: MSA will divide the teams into the following leagues based on the results of the previous year's league competition as long as the team participated in the previous seasonal year's state tournaments.

The team must return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster to retain their league placement. If a team does not return 50% plus 1 of its previous year

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roster the team will be considered a new team for league placement purposes. All new teams must be placed in the lowest league.

A club may petition the league committee to review the make-up of a team for the placement into the league(s).

Such circumstances could result from a team that had players who played up one or more age group the previous seasonal year and the older group moves on but a portion of the roster will be playing in same age group as opposed to moving up an age group. In such a circumstance, on-the-field results from the players who will comprise the team must be presented to the league committee in order to advocate for a higher league placement, and those results must be used in making the decision.

The levels of league play will be as follows:

a. Competitive 1 League: Comprised of eight (8) teams including those whoparticipated in the previous seasonal year's Competitive 1 League at U12and those who were promoted from the previous seasonal year'sCompetitive 2 League at U12.

b. The alignment will be repeated as above for as many leagues as arecreated for a seasonal year. All newly formed teams as defined by MSApolicy must be placed in the lowest league.

League play will commence after Labor Day and will be completed no later than the weekend before Thanksgiving. In the event of continuous inclimate weather conditions the Chairperson of the League Committee will determine if an extension is needed.

a. Each team will commit to 4 league play weekends with a makeupweekend totaling 5 weekends.

b. Designated on the team's Letter of Intent each team will be able to blackout two weekends that they are not available to compete in league playfor the Fall season.

c. On league weekends, teams could play on Saturday and Sunday.

d. Teams can play 2 league games in one day provided that both teamsagree and that the starting time of the second game of the day is at least2 hours from the ending time of the first game of the day.

e. The league schedule will be posted by September 1 unless that date fallson a weekend or Labor Day. In such a situation, the schedule will bereleased on the first business day after the weekend.

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Spring League: The league committee will place the teams in the following leagues based on the results of the Fall League.

a. The leagues will be

1. Region III Premier League West (South) - The goal is to place fourteams in this league as mandated by Region Ill.

MSA is authorized to recommend Mississippi teams to participate inthe Region III PLW-South by order of finish in the MCSL Fall U13Competitive 1. Teams are not required to participate in PLW-South.

MSA is also authorized to recommend a substitute team in the eventthat a qualified team disbands or elects not to participate in PLW­South.

2. Competitive 1 League: Will be the teams that participated in theCompetitive 1 League in the Fall that are not participating in RegionIII PLW-South.

3. Competitive 2 and Competitive 3 Leagues: Will be the same teamsreturning from fall league play.

b. Spring League play will commence beginning in February and will be completed by April 15th.

c. Each team must be available for 4 league play weekend, 3 as primaryleague play weekends, on as a makeup weekend.

d. Each team must submit by December 1 the two blackout weekends thatthey are not available to compete in league play in the Spring.

e. On league weekends, teams could play on Saturday and Sunday.

f. Teams can play 2 league games in one day provided that both teamsagree and that starting time of the second game of the day is at least 2hours from the ending time of the first game of the day.

g. The league schedule will be posted no later than January 15.

State Tournament: The top eight (8) U13 teams that complete their Competitive league play will be eligible to participate in the State Tournament.

Ul4-U18 Leagues: At Ul4-U18 there will be multiple levels of league play, including, but not limited to, Region III Premier League West, Competitive 1, and an appropriate number of lower leagues based on participating teams. There will be one season of league play that will be played over the Fall and Spring season. The results of the previous year's league competition will determine team placement as long as the team participated in the previous seasonal year's state tournaments. The team must return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster

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to retain their league placement. If a team does not return 50% plus 1 of its previous year roster the team will be considered a new team for league placement purposes. All new teams must be placed in the lowest league.

A club may petition MSA to review the make-up of a team for the placement of that team.

MSA will determine the appropriate number of teams to play in the leagues, based on the total number of Competitive teams in the age group and previous year's league placement if applicable.

Placement in Region III Premier League West will be determined by Region III based on applications received from pre-qualified and/or eligible teams.

Competitive 1 League. The league must have at least 4 teams in it. If necessary to achieve a 4 team league, MSA may combine two age groups. Teams will play either a round robin or double round robin schedule depending on the total number of teams in the league with an equal number of home/away matches. Some matches may be scheduled for a neutral site to minimize travel. The league will be comprised of the following:

a. Teams from the previous seasonal year's Competitive 1 State League thathave not been relegated to the Competitive 2 State League.

b. Teams from the previous seasonal year's Competitive 2 State League thatwere promoted to the Competitive 1 State League.

c. The fall portion of league play will commence after Labor Day and will becompleted by the weekend before high school practice starts ( end ofOctober) and will resume in the spring the weekend after the high school championships and continue through April 15th. These dates may be adjusted depending on when Easter falls in a given year and if adjusted will be announced at the AGM.

d. Each team will commit to 5 league play weekends with a makeupweekend totaling 6 weekends.

e. Designated on the team's Letter of Intent each team will be able to blackout three weekends that they are not available to compete in league playfor the soccer year (including both Fall and Spring).

f. On league weekends, teams may play on Saturday and Sunday. Teamscan play 2 league games in one day provided that both teams agree andthat the starting time of the second game of the day is at least 2 hoursfrom the ending time of the first game of the day.

g. The league schedule will be posted by September 1 unless that date fallson a weekend or Labor Day. In such a situation, the schedule will bereleased on the first business day after the weekend.

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Competitive 2 and lower leagues will be comprised of the remaining teams. Teams will play either a round robin or double round robin schedule depending on the total number of teams in the league with an equal number of home/away matches. Some matches may be scheduled for a neutral site to minimize travel.

The leagues will be comprised of the following:

a. Teams from the previous seasonal year's Competitive 2 State League thathave not been promoted to the Competitive 1 State League.

b. All newly formed teams for the age group as defined by MSA policy.

c. The fall portion of league play will commence after Labor Day and will becompleted by the weekend before high school practice starts (end ofOctober) and will resume in the spring the weekend after the high schoolchampionships and continue through the April 15th (U15-U18). Dependingon how Easter falls in a given year these dates may be adjusted. If theyare adjusted it will be announced at the AGM.

d. Each team will commit to 5 league play weekends with a makeupweekend totaling 6 weekends.

e. Designated on the team's Letter of Intent each team will be able to blackout three weekends that they are not available to compete in league playfor the soccer year (including both Fall and Spring).

f. On league weekends, teams may play on Saturday and Sunday. Teamscan play 2 league games in one day provided that both teams agree andthat the starting time of the second game of the day is at least 2 hoursfrom the ending time of the first game of the day.

g. The league schedule will be posted by September 1 unless the date fallson a weekend or Labor Day. In such a situation, the scheduled will bereleased on the first business day after the weekend.

State Tournament: The top eight (8) U14-U18 teams that complete their Competitive league play will be eligible to participate in their respective State Tournament.

Promotion and Relegation 1. After the conclusion of league play for a seasonal year, the lowest

finishing team in the Competitive 1 (Cl) league will be relegated to theCompetitive 2 (C2) league for the upcoming seasonal year.

2. After the conclusion of league play for a seasonal year, the highestfinishing team in the Competitive 2 (C2) league will be promoted to theCompetitive 1 (Cl) league for the upcoming seasonal year.

3. After the conclusion of league play for a seasonal year, the second­highest finishing team in the Competitive 2 (C2) league may challengethe second-lowest finishing team in the Competitive (Cl) league for aspot in the following seasonal year's Cl league.

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a. If the C2 team wishes to challenge, it must play a one-match, winner­take-all match at the home field of the Cl team.

b. If the Cl team does not accept the challenge, it will be relegated tothe C2 league and the C2 team will be promoted to the Cl league forthe upcoming seasonal year.

Mississippi Competitive Soccer League Rules

1. Rules of Play1.1 Rules of Play shall be in accordance with MSA Tournament

hereafter noted. Rules, unless

1.2 At the referee's discretion, if a game must be terminated due to inclement weather and/or unsafe field conditions and one half of the game has been completed prior to termination, the results of the match at the time of termination will stand. The game will not be replayed.

1.3 Teams will surrender Player Passes and a copy of the Game Report generated by the Software Package designated by MSA, which includes the Team Roster to the Referee prior to the beginning of the game. The referee shall check the players against the Game Report and Player Passes prior to the start of the game. If the referee does not perform the above check as he/she is required to, the coaches must perform the above verification before the start of the game.

1.4 If a team does not have their USYS player passes and a copy of the Game Report at the start of the game, the game may be started but they must be present and checked by the end of the match. If the team is unable to present passes and the Game Report by the end of the match the opposing team will be awarded a 4-0 win. An electronic copy of the Game Report and an electronic copy of the USYS player passes (provided the electronic copy of player passes contains the pictures and shows the front and back of the pass) will be sufficient. If only one of the teams has a copy of the Game Report, that Game Report can also be used to check the other team's players to their player passes but the players are limited to those shown on the Game Report.

1.4 Games may end in a tie (no overtimes, etc).

1.5 If a Mississippi Competitive 1 League Game does not have 3 referees, the game cannot be played. If a Mississippi Competitive 2 or 3 League Game does not have 3 referees, the game can be played as long as both coaches agree. Every effort should be made to contact the assignor to see if referees can be obtained in a reasonable time. If both coaches do not agree to play the game with less than 3 referees, then the game that was not played will go through the reschedule process as shown in the MCSL Procedure document for games not having 3 referees. As a last resort if there is no common date, the game will be played on the

14

makeup date scheduled for the applicable season when the game was originally scheduled, either Fall or Spring.

Anytime a game does not have three referees at a league game, MSA needs to be notified. This notification must be done regardless if the teams agree to play the game or not.

1.7 A player participating in a match as part of league and/or State Cup play must display the name and/or logo of his/her MSA-affiliated club on the jersey or the shorts to be worn during the match. Goalkeepers are exempt.

2. Player Misconduct

2.1 Ejections (send-off): A player who is ejected (sent-off) from a game shall leave the playing area and team sideline under the supervision of a designated adult team representative

2.2 If a player is sent-off during a game, the team manager shall retain possession of the player pass.

2.3 A player who is ejected (sent-off) from a Competitive League game shall be suspended and as a minimum shall not be allowed to participate in his/her team's next playable Competitive League game. An additional suspension of one (1) more competitive league match (for a total of two matches to be served in suspension) is mandated in the event of an ejection for: violent conduct including but not limited to the aggression of a player towards an opponent with clearly no intent to play the ball; fighting with, hitting or punching a player, coach, trainer, spectator, referee, or administrator; offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures directed toward a player, coach, trainer, spectator, referee, or administrator; spitting on or at a player coach, trainer, spectator, referee, or administrator. If a suspended player participates in a Competitive league game before serving the suspension, that game will be recorded as a forfeit and the player will still have to serve the one game suspension.

2.4 It is the responsibility of the head coach and team manager to make sure that suspensions are served. They shall notify the referee of suspensions that are being served so that the referee can record that a specific player did not participate in that game.

2.5 The suspension for an ejection (sent-off) issued in the final Competitive League game will be served in the first game of the State Cup Tournament. As with Mississippi Competitive League, any ejections in the last game of the Sub Regional Premier League, the suspension will be served in the first game of the State Cup.

2.6 If the suspension is not served in the next Competitive League Game and/or State Cup game, the suspension will be served in the next available game (Competitive League or State Cup) and any games played in by the player will be recorded as a forfeit.

15

2. 7 Penalty Points. Penalty points shall be awarded to all individual players asfollows:

Recorded cautions: One (1) point per caution to the individual Recorded ejections: Five (5) points per ejection to the individual

Disciplinary Action for Penalty Point Accumulation a. Five (5) penalty points - player is suspended for the next league

match actually played by the team to which the player is currentlyrostered. (This is automatically triggered by an ejection.)

b. Ten (10) penalty points - player is suspended for the next two (2)regularly scheduled league matches actually played by the team towhich the player is currently rostered.

c. Twelve (12) penalty points - player is suspended for the next three(3) regularly scheduled league matches actually played by the teamto which the player is currently rostered.

d. Sixteen (16) penalty points - player is suspended for the next four (4)regularly scheduled league matches actually played by the team towhich the player is currently rostered.

e. The maximum accumulation of penalty points in one match by aplayer is five (5) points.

f. Individual penalty point accumulations received during league matchplay shall be extended into the respective state tournament but shallnot continue into regional or national tournament play. A suspensionthat is not completed by the conclusion of state tournament play shallbe carried over to the next season's regularly scheduled leaguematches.

g. Penalty points obtained by individuals shall not carry over into a newseasonal year.

3. Team Misconduct

A team shall forfeit a game if conduct by players, coaches or spectators causes a game to be prematurely terminated or abandoned. Any caution or send-off in the forfeited game is still subject to penalties and suspensions.

4. Coach Misconduct

4.1 A coach who is ejected (sent-off) shall leave the immediate vicinity of the playing area and is prohibited from any further contact, direct or indirect, with the team during the remainder of that game. If a credentialed team official is not present, the games is terminated and the offending team shall forfeit the game

4.2 If a coach is sent-off during a game, the team manager shall retain possession of the player/coach pass.

4.3 A coach who is ejected (sent-off) from a Competitive League game shall be suspended and as a minimum shall not be allowed to participate in his/her team's next playable Competitive League game. The coach may not

16

be at the soccer complex while serving the suspension, unless he/she is coaching another team. If a suspended coach participates in a Competitive League before serving the suspension, that game will be recorded as a forfeit and the coach will still have to serve the one game suspension.

4.4 It is the responsibility of the head coach and team manager to make sure that suspensions are served. They shall notify the referee of suspensions that are being served so that the referee can record that a specific coach did not participate in that game.

4.5 The suspension for an ejection (send-off) issued in the final Competitive league game will be served in the first game of the State Cup Tournament. As with Mississippi Competitive League, any ejections in the last game of the Sub Regional Premier League, the suspension will be served in the first game of the State Cup Tournament.

4.6 Penalty Points. Penalty points shall be awarded to all individual coaches as follows:

Recorded cautions: One (1) point per caution to the individual coach. Recorded ejections: Five (5) points per ejection to the individual coach.

4.7 Disciplinary Action for Penalty Point Accumulation

a. Five (5) accumulated penalty points - coach is suspended for the next regularly scheduled league match actually played by the team with which the coach accumulated his/her ninth penalty point

b. Ten (10) accumulated penalty points - coach is suspended for the next two (2) regularly scheduled league matches actually played by the team with which the coach accumulated his/her tenth penalty point.

c. Twelve (12) accumulated penalty points - coach is suspended for the next three (3) regularly scheduled league matches actually played by the team with which the coach accumulated his/her twelfth penalty point.

d. Sixteen (16) accumulated penalty points - coach is suspended for the next four (4) regularly scheduled league matches actually played by the team with which the coach accumulated his/her sixteenth penalty point.

e. The maximum accumulation of penalty points in one match by a coach is five (5) points.

f. Individual penalty point accumulations received during league match play shall be extended into the respective state tournament but shall not continue into regional or national tournament play. A suspension that is not completed by the conclusion of state tournament play shall be carried over to the next season's regularly scheduled league matches.

17

g. Penalty points obtained by individuals shall not carry over into anew seasonal year.

S.Protests and Appeals

5.1 Protests and Appeals shall be referred to the Discipline and Appeals Committee.

5.2 Clubs involved in the hearing will not have anyone from their club serve on the panel if they are regularly members of the Discipline and Appeals Committee.

6. Protests & Ai>peals Procedures

6.1 To be valid and eligible for consideration, protest or appeal must be received in writing at the MSA office within 3 business days from the scheduled game or occurrence of the event or decision being appealed and must include a certified check or money order made payable to MSA in the amount of $300. Personal checks and cash will not be accepted. The written protest or appeal must include the following before they will be considered:

a. a written statement describing the specific grounds for the protest orappeal and

b. a clear and concise statement of the relief or action soughtbytheprotesting or appealing party.

6.2 Only the head coach, club executive director or club president may lodge the protest.

6.3 If involving a game the referee's game report must be received in the MSA Office before the Discipline and Appeals Committee can take any action.

6.4 Any protest relating to goals, nets, or playing field conditions shall be entertained only if an objection had been lodged with the game referee prior to the start of the game.

6.5 The fee required will not be refunded if the protest or appeal is denied; however if the protest or appeal is upheld the fee will be refunded.

6.6 An Appeal is allowed if the appeal falls under one or more of the conditions listed in MSA policy.

7. Appeals of Discipline and Appeals Committee Decisions

7 .1 Decisions of the Discipline and Appeals Committee may only be appealed to the MSA Executive Committee. The procedures to file an appeal are the same as those detailed above.

7.2 Decision of the MSA Executive Committee-may only be appealed to the USSF

18

if applicable.

8. Tabulation of Results

8.1 Competitive League games will be scored as follows: 3 Points for a win, 1 point for a tie and O points for a loss.

8.2 Ties will be broken per Policy General Tournament Rules.

8.3 To apply tie breakers to age groups that have divisions that do not have the same number of teams the following will be used for the application of Most Wins, Goal Differential and Goals Allowed if they are part of the tie breakers:

a. Most Wins: number of wins divided by the number of games played.

b. Goal Differential (maximum of plus or minus 4). For example for a scoreof 2-1, the goal differential for the winning team would be + 1. Anotherexample is 5-0, the winning team's goal differential would be +4. If thedivisions do not have the same number of teams, and a tie existsbetween two teams in different divisions calculate a percentage. Thepercentage would be calculated as follows: Goal Differential/MaximumPossible Goal Differential ( each game's maximum would be assumed tobe +4).

c. Goals Allowed (no maximum). If the divisions do not have the samenumber of teams, and tie exists between two teams in different divisionscalculate the average goals allowed per game. The average would becalculated as follows: Goals Allowed/Games Played

9. Reporting Game ResultsThe team manager of each team is required to post the game score and Yellow and Red cards received by the Friday following completion of the game. All game reports where a red card is received or a red card suspension is being served must be sent to the MSA Office and received by the Friday following completion of the game. If the above deadlines are not complied with the offending team and club will be notified in writing by MSA and given one week from the date of written notification to remedy the situation. If the situation is not remedied the $250 Club Performance Bond check will be deposited. If a Club's bond check is deposited, the Club must submit another $500.00 bond check within 10 calendar days of the date of deposit or the offending team will not be able to participate in Competitive League or State Cup.

10. Assignors/Referees

10.1 Assignment of referees will be the responsibility of the licensed Assignor as directed by the State Referee Administrator for the Competitive 1 U13 -U18 League game. Assignment of referees will be the responsibility of the

19

licenses Assignor of the host Association for Competitive 1 U11-U12 games and all Competitive 2 & 3 games. MSA will pay to the host Association a $10.00 per game referee assignor's fee.

10.2 Payment of referees will be "CASH-IN-HAND" at the field by the team managers prior to the games. Each team will contribute one-half the total referee fees for that age group. Fees are established by the MSA Council and will be published on or before August ist of each season.

20

Rules and Revisions Proposal Cover Sheet Submitter: Organization (x] Council [:] District Director [] Committee I.. ] Other []

Contact Information: .------------· · -, .. -

Kay Bouler - Executive Director Name and Title

L_�01-813-5551Home Telephone

. Mississippi Soccer Association Organizaiion; District or Committee Name

.. .... . ���'¢d1tebt�t@;�si;si��isoccer.org .... ·

1·---

. Emi1ll Ai#lf�ss ·

Change to: Constitution D By-Laws[ .. ] Policies [&]Section ["103 · ·· -·- ··-·-·- ··--· ·-] Paragraph

Other["'] lli .... -·· ........................... •· . -.......... ,

Rationale For the Proposed Change: 1---··- -·--···-··--· -··"-·-·····--· ·----·----·-·· ·····--·--...... - ···-·-·"··---·-·-····· .... ·········. .. . ........ -.................. -.. .

To implement a club pass policy for Competitive I and II teams. Permitting a club to move playersfrom one team to another within their respective club encourages player development.

Proposed Implementation Date: ra,11201( .. " I Date and Time Stamp: [ 12/28/201511:29:16 AM

--··--·-----------··· ��- ·· " �" • " ' '

Rules and Revisions Committee Position: Approve [] Modify Jg] Disapprove []

Amended I 8/1/2016

Passed: Failed I

63.�Ud�Signature of Committee Chairperson

Rationale for Club Pass Policy

To provide guidelines for usage of the Club Pass for Competitive I and Competitive II teams.

Rules and Revisions Committee Recommendation: (Modifications italics)

Proposal #4 Club Pass

First Paragraph; third sentence:

It creates opportunities for player to play on difference different teams and for different coaches

at different levels of competition.

Third Paragraph: Strike third sentence

To C/1:19 PaS5 a player for fJRY MSA State TDl:lfROffleRt, OR fJf]f]licatioR ffll:ISt he Sl:IBfflitted

to tlw MSA Office aRd appmlfed.

Proposed Policy 103.11

Club Pass Players

MSA designed its Club Pass policies to help Clubs address improve opportunities for player development. The Club Pass process permits Clubs to move players from one of their teams to another within their respective club. It creates opportunities for player to play on difference different teams and for different coaches at different levels of competition. As a practical matter, the Club Pass process also helps Clubs fill roster spots occasioned by injury or other player absences.

Clubs may not utilize more than 3 Club Pass players for MCSL (u13-u18) play during any given weekend of play or game day. A maximum of 2 Club Pass players for MCSL (u9-u12) will be allowed during any given weekend of play or game day. No player may participate on his/her primary team during MCSL league play AND be a club pass player on another team during the same weekend of play. The level of play of the player's primary team will determine the level of play for the player. The roster showing the club pass player(s) will be presented to the Game Officials along with the team's official Game Card/Roster prior to each game.

Players may be Club Passed for league play and/or for play in an MSA State Tournament. A Club Pass player in MCSL play does not gu antee a Club Pass for that same player will be approved for play in a State Tournament. To Club Pass a player for any MSA State Tournament, an Application must be submitted to the MSA Office and approve� Players cannot play on their Club Pass (New) team until MSA approval is obtained. Application must be submitted to the MSA Office for Club Pass at all State Cup events.

Deadlines

Application for Club Pass for play in an MSA State Tournament must be submitted on or before the appropriate Roster Freeze Date of the player's Club Pass (New) team.

The Club Pass process and guidelines will be set forth in MSA policy.

Rules and Revisions Proposal Cover Sheet Submitter: Organization [R] Council D District Director D Committee O Other D Contact Information:

Kay Bouler - Executive Director . Mississippi Soccer Association Name and Title Organization, District or Committee Name

628 Lakeland East Flowood, MS 39232 Street Address I Post Office Box City, State, Zip

601-813-5551 execdirector@mississippisoccer.org Home Telephone

Change to: Constitution D By-Laws D Policies [R]

Section J 103 I Paragraph

Rationale For the Proposed Change:

OtherD

To create a time frame by which all clubs operate tryouts for competitive teams. This will ensure those teams participating in the MSA Competitive Leagues are formed and rostered in a timely manner. This also allows players the opportunity to participate in multiple tryouts. By establishing an Invitation Date a player will be allowed to make an informed decision in their team selection.

Proposed Implementation Date: �01/2016 _J Date and Time Stamp: i 12/28/2015 4:25:41 PM

Rules and Revisions Committee Position: Approve D Modify � Disapprove D

Amended D Passed D Failed D 1ll/20165:25:41 PM

Signature of Committee Chairperson

Proposal

I r:_ 1 Number ::7 1-----

Policy 103.12 Competitive Team Tryouts

-As"Signirrg-ptavers-t:"6-a-reereationai-team-on-the-basis-of-ta·lenrb-y-r!Te"use-of-t-r..y.g.uts,..iiw�tatiolls,_>--..>e_c itiog-G a1ci.y-Uk pr.@eess-is not-peFmttted. Any type of Tryout Process is restricted to teams which

will be playing in a "competitive" league or tournament. Competitive team tryouts for the followingseasonal year shall be conducted by member clubs after the conclusion of.:al of the last Mississippi StateCup event. MSA will establish a Tryout Period each year. At the conclusion of each Tryout Period, MSAwill establish a "Dead Period" during which clubs and teams may not conduct tryouts or directly solicitplayers. Following the "Dead Period" MSA will establish an Invitation Date upon which clubs and teamsmay extend invitations to players to join their club and team.

An example of the Tryout Dates for the 2016-2017 Seasonal Year:

llU - 19U Teams

May 24 - June 20, 2016 Tryout Period: The Tryout Period shall commence the Monday after the conclusion of the State Tournament Cup Championship weekend. The Tryout Period shall end the Sunday prior to the commencement of the US Youth Soccer Region Ill Championships.

June 21- June 30, 2016 {12:01 am) Dead Period: The Dead Period shall commence the day after the Tryout Period Ends. The Dead Period shall end at 12:01 am on the second calendar day following the invitation date.

July 1, 2016 Invitation Date: The Invitation Date shall be the day after USYS Regionals ends.

Rules and Revisions Proposal Cover Sheet Submitter: Organization D Council D District Director D Committee D Other [XI Contact Information:

Kay Bouler - Executive Director . Mississippi Soccer Association Name and Title Organization, District or Committee Name

628 Lakeland East Dr. Flowood, MS 39232 �---------·-·-----·-------·----------------�

Street Address I Post Office Box City, State, Zip

601-813-5551 execdirector@mississippisoccer.org Home Telephone �mail Address

Change to: Constitution D By-Laws D Policies � Other D

Section �I 1_0_1 ______ �I Paragraph I 30

Ration�le For the Proposed Change: In accordance with USYS Bylaws & Policy, MSA should implement a Concussion Protocol and Procedure policy. This will assist in educating players, coaches, and parents to the dangers of allowing an athlete to continue playing with a concussion.

-------------

Proposed l'!lplementation Date: [lJ/1/2016_ .. __ ] Date and Time Stamp: @28/2015 3:12:36 PM=:=!

·�-�----------- --- ----

Rules and Revisions Committee Position: Approve D Modify I'.&] Disapprove D @���J-

Amended[] Passed D Failed LJ 9/1/2016

Signature of Committee Chairperson

Proposal I I A Number

l(.) ---------'

0

UBIIOUTH 1,a,011®

- . . . .

Step 2:

Concussion Procedure and Protocol

For US Youth Soccer Events MSA Sponsored Events

Concussion: a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. Medically, a concussion is a

complex, pathophysiological event to the brain that is induced by trauma which may or may not involve a loss of

consciousness (LOC). Concussion results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related

symptoms. Signs or symptoms may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months or even longer in some

cases.

CONCUSSION SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND MANAGEMENT AT TRAINING AND COMPETITIONS

Did a concussion occur?

Evaluate the player and note if any of the following signs and/or symptoms are present:

(1) Dazed look or confusion about what happened.

(2) Memory difficulties.

(3) Neck pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, double vision, blurriness, ringing noise or sensitive

to sounds.

(4) Short attention span. Can't keep focused.

(5) Slow reaction time, slurred speech, bodily movements are lagging, fatigue, and slowly

answers questions or has difficulty answering questions.

(6) Abnormal physical and/or mental behavior.

(7) Coordination skills are behind, ex: balancing, dizziness, clumsiness, reaction time.

Is emergency treatment needed?

This would include the following scenarios:

(1) Spine or neck injury or pain.

(2) Behavior patterns change, unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual.

(3) Loss of consciousness.

(4) Headaches that worsen

(5) Seizures

(6) Very drowsy, can't be awakened

(7) Repeated vomiting

(8) Increasing confusion or irritability

(9) Weakness, numbness in arms and legs

-1-

Rules and Revisions Proposal Cover Sheet Submitter: Organization D Council D District Director D Committee D Other IB]

Contact Information: ·-------------,

Kay Bouler - Executive Director . Mississippi Soccer Association Name and Title Organization, District or Committee Name

628 Lakeland East Dr. Flowood, MS 39232 Street Address I Post Office Box City, State, Zip

601-813-5551 execdirector@mississippisoccer.org Home Telephone Email Address

Change to: Constitution D By-Laws D Policies 1K]

Section l.__1_0_1 ______ ___,l Paragraph

Rationale For the Proposed Change:

Other D

l 31

In accordance with USYS policy implementation, MSA will implement the Unmanned Aircaft System policy to ensure all players and their families are afforded a safe playing environment

------- -------- .. --------- ----------·------------------··--------·

Proposed l'!'plementation Date: I 3/1/2016

-------·----· ------·-----

Rules and Revisions Committee Position: Approve D Modify t)?J. Disapprove D

Amended LJ Passed [J Failed D 3/1/2016

Date and Time Stamp: [12/28_/2015 3:14:53 PM ]

·---- · ·· ··-----

--

a

1 Proposal

I Number -----

0

UB··lfOUTH IIBUCEH.

POLICY ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

(DRONE) (Adopted November 22, 2015)

Section I. Commitment

It is the policy of US Youth Soccer to provide an environment for its youth soccer players. Therefore, the use of unmanned aircrafts are not to be at activities of events of US Youth Soccer for youth soccer players. As an organization committed to providing a developmental, healthy, and safe environment, US Youth Soccer recognizes that the safety of its youth players is paramount. It is the responsibility of the Competition Authority of US Youth Soccer events to ensure that this policy is strictly enforced.

Section 2. Definitions (I) "Unmanned Aircraft Systems" (UAS) an aircraft which is intended to operate and its

associated element which are operated with no pilot on board or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems.

(2) "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of US Youth Soccer.(3) "Event" means any event or meeting of US Youth Soccer, including but not limited

to, th ,-1"/atimrn'I-Championships, Regional Championships, National Presidents Cup,Regional Presidents Cups, ODP regional and sub-regional camps, and interregionalevents, ODP National Championships, regional and National League competitions,the Workshops, annual general meetings, Board of Directors meetings, andcommittee meetings.

Section 3. Prohibitions (a) The use of non-approved UAS at any event that is sanctioned by US Youth

Soccer is strictly prohibited. (b) The use of UAS at US Youth Soccer Events may be approved by US Youth Soccer

( 1) for a specified promotional activity at an Event, and (2) in a designated area or areas that areaway from youth soccer players, spectators and over any field of play or practice.

Section 4. Enforcement (a) Any person violating Section 3. of this policy shall be immediately removed from the

Event by the US Youth Soccer authority managing the Event.

(b) If a person is removed from an Event for a violation of this policy, the party mayappeal as provided by Bylaw Article XVII, Section 3 of US Youth Soccer.

Section 4. Modification and Delegation

The Board of Directors may amend and waive provisions of this policy as appropriate on a case-by-case basis and may delegate its authority.