Effective May 2010
Men’s District Soccer League
1.0 – Laws of the Game
The Toronto Soccer Association shall support and maintain the principles of the Laws of the Game as established by the International Football Association Board and recognized by FIFA. All play in the TSA Men’s District Soccer League shall be according to the Laws of the Game as adapted by the Ontario Soccer Association (O.S.A.) each year, with particular reference to O.S.A. Policies and Procedures.
2.0 – Registration of Players and Team Officials
2.1 - Each player and a minimum of two (2) and maximum of four (4) team officials must sign the official O.S.A. player/team registration form and pay an annual player/team registration fee set by the Toronto Soccer Association’s (TSA) Board of Directors from time to time. The registration forms must be obtained from the TSA office by the club.
2.2 - Each team must enter the data of at least eleven (11) players in the OSA Registration System by no later than April 15th in any given season. A fine of $5.00 will be levied for each player fewer than eleven (11) not registered by this day. Completed registration forms and id books must be handed into the district office for final verification of player eligibility. Each team can register a maximum of 25 players at any one time. In the event it is proven that a team plays an ineligible player or players in any game, the game shall automatically be awarded to the opponent and the culpable team shall appear before the TSA Discipline Committee for further discipline action, as per OSA discipline policies and procedures.
2.3 – An OSA team roster sheet must be obtained from the OSA registration after the data entry process is finalized. Teams from outside the jurisdiction of the TSA must submit an original copy of its official team roster by May 15th each year to the league office. The League must be notified of any updates and/or changes to the original roster by no later than the effective date of the update/change. Failure to comply with the deadlines will result in a fine to the club of $10.00 per day per team to a maximum of $100.00 per team and could result in forfeiture of games played.
2.4 - All player registration documentation must be submitted to the District Registrar. As such, no player shall be deemed registered and therefore eligible to play in any competition unless his/her registration documentation is received and processed by the TSA office on behalf of the District Registrar three (3) days prior to the date of:
a. any League competition
b. any Cup competition.
c. any tournament/competition as sanctioned by OSA
And their registration is processed and their data is entered in the OSA registration computer system.
2.5 - It is the responsibility of each club’s registrar to carefully check the completed registration forms prior to presenting them to the League. A three (3) day waiting period is in effect for the processing of OSA registration forms. Players/team officials will not be considered eligible until their registration is processed and their data is entered in the OSA Registration computer system. The club and player shall be liable for any errors or incorrect statements on the registration form.
2.6 - If the League Management Committee of the Men’s District Soccer Leagues has any doubt as to the qualification of any player, the Management Committee shall call upon such player or/and the club for which he plays, or for which he has played, to prove to the satisfaction of the League Management Committee that he is properly qualified to take part in any game under the Men’s District Soccer League jurisdiction. Failing such satisfactory proof, the League Management Committee may disqualify such player and, if necessary, remove such club from any or all of the competitions under the League’s jurisdiction and refer the same to the TSA Discipline Committee.
2.7 - No player/team official registration will be accepted after July 31st each year.
3.0 – Transfer of Players
3.1 - All transfers shall be subject to transfer fees as specified from time to time by the TSA Board of Directors. Transfer fees shall be due immediately upon filing the transfer documentation and payable to the Toronto Soccer Association.
3.2 - A transfer fee in the amount of $50.00.This transfer fee payable to the club from which the player is transferring. This transfer fee must accompany the duly completed and signed transfer form at the time it is submitted to the TSA.
3.3 - No player transfers will be accepted after July 31st of each year.
4.0 – Trial Permits (Guest Players)
4.1 - A "TRIAL PERMIT" is a temporary registration with the O.S.A., which shall only used by players who are not registered with the O.S.A. or a Provincial Association affiliated to the C.S.A.
4.2 - A "TRIAL PERMIT" entitles a non-registered player to play two games for a Registered Team during a fifteen-day period.
4.3 - The "TRIAL PERMIT" shall be obtained from the District Association to which the team's Club is affiliated.
4.4 - The District Registrar shall issue two copies of the "TRIAL PERMIT" and when validating the "TRIAL PERMIT" shall ensure that the form has both, the starting date and the expiry date of the trial period. The player may use the "TRIAL PERMIT" to play in any two games for the team stipulated on the form and which occur during the trial period.
4.5 - A copy of the "TRIAL PERMIT" shall be affixed to the team sheet submitted to the referee at each trial game. Prior to submitting the copy of the "TRIAL PERMIT" to the referee, the team must write the date of the game on the "TRIAL PERMIT".
4.6 - A player playing in an outdoor competitive game or an indoor game while using a "TRIAL PERMIT" must also obtain an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" which must be available for presentation at the trial game in which he is playing. Failure to present the "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" shall render the player ineligible to play in that game.
4.7 - A player may obtain two "TRIAL PERMITS" during one season. An outdoor season and an indoor season shall be considered different seasons. However, he may only be issued one "TRIAL PERMIT" to play for any one Club.
4.8 – A maximum of 3 players on a “TRIAL PERMIT” may play in any one game.
4.9 - If a player is issued two "TRIAL PERMITS", the trial period for each shall not overlap.
4.10 - A "TRIAL PERMIT" shall be permitted, subject to the competition rules, at league games, exhibition games, and tournament games. A player shall not play in a cup game using a "TRIAL PERMIT".
4.11 - A player playing in a registered league game or a sanctioned competition using a "TRIAL PERMIT" shall be eligible for O.S.A. insurance coverage and shall be subject to O.S.A. discipline.
4.12 - When making application for a "TRIAL PERMIT", a player shall:
a) - Complete a “TRIAL PERMIT” application form approved and obtained from the District Association to which the team’s Club is affiliated;
b) - Pay the fee as established by the O.S.A.;
c) - If the player is playing on trial for a competitive team, supply a recent (head and shoulders) passport-sized photograph (which shall be affixed by the District Registrar, to the “OSA Registration Book”); and
d) - Indicate the starting date and the expiry date of the 15-day trial period.
4.13 - The League or TSA may impose limitations on the use of “TRIAL PERMITS”, provided that the limitations are applied consistently.
5.0 - Temporary Registration Permits (Guest Players)
5.1 - Any player registered with the O.S.A. or another Provincial Association affiliated to the C.S.A. is eligible to obtain a "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT", which shall entitle the player to play for a Club Team of a Club other than the one with which he/she is registered, subject to OSA Policy 14.0 and in accordance with the Published Rules.
5.2 - Subject to OSA Policy 14.0, a "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT" shall entitle a player to play for a registered Club Team, of a Club other than the one with which he/she is registered, in a game of any registered league or sanctioned competition. A "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT" may not be used for movement between teams within the same Club.
5.3 - A "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT" being used to play for an amateur team must be validated by the District Association with which the team, from which he is playing up, is registered. A District Association may not delegate to any other organization or individual the function of validating such document. A District Association may not validate a "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT" unless all sections of the form have been properly completed.
5.4 - A player using a "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT" in order to be eligible to play for an outdoor competitive team or an indoor team must also possess an "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" available for presentation at the game. Failure to present the "O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK" shall render the player ineligible to play in that game.
5.5 - A "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT" is not valid for amateur cup competitions.
5.6 - A player shall be entitled to three "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMITS" to play for an amateur team during each season. An outdoor season and an indoor season shall be considered as different seasons. The maximum number of "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMITS" to play for a professional team is subject to OSA League Policy 29.3 c).
5.7 - The District Association with which the team, from which he is playing up, is registered shall be responsible for maintaining a record of the number of "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMITS" assigned to the player when playing for an amateur team.
5.8 - If a player is registered on more than one team, he may only play up from the team, which is classified as the higher level team.
5.9 - A maximum of 3 players on a “TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT” may play in any one game.
5.10 - The League or TSA may impose limitations on the use of "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMITS”, provided that the limitations are applied consistently.
5.11 - The policies governing "TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMITS" for play on a professional team are outlined in OSA League Policy 29.3.
6.0 – Movement or “Playing Up” of Current Annually Registered Players (Guest Players)
6.1 - All Clubs fielding two or more teams in the same competition shall submit to the League on an annual basis, a list of such teams designated “First, Second, Third”, etc.
6.2 - The League may permit player movement upwards (i.e. to a higher level team) between senior teams of the same club in any one game. The League will not impose any limitations on such movement
6.3 - A maximum of 3 players from within the same club may “PLAY UP” in any one game.
6.4 – This movement is not permitted for cup competitions.
6.5 – No player from a higher level League will be allowed to participate in the MDSL or/and MDSL cup competitions.
7.0 – Playing Up into a Professional Team
7.1 - A club may enter into an “Affiliation Agreement” with a club operating a professional team providing that the Club is in the same District as the professional team’s franchise territory.
7.2 - Notwithstanding (a) above, a club may enter into an “Affiliation Agreement” with a club in a District outside of its professional team’s franchise territory as long as the District in which the club is located is not in a professional team’s franchise territory assigned to another club in accordance with its professional league’s franchise agreement.
7.3 - The Affiliation Agreement must be filed with the following organizations to be in effect:
a) - The Ontario Soccer Association;
b) - The District Association with which the club is affiliated; and
c) - The League in which the professional team plays.
7.4 - With the permission of his club, a player may “play up” into the “Professional Team with which the club has an Affiliation Agreement’” in accordance with all the provisions of these League Rules.
7.5 - The individual player will not register or sign an agreement with the professional team.
7.6 - A “TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT” is not required when such a movement occurs.
7.7 - The player’s “O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK” must be available for presentation at each game in which he is playing. Failure to present the “O.S.A. REGISTRANT BOOK” shall render the player ineligible to play in that game.
7.8 - The league in which the professional team plays may impose limitations on such movement provided that the limitations are applied consistently.
8.0 – Club Officials Responsibilities
8.1 - The first team named on the official league schedule or cup draw will be considered the home team for any game under the Toronto Soccer Association’s jurisdiction.
8.2 - When games are played on grounds provided by the League, it is the home team’s responsibility to ensure that a corner flag of at least five feet in height is posted in each corner of the field.
8.3 - All clubs on whose grounds any game is being played under the League’s jurisdiction shall ensure that:
a) - both goals are equipped with proper nets,
b) - the field must be marked off in accordance with the Laws of the Game,
c) - A corner flag of at least five feet in height is posted in each corner of the field, or the game shall not be played as per FIFA Law #1.
8.4 - Prior to every game, the home team will be responsible for providing the referee with two match balls of regulation size #5 in satisfactory condition.
8.5 - Every team must at the time of application for membership register its playing colors, alternate colors and home field with the League office.
8.6 - In the case of both teams wearing similar colors, the home team must change and the visiting team must wear their registered declared colors. Failure to comply will result in a default charged against the home team.
8.7 - During all games played under the League’s jurisdiction all players shall wear numbered shirts and each player’s number shall be recorded on his/her team’s team sheet. No two players on any one team shall wear the same number. No player may change his number during a game, without consent of the referee who will note this change on the player’s team’s team sheet.
8.8 - Numbers shall be a minimum of eight inches in height and of contrasting color from the body of the shirt. The number must be indicated against the player’s name on the team sheet. A sponsor’s name may be indicated in the form of a crest on the shirt with a maximum of 4 inches in diameter and/or two inch lettering in one line in any direction on the shirt.
8.9 - Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting color to both of the teams and the referee.
8.10 - All clubs must attend all scheduled District League meetings. Each club shall send one delegate who has the right to cast all the votes that the team is entitled to. A club is also entitled to name a proxy to represent and vote for them in the event that the club’s delegate is unable to attend or have to leave before the business is completed. A fine of $50.00 will be charged to the clubs that are not represented at the MDSL meetings.
8.11 - The team coaches must be OSA Registrants who are required to obtain the Senior Level community coaching certification prior to start of the season.
8.12 – The most updated MDSL rules and regulations will be posted in the league’s web page prior to the start of the season. A waiver form provided by the league is to be signed by the club representative on behalf of the team officials. The waiver will state that the club representative has read and understood the rules of the league and that his/her club and team officials agree to abide by the rules.
8.13 – The completed original waiver form is to be hand-delivered to the league office by May 15th each year. Failure to comply with this deadline will carry a fine to the club of $10.00 p/day per team to a maximum of $100 per team). Fax, e-mail or post mail will not be accepted as method of delivery
8.14 - Both team officials of the home and away team shall be responsible to report the score of the game to the League Office within twenty-four (24) hours of completion of the game. The home team is responsible for reporting any rain out/referee no show or incomplete game to the League Office on the same night of the scheduled game. If the score or event is not reported within the period of time stipulated, the League Management Committee may fine the club $25.00.
8.15 - Only registered team officials (maximum of four (4) registered officials and minimum of two (2) - Coach, Assistant Coach, Administrator and Trainer) shall be permitted to sit on the bench.
9.0 – Game Administration
9.1 - Each team must prepare a team sheet in triplicate and present to the referee one copy bearing only by the team official’s signatures, any Trial Permits and Temporary Registration Permits 15 minutes prior to kick off of each game. Non-compliance with this rule will be grounds for game cancellation and the culpable team shall be subject to discipline by the Discipline Committee under OSA Discipline Policies and Procedures. Refer to rules 9.4, 9.5 and 9.8.
9.2 - Each player and team officials’ name and O.S.A.R. number must be legibly printed on the team sheet, to a maximum of eighteen (18) players, a minimum of two (2) and maximum of (4) team officials, including a coach for any given game. Player signatures are not required, the only signature required are that of the team officials (minimum two and one of them must be a certified coach). By signing the game sheets the coaches confirm that all players listed on the games sheet are registered to team and are eligible to play. Non-compliance will be grounds for game forfeiture plus a $25 fine.
9.3 - The person present at any scheduled game listed as coach must be duly certified to the Senior level in the O.S.A. Community Coaching Program.
9.4 - Prior to every game all players must have their Player Registration Book (PRB) or Trial Permit or Temporary Registration Permit available for presentation to the opposing team and referee. Any player who is unable to produce his PRB or Trial Permit or Temporary Registration Permit prior to any game cannot play. A player has until not later than the commencement of the 2nd half to produce his PRB, trial permit or temporary registration permit to be allowed to play.
9.5 - It is mandatory that all team representatives verify the PRB’s of the opposing team’s players prior to the start of the game (at least 15 minutes before). There will be a $25.00 automatic fine for not complying with the mandatory id check. The referee must indicate on game sheet if the id check took place.
a) - It shall be the responsibility of the team representative to notify the referee of any discrepancies/protests not later than the commencement of the second half of play. The Referee must record such discrepancies in his report to the League when submitting his/her completed game sheets.
b) – Any teams failing to verify their opponents PRB’s will lose all rights of protest – TSA 17.0.
9.6 - Only persons listed on the Team Sheet are permitted to sit on the bench or in the designated bench area.
9.7 - All games must start promptly. Referees must see that this rule is enforced, ensure that games start promptly and report any breach of the rule on the team sheet. Games cannot start later than fifteen minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, unless a previous game is late finishing, or unless agreed to by the referee. Such a game is in default by the club responsible for the delay and the defaulting club shall be subject to the provisions of League Rule #11.
9.8 - No game shall start unless both teams can field a minimum of seven (7) players and both teams submit the completed game sheets to the game official. A game shall be abandoned should a team be unable to continue with at least seven (7) players on the field of play and/or the game official does not receive the completed game sheets from both teams before the start of the first half. Once the game report is submitted to the league’s office, the League Management Committee shall determine the outcome of the game.
After the second half has started, no new player can be added to the gamesheet and/or enter the field of play.
9.9 - Unlimited substitutions shall be permitted. Substitutions may be made:
a) - Goal Kick b) - Scoring of a Goal
c) - Injury of a player d) – Halftime
e) - Own throw in, the other team may also substitute at this time at the discretion of the referee.
All substitutions must enter and exit the field of play at the halfway line.
All substituted players must leave the field without delay.
Substitution of goalkeepers must be reported directly to the referee.
9.10 - All games shall be of full regulation time, conditions and time permitting. If prior to the start of the game there is any doubt on the part of the respective captains and/or referee as to the weather conditions or available playing time, agreement must be reached prior to the start of the game to reduce the playing time to ensure that two equal periods can be played. If the two captains cannot agree, the referee shall decide unilaterally. If the first game of a doubleheader is so late in starting that the playing of full regulation time would cause it to encroach on the allotted time for the second game, then the playing time of the first game must be reduced to enable the second game to play normal time. The reduced playing time must be of two equal periods.
9.11 - Games that are abandoned after the 80-minute mark due to weather or/and extenuating circumstances will be allowed to stand. The score at the moment the game is abandoned shall become the game’s official, final score.
9.12 - Clubs will be held responsible if a game is abandoned because of the actions of its players, officials or spectators and will be subject to disciplinary hearing, and will be fined as per OSA discipline policies.
9.13 - If the agreed playing time in any game is not completed for any other reason, the referee must report this on the team sheets.
The League Management Committee shall determine the outcome of the game by determining:
a) - That the score at the moment of the game being abandoned stand
b) - That the game be replayed or
c) - That the offending team is to default the game by a score of 1-0.
9.14 - The League Management Committee may also order that the matter and the team or teams involved in the game be referred to the TSA Discipline Committee for further discipline.
10.0 – Referees
10.1 - All referees shall be appointed by the District Referee Coordinator of the TSA.
10.2 – Each team shall pay half of the Referee fees. Game officials will not be paid if for any reason a game does not start due to weather conditions or failure of the lighting system.
10.3 – No game cancellation is permitted unless, in the opinion of the referee, the safety of the players is in jeopardy and /or the playing field is hazardous. If lightning is present the referee shall follow OSA guidelines on adverse weather conditions.
10.4 - Immediately after the game has been played all game officials’ names and O.S.A.R. numbers must be legibly printed and signed on both teams’ team sheets. The referee must record on both team sheets the goal scorers, any discipline cards issued and any other details that the referee deems pertinent. The referee shall then distribute a completed copy of each team’s Team Sheet to a representative of each team. The referee must also immediately notify the TSA office of the game’s result by telephone (416) 783-4305. The referee must then forward the team sheets and all the discipline reports to the TSA office within 48 hours. Non-compliance may result in discipline action against the referee as per OSA discipline policies.
10.5 - Complaints by or against referees must be submitted to the League office in writing. After the complaint has been dealt with, the parties concerned will be notified. Verbal complaints will not be considered.
10.6 - The League will supply a referee evaluation report, which should be sent to the League office following each game.
10.7 – Before the start of the game, the referee shall be responsible to verify that all teamsheets are fully completed and record the time he/she received them.
11.0 – Defaulted Games
11.1 - In the event of a club defaulting a game that game shall be awarded to their opponent. The defaulting team shall also be subject to discipline by the TSA Discipline Committee.
The defaulting club shall pay the whole of the game officials’ fees, 100% field fees and any other expenses reasonably incurred. If the game was defaulted due to extenuating circumstances, the TSA Discipline Committee may order the game to be re-scheduled.
11.2 - In the event of a team not reporting for a game a $200.00 fine will be assessed against the “No-Show” team in addition to League Rule # 11.1. A no show team is any team that does not fulfill its Scheduled or Rescheduled games without the express permission of the League Management Committee.
11.3 - In the event of a team defaulting (3) three games during a given season, the defaulting team may be expelled from the League.
11.4 - Teams withdrawing from the League after March 15th will forfeit the entire League fee.
11.5 - Any team withdrawing from the league, or any team, which refrains from entering or is suspended or expelled from the league by the committee, shall be deemed to have its membership cancelled. Should a team withdraw, be suspended or expelled during the playing season all records pertaining to such a team shall be erased and the team name shall remain at the bottom of the standings for the balance of the season for the purpose of relegation. Any such team, when applying for re-admission, has to be approved by the TSA Credentials Committee and shall be considered a new team for the purpose of membership.
12.0 - Changes and Re-Scheduled Games
12.1 - Under no circumstances are teams allowed to postpone/change/re-schedule games without League Management Committee permission.
All teams will be allowed to propose three time periods up to a total of 7 days (incl. Sat & Sun) at the time of team registration. The League Management Committee will not guarantee additional requests after the team application deadline.
After the schedules have been finalized requests to change will not be entertained unless due to exceptional circumstances with 15 days notice prior to the scheduled game. If the request is approved, the League Management Committee must advise the teams involved by telephone, fax or e-mail with at least one-week's notice of the re-scheduled game date.
12.2 - All games will be played as scheduled unless:
a) At the discretion of the referee, postponement is necessary due to bad weather or field conditions
b) a game is postponed at the discretion of the League
c) a game is postponed at the discretion of a Parks official.
If lightning is present the referee shall follow OSA guidelines on adverse weather conditions.
12.3 – The League Administrator must notify the club contact and the team contact of any re-scheduled game(s). If it is less than one-one week notice, both teams must agree to change.
12.4 - All postponed and cancelled games due to weather conditions must be within 10 days of the cancellation date, the home team is required to notify the league with the time and field the cancelled game will be played. After the re-schedule is approved by the League Management Committee, the away team must be given at least 7 days notice (incl Sat & Sun). The assigned referee will be contacted and must be given at least 72 hours notice.
12.5 - Game officials will not be paid if for any reason a game does not start due to weather conditions or failure of the lighting system
13.0 – League Standings
13.1 – Within 24 hours of the completion of the game, both teams are responsible for entering the game report on line (score, scorers, red & yellow cards). Failure to comply, a $25 fine will apply.
13.2 - hree points shall be awarded for a win, one point shall be awarded for a tie and no points shall be awarded for a loss.
13.3 - In the event of two or more teams finishing the schedule with an equal number of points, their final positions in the standings will be decided by the following tie-breaking mechanisms applied in order:
a) - Total number of points from games played between those teams during the season.
b) - Goal differential from games played between those teams during the season.
c) - Goal differential of the overall games played by those teams during the season.
d) - In the event that a tie remains after the application of items (a), (b) and (c) above, a one game playoff may be played. Overtime and penalty kicks shall be used to break a tie that remains after the completion of regulation time in that playoff game.
13.4 - Should a team withdraw from, be suspended by or expelled from the League during the playing season, all records pertaining to that team for the season shall be erased and the team’s name shall appear at the foot of the standings for the purposes of relegation.
14.0 – Promotion and Relegation
14.1 - The team standing in the top position in the Premier Division of the League shall be promoted to the Regional Level of O.S.A. competition. If a team should decline promotion into the Regional League, the offer of promotion shall be extended to the next team as long as the team was within 6 points of the last eligible team to qualify for promotion.
The second place team in the Premier Division may also be promoted if there is a vacancy in the Regional League.
14.2 - The team finishing in the last position in the Regional Level of O.S.A. competition shall be relegated to Premier Division of the League.
14.3 - In the event of a team failing to operate during the following year or in the event of divisional re-organization the League Management Committee may promote other teams or allow relegated teams to remain in the division for the purpose of having balanced divisions.
14.4 - Teams wishing to be relegated to a lower division may make a written request to the League Management Committee to do so.
15.0 – League Cup
15.1 - The competition will be played among all teams participating in the MDSL.
15.2 – A team withdrawing from the cup will be charged $200 fine, 100% referee fees and 100% field fees. A team withdrawing from the cup at the Final Round will be charged $1000, 100% referee fees and 100% field fees.
15. 3 - The draw for all cup competitions under the League’s jurisdiction shall take place by placing the name of all teams entered in the competition in a hat and team names shall be drawn in pairs. The team drawn first shall be the home team.
15.4 – The cup shall consist of a “single game knock-out format”. Rules regarding the length of the games, referees fees and tie breaking procedures, discipline, etc will be given to each participating team in advance.
15.5 - Cup games take priority over League games and any tournaments / competition as sanctioned by OSA, except Ontario Cup games.
15.6 - League Cup shall be played on dates set by the league.
15.7 - Players must be registered with their team on an official OSA form submitted to the office of the district prior to the July 31st deadline.
a) A player is deemed to be cup tied to a team once she has played in a cup game and may not play for any other team in subsequent games of the cup competition.
b) Teams will not be allowed to use call-ups/trial/guest players for any cup games.
15.8 - A player suspended for a specific number of games shall serve such suspension in the League Cup competitions until the player’s team has concluded its participation in the League Cup competitions. After a team has concluded its participation in the League Cup competitions, the player’s remaining number of suspended games shall be served in her team’s regular season league games. The league shall assign the suspended games.
15.10 - Generally, both clubs shall share the cost of the game officials. With regard to the final cup games, the League shall be responsible for the field costs and game officials.
15.11 - The District Referee Coordinator shall appoint the game officials for all cup games.
16.0 – Discipline
16.1 - Discipline Procedures
Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with OSA Discipline Policy and Procedures. The following guidelines will apply:
16.2 - Discipline by Review (DBR)
All Player dismissals for Serious Foul Play, Serious Foul Play (hand ball), Foul or Abusive Language Directed at Anyone other than Game Official, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth or more yellow cards in a season shall be dealt with by Discipline by Review. The player does not have to appear at the hearing, but can request a hearing if he/she wishes to do so within forty-eight (48) hours of the game finishing, (Saturday, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded). The request shall be in a form of a request for a hearing together with the fifty dollars ($50) hearing fee. Cases are dealt with on a first come first served basis. Anyone representing an accused must provide a signed proxy from the accused before being allowed to participate at the hearing. An accused may choose to be accompanied by another individual who may act as an adviser. An adviser may not act as a witness nor provide any testimony at the Discipline Hearing. An adult must accompany an accused person less than eighteen (18) years of age. The player registration book must be presented before the start of the hearing. If the players’ registration book is not presented, the hearing will not proceed.
16.3 - All discipline matters including abuse of game official cases must be handled by the the League Discipline Committee. The League Discipline Committee under OSA Discipline Policies and Procedures will handle all protests.
16.4 - In all cases of alleged physical assault on game officials by a player, team, or team official, he or she shall be suspended immediately from all soccer related activities until the Discipline Committee of the OSA has dealt with the case. In such cases, a hearing should be convened within 30 days of the receipt of the referee’s report by the proper authorities.
16.5 - Players, officials, parents and spectators are allowed to take part in or attend games on the condition that they observe the rules of the League and the TSA Bylaws.
16.6 - Every team is responsible to the league for the action of its players, officials and spectators and parents. Each team is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators threatening or assaulting officials or players.
16.7 - A player, coach or team official impeding, harassing, or otherwise intimidating a game official, opposing coach or opposing players will be subject to severe disciplinary action, including a fine to the Club of up to $1,000.
16.8 - No referee, referee’s assistant, player, team or club official shall bet on any soccer game held under the jurisdiction of the league.
16.9 - In all discipline cases dealt with by the League Discipline Committee the party complained against shall have the right to appear, at his or her own expense, when the case is heard.
16.10 - Players and club or team officials suspended by the League Discipline Committee shall not take part in any soccer activity until the completion of their suspension.
16.11 - Players ordered off the field will be dealt with under “discipline by review system hearing” as per the OSA policies and procedures. Players may play in subsequent games until the case is due to be heard by the discipline committee. The discipline fees are as established annually and listed in the TSA mandatory discipline document.
16.12 - The League management Committee or the League Discipline Committee shall not have the power to cause teams to forfeit points (to opposing teams) while teams are under suspension pending investigation of an offence against the rules and regulations of the league and/or OSA policies & procedures
16.13 - In discipline cases when referee’s reports have not been received on the day scheduled, the case will be held over pending receipt of the report and the player can continue to play until he or she is notified. The referee will be subject to disciplinary action under OSA policy 4.44
16.14 - In discipline cases where a team disputes the identity of a player sent off or/and a team official the onus is on the offending team to prove the correct identity of the actual player or/and team official dismissed from the game subject to a $500.00 fine – OSA Policy 5.69.
16.15 - Any person found guilty of any offence must be sentenced in accordance with the TSA Bylaws and Rules and Regulations and OSA Policies and Procedures, which are mandatory minimums.
16.16 - Any League invoice for fees and/or fines not paid within twenty-one days of issue may result in a suspension of League privileges to all teams of the offending Club until the invoice is paid. Any games scheduled during the suspension period will be forfeit, and the points awarded to the opposing team.
16.17 – A club shall be denied the right to enter a team into a league if the club has any outstanding debts to another League, District Association or the Ontario Soccer Association due to an unpaid fine, fee bond or penalty. Club team and player (s) unpaid fines is the responsibility of the Club.
17.0 – Protests
17.1 - Notification of all protests shall be delivered in writing to the League Administrator by Registered Mail, Fax, or e-mail not later than two (2) days from the date of the game in which the protest has arisen. In the event that the notification of protest is delivered by Registered Mail it must bear a postmark not later than two (2) days from the date of the game in which the protest has arisen (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excepted). A notification of protest will be deemed not to have been received unless it is accompanied by a fee deposit in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00). In the event that the protest is delivered by e-mail or fax, the $200.00 fee deposit must be delivered to the league office within four (4) days of the date of the game which gave rise to the protest.
17.2 - Protest deposits shall be in the form of a certified cheque or a money order made payable to TSA, or by Visa.
17.3 - In the event that any game is played under protest, that fact must be noted on the team sheet by the referee. A formal protest must then be lodged as stipulated in the rules of the League or competition.
The club lodging the protest must, at the time the case is heard, produce evidence that the protest was noted on the team sheets by the referee. The game official (referee) will assume the responsibility of reporting any discrepancies including protests.
17.4 - A true copy of the notification of protest shall be sent to the club against whom the protest is lodged by Registered Mail, Fax or e-mail using the same practices and timing as specified above regarding delivery of the protest to the Administrator of the league.
17.5 - In dealing with any protest, the League Discipline Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting club of any prior knowledge of facts or allegations contained in the protest, which if properly used, might have prevented the protest.
17.6 - The League Discipline Committee shall have the right to declare that all or part of the protest deposit be forfeited where the protest has been considered and not sustained, or where the protest has not been properly lodged, or as otherwise provided in these rules. The protest fee will be returned if the protest is upheld less a $50.00 administration fee.
17.7 - If, at any time after the expiration of the prescribed period for submission of a protest, evidence is presented which could have constituted grounds for a protest, such evidence shall be considered at the discretion of the League Discipline Committee
17.8 - Objection to grounds, goalposts, ball do not constitute grounds for a protest. The referee shall require the responsible club to correct the cause of the objection if this is possible without unduly delaying progress of the game. Objections of this nature, however, should be given in writing to the referee by half time and the referee must report the objections to the League. The League may take any necessary action to prevent a recurrence of these conditions including but not limited to fining or disciplining the offending team.
17.9 - Any protest, once lodged with the League may not be withdrawn, except by permission of the League Discipline Committee
17.10 - Any club, team or player dissatisfied with the decision of the League Discipline Committee on any protest shall have the right to appeal, at its own expense, to the TSA Executive Committee.
17.11 - In the event that any decision is appealed to a higher authority, no person having previously heard the case shall be eligible to sit on the higher level of adjudication, which may hear the case.
17.12 - In the event the conditions of lodging a protest or an appeal are not met, the protest will automatically be ruled inadmissible.
18.0 - Appeals
18.1 - All appeals against decisions made with respect to the TDYSL by the League Discipline Committee shall be delivered to the TSA Executive Committee along with a cheque for $200.00 in accordance with the OSA Policies and Procedures.
18.2 - If the appeal is denied TSA will retain the total appeal fee of $200.00
If the appeal is upheld, TSA will retain the amount of $50.00 as an administrative fee.
18.3 - Any appeal decision of the TSA Executive Committee with respect to the MDSL may be appealed to the OSA Appeals Committee at the following address along with a cheque for $250.00 appeal fee:
OSA Discipline Committee
Ontario Soccer Association
7601 Martin Grove Rd Vaughan, Ontario, L4L 9E4
19.0 - General Rules
19.1 - Any club secretary or/and contact person changing his/her address or any club changing the secretary/contact person must notify the League Administrator in writing within seven (7) days.
Failure to comply with this rule shall render the club subject to a fine of $100.00.
19.2 - All clubs in membership shall place their players at the service of the TSA Men’s District League. Any player selected to play in a representative or other game arranged by the League who refuses to comply with the arrangements of the League for playing the game without good and sufficient cause, or fails to play in such game, may be judged by the League Management Committee to have been guilty of misconduct. Any club deemed to have encouraged or instigated any player or players to commit a breach of this rule shall be deemed guilty of similar misconduct. The player and the club may be punished in a manner that the League Management Committee and the League Discipline Committee may consider reasonable in the circumstances.
19.3 - All referees shall be appointed by the District Referee Coordinator or a referee convenor. In the event that the appointed referee does not attend the game, one of the appointed linesman or another referee shall be considered the appointed referee. In the event of the two teams failing to mutually agree on a substitute referee, the game must be postponed. Under no circumstances must the concerned teams play a friendly or exhibition game.
19.4 - The League Management Committee may declare any date to be a “closed date” and no games shall be played thereon except those sanctioned and approved by the League Management Committee.
19.5 - The League Discipline Committee shall have the right to deal with any player, any club official, any team official, any club or any team whose conduct, including its supporters’ conduct, may be deemed objectionable or detrimental in any way to the League or to the game of soccer. The League Discipline Committee may, through any of their members or otherwise, take notice of any player, any club official, any team official, any club or any team whose conduct, including its supporters conduct, may be deemed prejudicial to the welfare of the game, and deal with the matter in such manner as the League Discipline Committee may deem reasonable.
19.6 - No benefit games shall be played without the prior written consent of the League Management Committee, and no player or member of any club in membership with the League shall be entitled to participate in the proceeds of such benefit game without the prior written consent of the League Management Committee. Teams given permission to play such games must furnish a complete statement of accounts in connection therewith to the League Management Committee immediately after the game has taken place.
19.7 - No team with membership in the League shall play games outside the jurisdiction of this League without first receiving permission from the League Management Committee.
No team with membership in this League shall take part in any games for or against unaffiliated teams, or in unaffiliated competition under the jurisdiction of this League until reinstated by the TSA Credentials Committee.
19.8 - No team in membership shall stage or play games in any tournament, challenge principle or for any trophy or other award over which the League does not have jurisdiction without the prior written consent of the League Management Committee.
19.9 - No leagues shall be formed nor any competitions organized by any club or clubs without the prior written consent and approval of the TSA Credentials Committee. All teams competing in any division must become members of the TSA.
19.10 - Any club in membership with this League, or any member thereof, guilty of inducing or attempting to induct a bona-fide player of another club under the jurisdiction of the league, to leave his club and join them, shall be deemed guilty of misconduct. The club/team or member shall be liable to expulsion or other such penalty, as the League Discipline Committee may consider necessary as per O.S.A. Policies and Procedures.
20.0 - Other Rules and Regulations
20.1 - The League may make such miscellaneous Rules and Regulations as may be deemed necessary to promote, develop and govern the game.
20.2 - The League may impose such other regulatory measures, as it deems necessary, for the efficient administration of the playing structure of the game within its jurisdiction.
20.3 - No such regulation may violate the individual’s rights or freedom except as may be required to protect the rights and freedom of any other individual and to ensure the stability of the basic structure of the game.
20.4 - The League Management Committee has the right to refer to the League Discipline Committee or/and TSA Credentials Committee teams and/or clubs where it is deemed necessary to maintain a high degree of control over the game of soccer. Teams/Clubs may be required to post bonds for future participation in the league as required.
20.5 – All written communication must be submitted to the league office by the club representative.
