League Info

Operating Rules

1. Annual General Meetings

The Annual General Meeting will be held after the completion of the Fall/Winter Season and prior to the commencement of the Spring/Summer Season.
All teams are required to attend this meeting.
Failure to attend will result in a $50 fine.
This is the only regular meeting held by the MWSL, thus attendance is mandatory.

2. Playing Seasons

The MWSL has two playing seasons. Fall/Winter Playing Season is from September 1 of the current year to March 31 of the following year.
Games will commence on the first weekend after Labour Day. Spring/Summer season will commence on the first Monday of May and will finish in the last week of June.

3. League Fees

Currently we require payment of $315 (the date is set each season) to reserve a place for a team in the League for the upcoming Fall/Winter Season.
All new teams joining the League must also pay a returnable $100 Performance Bond.
The League Membership Fee is an annual fee.
Once the League has placed all the teams in a Division it is posted on the website on the Standings pages.
This will be at the beginning of August each year.
The breakdown of fees is:

           1. League Membership Fee - $125.
           2. Fall/Winter Season Operating Fee - $135 Spring Season Operating Fee - $125
           3. BC Soccer Affiliation Fee - $50
           4. MWSL Performance Bond (new teams only) - $100

4. League Schedules

It is the RESPONSIBILITY of the management of individual teams to know when and where they are to play.
Schedule information is available through the League Scheduling Line (604-596-6820) or on each Schedule page of the League website.
All teams must check the Schedule page on the Web site for your team for changes.
Teams with games scheduled for Saturday should check web page after 8:00 PM on Friday evenings.
Any changes for Saturday games that involve a change of time must be agreed to between the teams involved.
ALL CHANGES MUST BE FINALIZED THROUGH THE SCHEDULER.

5. Game Cancellations, Rescheduled Games & Game Defaults

Teams must be prepared to play all scheduled and rescheduled games and to complete the schedule of League games.
If the game is postponed due to field conditions, the League Scheduler will attempt to reschedule the game for the earliest possible date.
No games are to be cancelled or rescheduled without approval of the League Scheduler. Teams should not contact their opposition and attempt to reschedule a game.
If a team wants to reschedule a game, they must go through the League Scheduler.
Requests for rescheduling must be made by email and sent to the League Scheduler and/or League office at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled date of the game.
A very compelling reason must be given to reschedule a game.
Every request to reschedule a game will be considered by the Board.
If a request to reschedule a game is not approved and the team making the request decides not to play, the game will be a default.
The game would then be recorded as a 5 – 0 loss and a fine would be levied.

Defaulting games with more that 48 hours notice is a 5 - 0 loss and a $150 fine.
Defaulting with less than 48 hours notice is a 5 - 0 loss and a $250 fine.
Teams that default two (2) games in a season can be suspended for the remainder of the season. and from the League. Should this occur the team would have to apply for re-admission to the League.
See Section 25. for the Schedule of Fines. Do not default any games - it is too expensive!

6. Cup Play

Players must be registered one (1) week before a Divison Cup game.
As we are now online with player registration the deadline to register for a Division Cup game the following week is Sunday night at midnight of the current week.
There will be Divisional Cup play in all Divisions, Premier to Graduate (Under-21).
The draw for Divisional Cup play will be held in the League office during the month of December.
Division Cup draw procedures will be determined by the Board of Directors based on the number of teams and groups within each division.
The Divisional Cup Finals will serve as the MWSL season ending event, at a time and venue to be determined by the Board.
For Fall/Winter 2010 - 11 Divisional Cup Finals will be held at South Surrey Athletic Park (SSAP) on Sunday, March 27, 2011.
The Board of Directors, upon receiving instruction from the BCSA Senior Competitions Committee, will determine Provincial Cup play and qualification procedures
Cup games that are tied at the end of regulation will go straight to PK

7. League Discipline Information

Any player who receives a red card and/or any team official who has been ejected and instructed to leave the field during a game are automatically suspended and are not permitted to participate in her/his team's next League or Cup game.
Players who have received a red card and/or any team officials who have been ejected and instructed to leave the field during a game by the referee, will be contacted for a meeting with the Discipline Committee.
Any team official reported to have received an official warning will be fined $25. (See Section. 25)
Any team official reported to have been ejected from the game will be fined $50. (See Section. 25)
Discipline information can be obtained by contacting the league office or Discipline Committee Chairperson.
The current Discipline chair is listed under the Directors or Discipline tabs.
For all information pertaining to discipline and fines involving players, non-playing personnel and teams, please refer to the Discipline Guidelines, available from the MWSL office.

Meetings are scheduled for Saturday mornings at the MWSL office.

8. Player Registration

The cost to register for the Fall/Winter 2010-11 Season is $35 per player.
The cost of a new I.D. card is $5.
A player is officially registered only when the following conditions have been met:

           1. The player has completed her Online Registration information.
           2. The player's I.D. Card has been created or updated with the team's name,
           the player's name, the team's current Division and the League's current season sticker.
           3. The player's registration fee has been paid in full.
           4. The player's registration has been accepted by the League Office.

Players must have turned 17 years of age by December 31 of the current year in order to register on a team in the MWSL.
Proof of age is now required at time of registration is required for all players.
This can be a photocopy of your driver's licence, BC I.D. card etc.
Additional proof may be required at the request of the Board of Directors as to a player's identity.
Payment for all players being registered will be the responsibilty of each team.
THERE WILL BE NO PAYMENT BY DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD AT REGISTRATION.
Players must be registered before playing in a League game and 7 days prior to a Provincial or Divisional cup game.
A player can play in a League game for up to 6 days from the date of their registration, without a League I.D. card, if she produces her Online Registration Receipt for the referee's inspection.
A player playing on their Online Registration Receipt must also provide some other form of picture I.D. for proof of who she is.
After the 6 days have elapsed from the date of registration, a player MUST have a current League I.D. card before she can play in any League or Cup game.
Alternate identification is not acceptable after the 6 days from date of registration have elapsed.
Teams may register as many players as they wish with the exception of Premier teams which are limited to 25 registered players.
Teams can sign new players (players that have not registered with another team) up to March 31 of the current Fall/Winter season.
A player can only be registered to play for one team at a time during the Fall/Winter Season.
In the Spring Season, players can play on a 2nd team, as long as the teams do not play in the same divisional group.
Any player who registers for more than one (1) team in the Fall/Winter season will be subject to a suspension and/or fine.
Any team who knowingly plays a player that is not registered with the team and/or is registered with another team will subject to a fine, suspension or expulsion from the League at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The player will also be disciplined and/or suspended. The only exceptions are players on an Intra Club Permit (See Section .14) or on a Youth to Senior Permit (See Section .15).
Any team who plays a player not registered with the League will be subject to the same discipline as noted above.

9. Under-21 Division Players

An Under 21 player is a someone who will be under 21 on December 31 of the current year.
Teams in this Division are permitted to sign three (3) players who are over 21 on December 31 of the current year.
There is no age limit for the three (3) overage players.
The 3 overage players will be eligible to play in all MWSL League and Cup games but would not be eligible to play in any BCSA U21 Provincial Cup Games.

10. 30+Classics Division Players

A 30+Classics player is someone who will be 30 or older by December 31 of the current year.
Teams applying to play in the 30+Classics Division must have at least 12 players who were born in 1980 or earlier.
New teams to the 30+Classics Division are allowed to "grandfather" three (3) underage players when they first play in this Division but those players must be 25 or over by December 31, 2010.
New teams to the 30+Classics Division cannot bring with them any player(s) who will not be 25 by December 31, 2010.
Any new players joining a 30+Classics team must turn 30 before by December 31, 2010.
Any players under the age of 35 will be eligible to play in all MWSL League and Cup games but would not be eligible to play in any BCSA Classics Provincial Cup Games.

11. Player and Team Official I.D. Cards

All registered players will be supplied a player I.D. card issued by the League at a cost of $5.
Players must provide a good quality, 1x1 picture for the I.D. card
Teams are to present to the referee their team's I.D. cards and player list (2 copies) before the start of any game.
Failure to produce I.D. Cards in any game will result in a $25 fine and may result in a forfeit loss of the game. (See Section. 25)
If, for any reason, a team's I.D. cards are not availabe to present to the referee, team management should have each player produce alternate picture identification.
Such identification would include, but is not limited to a driver's licence, passport or some other form of acceptable picture identification.
Where there is a dispute on what is acceptable, the Board of Directors will make the final decision.
The Board of Directors will make this decision and may impose additional penalties.
Teams that have lost or cannot locate their I.D. cards must have them replaced before their next League or Cup game.
All team officials and staff (coach, manager, etc.), as named on the team list, must also have a valid MWSL I.D. card at all games.
Players who are playing on an Intra-Club Permit (ICP) or on a BCSA Youth to Senior Permit (YSP) must present their MWSL Player Card or their Youth Player Card to the referee prior to the game for identification.

12. Team Lists

Team lists must be complete and legible, and in the League-approved format. Now on the web site under "Forms"
The League-approved format is to include all of the following: (a) team name; (b) name of opponent; (c) name of field; (d) full player name alongside shirt number; (e) date of game; (f) full name of coach and/or manager. A team official who is actually present for the game must sign the team list.
Two copies of the completed team lists must be submitted to the referee prior to kick-off, along with the I.D. cards and any permits.
Players playing on permit (ICP or YSP) must be included on the team list, and noted as a permit player.

13. Intra-Club Permits (ICP)

ICPs may be used to allow players to play on different teams but only within their own Club.
The ICP form is available on the website under "Forms".
This only applies to players who registered in the MWSL and does not apply to players who are registered on a Youth team in the same Club.
Players may play up on any higher division team within their Club.
ICP's are allowed in League games only.
ICP's are not allowed in Cup games.
A maximum of five (5) permits may be used by a team in a single game.
There is no limit to the number of times a player can play on ICP's.
Two (2) copies of the ICP's must be submitted to the referee prior to kickoff.
The player who is playing up on an ICP must have her MWSL Player Card.
There is no fee attached to the use of these permits
30+ Classics Gold = Division 1
- players from 30+ Classics Gold can be brought up on an ICP to the Premier and Selects Divisions as long as they are from the same club.
- players can be brought up on an ICP to 30+ Classics Gold from Divisions 2, 3, 4 or 30+ Classics Silver but must be from the same club and must be 30 or older by December 31, 2009.
30+ Classics Silver = Division 3
- players from 30+ Classics Silver can be brought up on an ICP to Premier, Selects, Divisions 1, 2 or 30+ Classics Gold as long as they are from the same club.
- players brought up on an ICP to 30+ Classics Silver would be restricted to Division 4 but must be from the same club and must be 30 or older by December 31, 2009.
U-21 Gold = Division 2
- players from U21 Gold can be brought up on an ICP to Premier, Selects and Division 1 as long as they are from the same club.
- players can be brought up to U-21 Gold on an ICP from Divisions 3, 4 and U-21 Silver but must be from the same club and must be under 21 on December 31, 2009.
U-21 Silver = Division 3
- players from U21 Silver can be brought up on an ICP to Premier, Selects, Divisions 1, 2 and U-21 Gold as long as they are from the same club.
- players can be brought up to U21 Silver on an ICP but would be restricted to Division 4, must be from the same club and must be under 21 on December 31, 2009.
Any player using an ICP must play up to a higher Division and as the name of the permit implies - must be in the same club.

14. Youth to Senior Permits (YSP)

YSP forms are available on our website under Forms. Forms must be received by fax at the mwsl office by noon Friday of each week to ensure they are signed and returned.
YSP's allow players registered on a Youth team WHO WERE BORN IN 1993 or earlier, from any club, to participate in a game in the MWSL.
YSP's must be filled out completely and signed by representatives of the Senior team, Youth team, Youth District Representative (new) and a Director of the MWSL or nominee.
A YSP MUST be signed by the MWSL before the Youth player can play in a MWSL game.
2 copies of the YSP's are required for presentation to the referee prior to the start of the game.
The Youth player's youth team I.D. card must be available for inspection by the referee.
There is no restriction on the number of games a youth player may play up on YSP's.
The number of YSP players that a team may use in a single game is limited to three (3).
Players on YSP's may not play in Divisional Cup games.
Players may only play on YSP's in regular League games.

15. Transfers

Players are permitted to transfer from one team to another up to the transfer deadline which is January 15, 2010.

Transfers must be sent to the MWSL office for processing
For further details please, refer to the BCSA Constitution and By-Laws and the BCSA Rules and Regulations (Rule 7).
Players must be transfered at least 24 hours prior to playing in an MWSL league game and one week (7 days) before a Divisional cup game or BCSA Provincial Cup game

16. Player Releases (Premier Only)

Player releases are the jurisdiction of the BC Soccer Association. For further details please refer to the BCSA Constitution and By-Laws.
Players may only be released prior to the BCSA transfer deadline of January 15, 2010.
In order to release a player, the releasing team must submit to the MWSL office the following: (a) a signed and dated open-ended transfer form; (b) the players MWSL ID card.
The MWSL will then remove the players from the teams official roster and then forward the transfer form and I.D. card to the player so that she may sign with another team, should she so wish.

17. Game Day Responsibilities & Field Preparation

The HOME team is responsible for field preparation (lining, etc.), providing four regulation corner flags, one goal net, and one match-quality ball.
Teams that regularly play their home games on artificial turf must provide the proper turf corner flags.
The VISITING team is responsible for providing one goal net, and a suitable back-up, match quality game ball.
The field is to be properly marked with white field marking paint or field whitener that is approved for grass fields. Do not use the type that you would put on your lawn.
Both teams must pay the referee their share of the $60 referee's game fee prior to the start of the game (See Section .22).
In the event of a neutral site game, the home team, as determined by the scheduler is responsible for all of the regular home team duties.
In the event of a game being rescheduled to the visiting teams park, the visiting team will assume all home team duties.

18. Player Dress & Equipment

Law #4 Page 18 The Player's Equipment
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).

It is the responsibility of all teams to ensure that players are properly dressed and equipped for each match.
With the exception of goalkeepers, all players must wear identical shirts that are clearly numbered on the back.
Shirts with duplicate numbers are not permitted.
Players are not permitted to share a shirt.
With the exception of goalkeepers, all players must wear shorts and socks that are the same colour as their colours posted on the team's schedule page.
Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be completely covered by socks at all times.
As per FIFA's Laws of the Game, jewelry must be removed prior to the match.

This includes, but is not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, nose studs and necklaces.
FLAT WEDDING BANDS can be worn but must be taped and solely at the discretion of the referee.
Taping of any other jewellry is not permitted.
If you cannot remove the jewellry then there a good chance that you will not be permitted to play by the referee.
Hair clips, bobby pins and barrettes must not be worn and must be removed prior to the match.
Knee braces and or casts must be covered with a protective sleeve or cover.
In the event of a colour conflict, the Home team is required to change to an alternate coloured shirts.

19. Game Scores

The winning team is required to email their score into their respective Divisional Coordinators.
In the case of a draw, both teams are required to report the score.
The Divisional Coordinator's contact information is available on the team homepage under Phone or Email SCORES.
During the Fall/Winter season, unless the game time is 4:00 PM or later, all scores are to be reported by 6:00 PM on the day of the game.
Scores from Fall/Winter season games that start later than 4:00 PM Sunday must be reported by no later than 12 Noon the following Monday.
Spring season game scores should be reported to the Divisional Coordinator within 48 hours of the game being completed.
Teams reported for failing to report scores on time may be fined $25 (See Section. 25).
Scores posted on the web page will reflect the Leagues policy of a goal difference not greater than 5. i.e. if the score in a game was 7 - 1, it will be posted as 6 - 1, if it was 9 - 3 it will be posted as 8 - 3.
The reason for this is to deter teams from running up the score and embarassing their opponent.
Goal differences of 5 apply to both League and Cup games

20. The Referee does not show up or calls off the game

If the referee does not show up, teams are asked to make every effort to play the game if at all possible.
Any person who does referee the game is insured by the BC Soccer Association in the event they incur an injury.
Refereeing duties can be shared between the teams with a person from each team doing one half of the game.
Players should cooperate with any replacement referee so as not to cause any undue stress in this/these individual(s).
If a team does not want to play the game when there is replacement referee available (this is anyone who volunteers to do the game) in almost all cases that team will be charged with a default and the game will be awarded to the team that was willing to play.
If a referee has to call off the game, for any reason prior to the start of the game, DO NOT pay the referee the game fee. (See Section. 22)
The referee will have to file a game report explaining the reason for the game being called off and the League will determine what payment will be made.
If 60 minutes of the game or more has been played when the game is abandoned by the referee the score at that time shall be the final score of the game. The exception would be when
actions by the team that was leading or in a tie, caused the game to be abandoned. In that
situation the team that did not cause the game to be abandoned could appeal for the game to be replayed.

21. Field Conditions

When field conditions are such that it poses a risk to the players and/or the future use of the field, do not play the game.
If the field has standing water on it, do not play the game.
In general, game time decisions on field playability are left to the discretion of the referee.
In the event that the team holding the permit for the field feels the field is not playable, regardless of the referees opinion, the League will recognize the permit holder and support their decision.
When possible, teams are asked to check their fields well in advance so that the scheduler may be notified of poor field conditions and the game can be rescheduled.

22. Match Official Fees

Game officials are to be paid in cash (no cheques) prior to the kickoff.
Each team is required to pay for one-half of the fees for each game.
Referees are paid $60 per game ($30 per team).
Assistant referees (Premier games only) are paid $30 per game, each Premier team is responsible to pay one of the Assistant Referees $30.
Teams refusing to pay the game official(s) will be billed the game fee plus will be fined $25.
If the game does not get played, DO NOT pay the referee. The League will deal with payment of the referee. (See Section. 20)
Both teams must submit a report as to why the game did not get played. (See Section.23)

23. Game Reports

All teams are asked to complete and submit a Game Report following each game.
Forms may be submitted to the League Office on-line via the MWSL web site.
This process assists the League in its efforts to monitor and improve the quality of all of our match officials.

24. Special Rules for Division 4 Teams and 30+Classics

THERE IS NO SLIDE TACKLING ALLOWED IN THE ABOVE NOTED DIVISIONS
If a player deliberately slide tackles another player, the referee should issue a Yellow card and award a free kick to the other team, as per the Laws of the Game.

25. Schedule of Fines

Any violation of these Operating Rules, as listed, may result in the MWSL Board of Directors levying a fine, as per the following schedule:
Field inadequately lined - $50
Improper or no corner flags - $25
Improper or no goal net - $25
Unsuitable or no match ball - $25
Improper or incomplete team lists or permits - $25
Improper player dress (i.e. no numbers, mismatched shirts, shorts, socks, etc...) - $25
Failure to provide player I.D. cards - $25
Failure to pay game official(s) - $25 (plus match fee)
NSF Cheque - $25
Failure to report score by 12 Noon Monday following weekend games - $25
Non-attendance at League Meeting - $50
Late-registration - $100
Game default - more than 48 hours before time of game - $150
(See Section 5. Game Cancellations, Rescheduled Games & Game Defaults)
Game default - less than 48 hours before time of game - $250
(See Section 5. Game Cancellations, Rescheduled Games & Game Defaults)
Any team official reported by the referee for being officially warned will be fined $25 fine.
Any team official sent off the field will be fined $50, will recieve an automatic one (1) game suspension from their team's next League or Cup game and will be required to attend a meeting with the Discipline Committee. (+)
Playing a suspended, ineligible or non-registered player - $200 (+)
Registering and playing a player who will not be 17 by December 31 2009. This will result in a fine, loss of games in which the player participated, suspension of the player and team person who registered the player or directed the player be registered. (+)
Registering and playing a player who does not meet the age criteria for either Graduate or 30+Classics divisions. This will result in a fine, loss of games in which the player participated, suspension of the player and team person who registered the player or directed the player be registered. (+)
Please note that offences noted with (+) could, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, result in additional penalties in addition to or in lieu of any stated fine. In order to allow for exception circumstances, enforcement of the above Operating Rules is under the discretion of the Metro Womens Soccer League Board of Directors.