CONSTITUTION

(2012-2013)

NAME

The name of the organization shall be the Fraser Valley Soccer League, hereafter called the "League".

PURPOSE

The purposes of the League are to promote, foster and develop the game of soccer and to take all such steps as deemed necessary or advisable for preventing infringements of the laws of the game or other improper methods of practices in the game, for protecting it from abuses, and to guard the interests of the teams of the League.

The League shall be affiliated with and under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Soccer Association and the British Columbia Soccer Association and subject to the rules and regulations of those bodies.

FRASER VALLEY SOCCER LEAGUE BYLAWS

Article 1 - AFFILIATION & MEMBERSHIP

1(a) Membership shall be comprised of properly constituted teams affiliated with the British Columbia Soccer Association from that area of the Fraser Valley lying to the west of and including Hope, to the western boundaries of Port Coquitlam, the Municipality of Delta, the City of White Rock, and the City of Surrey.

1(b) Existing teams in good standing, duly notified, shall be eligible for membership renewal upon application and payment of annual membership fees.

1(c) Membership fees are to accompany the application which shall be in writing in a form specified by the Executive and be in the hands of the Administrator no later than the established deadline. This deadline will be established annually.

1(d) Applications for new teams shall be examined and evaluated by the Executive who shall establish entry fees, payment deadlines and take whatever steps necessary to ascertain the suitability of applicants before their acceptance by the League as new teams. Applicants may be required to appear in person before the Executive and the League to make an oral presentation on their application.

1(e) The form and content of membership application shall be decided by the Executive and shall include a listing of all officers, complete with addresses and telephone numbers, sponsor, team name, team colors and any other information that may be required for registration purposes.

1(f) Applicants shall be duly notified of the entry fees, payment deadlines and shall receive a refund if their application is not accepted.

1(g) Fees, bonds, performance guarantees, payment deadlines, registration procedures shall be set by the Executive.

1(h) A team who has been dismissed from the League for any reason must make application for membership and is responsible for any outstanding debts.

Article 2 - MEETINGS

2a) The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held at the termination of the League schedule each year at a time and place to be determined by the Executive.

2(b) Elections shall be held at the Annual General Meeting. The President and  two Directors shall be elected for a two year period, in even numbered years. The Vice-President and two Directors shall be elected for a two year period, in odd numbered years.

2(c) A Special General Meeting of the League shall be held at the discretion of the President, providing all teams have been duly notified.

2(d) A quorum shall be one half of the League membership.

2(e) Each team must be represented at all League meetings by one duly accredited delegate who shall have full power to act for his team and his actions shall be considered binding to his team.

2(f) Voting by proxy is not permitted, except by Club representatives who have more than one team playing within the FVSL.

2(g) Each member of the Executive shall be entitled to one vote.

2(h) Voting on all subjects at all meetings shall be by the accredited delegates by a show of hands, except by specific request of one of the teams and with the approval of the President. 

2(i) The President shall not vote except to break a tie.

2(i) A team who is not represented at a League meeting shall be subject to a fine. The amount of fine will be determined by the Executive. ($100 as of July 2, 2009)

2(j) In addition to the Annual General Meeting, the President will call an additional two General Meetings during the year. Under normal circumstances, one prior to the commencement of play in each season and a second during the month of December.

2(k) A team that fails to attend at least one of three scheduled meetings in a season will forfeit their bond and position in the League and will have to reapply for entry into the League.

2(l) At all League meetings, unless the President or Chairman shall otherwise direct, the order of business shall be:

a. Roll Call

b. Minutes

c. Financial Report

d. Other Reports and Communications

e. Unfinished Business

f. New Business

2(m) The conduct of meetings shall be governed, as practicable, by Robert's Rules of Order.

Article 3 - EXECUTIVE

3(a) The business of the League shall be conducted by an Executive of six members who shall be elected for term of two years and the immediate past-president. The immediate past-president shall be an ex- officio member of the Executive and shall have a voice but no vote at all meetings of the League and the Executive, unless he/she resigns their position, in which case the immediate past president will be the previous President who completed their full
term.

3(b) Additional officers, if deemed necessary, may be elected by a majority vote at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting. Directors elected by the membership shall have full voting privileges on all Executive committees.

3(c) A Treasurer shall be appointed by the Executive.

3(d) An Administrator shall be appointed by the Executive.

3(e) Any member of the Executive may be removed from office on a motion supported by four-fifths of the League membership.

3(f) Any member of the Executive who discusses a case with any third party before it has been heard by the League Executive shall be asked to resign his position on the Executive.

3(g) Any member of the Executive who is thought to be in a conflict of interest situation, shall excuse himself.

3(h) In the event that an Executive office becomes vacant for any reason, it shall be filled at a Special General Meeting of the League.

3(i) A Director desirous of accepting nomination to a different board position shall first resign from his / her present position.

Article 4 - POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE

4(a) The Executive or its appointee shall be responsible for the appointment of all match officials.

4(b) The Executive Board shall appoint two (2) financial examiners who shall review the books of the League and report to the member clubs at the Annual General Meeting.

4(c) The Executive shall meet on a regular basis as decided by the President or by a majority vote of the Executive.

4(d) The Executive may appoint representatives as required or deemed advisable to act on its behalf and in its stead. In all instances, a verbal or written report is to be submitted to the Executive.

4(e) The Executive shall decide what team colors are official and no change may be made without the permission of the Executive. A change of team name must be approved through application to the Executive.

4(f) The Executive shall decide the composition of the League and the divisional structure, the number of divisions and the number of teams in each division. The Executive is empowered to expel any team from the League for defaulting two (2) games in a season.

4(g) The Executive has the right to:

(i) deal with violations of the laws of the game, constitution, bylaws, rules, regulations and schedules of the League;

(ii) summon any team official or player to inquire into any violation, offence, infraction, violent conduct, serious foul play, ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct, or any other action that might be against the best interest of the League or that might bring 

the League or the game into disrepute; and

(iii) suspend a team, team official, or player pending a hearing or a decision by the Executive; and

(iv) in the event of any team official, or player being proven to the satisfaction of the Executive of having been guilty of any offence under the constitution, bylaws, rules, regulations and schedules of the League or any of its committees and any misconduct thereto, to suspend, fine, remove from the League, or deal with in such a manner as they think fit;

(v) order a team, team official or player to pay all expenses incurred in hearing the case.

4(h) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the constitution according to intent, the Executive may make rules & regulations that are not inconsistent with the constitution respecting:

a) Membership

b) Member responsibilities

c) Committees

d) The scale and payment of fees; the prescribing of forms and content for applications, registrations, transfers, permits, memberships and disciplinary citations.

e) Scheduling of all league, cup, playoff and exhibition games. Determination of any defaulted, disputed, protested and unfinished games.

f) Standards for equipment and uniforms.

g) Divisional alignment

h) Prizes and awards. The qualification, selection, appointment and capacity of honorary teams and all-stars or selects.

i) The payment of expenses incurred by the executive, committees, teams, team officials, match officials, coaches and / or players while attending League business.

j) Revenues from any source derived directly or indirectly from any game or competition scheduled or permitted by the League. This includes ticket sales, gate receipts, prizes, lotteries, raffles, contests or any media production or advertising.

k) Media advertising or publication (including television and radio broadcasts) of any game or competition, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly involving any team, team official, player or affiliate of the League. Any use of the name “Fraser Valley Soccer League” or of its teams, sponsors, officers, players or affiliates.

l) Discipline of teams, team officials and registered players (including fines, bonds, performance guarantees and suspensions); the regulation and conduct of disciplinary proceedings.

m) Affiliation of the League with other organizations

n) Conduct of meetings, elections and other League business

o) League History, statistical reports & records

p) Specific items not covered under the constitution & bylaws but which may be required to carry out the objects of the League. 

Article 5 - DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE

5(a) The President shall:

(i) supervise the affairs of the League;

(ii) preside at all League meetings;

(iii) ensure that the Constitution is strictly upheld;

(iv) call General Meetings when necessary;

(v) in the case of a tie in voting, cast the deciding vote;

(vi) be an ex-officio member of all committees;

(vii) appoint at least one other member of the Executive as a signing authority;

(viii) ensure that no funds may be withdrawn from League accounts without at least two signatures; and perform any other related duties.

5(b) The Vice-President shall:

(i) assist the President in the conduct of his duties;

(ii) in the absence of the President perform all of the functions associated with that position;

(iii) perform any other related duties.

5(c) The Administrator/Secretary shall:

(i) keep minutes of all League meetings;

(ii) handle all general correspondence;

(iii) provide notice of all meetings;

(iv) prepare an annual report;

(v) keep an accurate record of all teams and their officers;

(vi) process arrangements for cup competitions, as necessary, as directed by the Executive;

(vii) perform other related duties.

5(d) The Treasurer shall:

(i) maintain a complete and accurate account of receipts and disbursements;

(ii) deposit all monies and valuables in a financial institution selected by the President;

(iii) prepare a financial statement for all League General Meetings;

(iv) ensure up-to-date books, records, ledgers and statements of account are available to the Executive or financial examiners upon request.

(v) The Treasurer shall report to the Executive Committee and shall take direction from them.

(vi) The Treasurer cannot hold a position on the Executive committee.

(v) perform other related duties.

5(e) The Administrator/Registrar shall:

(i) prepare and enforce all registration information and guidelines;

(ii) be responsible for all team registrations;

(iii) be responsible for the proper registration of all players;

(iv) be responsible for the proper handling of transfers and playing permits;

(v) perform other related duties.

(vii) The Administrator cannot hold a position on the Executive committee.

Article 6 - COMMITTEES

6(a) The President and Executive may appoint committees to deal with specific matters.

6(b) In order to deal with matters requiring immediate attention the President or Executive may call an Emergency Meeting where at least one quarter of the League teams will constitute an Emergency Committee of the League.

6(c) An Emergency Committee of the League may conduct its business as it may see fit and proper. A record of its work shall be preserved in writing. Any decision of such committee shall be immediately operative but shall be submitted thereafter for approval of the League.

6(d) The Executive shall appoint the League Discipline Committee which shall be responsible for the discipline of teams, team officials, and registered players. The Discipline Committee shall be comprised of at least three impartial people who are neither registered players nor have any current affiliation with any team. The President is an ex-officio member of the Discipline Committee. The other members of the Executive shall be privileged to hear any or all cases and may serve on the committee from time to time as requested by the Chairman, but shall always have the option to disqualify themselves from serving on the committee. The Discipline Committee shall keep a complete record of its activities and decisions and report as required to the Executive and to the British Columbia Soccer Association.

6(e) The Executive shall appoint a League Scheduler (Administrator).

Article 7 - AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

7(a) Amendments, additions or deletions to the Constitution or Bylaws may be made at the Annual General Meeting by a majority of the League membership.

7(b) Teams may submit proposed amendments, additions or deletions in writing to the League Administrator thirty days prior to the meeting.

7(c) A copy of the proposed amendments, additions or deletions shall be posted at least seven days prior to the meeting.

LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONS

Section 1 - MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

1(a) Every member is responsible to the League for the action of its officers, players and supporters and is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators from threatening or assaulting game officials, team officers or players before, during and upon completion of games.

1(b) No officer, team official, player, referee, assistant referee shall bet on any soccer match, and the league teams are required to prevent betting and the use of objectionable language. Any team officer, team official, player or spectator may be removed from the park or ground in case of a breach of this rule.

1(c) Every member must ensure that their team is represented at all League scheduled meetings.

1(d) A team responsible for the defaulting of a game shall be charged with all expenses incurred in the preparation of such game and may be fined. The amount of fine will be determined by the Executive.

1(e) Field preparation is the responsibility of the home team; this is to include properly secured goal nets and corner flags on a post not less than five feet high with a rounded (non-pointed) top. Field markings in accordance with F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game (including the technical area).

1(f) Where there is a conflict of team colors, the VISITOR will be required to change.

1(g) Each team is responsible for making its own travel arrangements including reservations, fares, hotel/motel accommodation and meals.

1(h) Each team shall be responsible to ensure that every player is properly dressed and equipped in accordance with F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game. The normal dress of a soccer player is a shirt, shorts stockings and shoes. Shin guards are mandatory and must be completely covered by the stockings at all times. Jewellery is dangerous and is not allowed. Every player must be identifiable by means of a number on his uniform, the minimum requirement for which shall be a number of contrasting color and at least eight (8) inches in height, of proportionate width, permanently affixed and appearing on the back of the player’s shirt. Players are not to share a shirt and duplicate numbers are not allowed. Teams are expected to do everything possible to make the game attractive from the spectator’s point of view.

1(i) The home team must supply a first class ball for every home game. The visiting team must also supply a first class game ball as a spare, if and when required.

1(j) Team lists, in duplicate shall be properly completed showing the full names of all registered players. Lists are to be legible and appear in the following format:

REG # SHIRT # FIRST NAME LAST NAME D.O.B.

Team lists are to indicate date of match, name of opponent and are to be signed by a team official. Team lists shall be handed to the referee before the commencement of the game. Incomplete TEAM SHEETS will result in a $25 FINE per instance. Team sheets complete with registered players, showing players suspended, can be PRINTED from the registered players section.

1(k) It is the responsibility of the home team to inspect their field on game day. The home team shall be liable for traveling costs for the visiting team and game official’s fee should the game be postponed by the referee due to unplayable field conditions. Amount of fine to be determined by the Executive.

Teams must attend the grounds and await the decision of the referee as to the fitness of the playing area, unless they have been previously notified by the HOME team that the field is CLOSED. Whereby both teams shall agree to a change of venue and/or kick-off time, which must be approved by the league ADMINISTRATOR. Teams making such decisions must inform the League who will inform the referee.

Section 2 - GAMES

2(a) Duration of all games shall be ninety (90) minutes. Extra time, when scheduled, shall be two fifteen minute halves A team must field a minimum of seven (7) properly dressed players to start the game. Any team failing to field the minimum number of players fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the game and shall be liable for all expenses incurred. Amount to be determined by the Executive.

2(b) Should any game not be completed, the League Executive shall have discretionary power to either:

(i) determine the outcome of the match or (ii) schedule the game to be replayed. 

2(c) Games shall be credited in the League standings as:

i) three (3) points for a win, and

ii) one point for a draw.

2(d) At the completion of the schedule, promotion / relegation , where applicable shall be the top team/s promoted and the bottom team/s relegated except between Premier and Division One and Division One (1) & Division Two (2) which will be:

i - Promotion - Winner  (1st Place) of Division 1 & Division 2

ii - Relegation...... Bottom team in Premier and Division 1.

iii - Final spot in Premier will be determined by a two team playoff between the second bottom team in Premier and the second top team in Division 1. in the event of a tie two(2) x 15 minute overtime with no Golden goal, followed by kicks from the mark if necessary.

iv - Final spot in Division One (1) will be determined by a two team playoff between the 2nd bottom team in Division 1 and the 2nd top team in Division Two (2). In the event of a tie two (2) x 15 minute overtime with no golden goal, followed by kicks from the mark if necessary.

The team having the highest number of points in each of the divisions of the League shall be declared the winner in the respective division. In the event of a tie in points, the position of the teams will be determined in the following order:

(i) record against the other team or teams; or, if still tied

(ii) goals for and against versus the other team or teams; or, if still tied

(iii) a playoff between the team or teams.

2(e) In the event that a team defaults one of its games to the other team or teams, then the defaulting team will receive the lower position.

2(f) There being a maximum of three points in any one game, in a circumstance where a team forfeits its right to the points in that game, the forfeited points shall be awarded to the opposing team.

2(g) The record of a team who resigns or is expelled from the League before completing one half of its schedule shall be expunged. A team who resigns or is expelled after completing one half of its schedule will forfeit the points for all remaining games on its schedule.

2(h) A suspended team will forfeit any games missed during the suspension, at the discretion of the executive

2(i) Any team wishing an exhibition game in lieu of a League game must apply in writing to the Executive

ten (10) days prior to the scheduled date of the game.

2(j) Exhibition game disciplinary matters will be handled in accordance with BCSA guidelines. The League referee scheduler/Administrator must be contacted to ensure that a suitable referee is appointed.

2(k) No team may permit a player from another team to play in any exhibition or benefit game without first obtaining, in writing, the permission of the club with which the player is currently registered.

2(l) Any team wishing to play a benefit or charity game must first obtain permission from the Executive and  BCSA.

2(m) Schedules - All regular games will normally be scheduled Friday evenings, Saturdays or Sundays. Kick-off times are variable: From time to time, teams will be scheduled to play games on other days of the week. Whenever possible, ten days notice will be given of any changes to the posted schedule. Once league schedules are posted there are no changes or movement of games without league approval.

2(n) Teams must set up their benches on opposite sides of the field. The home team has the right to choose their side. where there are soccer specific benches on the same side of an artificial Turf field, this will be at the referees discretion.

Section 3 - PLAYERS

3(a) All senior amateur players in the Fraser Valley Soccer League shall be registered in accordance with the regulations supplied by the BCSA. All Premier and Division One players are to complete a competitive (“A”) form. Master’s Division players will complete an “M” form. All other players will complete a recreational (“B”) form.

3(b) Senior amateur players must be registered with the League registrar/Administrator at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to game time. For PROVINCIAL cup competitions, a player must be registered seven (7) days prior to game day.

3(c) Only eligible players’ names may appear on the team list. FVSL Identification cards for all players in the current line-up must be presented to the referee, together with the team lists, before the game.

3(d) An eligible player who is late for the kick-off may participate in the game at the referees discretion. He must present his identification card to the referee. NO PLAYER MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE GAME IF HE ARRIVES AFTER HALF TIME.

Section 4 - SUBSTITUTES

4(a) A maximum of five (5) player substitutions (using the BCSA Provincial Cup rule) are permitted in Premier & Provincial Cup games. Unlimited substitutions may be used in all other Divisions.

4(b) The player substituted for shall be permitted to take further part in the game. A player cannot be substituted for another player who is sent off (red card) the field by the referee.

4(c) Substitutions can only be made during a stoppage of play and with the permission of the referee, it does not have to be on your teams possession. The referee shall signal to the substitute to enter the field of play. The player must report directly to the referee or assistant referee. If required (Premier), a substitution slip showing the team name as well as the names and numbers of the players entering and leaving the game must be presented to the referee.

Section 5 - PERMITS

5(a) Youth players who play in a cup competition are cup tied to that team for the remainder of the cup competition. Youth permits are available in the Permits & Forms section. A youth permit is only to be used for the game as indicated on the permit. Youth permits must be handed to the referee at the same time as team lists.

5(b) A senior amateur player registered to a team within a club may sign an intra-club single game permit to play for his club in a higher division of the League for League games only. Clubs may use a maximum of seven (7) players on inter-club single game permits during any league game. Players must follow normal transfer rules to play for a lower division team within the club. Inter-club single game permits are to be handed to the referee at the same time as team lists.

5 (c) Under-21 teams are allowed to play a maximum of two overage players per game, on permit, so long as those two players are registered with another senior amateur team of the same club. These single game permits must be handed to the referee at the same time as the team lists. These permits are valid for league games only.

5(c) A player who is sent off (Red Card) while playing on an inter-club single game permit shall be suspended from his original team. He is suspended from all further play (for any team) until his suspension is served. He is ineligible for play for the entire weekend (for all games) on the final game of his suspension.

5(d) A suspended player is ineligible to use an intra-club single game permit.

Section 6 - TRANSFERS

6(a) All transfers of senior amateur players in the League shall be completed in accordance with the regulations issued by the B.C. Soccer Association. (Transfer forms are to be sent to the FVSL Administrator Fax - 778-355-3876 not BC Soccer, $15 fee is attached to your team account).

6(b) The League Administrator shall process all transfers up until the transfer deadline. This deadline is 15 January of each year. To be eligible to play, a player moving on transfer to a new team must be registered twenty-four (24) hours prior to a league match or a cup match limited to FVSL teams. To be eligible for a Provincial Cup match, a player’s transfer must be completed seven (7) days prior to match day. Transfer forms are available in the Permits & Forms section of the website.

6(c) All senior amateur players shall be entitled to the benefits of transfer regulations as follow:

(i) two transfers during a playing season within the jurisdiction of the BCSA.

(ii) a player, once transferred, cannot be transferred to the team for which he was registered until a period of thirty (30) days has elapsed.

6(d) All transfers shall be subject to a transfer fee $15. Fee is attached to your team account and is set annually.

a “closed cup” competition, and

b) decide the venue for all games in the Pakenham Cup Competition, including the final game, and

c) have the power to frame contemporary rules for the Pakenham Cup Competition to meet contemporary situations.

8. The Pakenham Cup shall remain the property of the Fraser Valley Soccer League. Any use of the name, insignia or designs of the cup without the express permission of the League shall be prohibited.

9. The Executive shall decide the venue for all Garry Knight Presidents League Cup Competition games.

10. The Executive shall have the power to change the venue of the final game of the Pakenham Cup or the President’s League Cup when, due to circumstances, conditions at the traditional site are not of an acceptable or suitable standard for the game.

11. Referee fees for all cup games shall be split equally between both teams.

12. The Pakenham Cup shall be designated as Provincial Cup qualifying, whereby the Champion will qualify. Additional Provincial Cup berths will be awarded to Premier Division teams as determined by League standings.

13. The Masters Division Challenge Cup shall be designated as Provincial Cup qualifying, whereby the Champion will qualify. Additional Provincial Cup berths will be awarded as determined by League standings.

14. The Under-21 Division Challenge Cup shall be designated as Provincial Cup qualifying, whereby the Champion will qualify. Additional Provincial Cup berths will be awarded as determined by League standings.

15. Teams to qualify for the Keith Miller B Cup shall be the Garry Knight Presidents League Cup winner plus the highest place teams in Division 2.

16. The cups and trophies of the Fraser Valley Soccer League shall be presented at the designated time and place to the winning teams and other recipients who shall, in accepting custody and, as a condition of their acceptance of such cups and trophies, guarantee their return in good condition to the Administrator or appointee of the League upon request.

17. Should a cup or trophy be lost, damaged, destroyed or have any other accident occur to it while it is in a team’s or other recipient’s custody, they shall be responsible for paying to the League the cost of its recovery and / or repair or replacement.

18. Any team that resigns or is dismissed from the League shall immediately return any cups or trophies belonging to the League.

19. The Pakenham Cup shall be presented to the winner of the Pakenham Cup Competition.

20. The Garry Knight Presidents League Cup shall be presented to the winner of the President’s League Cup Competition.

21. The Executive shall decide the time and venue for all cup and trophy presentations.

Section 13 - EMBLEM

1. The emblem engraved on the Pakenham Cup shall be the official emblem of the League

2. Whenever possible and practical, for purposes of identification, the official emblem or some representation of it, in whole or in part, shall appear on all the forms and documents of the League, including letterhead, team lists and substitution slips.

3. The official emblem, or some approved representation of it, shall be included, wherever practically possible, on any flag, banner, pennant, crest or insignia that is official to the Fraser Valley Soccer League.

4. Whenever practical and possible, some official crest or insignia shall be worn on the uniform of any team or representative who is officially representing the Fraser Valley Soccer League

LEAGUE FEE SCHEDULES

1. FEE SCHEDULE (2012/2013)

LEAGUE FEES

- All FVSL teams $1450
- Entry (Application) fee for new teams $75
- Performance bond for new team $500 
- League Fees include the fees to register 20 players and 4 tickets for the Awards Banquet.

OTHER FEES

- Player registration Competitive (“A” form) $40
- Recreational (“B” form) $40
- Player transfer fee $15 
- Protest fee for league and cup games $100 

2. SCHEDULE OF FINES (2012/2013)

Team fines:

- Non-attendance at league meeting $100 
- Field inadequately lined $25 
- Improper or no corner flags $25 
- Improper or no goal nets $25 
- Poor condition or no game ball $25 
- Improper or incomplete team lists $25 
- Incomplete uniforms, different colours, no numbers etc. $50 (as of August 2009)
- Game forfeit $250 & 5-0 RESULT(as of March 2010) 
- Returned cheque (NSF) $100