SAMMSL
(SAMMSL)
St Albert Soccer Association Men’s Masters Soccer League
By-Laws and General Rules and Regulations
(Effective April 1, 2013)
Players who register to play in SAMMSL must, as a condition of registration, agree to respect and abide by these By-Laws, General Rules and Regulations.
Adapted from the Senior Men’s Bylaws and General Rules and Regulations, dated April 8, 2002. The intent is to maintain consistency particularly with respect to discipline of rough, violent or unsportsmanlike play.
I. SCALE OF PUNISHMENTS FOR GAME REGULATION VIOLATIONS:
For the purpose of these rules,
“the ASA” means the Alberta Soccer Association;
“the Association or SASA” means the St Albert Soccer Association;
“the CSA” means the Canadian Soccer Association;
“the Disciplinary Chairman” means the person appointed by the Association to act as chair of the Association Disciplinary Committee;
“the Disciplinary Committee” means the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League Committee seized with an appeal from the original decision made by a Disciplinary Coordinator;
“the Disciplinary Coordinator” is the person or persons appointed or elected by the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League to make decisions in the first instance about the application of this disciplinary code to conduct of a player, team officer or team;
“team officers” means the team manager and coach and any assistants as identified on the Alberta Soccer Association form completed and signed for registration prior to each season;
“Game officials” means referees and assistant referees officiating a game;
“League or SAMMSL” means the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer Outdoor League or its indoor league;
“League officials” means those officials appointed or elected by SAMMSL members;
“season” means regular season games and tournament games;
“Registered Player” means proved registered player on ASA Form;
Registration closes July 31 (Outdoor) and January 31 (Indoor). All fines or protest fees noted in these rules and regulations to be made payable to the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League, and in the form of e-transfer, money order or cheque.
1. Registration Violations
1.1.Use of underage players.
1.2.Use of players without Player Registration Number (PRN) Cards during the season.
1.3.More than 25 registered players at any one time.
1.4.More than 5 registered players who are under age 40 as of time of registration.
1.5.Any player registered from EDSA ABOVE DIV. 1, MENS or MASTERS
Punishment:
First Occurrence – The team officers shall be reprimanded and ordered to pay a $50.00 fine.
Second Occurrence – In addition to the above, the team officers shall be suspended pending a hearing and disciplinary action by a Disciplinary Coordinator and ordered to pay a $100.00 fine minimum fine will be levied payable prior to any further participation in soccer.
Subsequent Occurrences – In addition to all the above, the team and tam officers shall b e suspended pending a hearing and disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Chairman and ordered to pay a $200.00 minimum fine will be levied payable prior to any further participation in soccer.
2. Non-registered and/or suspended players:
2.1.Use of non-registered players.
2.2.Use of suspended players.
Punishment:
First Occurrence – The team officers shall be reprimanded, and a $100.00 fine will be levied payable prior to any further participation in soccer. The unregistered or suspended player(s) shall be suspended for (1) year. A Discipline Coordinator who accepts that a suspended player played a suspension game in honest error or through miscommunication may waive the fine and one-year suspension.
Second Occurrence – In addition to the above, the team and team officers shall be suspending pending a hearing and disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Chairman. A $200.00 minimum fine will be levied payable prior to further participation. The unregistered player shall be suspended for an additional one (1) year
Subsequent Occurrences – In addition to all the above, the team and team officers shall be suspended pending a hearing and disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Chairman and by the ASA. A $400.00 minimum fine will be levied payable prior to further participation in soccer. The team in questions may be expelled from the league. The unregistered or suspended player shall be suspended for one (1) year.
3. Teams not showing or arriving late:
3.1.No show by one team.
3.2.Late show (i.e. one or both teams are not on the field of play ready to kick off within 15 minutes following the assigned kick off time with a minimum of seven (7) players on the field of play). If, after having started the game, a team falls below the minimum seven players, the game will end.
Punishment:
A player must play for the team with which he is registered (i.e. no loaning of players from one team to another) Teams not having a minimum of seven (7) players on the field within 15 minutes of the assigned kick off time will forfeit the game. Violation of this rule will result in a 1-point penalty to the team forfeiting the game. Teams may choose to play a scrimmage for those players who do show for a game, however such a scrimmage will not count as a regulation game and will not be officiated.
II. SCALE OF PUNISHMENTS FOR FIELD OFFENCES:
Suspensions that are not completely served during a season (league play only) are carried forward to be served in the next season (Indoor to Outdoor & Outdoor to Indoor). For the purposes of this Part (Scale of Punishments for Field Offences), “sent-off” means being instructed by7 a referee to leave the field for the duration of the game in question.
1. Player Cautions (Yellow Carded):
Cautions are yellow cards and are issued in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by FIFA. They are distinct from red cards. If a player is sent-off for a second cautionable offence, then the cautions are nullified, and the player is suspending as in the following clause 2. If a player is cautioned and then sent-off for a serious foul play, violent conduct or any of the sending off offences, then the caution will be added to his record. All yellow cards are recorded, with a potential for a suspension arising from cumulative cautions over a season. Any player cautioned six (6) times in one season shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee, and the Committee may exercise discretion in apply9ing a penalty necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.
Punishment: (All suspensions apply to official scheduled games)
When a player has three (3) cautions recorded – one (1) game suspension
An additional one (1) caution – one game suspension
Additional one (1) caution – two (2) game suspension and automatic hearing
Two cautions in a single game will not count as above, and instead will be treated as a red card.
2. Players Sent-Off (Red Carded):
All red card offences as set out in Article 2 through 8 inclusive shall result in being sent off for the remainder of the game as well as the designated penalties. A third red card for serious offences in a single season shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season plus up to a minimum of one (1) calendar year from the day the 3rd red card is issued, (plus any additional sentence imposed at the discipline hearing). The SAMMSL Calendar year runs from May 1st to April 30th.
All red card offences as set out in Article 2 through 8 inclusive shall result in being sent off for the remainder of the game as well as the designated penalties. A third red card for serious offences in a single season shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season plus up to a minimum of one (1) calendar year from the day the 3rd red card is issued, (plus any additional sentence imposed at the discipline hearing). The SAMMSL Calendar year runs from May 1st to April 30th.
2.1.Second Cautionable offence.
2.2.Intentional handball on goal-scoring opportunity
2.3.Taking obvious opportunity to score away from opponent, unsporting behavior.
2.4.Any slide tackle executed upon an opposing player
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum one (1) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum two (2) game suspension
Subsequent Offences – Minimum three (3) game suspension and a mandatory Discipline Hearing heard directly by a Discipline Committee.
2.2.Intentional handball on goal-scoring opportunity
2.3.Taking obvious opportunity to score away from opponent, unsporting behavior.
2.4.Any slide tackle executed upon an opposing player
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum one (1) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum two (2) game suspension
Subsequent Offences – Minimum three (3) game suspension and a mandatory Discipline Hearing heard directly by a Discipline Committee.
3. Players Sent-Off for:
3.1. Foul, discriminatory or abusive language and/or gestures
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum two (2) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum four (4) game suspension
Third Offence – Minimum six (6) game suspension
3.2. Foul language not directed at an individual
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum one (1) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum two (2) game suspension
Third Offence – Three (3) game minimum suspension
SAMMSL has a zero-tolerance stance on abusive, offensive, and/or insulting remarks. Any individuals uttering abusive, offensive and/or insulting remarks will be subject to disciplinary action. N the event that a player or team official uses offensive language that is not directed at an individual (shouted out in frustration) the offending individual is to be verbally reprimanded by the referee. A second offence by an individual previously reprimanded in that game will result in an ejection from the game.
4. Player Sent-Off for:
4.1.Violent conduct
4.2.Serious foul play (This will include deliberate slide tackles as defined: players attempt to take ball away from opposing player by deliberately leaving his feet and sliding along the ground with one leg extended to push the ball away from opposing player)
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum three (3) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum six (6) game suspension
Third Offence – Disciplinary hearing
5. Players Sent-Off for:
5.1.Striking an opponent or spectator (e.g. kicking, punching)
5.2.Spitting at an opponent or spectator
5.3.Threatening an opponent or spectator
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum five (5) game suspension and a $50.00 fine
Second Offence – Minimum ten (10) game suspension and a $100.00 fine
Third Offence – Disciplinary hearing
6. Players Sent-Off for:
6.1.Fighting an opponent or spectator
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum ten (10) game suspension and $50.00 fine and a disciplinary hearing
Second Offence – Minimum fifteen (15) game suspension, $100.00 fine and a disciplinary hearing.
Subsequent Offences – Disciplinary hearing
7. Players Sent-Off for:
7.1.Foul and abusive language directed at the game officials.
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum six (6) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum twelve (12) game suspension
Third Offence – Disciplinary hearing
8. Players Sent-Off for:
8.1.Intentional physical contact with the Game Officials or League Officials (e.g. pushing, spitting) prior to, during or after the game. (This will go directly to the ASA for disciplinary action)
8.2.Threatening or harassing the Game Officials or League Officials when acting on behalf of the league at any time
8.3.Striking, spitting, kicking or any form of violent conduct or attempted violent conduct on the Game Official or League Official
Punishment:
First Offence – ASA Decision plus up to Minimum one (1) year suspension
Subsequent Offence – Lifetime suspension/expulsion from the league.
8.2.Threatening or harassing the Game Officials or League Officials when acting on behalf of the league at any time
8.3.Striking, spitting, kicking or any form of violent conduct or attempted violent conduct on the Game Official or League Official
Punishment:
First Offence – ASA Decision plus up to Minimum one (1) year suspension
Subsequent Offence – Lifetime suspension/expulsion from the league.
9. Repeated Ejections:
9.1.A third red card for a serious offence in a single season shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season up to a minimum of one (1) calendar year from the date the 3rd red card is issued (plus any additional sentence imposed at the discipline hearing). Our calendar year is May 1st to April 30th.
10. Misconduct by Teams:
10.1.Leaving the field in protest
10.2.Refusing to continue the game
Punishment:
First Offence – The team officers shall be suspended pending a hearing and disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Chairman. A minimum $75.00 fine and a minimum $100.00 shall be paid to and held (cashed) by SAMMSL for a period of twelve (12) months. At the end of twelve months, League officials shall, in their absolute sole discretion, determine if the $100.00 shall be returned to the team in question.
Second Offence – In addition to all the above and, the team and team officers shall be immediately suspended pending a hearing and disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Chairman.
11. Misconduct by Teams:
11.1.Members of both teams engage in a fight or a brawl resulting in the game being abandoned.
Punishment:
First Offence - Immediate suspension of the teams and team officers pending a hearing and disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Chairman. A minimum $100.00 fine to be provided to SAMMSL and an additional minimum $250.00 to serve as a surety bond to be provided to SAMMSL and held posted for a period of 12 months.
Second Offence - Same as Clause 10 second offence (misconduct by teams)
12. Team Officers Officially Warned for:
12.1.Entering the field of play without permission
12.2.Dissent by word or actions to the Game Officials
12.3.Ungentlemanly conduct
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum one (1) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum two (2) game suspension
Third Offence – Minimum three (3) game suspension
13. Team Officers Ejected for Persisting in Any of the Above:
Individuals who are team offices are suspended in their status as an office are also suspended in that individual’s capacity as a player.
Punishment:
First Offence - Minimum Two (2) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum Four (4) game suspension
Subsequent Offences – Minimum Six (6) game suspension
14. Team Officers Refusing to Assist Game Officials or League Officials Prior to, During and After the Game:
14.1 In maintaining sideline control and discipline
14.2 In controlling identifiable team supporters when requested by the Game Officials or League Officials
Punishment:
First Offence – Minimum Three (3) game suspension
Second Offence – Minimum Six (6) game suspension
Subsequent Offences – Minimum Nine (9) game suspension
15. Team Officers Ejected For:
15.1 Spitting at an opponent or spectator
15.2 Threatening or harassing an opponent or spectator
15.3 Foul or abusive language or gestures directed at opponents, spectators or Game Officials
15.4 Fighting an opponent or spectator
15.5 Intentional physical contact with the game officials
15.6 Threatening or harassing the game officials
Punishment:
First Offence – Immediate and indefinite suspension of the team officer pending a hearing and disciplinary action by Disciplinary Chairman of SAMMSL. A minimum, $100.00 fine and an additional minimum $250.00 to serve as a surety bond to be paid to and held (cashed) by SAMMSL, for a period of twelve months. At the end of twelve months, League officials shall, in their absolute sole discretion decide if the $250.00 surety bond shall be returned to the team(s) in question.
III. MEN’S MASTERS SOCCER LEAGUE BY-LAWS
Referees and Assistant Referees:
1. All referees and assistant referees (Game Officials) shall be under the jurisdiction of the Association through the Referee-in-Chief and through him to the Association Executive.
Referees and Assistant Referees:
1. All referees and assistant referees (Game Officials) shall be under the jurisdiction of the Association through the Referee-in-Chief and through him to the Association Executive.
2. Every attempt should be made to try to avoid having a registered player with St. Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League referee a game in the league, though he may appear as a linesman and he is expected to referee a game when the designated referee does not attend the game.
3. The Game Officials for each game shall be appointed by the Association official designated for such duties. If no previous arrangements have been made, and through unforeseen circumstances a referee is unable to act, the home team’s designated referee shall referee the first half of the game and the visiting team’s designated referee shall referee the second half of the game. Each Masters League team shall designate a qualified referee to serve this role, before the commencement of each season.
4. Game Officials shall receive fees as laid down by the Association.
5. All referees shall, within 24 hours following the completion of a game in which they officiated, forward a written report to the League Disciplinary Coordinator detailing any incidents which may have taken place before, during or after the game (e.g. Sending-offs, team officer warnings or ejections, match abandoned, etc.)
6. The Victoria Soccer Club shall decide if the ground is fit to play on for games played at Victoria S.C. For games not played at Victoria S.C. the referee shall decide if the ground is fit to play on.
7. Complaints by, or against Game Officials shall only be considered if forwarded to the League Disciplinary Coordinator in written form.
8. The Discipline Committee, hearing an appeal from a decision of a Discipline Coordinator, may summon any Game Official before an appeal/misconduct hearing to clarify a report filed with a Discipline Coordinator.
9.
The Executive of the Association, the Referee-in-Chief, or the Committee appointed for such purpose, shall reserve the right to summon any Game Official before a specified meeting to clarify his or her reports or answer for his or her misconduct within the jurisdiction of the Association.
Games & Competitions
1. All games played by the clubs and teams affiliated with the Association shall be controlled by the Facilities and Schedule Coordinator (the F & S Coordinator) of the SAMMSL.
2. The Facilities and Schedule Coordinator shall distribute schedules to the club and team officers and such a schedule shall be considered sufficient notice for proper participation.
3. The F & S Coordinator shall inform the club and team officers as well as the Game Officials of any change in the schedule.
4. Any games (league or cup) that are postponed due to ground or inclement weather conditions shall be rescheduled by the F & S Coordinator.
5. The SAMMSL and the Association retain the right of granting or refusing admission to any game of any person(s) and shall also have the right to remove from the game any person(s) whose presence there may prove to be detrimental to the game.
6. All shirts of players in a game must be clearly numbered on the back. The goalkeeper shall have a different colored shirt which distinguishes him from his team-mates, the other team and referee. It need not be numbered.
Game Sheets
1. Official game sheets are to be used for all league and cup-trophy games. These game sheets are to be filled in correctly and given to the Game Officials 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time. Filled in correctly means that the sheets must be signed by the coach and/or manager with a list of no more than 25 players with their shirt number also entered.
2. The game sheets from both participating teams are to be returned to the League Disciplinary Coordinator or Director by the referee within 25 hours of the completion of the game.
3. Any infringements of the “Game Sheets” rule, unless otherwise stated, shall be punished with a $25.00 fine. After the third infringement in the same season the fine shall be $50.00. Further breaches of this rule may result in a hearing with the Disciplinary Chairman.
Duration of Games
1. Games shall be divided into two equal halves of 45 minutes each, with a half-time not exceeding five minutes except by consent of the Referee. Because of local conditions the 90-minute game may be shortened under the following rules:
1.1. If, before the start of the game, the referee feels that because of threatening weather or light conditions it may be impossible to play a full 90-minute game, he shall call the captains together and ask them to agree on a shortened game. Should the captains fail to agree on the shortened time to be played, the referee shall set the time to be played and his decision shall be binding and final.
1.2. When a game is started under normal conditions, or as under section 1.1 above, and the referee later believes that early darkness or adverse conditions may lead to player injuries, he shall then call the game, and the score in thee game at this time shall stand provided that a minimum of 60 minutes has been played (the referee being the only time keeper).
2. Games abandoned by the referee because of player or spectator demonstrations and/or violence must be reported directly to a League Disciplinary Coordinator.
3. In all games the referee shall be the only official timekeeper, and he shall be in complete charge on the field in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
Substitutes
1. Substitutes shall be permitted in all games (league and cup) as follows:
1.1. Unlimited substituting shall be allowed whether in regular or extra time. Substitutions are at the discretion of the referee.
1.2. A player replaced by a substitute can himself be later allowed to return to the game as a substitute.
1.3. All substitutes must wait for the signal from the referee before entering the filed of play. Substitutions take place at center field.
2. No substitution shall be permitted for a player sent-off from the field of play after play has started.
3. A substitute shall be subject to the authority of the referee whether he is called upon to play or not.
4. A maximum of four substitutes can be used per substitution.
Player Recruitment
1. All teams are free to recruit players from certain named teams or leagues within the Association’s jurisdiction area
2. All teams are free to recruit players from certain named teams or leagues anywhere outside the Association’s jurisdiction area providing that the players are not registered with other men’s teams, leagues or Associations registered with the ASA.
3. All teams are free to recruit players from named men’s soccer teams, leagues or Associations registered with ASA providing:
3.1 Formal written approval of the respective Association has been received
3.2 A player must ASA register with his SAMMSL team
3.3 A player is from EDSA DIVISION 1 or lower (Men’s & Masters)
3.2 A player must ASA register with his SAMMSL team
3.3 A player is from EDSA DIVISION 1 or lower (Men’s & Masters)
Registrations:
1. The team registration fee, set annually by the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League, is required to be paid in the following way:
1.1. Full fee by AGREED DATE - eTransfer, Cheques and money orders to be made payable to the SAMM SL.
2. A team or player shall not be eligible for any participation in the program unless all outstanding debts, including fines, owed to the SAMMSL, St. Albert Soccer Association, ASA or CSA have been paid.
3. The may assess an additional fee to cover any required expenses for operating the league subject to approval at the last pre-season league executive meeting immediately prior to commencement of the league schedule.
4. Each team must be registered with the Association. Such registration is valid for one calendar year.
5. Each player must be ASA registered with the SAMMSL team for which he will play. Team officers are required to register teams by completing an ASA registration form. All completed copies of the form shall be forwarded to the league Registrar or his o her alternate. An approved copy shall be returned to the team officer prior to the first game being played. No team shall be allowed to have more than 25 players registered at one time. Each player shall be registered on a player registration form complete with individual Player Registration Number (PRN), name and birthdate. Original registrations shall include a photocopy of a visual identification with birth date information. No team shall have more than 5 players registered who are younger than 40 as of the day end of June 15.
Teams in good standing from the previous year shall have registration priority and for new teams priority will be given to St. Albert teams.
6. All player registrations for league games must be made at least 24 hours prior to participation.
7. All games shall be played at Victoria S.C. unless otherwise stated by the League Facilities and Schedule Coordinator.
8. The transfer and registration deadline is midnight of July 31st (Outdoor) and January 31 (Indoor) subject to any extension of time as allowed by the League Registrar for good cause (e.g. team rosters depleted by injury or other unforeseen cause)
Disciplinary Procedures:
1. Field violations are to be recorded on a misconduct report by the Game Officials (referee) and sent to a Disciplinary Coordinator for the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League.
2. The office of Disciplinary Coordinator may be held by one or two persons simultaneously, provided that the League Officials and team Managers of SAMMSL so approve and so appoint. Each team shall appoint one member to sit upon the Discipline Committee Roster.
3. Every effort shall be made to ensure that a misconduct matter that involves a team-mate of a Discipline Coordinator shall be transferred to the other Discipline Coordinator or member appointed by the Discipline Coordinator selected from the Discipline Committee Roster. If a delegation is not possible or is too difficult to accomplish in a timely manner, the decision made by the respective Discipline Coordinator shall not be challengeable solely on the ground that a delegation was not made.
4. The Disciplinary Coordinator shall apply all the prescribed disciplinary measures contained in this document as may be changed from time to time. The penalties so prescribed are mandatory and are the minimum penalties to be applied. Disciplinary Coordinator(s) may, with the approval of the League Chairman or disciplinary committee if chair involved, at their discretion increase the minimum penalties if in their opinion, the offence committed warrants an increase. A committee is to be struck made up of SAMMSL officers from non-participating teams and given authority to determine suspensions. An example of this would be if a payer, who, after being sent-off, commits another offence such as spitting at an opponent before he leaves the field of play. In this case, the player would receive a longer suspension depending on the facts noted on the referee’s report. Another example would be if a player is sent-off for serious foul play and it is indicated on the referee’s report that this player intended to injure an opponent. In this case, as previously noted, the player will receive a longer suspension than the basic two games for serious foul play.
5. The Disciplinary Coordinator shall inform the affected team officers of any suspensions to their players. This shall be done as soon as possible after receiving the misconduct report from the Game Official.
6. Where reference for an appeal or review is made to the responsible Disciplinary Coordinator for an appeal, then the Disciplinary Coordinator must refer the violation to the Disciplinary Committee in writing as soon as practicable. No appeals will be accepted for consideration unless, and until the reasons for appeal are clearly described in writing and delivered to a Disciplinary Coordinator. The reasons for appeal must clearly set out the facts asserted which would justify an overturning or moderation of the ruling of the Game Official or Discipline Coordinator in question.
7. Where reference for a further appeal or review beyond the Disciplinary Committee is made to the Disciplinary Chairman of the SASA then the Disciplinary Coordinator must refer the violation to the Disciplinary Chair in writing as soon as practicable.
8. Players sent off the field of play for misconducts shall not play again in the same game or be substituted for in that game and shall miss the next one game (One game being the minimum punishment for a sending-off). In addition, the player shall serve such greater suspension as may be applicable for the particular offence committed and as contained in the recommended punishments of this document.
9. There shall be no disciplinary hearing unless so stated in the recommended punishments, or unless an official appeal is submitted.
10. Where punishments refer to the first offence, then this shall mean the first occasion that the player was sent-off for that particular offence.
11. Where punishments refer to the second offence then this shall mean the second occasion that a player has been sent-off for that particular offence. If a player is sent-off in another game for a different type of offence, then the Disciplinary Coordinator will decide the suspension based on the specifics of the offence.
12. Suspensions that have not been served prior to the end of the specific season in which the suspension was imposed shall be carried over to the next same season in which the player is registered. All of the suspensions shall be served.
13. All suspensions must be served for games scheduled by the SAMMSL. A suspended player in any ASA league shall not play in the SAMMSL while suspended. Any player found to be playing while suspended from another league shall be suspended from the SAMMSL for a minimum of 1 year.
Misconduct Hearings and Appeals to Discipline Committee:
1. Any player cautioned (yellow carded) six times in one season shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee.
2. Any players sent-off for misconducts, or any team officers reported for misconducts and required to be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee shall be dealt with as soon as practicable after the incident on consideration of the reports at hand, and the decision given to those involved as soon as possible, shall be binding and shall not be suspended pending any other appeal, dispute or protest of the decision.
3. When a hearing is called by the Disciplinary Coordinator to facilitate an appeal for the consideration of the Discipline Committee or further appeal to the Disciplinary Chairman, the players or other team members or team officers required in attendance shall be informed of the time, date and place of such hearing by a notice from the Disciplinary Coordinator or Disciplinary Chairman to the club or team representative concerned, or other officer of the club or team, and it shall be their duty to inform the member(s) of the hearing and have him (them) present thereat. The representative shall speak on behalf of the player(s) or member(s) if he so desires at the hearing. Others also required to be present shall be given notice by the Disciplinary Coordinator or Disciplinary Chairman.
4. At the hearing the report outlining the misconduct shall be read, together with earlier decisions on the matter, if any, and the case dealt with, or adjourned if further evidence is found to be necessary, and the decision eventually arrived at shall be binding and shall not be suspended pending any other appeal, dispute, or protest the decision.
5. Players sent-off for misconducts shall not play again in the same game or be substituted for a minimum of one game until a decision is given on the misconduct for which they were sent-off, either by the Disciplinary Coordinator or as a result of a Disciplinary hearing.
6. Any team member or player shall be automatically suspended until such time as he presents himself before such a body.
7. An appeal with regard to the decision of the Disciplinary Coordinator, the Discipline Committee or Disciplinary Chairman may be made in a like manner to that outlined under “Appeals, Protests, and Disputes”
Appeals, Disputes, and Protests:
Appeal from Original Decision
1. An appeal of an original decision made by a Disciplinary Coordinator shall be heard by a Disciplinary Committee consisting of:
- The second Disciplinary Coordinator as Chair (who was not involved in the original decision) or a member to serve as Chair selected by the Discipline Coordinator from the Discipline Committee Roster
- The League Director, and
- An unbiased SAMMSL player sitting on the Discipline Committee Roster as selected by the League Director and Disciplinary Committee Chair
Appeal from Discipline Committee
3. A further appeal of the Disciplinary Committee decision may be made within 48 hours of receipt of the written decision of the Disciplinary Committee by the person concerned. The further appeal must be made in writing to the Discipline Chair of the St Albert Soccer Association and must be accompanied by an additional fee of $50.00. The additional fee will be refunded only if the further appeal, protest or dispute is upheld. No written document can be considered a further appeal, protest or dispute unless it is accompanied by the stated fee and is received within the proper time limit (all fees as previously noted to be paid by cheque or money order).
Appeal from Disciplinary Chairman of the SASA
4. Any appeal, dispute or protest of a decision made by the Disciplinary Chairman may be made in writing to the executive of the Association within 72 hours of the decision and must be accompanied by an appeal, dispute or protest fee of $75.00 which shall be returned only if the appeal, dispute or protest is upheld. No written document can be considered as an appeal, dispute or protest unless it is received within the proper time limit. The Association Executive shall then deal with the matter and their decision shall stand. The operation of the Disciplinary Committee shall not be suspended bending the hearing unless so ordered by the Executive.
Appeal from the SASA
5. An appeal, dispute or protest of a decision of the Executive of the Association may be made in writing to the Secretary of the ASA within 72 hours of the decision. The appeal must be accompanied by an appeal, dispute or protest fee (determined by the ASA) which shall be returned only if the appeal, dispute or protest is upheld. No written document can be considered as an appeal, dispute or protest unless it is accompanied by the correct fee and is received within the proper time limit. Appeals to the CSA will only be accepted if they relate to constitutional matters.
Amendments to Bylaws:
The bylaws of the St Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League may be made at any meeting attend by a majority of team managers and executive. The amendment will be introduced, discussed must be passed by a majority vote of team managers (1 vote per team) and executive (1 vote each) present at the meeting. No person may vote twice.
Any Team Official or League Executive that misses 2 meetings (consecutive) shall be removed from that position. Likewise, any person deemed unfit by the league.
Team Managers are permitted to enter a vote of No-Confidence if they feel any Director or League Executive is not fulfilling the duties of their role.
Compiled by S.R. March 1995
Updated Jan 1999
Updated Feb 2002 by D.B.
Updated and applied to Men’s Masters by W.S. October 2002
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers March 29, 2003
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers November 4, 2003
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers April 28, 2004
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers April 20, 2005
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers February 5, 2007
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers March 16, 2009
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers February 28, 2011
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers April 1, 2013
Amended and approved by Masters Executive/ Team Managers October 2016