Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting May 12, 2016 1 BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting Foreword
Dear BC Soccer Member, As we continually work to review and improve BC Soccer’s Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, building from last year, over the last 6 to 8 months we have been reviewing the BC Soccer rules and regulations along with the bylaws from the perspective of putting forward appropriate amendments to update items, reflect current practice, assist with improving understanding and grow the game. This document outlines the Proposed Bylaw Amendments, Rule Changes Requiring Ratification, and proposed Rule Amendments for consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting which is to be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016. PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS Bylaw Article Page Amendment #1 ARTICLE 2 ‐ INTERPRETATION 4 #2 ARTICLE 2 ‐ INTERPRETATION 4 #3 ARTICLE 11 ‐ DISTRICTS 5 #4 ARTICLE 11 ‐ DISTRICTS 6 #5 ARTICLE 11 ‐ DISTRICTS ARTICLE 12 ‐ YOUTH DISTRICT AND ADULT LEAGUE BOARDS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS ARTICLE 12 ‐ YOUTH DISTRICT AND ADULT LEAGUE BOARDS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS ARTICLE 12 ‐ YOUTH DISTRICT AND ADULT LEAGUE BOARDS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS ARTICLE 15 – ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION 7 #6 #7 #8 #9 RULE CHANGES REQUIRING RATIFICATION 8 9 9 Rule Rule Ratification #1 8 Page RULE 22 ‐ YOUTH PLAYERS ‐ ZONING 10 PROPOSED RULE AMENDMENTS Rule Rule Amendment Page #1 DEFINITIONS 11 #2 DEFINITIONS 11 2
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 RULE 2 – PLAYER AGE LIMITS
RULE 2 – PLAYER AGE LIMITS
RULE 2 – PLAYER AGE LIMITS
RULE 7 – TRANSFER OF PLAYERS RULE 11 ‐ PROTESTS RULE 18 ‐ TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS
RULE 21 – RISK MANAGEMENT
RULE 23 – RULES OF PLAY ‐ YOUTH
RULE 26 ‐ RULES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE BC SOCCER HIGH PERFORMANCE LEAGUE 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 DOCUMENTS SUBJECT TO REVIEW Document Title #1 Small Sided Development Manual Page 22 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A – RULE AMENDMENT #1 & #8 RATIONALE 23 APPENDIX B – U13 RETREAT LINE GUIDELINES 29 APPENDIX C – SMALL SIDED DEVELOPMENT MANUAL 33 I am looking forward to presenting the amendments for your consideration at the AGM. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Yours in soccer, Rob Lennox VP, Youth Governance Committee Chairperson Membership Committee Chairperson [email protected] 3
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS
BYLAW AMENDMENT #1 ARTICLE 2 ‐ INTERPRETATION The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 2 ‐ INTERPRETATION 1.a. to add/insert iv. and renumber the remainder: Proposed iv) “BC Soccer Registered Referee” or “Referee” shall mean a person registered as qualified under these regulations who may be engaged as a Game Official; Rationale This amendment is proposed to provide a definition of a BC Soccer Registered Referee. BYLAW AMENDMENT #2 ARTICLE 2 ‐ INTERPRETATION The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 2 ‐ INTERPRETATION 1.a. to add/insert xviii: Proposed xviii) “Team Official” shall mean the coach, assistant coach, manager or other person registered with BC Soccer who oversees the operation of an affiliated team; Rationale This amendment is proposed to provide a definition for a Team Official. 4
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting BYLAW AMENDMENT #3 ARTICLE 11 ‐ DISTRICTS The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 11.1 as follows: Current 1) Youth District boundaries are defined by the Board in consultation with the Youth District Associations, in the following manner: Youth Districts Registering Boys a)
Delta: Consists of the Municipality of Delta, that area of Surrey bounded by 40th Avenue on the north, 196th Street on the east, the 49th parallel to the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Also the part of Surrey bounded by 96th Avenue on the south, 120th Street on the east and River Road on the north and west. b)
Surrey Metro Soccer: Shall be bounded by the Delta District boundaries on the west and on the south and the Fraser River to the north and 196th Street on the east. Youth Districts Registering Girls c)
South District Girls: Consists of the area west of 196th Street and bounded by the 49th parallel on the south and the Fraser River to the north, and including the Cities of Surrey, Delta, and White Rock. Youth Districts Registering Boys and Girls Proposed 1) Youth District boundaries are defined by the Board in consultation with the Youth District Associations, in the following manner: Youth Districts Registering Boys (To be Removed from Bylaws Effective August 1, 2017) a) Delta: Consists of the Municipality of Delta, that area of Surrey bounded by 40th Avenue on the north, 196th Street on the east, the 49th parallel to the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Also the part of Surrey bounded by 96th Avenue on the south, 120th Street on the east and River Road on the north and west. b) Surrey Metro Soccer: Shall be bounded by the Delta District boundaries on the west and on the south and the Fraser River to the north and 196th Street on the east. 5
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting Youth Districts Registering Girls (To be Removed from Bylaws Effective August 1, 2017) c) South District Girls: Consists of the area west of 196th Street and bounded by the 49th parallel on the south and the Fraser River to the north, and including the Cities of Surrey, Delta, and White Rock. Rationale  To eliminate gender‐specific Districts  Simplify governance structures  Remove duplication of reporting for clubs BYLAW AMENDMENT #4 ARTICLE 11 ‐ DISTRICTS The Board of Directors propose to add/insert Article 11.1.jj and renumber the remainder: Proposed jj) South Fraser: Consists of the area west of 196th Street and bounded by the 49th parallel on the south and the Fraser River to the north, and including the Cities of Surrey, Delta, and White Rock. (Effective April 1, 2017) Rationale  To eliminate gender‐specific Districts  Simplify governance structures  Remove duplication of reporting for clubs  NOTE: The only jurisdiction between April 1, 2017 – July 31, 2017 of the new district is for the purpose of submitting teams from within the new district into Youth Inter District Leagues for the 2017‐18 Fall/Winter Coastal playing season. 6
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting BYLAW AMENDMENT #5 ARTICLE 11 ‐ DISTRICTS The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 11.2 as follows: Existing 2) The term "Coastal Districts" shall include the following Youth Districts: a) Alouette b) Burnaby c) Delta d) Fraser Valley e) Lower Island f) North Shore g) Richmond h) South District Girls i) Surrey Metro j) Tri Cities k) Upper Island l) Vancouver Proposed 2) The term "Coastal Districts" shall include the following Youth Districts: a) Alouette b) Burnaby c) Delta (To be Removed from Bylaws Effective August 1, 2017) d) Fraser Valley e) Lower Island f) North Shore g) Richmond h) South District Girls (To be Removed from Bylaws Effective August 1, 2017) i) South Fraser (Effective April 1, 2017) j) Surrey Metro (To be Removed from Bylaws Effective August 1, 2017) k) Tri Cities l) Upper Island m) Vancouver Rationale  To eliminate gender‐specific Districts  Simplify governance structures  Remove duplication of reporting for clubs  NOTE: The only jurisdiction between April 1, 2017 – July 31, 2017 of the new district is for the purpose of submitting teams from within the new district into Youth Inter District Leagues for the 2017‐18 Fall/Winter Coastal playing season. 7
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting BYLAW AMENDMENT #6 ARTICLE 12 ‐ YOUTH DISTRICT AND ADULT LEAGUE BOARDS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 12.1.c as follows: Existing c) District Associations may only affiliate not for profit registered society clubs. i) Not for profit affiliate clubs shall provide to their District Association within the previous 12 months and annually proof of filing of the affiliated club’s Society Annual Report (form 11). Proposed c) District Associations may only affiliate not for profit registered society clubs who annually complete at a minimum Notice to Reader financial statements. i) Not for profit affiliate clubs shall provide to their District Association within the previous 12 months and annually proof of filing of the affiliated club’s Society Annual Report (form 11). ii) Not for profit affiliate clubs shall provide at a minimum Notice to Reader financial statements, which have been prepared by a licensed CPA, to their District Association within 30 days of the club’s Annual General Meeting. Review and Audit Engagements are preferred. Rationale To ensure each BC Soccer member and affiliated clubs have appropriate measures to ensure financial responsibility. _____________________________________________________________________________________ BYLAW AMENDMENT #7 ARTICLE 12 ‐ YOUTH DISTRICT AND ADULT LEAGUE BOARDS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 12.2.k and delete 12.2.l and renumber the remainder as follows: Existing k) Each Youth District Association shall submit a copy of its financial statements for the current fiscal period to BC Soccer within 30 days of its Annual General Meeting. l)
Each District Association must have their financial statements reviewed at a minimum every two years by an independent review committee consisting of not less than 3 persons. All reviewed financial statements must be submitted to BC Soccer within 50 days after the Youth District fiscal year end. Failure to submit bi‐annual reviewed financial statements may result in that Youth District becoming a member not in good standing with BC Soccer. 8
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting Proposed k) Each Youth District Association shall provide at a minimum Notice to Reader financial statements, which have been prepared by a licensed CPA, to BC Soccer within 30 days of the district’s Annual General Meeting. Review and Audit Engagements are acceptable. Rationale To ensure each BC Soccer member has appropriate measures to ensure financial responsibility. _____________________________________________________________________________________ BYLAW AMENDMENT #8 ARTICLE 12 ‐ YOUTH DISTRICT AND ADULT LEAGUE BOARDS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS The Board of Directors propose to insert Article 12.3.l and renumber the remainder as follows: Proposed l) Each Adult League shall provide at a minimum Notice to Reader financial statements, which have been prepared by a licensed CPA, to BC Soccer within 30 days of the league’s Annual General Meeting. Review and Audit Engagements are preferred. Rationale To ensure each BC Soccer member has appropriate measures to ensure financial responsibility. _____________________________________________________________________________________ BYLAW AMENDMENT #9 ARTICLE 15 – ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION The Board of Directors propose to amend Article 15.1 as follows: Existing 1) BC Soccer, its Members, Leagues and Clubs, players, officials and volunteers will not take disputes to ordinary courts of law, without first exhausting all available remedies as provided for by independent and duly constituted arbitration tribunals recognized under the rules of the Association, Canada Soccer, CONCACAF, or FIFA . Proposed 1) Any person or organization will not take disputes to ordinary courts of law, without first exhausting all available remedies as provided for by independent and duly constituted arbitration tribunals recognized under the rules of the Association, Canada Soccer, CONCACAF, or FIFA . Rationale To specify that this bylaw applies to all individuals, organizations and stakeholders within the soccer community and provide consistency with BC Soccer’s Conduct, Ethics and Discipline Standards Policy. 9
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting \ RULE CHANGES REQUIRING RATIFICATION
RULE RATIFICATION #1 RULE 22 ‐ YOUTH PLAYERS ‐ ZONING The Board of Directors propose amend Rule 22.a and add 22.b, renumbering the remainder Existing a) Youth aged player, to retain youth status, must register and play within the district which administers soccer for the area in which that player resides at the time of their first league game of the season except as specified in Rule 22 b) and d) and Rule 26. b) A player wishing to play Out‐of‐District will be granted a release from the district in which he/she resides, upon request and receipt of a completed District Release Application Form from that district’s registrar or designate. Proposed RULE 22 ‐ YOUTH PLAYERS ‐ ZONING a) Youth aged player, to retain youth status, must register and play within the district which administers soccer for the area in which that player resides at the time of their first league game of the season except as specified in Rule 22 b), c) and d) and Rule 26. b) Players participating in provincial and/or national programming will register with the Youth District where they reside via BC Soccer. c) A player wishing to play Out‐of‐District will be granted a release from the district in which he/she resides, upon request and receipt of a completed District Release Application Form from that district’s registrar or designate. Rationale  To provide for the inclusion of registering provincial/national program players (i.e. BC REX Program) in BC Soccer’s Rules & Regulations and clarify where the players’ registration will be represented in terms of membership and voting. o Similar to players who participate in the BCHPL, the players will register with the Youth District where they reside via BC Soccer so that the player numbers count toward the appropriate Youth Districts vote. 10
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDMENT #1 PROPOSED RULE AMENDMENTS
DEFINITIONS The Board of Directors propose to add/insert a. and renumber the remainder: Proposed a) “BC Soccer Short‐Term Event Player Permit” shall mean a permit which enables a player to participate in a BC Soccer sanctioned event that lasts no longer than 10 days Rationale Please refer to Appendix A RULE AMENDMENT #2 DEFINITIONS The Board of Directors propose to amend dd. as follows: Existing dd) “Playing up” shall be defined by BC Soccer’s current Playing Up Policy; Proposed dd) “Playing up” shall be defined by BC Soccer’s current Playing Up Policy and Regulation; Rationale Housekeeping; to reflect update to the policy name. 11
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDMENT #3 RULE 2 – PLAYER AGE LIMITS The Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 2.f as follows: Existing f) Youth players are ineligible to play in an age category for which they attain the limiting age before the first day of January (January 1) of the current calendar year, unless permission is granted as defined in the 2014 BC Soccer Playing Down Policy. AGE ELIGIBILITY CHART Using January 1 Cut‐Off Date Born in or after the current calendar year (Current calendar year is the year in which play ends) SEASON (Year in U‐18 U‐17 U‐16 U‐15 U‐14 U‐13 U‐12 U‐11 U‐10 U‐9 U‐8 U‐7 U‐6 which play ends) 2013 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
2014 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2015 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
2016 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
2017 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2018 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2019 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
2020 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2021 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
2022 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
EXAMPLE: A player born in 2000 would be in the U18 age category for the season ending in the year 2017 Proposed f) Youth players are ineligible to play in an age category for which they attain the limiting age before the first day of January (January 1) of the current calendar year, unless permission is granted as defined in the 2014 BC Soccer Playing Down Policy. AGE ELIGIBILITY CHART Using January 1 Cut‐Off Date Born in or after the current calendar year (Current calendar year is the year in which play ends) 12
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting SEASON (Year in which play ends) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 U‐18 U‐17 U‐16 U‐15 U‐14 U‐13 U‐12 U‐11 U‐10 U‐9 U‐8 U‐7 U‐6 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2001
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EXAMPLE: A player born in 2000 would be in the U18 age category for the season ending in the year 2017 Rationale Housekeeping – to update the Age Eligibility Chart RULE AMENDMENT #4 RULE 2 – PLAYER AGE LIMITS The Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 2 to add/insert 2.h and renumber the remainder: Proposed h) Adult U21 age categories shall comprise of affiliated teams whose players have not attained their twenty‐first birthday prior to January 1st of the current calendar year. Rationale To clarify age requirements of U21 adult player category 13
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDMENT #5 RULE 2 – PLAYER AGE LIMITS The Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 2 i. as follows: Existing i) A women’s CLASSIC age category shall comprise of affiliated teams whose players have attained their thirtieth (30) birthday prior to January 1st of the current calendar year. For Coastal BC the current calendar year is the year in which play ends. Proposed i) A women’s MASTERS age category shall comprise of affiliated teams whose players have attained their thirtieth (30) birthday prior to January 1st of the current calendar year. For Coastal BC the current calendar year is the year in which play ends. Rationale To recognize Canada Soccer’s name change from Classics to Masters. RULE AMENDMENT #6 RULE 7 – TRANSFER OF PLAYERS The Board of Directors propose to amend RULE 7.b.iii as follows: Existing iii) Players registered on teams in the Under 10 and younger age groups may transfer at any time during their playing season. Proposed iii) Players registered on teams in the Under 12 and younger age groups may transfer at any time within their own age group during their playing season. Rationale To enable flexible movement of players for development purposes. 14
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDMENT #7 RULE 11 ‐ PROTESTS The Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 11.h as follows: Existing h) A protest of any league, district or provincial cup game must be submitted within forty‐eight (48) hours of the date of the match to which it relates. The protesting team official shall be responsible for proof of meeting this time line. Proposed h) A protest of any league or district cup game must be submitted within forty‐eight (48) hours of the date of the match to which it relates. The protesting team official shall be responsible for proof of meeting this time line. Rationale To enable BC Soccer Provincial Cup Rules to provide more appropriate detail regarding timelines 15
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDMENT #8 RULE 18 ‐ TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS The Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 18.c as follows: Existing c) Entry into an approved tournament(s) shall be limited to teams, which are properly affiliated with this Association and/or other Provincial/State Associations. Teams participating from outside the jurisdiction of BC Soccer must first receive the written approval from the Provincial or State Association of which they are affiliated. Only properly registered players, in good standing shall be permitted to participate in the tournament. Proposed c) Entry into an approved tournament(s) shall be limited to teams, which are properly affiliated with this Association and/or other Provincial/State Associations. Teams participating from outside the jurisdiction of BC Soccer must first receive the written approval from the Provincial or State Association of which they are affiliated. Only properly registered players, or those players who have been granted a BC Soccer Short‐Term Event Player Permit and are in good standing shall be permitted to participate in the tournament. Rationale Please refer to Appendix A 16
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDMENT #9 RULE 21 – RISK MANAGEMENT The Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 21 as follows: Existing a) All BC Soccer directors and every volunteer or employee of BC Soccer, age 19 and over, who at any time could be expected in the performance of their duties to: i) be with any minor aged person; ii) be entrusted with performing financial duties; iii) be responsible for book keeping or bank account(s) or any other monetary duties; must have on file the results of a specified Criminal Record Check completed within the previous 12 months from an agency approved by BC Soccer. b) All directors and every volunteer or employee of an affiliated BC Soccer organization, age 19 and over who at any time could be expected in the performance of their duties to: i) be with any minor aged person must have on file the results of a Criminal Record Check completed within the previous 36 months from an agency approved by BC Soccer. ii) be entrusted with performing financial duties must have on file the results of a Criminal Record Check completed within the previous 36 months from an agency approved by BC Soccer. iii) be responsible for book keeping, bank account(s) or any monetary duties must have on file the results of a Criminal Record Check completed within the previous 36 months from an agency approved by BC Soccer. c) The type of Criminal Record Check submitted by volunteers is to be specified by BC Soccer. Proposed a) All BC Soccer directors and every volunteer or employee of BC Soccer or an affiliated BC Soccer organization, age 19 and over, who at any time could be expected in the performance of their duties to: ii) be entrusted with performing financial duties; iii) be responsible for book keeping or bank account(s) or any other monetary duties; must have on file the results of a Criminal Record Check. b) All BC Soccer directors and every volunteer or employee of BC Soccer or an affiliated BC Soccer organization, age 19 and over, who at any time could be expected in the performance of their duties to: 17
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting i)
be with any vulnerable person must have on file the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check. c) All directors and every volunteer or employee of BC Soccer, age 19 and over, must have the results of a completed Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check on file from within the last 12 months. All directors and every volunteer or employee of a BC Soccer affiliated organization, age 19 and over, must have the results of a completed Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check on file from within the last 36 months. Rationale  To specify when a Vulnerable Sector Check is required in addition to a standard Criminal Record Check  To be inclusive of vulnerable persons who may/may not be minors; for example, seniors and people with disabilities RULE AMENDMENT #10 RULE 23 – RULES OF PLAY ‐ YOUTH Lower Island Soccer Association move to add/insert Rule 23.d and renumber the remainder as follows: Proposed d) All Youth Districts shall administer the retreat line for the U13 age group in all playing environments under the U13 Retreat Line Guidelines as produced and published by the BC Soccer Soccer Development Department, and approved by the Board of Directors of BC Soccer. Rationale To ensure the Retreat Line is consistently implemented amongst all U13 playing environments. U13 Retreat Line Guideline available in Appendix B for reference 18
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting RULE AMENDEMENT #11 RULE 26 ‐ RULES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE BC SOCCER HIGH PERFORMANCE LEAGUE The BC Soccer Board of Directors propose to amend Rule 26 as follows: Existing RULE 26 ‐ RULES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE BC SOCCER HIGH PERFORMANCE LEAGUE a) BC Soccer shall oversee the operation of the BC Soccer High Performance League, herein known as the BCHPL b) The BCHPL shall be managed by a Board of Governors operating under bylaws approved by BC Soccer. c) The Board of Governors of the BCHPL shall create such rules as necessary for the operation of the league subject to the approval of BC Soccer, such rules to be submitted to BC Soccer a minimum of 90 days prior to their implementation for approval of the Board of Directors of BC Soccer. i) The Board of Directors of BC Soccer may waive the 90 day provision without prejudice and solely at their discretion. ii) Unless specifically stated in Rule 26, the League rules shall be consistent with the balance of the rules and regulations of BC Soccer. iii) The league shall operate under the principles of the CSA/BC Soccer Long Term Player Development program as amended from time to time. d) The BCHPL shall be open to Youth Players whose parents or guardians are residents of British Columbia; for the purpose of this section residency shall be determined by the relevant sections of Rule 22 a i, and 22 a ii e) Youth Players will register with the Youth District where they reside via BC Soccer. f) The BCHPL shall pay Association fee’s on the player’s behalf for those who register with them and play in the BCHPL as specified in BC Soccer’s fee schedule as modified from time to time. g) Teams playing in the BCHPL shall only be permitted to register for the Provincial Premier Cup. h) The BCHPL is granted variance from the Rules of BC Soccer as follows: i) Rule 22 shall not apply to the BCHPL except as noted in d) above. 19
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting ii) The playing season and registration period for the BCHPL shall be from January to December of each year regardless of Coastal or Interior residency. iii) The rules of the BCHPL may contain a provision for Youth to Youth Permits for League and the Provincial Cup Rules for Provincial Cup, however commitments to a players registered team shall have priority in all cases pursuant to Rule 26. iv) BCHPL shall be deemed to be compliant with Rule 13 by following the provisions of Rule 26. v) For the purposes of development only, a technical staff member of a BCHPL team shall be permitted to approach the Coach and Technical Director responsible for any other teams to request permission to contact players of that team to offer an opportunity for promotion, such permission shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any other contact shall be deemed as poaching as described in Rule 6. Proposed RULE 26 ‐ RULES FOR THE OPERATION OF BC SOCCER HIGH PERFORMANCE LEAGUES a) BC Soccer shall oversee the operation of youth and/or adult BC Soccer High Performance Leagues. b) A BC Soccer High Performance League shall be managed by a Board of Governors and/or Committee operating under bylaws approved by BC Soccer. c) The Board of Governors of any BC Soccer High Performance League shall create such rules as necessary for the operation of the league subject to the approval of BC Soccer, such rules to be submitted to BC Soccer a minimum of 90 days prior to their implementation for approval of the Board of Directors of BC Soccer. i) The Board of Directors of BC Soccer may waive the 90‐day provision without prejudice and solely at their discretion. ii) Unless specifically stated in Rule 26, the League rules shall be consistent with the balance of the rules and regulations of BC Soccer. iii) Leagues shall operate under the principles of the CSA/BC Soccer Long Term Player Development program as amended from time to time. d) For the purposes of development only, a technical staff member of a BCHPL team shall be permitted to approach the Coach and Technical Director responsible for any other teams to request permission to contact players of that team to offer an opportunity for promotion, such permission shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any other contact shall be deemed as poaching as described in Rule 6. 20
BC Soccer Amendments for Consideration at the 2016 Annual General Meeting e) BC Soccer High Performance Leagues shall be open to players who are residents of British Columbia. f) BC Soccer High Performance Leagues shall pay Association fee’s on players’ behalves specified in BC Soccer’s fee schedule as modified from time to time. g) BC Soccer High Performance Leagues shall be deemed to be compliant with Rule 13 by following the provisions of Rule 26. Youth h) Youth Players will register with the Youth District where they reside via BC Soccer. i) Residency shall be determined by the relevant sections of Rule 22 a i, and 22 a ii i) The playing season and registration period for the shall be from January to December of each year regardless of Coastal or Interior residency. j) Youth teams playing in a BC Soccer High Performance League shall only be permitted to register for the Provincial Premier Cup. k) A youth BC Soccer High Performance League is granted variance from the Rules of BC Soccer as follows: i) Rule 22 shall not apply to the BCHPL except as noted in d) above. ii) The rules of the youth BC Soccer High Performance League may contain a provision for Youth to Youth Permits for League and the Provincial Cup Rules for Provincial Cup, however commitments to a players registered team shall have priority in all cases pursuant to Rule 26. Adult l) Adult Players of a BC Soccer High Performance League will submit registration to the League Registrar who will in turn record each registration and submit the registration data to BC Soccer as per the Registration Policy Manual. m) The playing season and registration period for the shall be the “summer” season as defined in Rule 3. Rationale To allow for an adult high performance league (for example, Regional Tier 3 League). 21
DOCUMENTS SUBJECT TO REVIEW
DOCUMENT #1 BC SOCCER SMALL SIDED DEVELOPMENT MANUAL Per Rule 23.c.iii. which states, “The Small‐Sided Soccer Development Manual shall be subject to review by the membership at any General Meeting of BC Soccer,” the BC Soccer Board of Directors propose to implement the Small Sided Soccer Development Manual as presented in Appendix C. 22 2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX A RULE AMENDMENT #1 & #8 RATIONALE BC SOCCER RECOMMENDATION: SHORT‐TERM EVENTS, PLAYER REGISTRATION & REFEREES OVERVIEW This document proposes amendments to BC Soccer Short‐Term Events regulations to clarify current rules, simplify administration, ensure better compliance with FIFA/Canada Soccer/BC Soccer rules, and allow Members to apply to give unregistered players the right to play in sanctioned short‐term events. 23 2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX A SITUATION ANALYSIS The soccer community in BC arranges and participates in numerous tournaments (short‐term events, up to ten days) which BC Soccer sanctions based on application. In addition to events arranged directly by its members and affiliated clubs, BC Soccer also receives sanctioning applications from other organizations, who wish to receive the benefits of membership, especially access to registered referees, just for the duration of the event, and registered referees wish to officiate and earn income from such events. As a condition of its membership in Canada Soccer, BC Soccer has the statutory responsibility to ensure FIFA and Canada Soccer rules are followed in organised soccer in British Columbia, some of which affect how such events are conducted. These governing body rules include: FIFA: Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players: Article 5 Registration 1. A player must be registered at an association to play for a club as either a professional or an amateur in accordance with the provisions of article 2. Only registered players are eligible to participate in organised football. By the act of registering, a player agrees to abide by the statutes and regulations of FIFA, the confederations and the associations. * Definitions Section 6 states that organised football is: “Association football organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations and the associations, or authorised by them.” Canada Soccer Association Rules: 5.13 Registration of Amateur Players a) Restriction of Players i. All players must be registered in order to compete. 20.9 Appointments a) Registered Referees shall not officiate in any Competition or League which is not sanctioned or a Match in which unaffiliated clubs compete. BC Soccer Rules & Regulations RULE 18 ‐ TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS c) Entry into an approved tournament(s) shall be limited to teams, which are properly affiliated with this Association and/or other Provincial/State Associations. Teams participating from outside the jurisdiction of BC Soccer must first receive the written approval from the Provincial or State Association of which they are affiliated. Only properly registered players, in good standing shall be permitted to participate in the tournament. The FIFA/Canada Soccer/BC Soccer regulatory framework which BC Soccer has the statutory obligation to ensure is followed within its domain is very clear ‐ in order to participate in sanctioned soccer, all players must be registered, and registered referees must only referee sanctioned matches. BC Soccer constantly receives requests from members and others to: 1. Sanction events not organized by members 24
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX A 2. Sanction events that will have unregistered players 3. Allow referees to officiate in non‐member events The approach taken in recent years is that applications for sanctioning must include approval from members, who are given the responsibility to enforce compliance with Rules and Regulations by the tournament organizers. This approach has proven to be very problematic: A. It is clear that members are not aware that by signing off they are taking on the responsibility of carrying out the function of ensuring compliance with rules, and they do not want to have this responsibility. B. In a number of cases, members are being sued over occurrences at tournaments which they have endorsed and “signed‐off”. To ensure improved member service, compliance and appropriately encourage the growth of soccer, BC Soccer needs to review and modify its operating practices. This paper proposes an approach to bring this about. FIFA AND CANDADA SOCCER FRAMEWORK While the written regulatory framework described above is very clear, precedence has been set whereby FIFA/Canada Soccer grants numerous exemptions to these rules. BC Soccer has the ability to amend its rules and policies to allow it to grant some exemptions similar to FIFA/Canada Soccer practices, within its own jurisdiction, conditional upon complying with rules in other regards, and conditional upon the scope of the exemptions being strictly for resident BC players, as Canada Soccer and other national associations have exclusive domain over players who live outside of BC. A clear example of Canada Soccer/FIFA granting such an exemption is university and college soccer. Post‐
secondary institutions do not register players with Canada Soccer or FIFA, but nonetheless FIFA/Canada Soccer direct that registered referees officiate at these games. FIFA directs its members to supply referees for international university competition, and Canada Soccer directs BC Soccer to schedule referees for all college and university soccer in BC, even though players do not register with BC Soccer, Canada Soccer or FIFA (except if by coincidence they also play community soccer). Canada Soccer and FIFA also allow unregistered players to participate in soccer in two other situations: 1. Within certain provisions unregistered players can apply for permission to participate in matches sanctioned by the national body, under a system referred as “scratch” teams and players (i.e. American Masters Games). 2. The FIFA “Live Your Goals” festivals and other initiatives seeking to engage prospective players. 25
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX A RECOMMENDATION To improve compliance with our own and our governing bodies’ requirements, and to ease the administrative responsibilities of our membership, we should modify how applications for sanctioning of Short‐Term Events should be handled. Short‐term events are defined as follows: A short‐term event is soccer activity lasting a maximum of 10 days. Short‐term events are primarily tournaments, but also include one‐off exhibition games. (Note 1) For the majority of short‐term events, there will be no change to the current regulations. Current grey areas are addressed, some regulations are eased, but we must also commit to ensure much better compliance with clear FIFA, Canada Soccer and BC Soccer regulations. Four kinds of events are defined: 1. Events of Multi‐Sport Organizations (MSOs) and Disability Sport Organizations (DSOs) Soccer is often one sport among many arranged by multi‐sport organizations which have their own procedures for registration, governance, discipline, etc., i.e. are self‐governing. BC Soccer already has a membership category for MSOs/DSOs, which offers these members access to referees and other benefits. These members include BC High School Sports, Colleges and Universities (2) and BC Special Olympics, the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council and the BC Seniors Games. (3) For matches within their competitions, with teams only from within their own membership, these members do not need to apply for Short‐Term event membership. BC Soccer/Canada Soccer registered referees are allowed to officiate in any of their matches. Only provincially/nationally recognized MSO/DSO bodies are eligible for this category. The rules governing the eligibly and conduct of players and team officials must be under the control of the management committee (or similar) of the Competition, subject to the overriding authority or The Association or PSO concerned and shall in so far as practical be in conformity with the rules. 2. Events Organized by BC Soccer Members This category of events is primarily covered in BC Soccer Rule 18 – Tournament Rules and Regulations. These events include:  Tournaments arranged by BC Soccer members or affiliated clubs, including associate members, which would be managed as now through an application to host a tournament  Other organizations, excluding unaffiliated soccer clubs or leagues, arranging a soccer event, competition or tournament. Examples the “Nations Cup” or “Beach Blast”. Such non‐members would, as now, apply for “Short‐Term Event” member status, and agree to meet all requirements of membership of the organised soccer family. As part of “organised football”, tournaments arranged by BC Soccer members (year‐round or short‐term) must adhere to the rules stating “Only properly registered players, in good standing shall be permitted to participate in the tournament” and other requirements of BC Soccer and higher bodies. 26
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX A It has become apparent that tournament hosts often do not seem to be aware they have these obligations as part of organized soccer. Accordingly, communication of these requirements must be strengthened in application documentation, and acceptance of these rules be acknowledged by applicants. However, following the FIFA/Canada Soccer lead, and some other PSOs (e.g., Alberta Soccer), BC Soccer can extend the definition of eligible participants in a tournament beyond (season‐long) registered players to include “short‐term event” players allowed to play via BC Soccer temporary player permit only in a named sanctioned tournament or match. This would be affected by introducing a new “BC Soccer Short‐Term Event Player Permit” (STP), giving players approved by BC Soccer the right to participate in that sanctioned event only, (a sanctioned tournament or sanctioned exhibition game). These players would be deemed eligible to participate in that event as if they were a registered player. BC Soccer would accept applications for STPs of unregistered players from any active member, affiliated club or associate member. Applications will not be allowed through unaffiliated clubs, nor can individual players apply directly for permits. It is entirely within Members’/affiliated clubs’ rights to apply for STPs or not, at their discretion. BC Soccer will set a per player fee payable for each event. (4) As a part of this BC Soccer’s Rule 18 c) would be changed to include the wording highlighted in yellow: RULE 18 ‐ TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS c) Entry into an approved tournament(s) shall be limited to teams, which are properly affiliated with this Association and/or other Provincial/State Associations. Teams participating from outside the jurisdiction of BC Soccer must first receive the written approval from the Provincial or State Association of which they are affiliated. Only properly registered players, or those players who have been granted a BC Soccer Short‐
Term Event Player Permit and are in good standing shall be permitted to participate in the tournament. In addition, Active Members/Affiliated clubs are entitled to host a festival to reach out to unregistered players. This could be a community event such as “Discover Your Sport”, a short introduction to soccer, or a “Live Your Goals” kind of festival. This kind of event must be very limited, e.g., children are only there for a few hours, and be largely training/coach‐led activity. It strictly cannot be used for any soccer event with a schedule of games. 3. Events Organized by Soccer Bodies Not BC Soccer Members Unaffiliated soccer clubs or leagues or other ongoing soccer bodies which choose not to be members of BC Soccer are strictly not eligible for short‐term event membership or tournament sanctioning. Referees are not permitted to officiate their games. There can be no exemption for an organization not prepared to pay the fees or not being willing to follow the rules and conditions that apply to all other members of organised soccer. To do otherwise would be completely contrary to FIFA regulations. 4. Referees for Charitable or Social Soccer Activities. As a popular sport, soccer is occasionally used as part of a community festival or charitable or social activity. For example, a soccer club may have a game to raise money for cancer research, a municipality, company, union or recognized community group may hold a purely recreational soccer game or games as part of a larger event and wish them to be properly officiated. If soccer is secondary to the purpose of the event, the organization will be able to apply for special dispensation to use BC Soccer/Canada Soccer 27
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX A registered referees. It must be evident that the purpose is not a soccer competition or event ‐ soccer must be very secondary to the event’s purpose, with an over‐riding social or community purpose. (5) Individual matches (not Competition matches) may be played for charity or some similar object approved by The Association or PSO in accordance with BC Soccer RULE 14 – CHARITY COMPETITIONS. In addition, given the strong political and social imperative for Canadian society to fully involve First Nations in broader communities and activities, and soccer’s rich history within First Nations groups, the BC Soccer Board (only) may approve events or programs with First Nations to ease and make possible eventual full participation of First Nations in the broader soccer community. Notes: 1. Any soccer program involving scheduled games over a period lasting longer than ten days is defined as a league, regardless of whether scores are kept, and/or what the league is called. If there is a schedule of fixtures over longer than a ten‐day period, the program is subject to the regulations which govern leagues. Cup competitions arranged by leagues are also considered part of the league. Accordingly, any scheduled “series of exhibition games” over more than 10 days is a league, and is subject to all league play regulations. 2. There is a specific associate member category for Colleges and universities, “Post‐Secondary Institutions”, which is treated for these rules as a component of the broader MSO category. 3. Soccer in the BC Summer and BC Winter Games events are directly arranged by BC Soccer and are therefore an official competition of BC Soccer. As an Association competition, all players must be registered. 4. The fee is yet to be set at $15/player/event. Applications would need to be made in advance of the event. There is no limit to the number of applications that may be made for an individual player in a playing season. The fee would be payable for each event. Members travelling to an event outside BC (e.g., in a US tournament) must include any permitted players on travel applications 5. This allowance is only to be used for “one‐off” special events, with a broader social purpose, e.g., a charitable, fund‐raising activity by a soccer body, or if soccer is a small part of a larger event organized by a non‐soccer group for other purposes. 28
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX B Under 13 Retreat Line Guidelines 29 2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX B Introduction The Retreat Line is a development tool that assists with the development of players, technically and as a team, tactically. It is currently implemented within all Small‐sided Under 12 and below playing environments and the following documentation provides the guidelines for implementation into the Under 13 age group playing environments throughout the BC Soccer Membership. Set up of the Retreat Line within the Laws of the Game Law 1: Field of Play The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Length (touch line):  Minimum 90 m * maximum 120 m Length (Attacking 3rd for Retreat Line)  Minimum 15 m (both sides of half) * maximum 20 m (both sides of half) Width (goal line):  Minimum 45 m * maximum 90 m Equipment to be used:
Corner Flag or Disc Cone The above equipment is to be used to mark the Retreat Line Retreat line markers are to be placed 1m off of the touchline 30
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX B Retreat Line Procedure ‐ U13 During a goal kick (Law 16), the opposing team retreats to the middle third of the field and may not pressure the ball until:  A teammate receives a pass from the Goalkeeper.  A long pass goes directly into the middle third of the field.  The ball leaves the field of play This is to help the goalkeeper learn to play out from the back. However, if a team wants to play quickly they can; the ball is in play as soon as it leaves the penalty area regardless of the defending team’s position. If a team repeatedly infringes the retreat line, an indirect free kick shall be awarded from the place where the offence occurred for not respecting the restart. Encroachment of retreat line: If the defending team encroaches across the retreat line before a teammate receives a pass, the referee will stop the play and the goal kick will be retaken. If the opposing team repeatedly encroaches the retreat line, then an indirect free kick shall be awarded from the place where the offence occurred for not respecting the restart of play. Making the Right Decision: A team is allowed to take the goal kick even if the opposing players are not behind the retreat line; however, if the team choose to do so, then the ball is in play as soon as it leaves the penalty area regardless of the opposing team’s position. 31
2016 Amendment Proposals APPENDIX B Development Benefits of the Retreat Line  The use of the retreat line for Under 13 players transitioning to eleven‐a‐side soccer increases the number of passing sequences and frequency of the ball advancing beyond the middle third from a goal kick.  The space generated by the retreat line allows players to practice appropriate dispersal, which enables supporting movement into channels to help advance the ball out of the defensive and middle thirds of the field. Also the space provides opportunities for goalkeepers to be more involved and practice their distribution.  The time generated by the retreat line allows attacking team players the opportunity to receive and play the ball into their teammates, which allows for players to repeatedly receive the ball with less pressure, that enhances the opportunity of three or more passes. 32
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