Spring 2023 EDP League

Medals

If medals are awarded, the quantity will be capped at the game day roster (maximum number of players dressed).

Number of Players

Two teams shall play a match with no more than the listed number of players on the field at one time, one of whom shall be the goalkeeper.

Minimum Number of Players

A minimum number of players shall be required for a scheduled match. Should a team not have at least the minimum number of players at the scheduled match time, it shall forfeit the game 3-0 and will be responsible for the entire referee and associated assignor fees. The minimum number of players per age group is listed.

PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

Uniforms

The visiting club’s primary contact will verify the uniform colors with the home team’s primary contact prior to the game date. All players on a team shall wear similar colored jerseys, shorts and soccer socks. A legible non-duplicated number on the back of each jersey is required. If necessary, tape may be used to alter a duplicated jersey number. Players and substitutes shall not change numbers or remove their jerseys prior to the completion of the game without specific permission of the referee.

The color of a team’s jerseys may be different than the color of the team’s shorts and or soccer socks. At each game, both teams shall be able to make a change of jersey color. If both teams are wearing similar colored jerseys, the home team shall be required to change. Goalkeepers shall change jerseys as the referee directs, regardless of the home/visitor status. All players shall have their jerseys tucked into their shorts.

Teams may elect to display sponsorship on their team jerseys, but may only do so upon prior approval by the league. Decision of the league is final, without any permissible appeal.

Shin Guards

Shin guards are required equipment for all players and are to be worn at all practices and matches. Shin guards are to be covered entirely by the players’ socks. Shin guards are to be made of suitable-material, rubber or plastic, to provide a reasonable degree of protection.

Goalkeeper Attire

The goalkeeper is permitted to wear a tracksuit, similar trousers and stockings or other type of clothing in all league sanctioned activities. The goalkeeper is permitted to wear a vinyl foam soft soccer helmet.

Team Captain Identification

The captain(s) of a team shall wear a band for identification purposes, which is to be displayed only on the arm.

Foul Weather Gear

In the event of severe weather conditions, players will be permitted to wear a sweat suit, similar trousers and stockings, or other type of clothing under their team uniform. Sweat pants may not have a metallic buckle, snaps, buttons or other items that the referee considers dangerous.

Safe Equipment

Under FIFA Law V, the referee is granted the authority to determine the safety of a player’s equipment as defined in FIFA Law IV. The following shall not be permitted:

1. Hair control devices with any hard parts
2. Earrings or any other jewelry, regardless of covering

The following shall be permitted:

1. A soft splint, soft brace or a soft cast, provided that the match referee has determined that it is not a danger to himself or another player
2. A hard cast must be wrapped by padded cushioning material to allow for safe play. It is recommended that casts be covered with closed cell, slow recovery foam – padding no less than 1/2 inch thick, provided that the match referee has determined that it is not a danger to himself or another player
3. A brace, joint or prosthetic device, provided that it meets the guidelines and the match referee has determined that it is not a danger to himself or another player
4. Sports Spectacles: Protective sports spectacles or plastic prescription frames sports spectacles with the lenses fully contained with the frame, and held on by an elastic strap are expressly permitted. Any eyewear containing glass, metal or any sharp edges are prohibited.
5. Headgear: Soft foam headgear for goalkeeper, Full 90 type headgear for player, provided that the referee has determined that it is not a danger to himself or another player

If the referee finds that a player is wearing articles not permitted by the Laws or this rule, the referee shall order the player to remove them. If a player fails to carry out the referee’s instruction, the player shall not take part in the match.

Coaching from the sidelines

Coaching from the sidelines is permitted, as long as the coach is giving direction to one’s own team on points of strategy, tactics and position. The following conditions must be complied with:

1. No mechanical devices are used
2. The tone of voice is informative and sportsmanlike
3. Any coach, substitute or player must be within 20 yards from the mid-field line on their team’s sideline

No club official, club member, team manager, player, or spectator may enter the field of play regardless of the circumstances, unless the referee has given them permission. If this is disregarded, they shall become subject to disciplinary action by the Disciplinary Committee.

Accidents or Unusual Incidents

The team coach or manager must report any accident or unusual incident to the league. An injury report may be accessed on the NYCS home page.

Suspensions

Suspended Player

A player who has been placed on suspension is not permitted to dress for any match during the time period of his/her suspension, nor be present at the site of a match or areas immediately adjacent. Player may participate in team practices.

Suspended Coach

Any coach who has been placed on suspension is not permitted to participate in any manner whatsoever in the activities of the League during the suspension. The suspended person is not permitted to be present at the site of a match or areas immediately adjacent.

GAME REGULATIONS

Standings

1. Standings Determined: Standings are kept for all U11 and older games and are determined by the above point system. Standings are not published for all U8, U9 and U10 games.
2. Tied For First: In the event of a tie for first place in the standings at the completion of the season’s regular game schedule, both teams with equivalent total points will be declared co-champions of the division.
3. Team Forfeits: If a team forfeits a game, the team is ineligible to win the division and ineligible to qualify for any post-season competitions. If a team forfeits more than two (2) games during the season, they will be considered to have withdrawn from competition.
4. Tie Games: If a regularly scheduled game ends in a tie score at the end of regulation playing time, the game and score shall stand as official.
5. Team Withdraws from Competition: If a team withdraws or is removed from competition during the season of play, all scores and point records for or in connection with that team shall be nullified and all games played or scheduled to be played shall be recorded as a 3-0 win for the opposing team.
6. Playoff Tiebreakers for Qualification Purposes: Should EDP hold a league ending event (ex: NY Champions Cup), determination of teams’ final placement, in the event of a tie, will be decided by the following tiebreakers in order listed.
   1. Head to Head (Does not apply if three (3) or more teams are tied.)
   2. Goal Differential: maximum of 5 goals per game
   3. Fewest Goals Allowed: maximum of 5 goals per game
   4. Number of Shutouts
   5. If two teams are tied after all of the tiebreakers above, a coin toss will determine which team is designated in the higher placement.

League Ending Event (ex: NY Champions Cup)

Extra time and penalty shootouts will be used to produce winners at this stage if necessary. If a match is tied after regulation, two 5-minute overtime periods for U9-U12 and two 10-minute overtime periods for U13 and older in their entirety.

Teams will have a 5-minute break before the first overtime. After the first overtime, teams will change sides, with no break, and play the remaining overtime period. If the match is still tied after two overtime periods, then penalty kicks (FIFA rules) will determine the winning team.

Scheduling

Prior to the season’s start, clubs are to do their best to accommodate the visiting team’s requests when scheduling their home team games. When there is a conflict between the home team and visiting team requests, the home team request will prevail.

For league matches, teams must be available to play on the league specified weekend dates posted on the site prior to the season’s start. If a team is unavailable, the game will be forfeited unless the available team is able to host on a mutually agreeable date in time to be scheduled prior to the season’s opening weekend.

Games may not be scheduled to start before 10 am if a team is traveling from 1-2 hours away and they may not be scheduled to start before 12 pm if a team is traveling 140 miles or more (unless agreed to by visiting team).

SAT/ACT/PSAT Testing

On SAT/ACT testing dates, the games will begin at 3:00 pm or later for U17-U18/19 age groups

Confirmation of Time, Field, and Colors

The visiting team’s primary contact shall confirm the game time, field location, and uniform colors with the home team’s primary contact prior to the game date.

Start at the Scheduled Time

At the scheduled time for the match, the minimum number of players will constitute a team and the match will start at the scheduled time. There is no permissible period to wait for additional players to arrive.

Rescheduling Considerations

When both teams cannot agree on a re-schedule date, EDP will have the authority to review all facts and inter-team communications, preferably team chats, in order to determine whether the game should be rescheduled, forfeited or canceled permanently.

Change A Scheduled Match

Under no circumstances will a coach, team manager or any other club representative change a scheduled match or reschedule a match without permission from the league. Should this occur, both teams will forfeit the match and will be responsible for their share of the referee and associated assignor fees.

Change of Game Location.

Should there be a last-minute change to a match site; the home team must station a person at the original site to escort the referee and the visiting team to the new site.

Field Conditions/Game Day Rules

Home Team Responsibility: The home team is responsible for the condition of the playing area including the proper field markings and proper equipment – nets and corner flags are required. If the referee determines that the field is not playable due to improper conditions (unrelated to weather), then the home team will forfeit the match and be responsible for all referee and assignor fees.

Neutral Playing Field: If a neutral playing field is used, the designated home team must provide the field markings including placing the lines which represent the field of play, setting up the goal nets and corner flags. If the referee determines that the field is not playable due to improper conditions (unrelated to weather), then the home team will forfeit the match and be responsible for referee and assignor fees.

Position of the Team and Spectators at the Game Site: Spectators for each team will take a position on the opposite side of the field than the valid coaches and roster players. No spectators shall be permitted directly behind either goal. The home team shall have the choice of which side the spectator’s will be positioned.

Delaying the Start of a Scheduled Match: Any team delaying the start of a scheduled game more than fifteen (15) minutes without the sanction of the league shall forfeit the game by a score of 3-0. This condition is waived should the game be delayed by a preceding game. The fifteen (15) minute forfeit time will commence upon completion of the previous match on fields with multiple games.

Incomplete Games: In the event a game cannot be completed, the game counts if half the game was completed. If there is no result and the match is suspended prior to the expiration of one half, the games shall be repeated at a time agreed upon by the competing teams in consultation with the League Committee.

Any team directly responsible for the termination of the game due to poor sportsmanship toward referee, opposing fans or opposing players will result in that team forfeiting the match. This could also lead to other possible penalties set by the league disciplinary committee.

No-Shows/Forfeits: A no-show occurs when a team willfully does not show up to a scheduled game. Penalties for no-shows are as follows:

• A forfeit to the opposing team: 0-3 loss
• See FINES for additional repercussions
• A team that has forfeited a game cannot win its division for that season.
• Removal from the league and/or all other competitions at the league’s discretion

A team unable to attend a scheduled game because of an accident, weather or act of God should immediately notify the opponent and the league office. Each situation shall be reviewed by the leagued committee, which shall enter a decision.

Unplayed Games/Standings: Teams are required to complete all games on their schedules to qualify for first or second place in their divisions and to qualify for any post-season competition including, but not limited to the Champions Cup. If a team completes its season with one (1) or more of its games unplayed, EDP will have the authority at its sole discretion to review all inter-team correspondence showing the intent to schedule and determine whether any unplayed games should be forfeited or canceled permanently.

If Both Teams Fail to Appear: In the event both teams do not appear for a scheduled match both teams will be assessed a forfeit and be responsible for their share of referee fees and associated fines. No game score will be recorded and the game will not be permitted to be rescheduled.

Team Uses Illegal Player: An Illegal player shall mean any player who does not present to the officiating referee a valid, unexpired, age appropriate ENYYSA player pass. The ENYYSA soccer player pass must specifically display the player’s date of birth, photo and membership in the participating club. Team using an illegal player will be assessed a 3-0 forfeit, will be responsible for the full referee fees and cannot win the division for that season. EDP will determine additional sanctions, if any, up to and including player and/or coach suspension, fines up to $1000 and possible expulsion from the league.

Fines: $100 fine will be assessed upon team’s first forfeit. In addition, team will be responsible for full referee fees. Should a second forfeit occur by the same team, then the team will be removed from the competition.

Forfeiture and Failure to Compete (Complete One’s Scheduled Games) If a team fails to complete its scheduled games, the matter will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee, which shall have the authority to take such actions against the team as it deems appropriate.

If the Referee Fails to Appear: The no-show policy for referees favors getting games played in the event teams are otherwise assembled at the fields. Therefore, the league will allow the use of a designated referee or parent.

1. The Individual designated to referee must be approved by both teams.
2. If teams decide to play the game as a friendly, both teams must send email notification to the league prior to kickoff.
3. The default position of the league is that if the game is played, the result will stand.
4. If the game is not played, it will be rescheduled and the home team will travel to the opposing team.
5. The league will contact the local assignor and home team regarding the situation.
6. Any open issues will be addressed at a conference between the league and the DOCs of both clubs.

Ejection from a Match: In instances where the designated coach has been ejected from a game, or has failed to control the activities at the match site to the detriment of the game, the referee will file a supplemental report online. The league’s disciplinary committee, at its discretion, will implement any disciplinary action recommended.

Score Reporting

Reporting the Score: All scores must be reported no later than two (2) hours following the game’s completion, by using the enter game score button on the game reminder email. Both teams are responsible for reporting any erroneously reported scores no later than 48 hrs. after they are posted.

Published Scores: Actual scores are required to be reported for U11-18/19 age groups. Actual scores are required for U9-U10 age groups, yet standings and scores are not published. No scores are kept for U8.

Bad Weather and/or Poor Field Conditions

Inspection of Playing Site: In the event of bad weather, the home team’s club official, after inspection of the field, must notify the league no later than 2 hours prior to the scheduled starting time of the match that field conditions require postponement. If the visiting team is traveling 140 miles or more, the required notification period is four (4) hours. ONLY a club official may cancel a match. If a match is canceled, then the home team’s coach or administrator MUST notify the AWAY TEAM and center REFEREE by phone and email. and and the league by email. Failure to do so may result in a forfeit as well as full referee payment.

Both Teams Must Appear: Should any part of the two (2) hour notification period lapse, regardless of weather and/or field conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at the match site ready to play at the scheduled time or forfeit. Once any part of the two (2) notification period has lapsed, the referee is the only person authorized to cancel the match. In the event that weather and/or field conditions are questionable for playing the match and the referee fails to appear, the decision to play or cancel is granted to the home team. A four (4) hour notification period will apply for teams traveling 140 miles or further.

Game Terminated by the Referee: Should the match be terminated by the referee prior to the time specified in the rules (refer to Incomplete Games section), for reasons of bad weather, poor field conditions, or darkness, the entire game must be replayed. (FIFA Law VII).

Availability of Home Field: Should a home team find itself without a match site due to circumstances beyond the control of the team and/or club, the home team’s primary contact must notify the league no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled time of the match.

Should a home team find itself without a match site due to circumstances within the control of the team and/or club, including but not limited to site double-booking, field being inaccessible or early termination or lack of field lighting (within the permit) the home team will be responsible for the full referee fees and the match will be rescheduled at the visiting team’s site.

Referees

a) Player Verification

1. Game Roster Form The referee shall require that both teams provide two (2) copies of the ENYYSA Official Roster, one (1) to be given to the opposing coach. NO player’s names may be handwritten on this roster. 
   Any player not on the team’s printed roster may not play in that match. Any player not present for pre-match check-in must be verified against the game roster form by the referee, prior to playing in the match.
2. Jersey Numbers Teams must list a unique jersey number for each player present for that match and must match roster (may be adjusted prior to presentation to the referee).
3. Player Passes Player passes must be available to present to the referee when necessary.
4. Verify the Player’s Identity The referee shall verify the identity of the players represented on the pass by inspecting the affixed photograph.
5. Player Not Permitted to Participate The referee will not permit a player to participate unless a valid player pass has been furnished.
6. Verify Written Data The referee shall verify that the players’ passes indicate the correct club name and that the player’s date of birth is within or younger than the team’s age group range.
7. Discrepancy in the Data Should there be a discrepancy in the age group, and/or club name, the player shall NOT be permitted to participate in the match.

b) Referee Reports

1. Submit Referee Reports The referee shall submit an online referee report for each match officiated, within forty-eight (48) hours after the completion of the match. The referee shall retain a copy of both team rosters presented until the completion of the season.
2. Supplementary Referee Report can be included in the online report submitted. The referee does not have to retain the pass of the ejected player or coach.
3. Violation Will Be Held In Abeyance In the event that the Supplementary Referee Report is not received by the league within forty-eight (48) hours after the completion of the match, the violation will be held in abeyance until the report is received.

c) Caution

1. Yellow Card – Cautioned A Yellow Card is displayed by the referee to indicate that a player or coach is being cautioned for violating FIFA Laws of the Game.
2. Two (2) Cautions If a player or coach receives two (2) cautions during one match, the player or coach will be ejected from the match, and a suspension is in effect.
3. Five (5) Cautions If a coach receives five (5) cautions during a season, a suspension is in effect.
4. Disciplinary Committee The disciplinary committee, at its discretion, will determine the length of the suspension and any other punishments, fines, and/or assessments.

d) Ejection

1. Red Card – Ejection A red card is displayed by the referee to indicate that a player or coach is ejected from the match and a suspension is in effect. The referee will make a notation in the supplemental portion of the online referee report. The pass does not have to be retained by the referee.
2. Disciplinary Committee The disciplinary committee, at its discretion, will determine the length of the suspension and any other punishments, fines and/or assessments.
3. Appear Before Disciplinary Committee A player or coach who receives a red card or the equivalent will at the discretion of the disciplinary committee, be summoned to appear at a hearing. Should the player or coach fail to appear, he/she will be suspended until such appearance is made. The disciplinary committee, at its discretion, will determine the length of suspension and/or any other punishments, fines, or assessments. Should a player be summoned to appear, the coach or club representative from his/her designated team must accompany him/her.
4. Suspended from Consecutive Competition A player or coach shall be suspended from consecutive competition in the league.
5. Team Refuses to Continue If a team refuses to continue to play after being so instructed by the referee, the team will forfeit the game by a score of 3-0.
6. Reports Will Be Reviewed By The Disciplinary Committee The referee report and the supplementary referee report shall be reviewed by the league’s disciplinary committee, who shall determine the punishment, fine, and/or assessment. The disciplinary committee shall notify the parties involved, in writing, of the decision.

e) Concussion/No-Reentry Protocol

The referee will stop the game when he/she believes that a player has suffered an injury involving that player’s head and immediately remove the player from the game. The referee will make a notation in the supplemental portion of the online referee report. The referee does not have to retain the pass.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Membership: Clubs must submit an application for evaluation by the EDP Executive Board. Based on that evaluation, the Board may accept of deny Club Membership at its sole discretion.

Clubs/teams may or may not be accepted into the league at the sole discretion of EDP.

Expulsion: Clubs, teams or individuals who attempt to circumvent a decision rendered by EDP or who seriously damage the interest of EDP may be expelled at the sole discretion of EDP.

PROTESTS and APPEALS

Eligibility Protest: Protests regarding questions of eligibility must be filed in writing, with substantiating facts to the disciplinary committee, anytime within the current season.

Disciplinary Committee: It shall manage all matters requiring arbitration that pertain to league sponsored competition(s). The disciplinary committee will administer game protests and behavioral incidents. The disciplinary committee has the authority to suspend or fine any player, coach, team, team official, club official, team and/or club supporter. The disciplinary committee has the authority to fine any member club

1. Composition There will be no less than three (3) and no more than five (5) members, plus a committee chairman on the league disciplinary committee. disciplinary committee members and selection of its chairman shall be selected by the league’s president.
2. Voting of this committee shall be one (1) vote for each member of the committee including the chairman. The chairman may cast a vote only in case of a tie. A minimum of three (3) voting members, which includes the chairman, will be required to hear a case and render a decision. No member of the league disciplinary committee shall participate at any other level of appeal or discipline.
3. Participants at a Disciplinary Committee Meeting The disciplinary committee reserves the right to determine the participants and number of participants that may attend a disciplinary committee meeting.
4. Convene Disciplinary Committee The disciplinary committee will convene at the discretion of the chairman.
5. Club Notification Each Time A Coach is Issued a red card In the event that a coach or player is issued a red card, the disciplinary committee will notify the club president in writing of the offense.
6. Coach to Appear at the Disciplinary Committee Hearing In the event that an coach is awarded a red card, at the discretion of the disciplinary committee, will be notified by the disciplinary committee to appear in person at the disciplinary committee hearing.
   
   1. The disciplinary committee will notify the coach of the date, time and location of the hearing.
7. Player to Appear at the Disciplinary Committee Hearing In the event that a player is awarded a red card, at the discretion of the disciplinary committee, said player and the coach of the said player’s team may be notified by the disciplinary committee to appear in person, at the disciplinary committee hearing. The coach must accompany the player to such a hearing.
   
   1. The Disciplinary Committee will notify the coach of the date, time and location of the hearing.

Protests and Disputes: All questions relating to the qualifications of competitors, interpretation of the rules, any dispute or protest whatever, shall be referred to the disciplinary committee of the league. Protests and disputes are filed by the member clubs who will bear responsibility for adherence to the rules regarding disputes and protests and guarantee all fees and fines. Decisions of the disciplinary committee shall be final and binding unless and until overturned under appeal.

1) Valid and Eligible for Consideration: To be valid and eligible for consideration, each protest or dispute must:

1. Be accompanied by an appeal fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100), in the form of a check or money order made payable to EDP.
2. Be submitted in triplicate on member Club stationery. The submittal must describe in full detail the grounds for the appeal and bear the signature of the member club’s president and/or registrar.
3. Be accompanied by three (3) copies of any information to be presented by witnesses and/or supporting documents.
4. Be provided by certified or registered mail (along with all supporting information and documents) to all affected parties.
5. Pertain to a decision rendered by the disciplinary committee, league standing committee or special (Ad Hoc) committee, or result from the lack of a timely decision by the disciplinary committee.
6. Be initiated by a party directly affected by the decision under appeal. An affected party, as used throughout this part, is defined as a team coach, a club president and/or a club registrar who was party to the decision under appeal.
7. Include all information necessary to allow a fair and just decision.
8. Be mailed to the league’s office, addressed to the chairman of the appeals committee, by certified or registered mail, and postmarked no later than midnight of the fifth business day following the date of notice of the decision giving rise to the appeal. A business day, as used throughout this part, is defined as any weekday that the offices of the League are normally open for business. A business day shall not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays observed by the League office.
9. Be e-mailed to info@newyorkclubsoccer.com, addressed to the chairman of the disciplinary committee, no less than midnight of the fifth business day following the incident giving rise to the protest or dispute.

Lawyer Shall Not Represent: A disciplinary committee hearing is not a legal proceeding, thus, legal counsel may not represent involved parties. Attorneys may appear before the Board only as involved parties in an individual capacity and not as legal counsel.

1. Ignorance of the Rules A plea of ignorance of the rules and regulations of the league is not sufficient grounds for the filing of a protest or dispute.
2. Conflicts of Interest The members of the disciplinary committee shall avoid both apparent and actual conflicts of interest. In the event that a member of the board may be considered on any basis by a reasonable individual to have a bias for or against any interested party in a protest or dispute, that member shall excuse himself/herself from the deliberations concerning that protest or dispute.
3. Convening the Board and Notifying Involved Parties The disciplinary committee shall be convened by the chairman at his/her discretion. Notice shall be given to involved parties and those others invited to aid in the board’s deliberations and/or to present relevant information, no later than five business days prior to the scheduled meeting.
4. Forfeiture of Appeal Rights An involved party failing to appear before the disciplinary committee after having received notice as required in the section headed convening the board and notifying involved parties shall forfeit all rights to appeal.
5. Basis of Decision The disciplinary committee shall render a decision on any protest or dispute on the basis of any information, from any source, that it deems appropriate under the circumstances.
6. Timeliness of Decision The disciplinary committee shall render a decision within fifteen (15) days of receipt by the board of a protest or dispute. Failure to render a decision within this period shall entitle the party filing the protest or dispute to submit the protest or dispute to the appeals committee without determination and the protest fee submitted shall be applied to the appeal fee.
7. Notification of Decision All parties to a protest or dispute shall be notified in writing within (10) days of a hearing of the decision rendered by the disciplinary committee.
8. Rejection of Protests or Disputes Any protest or dispute not submitted to the disciplinary committee in full compliance shall be returned, along with all submitted documents and fees, without consideration.
9. Appeal of an Disciplinary Committee Decision A club may appeal a decision of the disciplinary committee only to the appeals committee of the league in accordance with rules contained within this protests and appeals sections.

Appeals Committee

The Appeals Committee shall be responsible for hearing appeals pertaining to a decision rendered by the league’s disciplinary committee, standing or Ad Hoc committees. All avenues of appeal must be exhausted at all levels below this body before the appeals committee will consider hearing an appeal..

1. Composition of the Appeals Committee There shall be no less than three (3) and no more than five (5) members plus a committee chairman. committee members shall be selected by the league’s president. No more than one member from the league’s executive board shall be a member of the appeals committee. The league’s president shall appoint the chairman of the appeals committee.
2. Authority of the Appeals Committee The appeals committee has the authority to suspend or fine any player, coach, team, team official, club official, team and/or club supporter. The appeals committee has the authority to fine any member club.
3. Minimum Number of Voting Members Voting of this committee shall be that one (1) vote for each member of the committee including the Chairman. The chairman may cast a vote only in case of a tie. A minimum of three (3) voting members, which includes the chairman, will be required to hear a case and render a decision. No member of the appeals committee shall participate at any other level of appeal or discipline.
4. Participants at an Appeals Committee Meeting The appeals committee reserves the right to determine the participants and number of participants that may attend an appeals committee meeting.
5. Convene Appeals Committee The appeals committee will convene at the discretion of the chairman.
6. Records of the Appeals Committee The records of the appeals committee will be maintained for a three (3) year period.

Appeals

All appeals of a decision rendered by the disciplinary committee, a league standing committee, or a special (Ad Hoc) committee shall be referred to the appeals committee of the league. Appeals are filed by the member clubs who will bear responsibility for adherence to the rules regarding appeals and guarantee all fees and fines. Decisions of the appeals committee shall be final and binding unless and until overturned under appeal as provided within this document..

1. Valid and Eligible for Consideration To be valid and eligible for consideration, each appeal must:
   
   1. Be accompanied by an appeal fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00), in the form of a check or money order made payable to the EDP.
   2. Be submitted in triplicate on member club stationery. The submittal must describe in full detail the grounds for the appeal and bear the signature of the member Club’s President and/or Registrar.
   3. Be accompanied by three (3) copies of any information to be presented by witnesses and/or supporting documents.
   4. Be provided by certified or registered mail (along with all supporting information and documents) to all affected parties.
   5. Pertain to a decision rendered by the disciplinary committee, League standing committee or special (Ad Hoc) committee, or result from the lack of a timely decision by the disciplinary committee.
   6. Be initiated by a party directly affected by the decision under appeal. An affected party, as used throughout this part, is defined as a team coach, a club president and/or a club registrar who was party to the decision under appeal.
   7. Include all information necessary to allow a fair and just decision.
   8. Be mailed to the league’s office, addressed to the chairman of the appeals committee, by certified or registered mail, and postmarked no later than midnight of the fifth business day following the date of notice of the decision giving rise to the appeal. A business day, as used throughout this part, is defined as any weekday that the offices of the league are normally open for business. A business day shall not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays observed by the league office.
   9. Be e-mailed to the info@newyorkclubsoccer.com addressed to the chairman of the disciplinary committee, no less than midnight of the fifth business day following the incident giving rise to the protest or dispute. A business day, as used throughout this part, is defined as any weekday excluding legal holidays. A business day shall not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays.
2. Appeals Fee Forfeited The appeals fee shall be forfeited to the league if the appeal is not upheld by the appeals committee.
3. Lawyer Representation An attorney or other advisor may attend the appeals committee hearing. During the course of the hearing, the party may confer briefly or request a recess in order to confer with the attorney or other advisor. The attorney or advisor may not present the party’s oral argument, question any witness or directly address the hearing panel.
4. Ignorance of the Rules A plea of ignorance of the rules and regulations of the league is not sufficient grounds for the filing of an appeal.
5. Conflicts of Interest The members of the appeals committee shall avoid both apparent and actual conflicts of interest. In the event that a member of the committee may be considered on any basis by a reasonable individual to have a bias for or against any affected party in an appeal, that member shall excuse himself/herself from the deliberations concerning that appeal.
6. Convening the Committee and Notifying Affected Parties The appeals committee shall be convened by the chairman at his/her discretion. Notice shall be given to affected parties and those others invited to aid in the committee’s deliberations and/or to present relevant information, no later than five business days prior to the scheduled meeting.
7. Forfeiture of Appeal Rights An affected party failing to appear before the appeals committee after having received notice as required, shall forfeit all rights to appeal.
8. Burden of Proof The appellant shall bear the burden of showing that the decision being appealed is clearly erroneous.
9. Basis of Decision The appeals committee shall render a decision on any appeal on the basis of any information, from any source that it deems appropriate under the circumstances.
10. Timeliness of Decision The appeals committee shall render a decision within fifteen (15) business days of the hearing of an appeal. Failure to render a decision within this period shall entitle the party filing the appeal to submit the appeal to the next level of authority without determination and the appeal fee submitted shall be refunded.
11. Notification of Decision All parties to an appeal shall be notified in writing within twenty (20) business days of a hearing of the decision rendered by the appeals committee.
12. Rejection of Appeals Any protest or dispute not submitted to the appeals committee in full compliance shall be returned, along with all submitted documents and fees, without consideration.
13. Appeal of an Appeals Committee Decision A Club may appeal a decision of the appeals committee only to ENYYSA Soccer and EDP Soccer.

Matters Not Provided

Any matters not provided for in these rules shall be determined by the Executive Board of EDP and decisions so made shall be final and binding.

Penalties

No EDP official, club, league, team, coach, referee, player, or other representative may invoke the aid of the courts of any state or of the United States without first exhausting all available remedies within the appropriate soccer organizations.

For violation of this rule the offending party shall be subject to the sanctions of suspension and fines and shall be liable to the EDP for all expenses incurred by theEDP and its officers in defending any court action, including but not limited to the following:

1. Court costs
2. Attorneys fees
3. Reasonable compensation for time spent by EDP officers and/or employees in responding to and defending against allegations in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearance.
4. Travel expenses
5. Expenses for holding special EDP meetings necessitated by court action.

Line of Authority for an Appeal

The line of authority for an appeal of a decision rendered by the League’s Executive Board or Appeals Committee shall be:

1. ENYYSA
2. USSF National Appeals Committee

Appeals following the line of authority listed above are made directly to each level. The fee for an appeal is prescribed by each level of appeal and are made payable to each level.

All coaches and players credentials must be verified by the referee prior to play or they may not participate.

At EDP Soccer, we believe that expectations about the outcomes from participation in youth sports should consist simply of: 

1. Players learn and understand the value of teamwork to achieve common goals.
2. Players learn and understand the importance of dedication and hard work to accomplish individual targets and objectives. 
3. Players start to recognize that being physically active is an important element of a healthy lifestyle
4. PLAYERS HAVE FUN!

Players, coaches, and parents should always be polite towards referees and refrain from any disrespectful conduct.  

1. Support players; applaud and encourage them at all times. 
2. Maintain a respectful distance from the field of play.
3. Refrain from any conduct that will be detrimental to the player, team, club or league. 
4. Always be polite and humble regardless of calls from officials. 
5. Allow club officials (coaches, managers, etc.) to act as the leaders.
6. Coaches MUST always speak to officials in a polite and non-aggressive manner.
7. Be mindful of players’ emotions and damage caused to young players by overly aggressive sideline behavior. 

Players, coaches, and parents should always be respectful toward the opposing team and show good sportsmanship.   Not running up the score is an important way to show respect towards opposing players.

As a reminder:  U11 and older:  Maximum published Goal Differential (GD) is 5, do your best not to exceed this GD

U9 and U10:  Do your best not to run up the score above a GD of 3-5, keeping in mind that these are developmental teams and scores/standings are not published.

Suggestions to Avoid Running Up Scores

1. Move players to different positions
2. Keep midfielders at the midline and defenders in their own end of the field. Allow only the forwards to go into the opponents’ end.
3. Have players shoot on goal with their opposite foot only
4. Advise players that they can only shoot on goal from outside the penalty area
5. Tell players that in the opponent’s end of the field they must pass the ball three times before they can shoot to score.