PLAINVILLE YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE (PYSL) CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS
Incorporated December 20, 1988
(Revised March 1,2022)
ARTICLE I - NAME
The Organization shall be called Plainville Youth Soccer League, hereinafter referred to as PYSL, which is affiliated with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and the Boston Area Youth Soccer League (BAYS).
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
PYSL is a travel soccer program for children living in Plainville, Massachusetts. The children need to be entering Grades 3 through 6 each Fall in order to sign up and play. We have two seasons, Fall and Spring, with Registration opening within the BAYS published timeline; www.bays.org Key Planning Dates.
PYSL is dedicated towards developing, educating and creating an appreciation for the game of soccer in our community. Volunteers for this cause are always welcome.
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To foster and maintain an ongoing soccer program for amateur athletic competition for the young people of Plainville, Massachusetts. Grades 3-6
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To promote the sport of soccer in developing an appreciation for it and stressing the ideals of fair play and good sportsmanship included therein.
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To raise funds necessary to sustain the organization and travel teams at the various levels of competition.
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To partner with both the Plainville Town Soccer Program and King Philip Soccer Association in the further development of youth soccer for Plainville children in general.
PYSL will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or national origin.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Membership in PYSL shall include:
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Plainville youth who register to play soccer
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Youth from other towns having approval of the Board to register in the PYSL soccer program. This may require special waiver approval from BAYS.
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Parents of registered youth, and adults who have volunteered their services, who are residents of Plainville supportive of the Purposes of PYSL and interested in the development of a vital youth soccer program.
ARTICLE IV – Coaches
All PYSL Coaches are Volunteer Members of the PYSL Communities, volunteering their time to help mentor and coach the players of PYSL. The coach represents PYSL and should promote good sportsmanship amongst the team and spectators.
The Head Coach is an important and crucial member of his/her team, the PYSL relies on the Head Coaches to properly review and know the rules of the game and make their team aware of all rules and guidelines presented by PYSL, BAYS and MYSA.
All communication provided by the PYSL shall be reviewed, understood and distributed when necessary.
There is no guarantee that a coach will be selected if they have coached the team in the past and volunteered again. It is the discretion of the Board on who is selected as the Head Coach of each team with a majority vote and all Decisions are Final.
Prior Season issues related, but not limited, to the following can impact coaching selection:
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Red Card
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Ejections
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Questioning Referee Calls and Referee Comments and Complaints
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Zero Tolerance issues
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Review and findings made by the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee
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BAYS Recommendations
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Communication issues
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Lack of knowledge of current game rules and guidance
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Breaking of safety rules put in place by the CDC, Town of Plainville Board of Health, Parks Director, Parks Commission, MYSA, BAYS and the PYSL
ARTICLE V– RELATIONSHIPS
PYSL as an organization affiliated with the MYSA and also BAYS and shall develop its soccer program according to the expectations of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), the United States Soccer Federation USSF) and in obedience to the FIFA Laws of the Game except where modified by MYSA, BAYS or PYSL By-Laws. PYSL will develop relationships with other organizations as desired to promote recreational soccer and to provide youth opportunities to play competitive soccer with teams from other towns.
ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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The Board of Directors (BOD) will be responsible for the establishment of Policies, By-Laws, and Programs consistent with the purposes of PYSL. The number of members elected to the Board of Directors shall be no less than 5 and no more than 15.
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Eligible members of the Board of Directors must be at least 21 years old.
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Members of the Board of Directors shall be asked to volunteer and be elected annually by the existing board members to open positions
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Appointment to the Board for vacant positions may be made by the existing Board of Directors by a two-thirds vote
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The Board of Directors shall meet at least 6 times a year, or as often as required. A quorum shall consist of one-third [k3] of its members
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All Board Members should be registered and have a valid CORI following the process as outlined by MYSA.
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS
All Officers are also members of the Board of Directors, however not all Officers have voting privileges and attendance at the Board Meetings is not mandatory. Officers must be at least 21 years of age. Each voting position shall be subject to a term limit of two years. In the absence of new volunteer members, the current board may vote to extend the term limit of any officer to preserve the integrity of the board. Board members may serve in dual roles in the absence of volunteers.
The Officers of PYSL shall include but not limited to:
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President
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1st Vice President – Operations, Communications, Registration
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Secretary
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Treasurer
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Referee Assignor
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Uniform Coordinator
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Revs Coordinator
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Voting Director as assigned
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King Phillip Soccer Association Representative
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Boston Area Youth Soccer Representative
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Town of Plainville Park Director
Officer Responsibilities and Voting privileges are listed below:
President (Voting Director):
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Officially preside at Board of Directors Meetings, Budget Committee Meetings, and General Meetings.
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Officially represent PYSL in all matters pertaining to it
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Authorized check signer, name on account
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Perform duties of vacant Officer positions as needed, except the Treasurer role.
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Be ex-officio member of any Council, Committee, or Task Force of the PYSL
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Provide counsel, as needed or desired, to those bearing responsibility for the development and implementation of PYSL programs.
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Lead officer in recruitment of coaches
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Keep and maintain the equipment including disbursing the practice bags and medical supplies to the coaches.
Vice President/Registrar – (Voting Director):
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Officially preside at Board of Directors Meetings, Budget Committee Meetings, and General Meetings in the absence of the President
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Assist in coach recruitment
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Work with the President and other Board members to manage all marketing and communications for the League.
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Management of emails and communications to membership and public including social media and outreach campaigns.
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Collection, maintaining and entering of all PYSL player, member, coach, team and field data into the BAYS, MYSA and Admin Sports websites as required.
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Organize seasonal registration and coordinate payments.
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Prepare any communications or publicity pertaining to meetings or programs of PYSL.
Secretary (Voting Director):
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Record minutes of Board of Directors· Meetings, and General Meetings
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Prepare Meeting agendas and their distribution to Board members
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MYSA CORI process administrator
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Risk Administrator for Coaches, all certifications completed and registered as coaches
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Work with website manager to ensure all information and communications are up to date
Treasurer (Voting Director):
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Authorized check signer
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Collect, deposit and record all income for PYSL and keep a record of expenditures.
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Purchase necessary financial materials for PYSL and distribute funds as necessary
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Prepare regular financial statements for Board of Directors, and General Meetings.
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Prepare and submit annual Budget to BOD for approval
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Prepare and submit applicable tax forms. If said volunteer does not have the skill set to complete this task, the PYSL should contract with a professional who is able to file the appropriate forms on behalf of the PYSL.
Referee Assignor (Non-Voting/meetings):
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Should be a certified Referee Assignor
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Schedule certified referees for all home games of PYSL teams involved in league competition with other towns, utilizing BAYS Game Management
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Promote information about the certification program for interested parties to become professional U.S.S.F. referees
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Provide direction to all referees regarding PYSL Policies and By-Laws and in the use and training on BAYS scoring system and other soccer league By-Laws and regulations that pertain to PYSL involvement
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Coordinate all necessary materials and communications to referees who are involved in competitive league competition
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Ensure that enough referees are in place for the season
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Submit Assistant Referee payment requests to Treasurer
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Mentor and provide forum for referee feedback
Boston Area Youth Soccer Representative (Voting Director):
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Serve as a Director on the Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS) Board.
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The volunteer when possible should have some prior experience as a player, Board Member, or coach.
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Represent PYSL’s best interests in all matters relating to BAYS
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Act as liaison to/from both the PYSL and BAYS Boards
Uniform Coordinator (Voting Director)
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Manage League Uniform process in general
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Assign player numbers
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Help research, acquire and distribute uniforms when necessary
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Maintain inventory of new and used uniforms as required
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Coordinate any rental of pinnies
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Coordinate and maintain the relationship with uniform vendor
Field Manager (Voting Director)
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Work with Town of Plainville Park Director for scheduling field rental for games and practices
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Coordinate field lining at the start of each season, Spring and Fall
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Create a Practice Schedule, utilize the Multipurpose Field, Unlikely Story (7v7 teams) field and the Town Park
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Create a Team Weekly Field Lining Schedule
Revs Liaison (Voting Member): As long as the Board votes to maintain the relationship with the New England Revolution Soccer team.
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Manage the relationship between the New England Revolution and the PYSL Board.
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Advise the board of upcoming events and soccer opportunities
COVID-19 Safety Officer (Voting Director) position subject to change per MYSA
Duties as assigned and maintained by MYSA
Voting Director as assigned (Voting Member):
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Director volunteer to help fulfill roles or job share with other board members during the soccer season.
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In order for there to be a Voting Director without a particular title, all other roles must be filled.
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The voting director must serve a specific purpose on the board
King Philip Soccer Association Representative (Voting Director)
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Serve as a Director on the King Philip Soccer Association (KPSA) Board.
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Represent PYSL’s best interests in all matters relating to KPSA
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Act as liaison to/from both the PYSL and KYPSA Board
Town of Plainville Park Director (Non-voting Director):
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Filled by current Plainville Town Park Director
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Work with Field Manager to coordinate and schedule the use of the Field of Dreams facility located in Plainville MA.
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Advising authority on home game cancellations due to poor field conditions resulting from weather conditions.
Officer Spending Authority
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Officers are authorized to make purchases on behalf of PYSL up to $100.
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Amounts greater than $100 must be approved by the President.
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Any purchase greater than $100 made by the President must be approved by the Vice President.
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Any purchases greater than $500 must be approved by a majority vote by the Board.
§ Approvals and voting can be done electronically or at Board Meetings
ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES
Committees and Task Forces shall be created, organized and disbanded at the discretion of the PYSL Board of Directors with members selected as prescribed in Bylaws section 2.4 below.
ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MEETING
The Board of Directors may call a General Meeting at any time so long as a notice and printed agenda is made available at least 10 days prior to the meeting. The Board of Directors shall call a General Meeting annually for the purposes of:
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Policy Review and Expectations for the Season
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Key Action Dates for the Season
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Presentation of Board Members
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Review of Budget
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Summary of By Laws
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Coach and Volunteer Credentialing
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Presentation of an Annual Report
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Acting on any other items of business requiring a vote of the Board Members.
General Meetings may be called in connection with another program of the PYSL.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
Proposed changes in the Constitution or By-Laws of PYSL may be submitted to the Board of Directors at any meeting and are subject to review by the Board as mentioned below in the Organizational General Section 1.5, Changes must be voted upon by the Board and those Members in attendance and require a majority vote. Enacted Amendments to the Constitution of the PYSL or Bylaws become effective immediately.
ORGANIZATIONAL BYLAWS
1. General:
1.1 Regularly scheduled monthly meetings of the Board of Directors
(Board) will be held at a predetermined time, date and location
1.2 Any issues deemed too sensitive for public hearing shall be dealt with at a special closed Board meeting that will be held separately from the regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting. These meetings when called will only be open to Board members and invited parties.
1.3 All decisions made by the board, at any time, shall have the best interest of the children in mind regarding enjoying, participating in and learning the game of soccer
1.4 Proposed changes to these By-Laws may be submitted by anyone in the PYSL program. The proposed change must first be submitted to the President, in writing, to be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting. The proposed change to the By-Laws must then be mailed to all Board members at least one week in advance of the Board meeting.
2. Committees
2.1 Committees can be formed to help the PYSL perform special tasks not involved in the day to day business of the organization including: Disciplinary issues (coaches, parents and/or players) Publicity, Player Selection, Field Preparation, Equipment Maintenance & Replacement and Coaching Selection and assignment
2.2. The committee chairman of each committee is considered an official representative of the PYSL and is responsible for adhering to as well as enforcing all the rules and regulations of the PYSL
2.3. The committee chairman shall report to the Board at the monthly meeting and shall keep the President informed of all activities
2.4 The committee chairman shall be responsible for selecting all committee members. The appointment of the committee shall be subject to Board approval.
3. Registration
3.1 All players must register with the Registrar no later than the communicated registration date determined by the PYSL Board and prior to the first roster submission to BAYS. This date will be considered the registration deadline, registrations after the date will be considered late registrations and will be subject to late fees, waitlist and possible denial.
3.2 Players must be in the U9 through U12 age groups. The age groups are defined on the BAYS website and are subject to change based on BAYS/MYSA directive.
https://bays.org/content/grade-age-groupings-current-soccer-year
3.3 A player will not be considered registered in the PYSL unless an online registration is completed, and registration fee has been received by the Registrar.
3.4 Registered players will be placed on teams of the youngest age group that they are eligible for. No player will be moved up to an older age group without the express approval of the Board. Placements will follow rules prescribed by BAYS.
https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-2-%E2%80%93-rosters
3.5 The late registrant will be considered for acceptance if such acceptance would not bring the appropriate team's roster above the current BAYS suggested roster requirements. Decision of the Board will be final. https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-2-%E2%80%93-rosters
3.6 In the event that the PYSL must recruit players to obtain an adequate number of players for a roster, all late registration rules for that group will be suspended. A roster is deemed adequate when they meet the BAYS suggested roster requirements.
4. Refunds
4.1 If a refund is requested for any reason prior to registration closing a full refund will be provided, less a $25 administrative fee. Refunds of registration fees will not be given after the registration deadline.
4.2 Refunds will not be granted for equipment i.e. uniform.
5. Player Placement: The PYSL will attempt to place players based on, but not limited to, player age and skill level. The placement of players will be subject to the availability of teams which can be formed with the number of players available. For example, if two teams are available within the same age group, then the PYSL will attempt to group the children based on skill level.
5.1 At the discretion of the PYSL Board, players may be evaluated by an independent evaluation company and/or coaches recommendations and/or recommendation by the local Park Director and then placed according to their soccer ability. (i.e. skills tactical ability, athletic ability, attitude and aggressiveness). When possible, players will be grouped with other players of the same skill level. If needed, the PYSL Board will use all player feedback to form multiple teams for an age group. The PYSL Board has ultimate discretion when choosing the final roster for each team.
5.2 Players will not be placed on teams based on position requirements
5.3 All player placements are final for the current playing season. Team placements will be reviewed during the normal SWAP time as defined by BAYS.
https://bays.org/content/team-swaps-explained
5.4 Players with no previous soccer experience and/or evaluation information on file and/or prior coach recommendations will be placed on the lower divisioned team.
6. Coaches Placement: PYSL Coaches are Mentors and Important members of the PYSL Community.
6.1 The PYSL will attempt to select the most qualified coach available for each team from those coaches who have submitted their names directly to the Board for consideration as possible coaches. The selection process should consider the coaches total soccer knowledge and the ability to communicate this knowledge to the players, cooperation with PYSL, BAYS and MYSA guidelines and representation of the League as outlined above in ARTICLE V
6.2 Incumbency is not a guarantee of a coach returning to a team the following season. However, it is the objective of the PYSL to have a coach return from Fall to Spring as it is recognized by the Board that the Fall season is a developmental season for the Spring and that this gives the organization continuity.
6.3 There will only be one Head Coach assigned to each team. Only credentialed adults are allowed on the sidelines. The Head Coach may have up to two Assistant Coaches on the sidelines.
https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-1-%E2%80%93-team-officials-substitute-coach-and-minor-coach
6.4 Any disagreement or disputes as to the selection and assignment of a coach or coaches for a particular team will be settled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting
6.5 All coaches and assistant coaches are subject to MYSA, BAYS and CORI requirements or background checks as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors
6.6 For seasons when there are an abundance of volunteer coaches, preference will be given to those of differing households before two members of the same family including relatives fill the Head Coach and Assistant Coach positions for the same PYSL team.
6.7 The minimum age for Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches will be 18 yrs of age as of August 1st.
6.8 The Head Coach is responsible for setting the tone for the team and parents. There is a Zero Tolerance policy that all parents/guardians/caregivers agree to during registration and will be enforced.
7. Teams
7.1 Team placement, regardless of the season, league or tournament, should be done with the intent of pushing the team to the highest level possible while keeping the team competitive. A team shall be considered competitive if it consistently wins or loses by one or two goals.
7.2 Please review the BAYS website for team formation, player eligibility, ideal team size, and placement.
https://bays.org/book/playing-rules-and-regulations-bays-soccer-competition
https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-3-%E2%80%93-player-gradeage-eligibility
https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-2-%E2%80%93-rosters
8. Coach Responsibilities
8.1 Coaches are responsible for observing as well as enforcing the rules and regulations set forth in these bylaws, BAYS and MYSA
8.2 Coaches are responsible for observing and enforcing the rules set forth in any league, tournament or game in which the team is involved.
8.3 Coaches are ultimately responsible for their own team and spectators. No verbal or physical abuse of any player, referee or parent is allowed at any time. Coaches must adhere to and enforce the no tolerance rules prescribed by BAYS.
Every Head Coach and Assistant Coach will always conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and sportsmanship. Coaches will encourage players and will never speak disrespectfully to players on either team, Referees or the opposing team coaches at any time before, during, or after a game. Coaches will never question a call on the field or speak to the referee in a confrontational or argumentative manner. Coaches represent Plainville, and their actions reflect PYSL and the community overall which strives to set an example with professional behavior.
https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-15-%E2%80%93-support-referees
8. 4 Should any Coach be found in violation of the expectations in Section 8.3 by opposing teams, Referees or parents the Board will review the matter. If the Board verifies the occurrence of a first offense but concludes it is not severe, then the Board will, in writing, warn the offending coach and will monitor his or her next two games to ensure that the coach adheres to PYSL expectations on proper behavior. If a second offense occurs with the same coach, that Coach will be immediately removed from his or her coaching position for the rest of the Season. BAYS will be alerted of the coaching change and a new roster will be provided as the official roster for the remainder of the season. Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of games until a new roster is accepted.
8.4 A Should the first offense be found to be severe and in violation of Section 8.3, the Coach will be removed from his or her coaching position for the rest of the season. Extreme misbehavior could result in a coach being banned from all PYSL activities and fields completely. Any Coach removed from his or her position will have the right to re-apply as a Coach for the following season.
8.4 B The Coach’s application and future involvement in PYSL will be at the discretion of the Board.
8.5 A coach has the authority to suspend a player from one game for the infraction of any rules or as a disciplinary action used to control the individual. The President of the PYSL must be informed of said suspension as soon as possible. If the coach feels further action must be taken, then this can only be done by a Board vote. If necessary, a special meeting of the Board will be called. All parties involved will be invited to attend. A player and/or parent have the right to appeal any suspension to the Board of the PYSL.
8.6 The coach of each team will be charged with finding a suitable assistant coach who will be totally responsible for the team in the coach’s absence.
8.7 No team game, practice, or activity can be conducted without an MYSA registered Board member or credentialled coach.
8.8 All coaches and assistant coaches will be required to display credentials, adhering to BAYS policy.
8.9 All coaches or assistants must present a current team roster to both the referee and opposing coach at each game.
8.10 Coaches should have necessary first aid kits and ice packs at all team games and practices. Materials will be provided by PYSL
8.11 Coaches are encouraged to review the training materials and programs found on the the MYSA website: https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/director-of-soccer-development/
9. Practice
9.1 It is suggested that practice be conducted twice a week for all age groups as weather and time permits
9.2 All practices shall be supervised by at least one coach or assistant coach or Board member registered with the PYSL, MYSA or BAYS
10. Game Procedures and Conduct
10.1 It is suggested that every coach should do his/her best to give each player an equal amount of playing time, when possible.
10.2 It is suggested that goal keepers should not be playing goal exclusively. For a keeper to develop to his/her fullest potential he/she must develop foot skills. This is best done on the field as a field player.
10.3 An animated and enthusiastic coach is a great asset. Coaches should be positive and focus on player development through proper instruction.
10.4 Coaches should ensure that all team members are in official PYSL uniform and equipment for each game.
10.5 Coaches should ensure that players are acting responsibly and in the best interests of the game.
10.6 Coaches may be responsible for lining and markings of fields for game days. Assignments will be scheduled by the PYSL if necessary.
10.7 Coaches will be responsible for communications and rescheduling for game postponements or cancellations due to weather or player availability in conjunction with PYSL and opposing coach and BAYS requirements.
10.8 Coaches are responsible for submitting game scores and any game related issues to the BAYS designated Section Captain for their Division and Section.
10.9 In all cases, games will be play in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by BAYS and MYSA
11. Drugs - Coaches
11.1. It is mandated, in order to set an example to the PYSL soccer players, that coaches refrain from using tobacco, in any form at team activities.
11.2 No coach shall indulge in the use of alcohol while participating in team activities.
11.3 No coach will participate in the use of illegal drugs while associated with the PYSL.
11.4 Coaches not adhering to any rule in Section 12 will be subject to immediate dismissal by the Board
12. Player Conduct
12.1 Players are always expected to conduct themselves in a sportsman’s like manner
12.2 Vulgarity is not permitted at any time. A player heard swearing by the coach should immediately be pulled from the playing field. Depending on the severity of the offense a player may sit out the remainder of the half or even the game. This action should be taken, by the coach, regardless of any referee action.
12.3 Players involved in excessive physical behavior with the intent of hurting another player shall be given ample time to cool off on the bench. Repeated offenses should result in the player being removed from the game. This action should be taken, by the coach, regardless of any referee action, for the safety of the players.
13. Parents
13.1 Parents shall treat players, coaches, and referees with respect. At no time will they verbally or physically abuse them. Only words of encouragement, to the players on the field, will be acceptable at any time.
13.2 All spectators of PYSL home games will watch the game from the touchline opposite the teams. No spectator will be allowed behind the goal lines or on the team sideline.
13.3 Spectators should refrain from smoking while on town grounds both at games and practices.
13.4 The PYSL greatly discourages the consumption of alcohol at any team activities.
13.5 Spectators should always follow the rules regarding bringing pets to home and away games. Many fields have rules regarding pets including the PYSL home field. Please be aware and adhere to all field rules regarding pets.
14. Referees
Referees are the arbiters of the Laws of Soccer and are certified through the United States Soccer Federation ("USSF").
14.1 The coaches of PYSL teams will be held responsible for the behavior of the players towards the referee. If it is felt that a conversation must be held with the referee during or after a game, only the coach may do so.
14.2 PYSL has a No Tolerance Policy regarding treatment of referees. Every player, spectator, and coach has a responsibility to adhere to this policy. The Board has the authority to take further action which may include but not be limited to suspensions or expulsions from game play, coaching, or spectating.
14.3 All disputes or issues with games referees should be addressed to BAYS via online game reports and with the PYSL Referee Supervisor (if game is played at home) after game is completed.
14.4 New referees are placed on a waiting list subject to approval by the Referee Administrator
https://bays.org/book/bays-match-rule-15-%E2%80%93-support-referees
15. Tournaments
15.1 The PYSL Board shall be notified, by the coach, of any team planning to attend any tournament, prior to the team registration application being submitted. (The PYSL encourages teams to participate in tournament play where the opportunity presents itself)
15.2 A request for sponsorship may be submitted to the Board. These will be reviewed on a case by case basis and requires normal Board approval.
16. Playing Fields
16.1 All PYSL teams will play home games on designated fields, primarily at the Field of Dreams on School Street at agreed upon rates determined by the Town Park & Recreation Board. All practices will be played on fields designated by PYSL, either Field of Dreams or Town Park. Game field assignments are determined by the BAYS schedule. Practice fields are assigned on a first come basis by PYSL based on requests. Practice Field change requests must be approved by the President and/or the board member responsible for scheduling field play.
16.2 Dimensions and markings will be in accordance with MYSA and BAYS regulations.
Recommended field dimensions:
Refer to BAYS Current Rule Book
https://bays.org/book/law-1-field-play