***** BRONX NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE *****
RULES AND REGULATIONS Print E-mail

 

BRONX NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE (BNYISL)

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

All BNYISL games shall be contested under FIFA and BNYISL rules.

 

ARTICLE I – REGISTRATION

 

All clubs and players shall be registered before participating in the BNYISL. Each club must complete a membership application. Each player must complete a player registration form and submit two passport size photographs. All player pass must be approved by the BNYISL Executive Board, signified by an accompanying stamp and signature of a league official.

 

  1. Each player must be registered in the BNYISL for his club at least three (3) days prior to participation in a game. He should then be listed on the team’s roster.
  2. No player shall be registered simultaneously for more than one club. Any player who knowingly plays for a club while registered with another will be suspended from playing for the rest of the season and be assessed a $100 fine. Said player can only be reinstated to the league after the fine has been paid. If it can be proven that the player was not at fault and the fault lies with one or both clubs, the offending club or clubs shall be fined $100 and the player shall be absolved.
  3. Each club shall have a maximum of 16 players registered at the flat fee (included in the entry fee) necessary to participate in the BNYISL. Additional players up to a maximum of 25 may be registered at a fee of $30 each. Any further registration of additional players, which would mean the roster exceeds 25, shall attract a registration fee of $50 each.
  4. Once a player has been registered, that registration shall remain valid for the duration of the season even if the club drops the player from its team. If a club drops a player from its team, the player is still considered to be registered by the League and counts toward the number of players on the team roster.

 

  1. All clubs must have at least 11 players registered at least three days prior to the season's opening day. There shall be no registration of players for any team for two weeks after the pre-season deadline.

 

  1. Each player entering the field of play must present an official BNYISL player registration pass.

 

  1. Clubs must register all players by the 2nd Wednesday in August.

 

 

ARTICLE II – TRANSFER

 

No club shall block the transfer of a player to another club without just cause.

 

  1. A player can transfer from one club and register with another club only if the registering club pays a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) and the original member club approved of such a transfer in writing to the executive body of the BNYISL. A player cannot be transferred if he has played at least three (3) games for his original club. No transfer shall be completed after the midpoint of the regular season. Such date will be set prior to the beginning of the season.
  2. Any club wishing to block the transfer of a player to another club shall do so in writing to the Executive Board showing just cause.

 

 

 

  1. The Executive Board shall render a decision on the grievance in “B” within 72 hours and notify all parties involved immediately.
  2. A player wishing to transfer from one member club to another shall notify, in writing, his current club.
  3. Any player transferring to another club, pending the approval of the transfer shall miss the next game of the club he is transferring to.

 

  1. No player shall be required to pay a fee to a member club for that transfer to be effected.
  2. No member team shall be required to pay any fee or make any form of compensation to another member team in order to procure the services of a player seeking transfer status.
  3. The period during request for and the period during the hearing on transfer shall be credited to the time necessary for a player to be registered for his club in order to participate for that team.

 

ARTICLE III – COMPETITION

 

All regular season games shall be 90 minutes in duration.

 

Section 1

  1. Each game shall be played in two 45 minute halves with a 10 minute break between halves.
  2. Each game shall start promptly except where a 10 minute grace period has been extended by the referee. If a game starts late it shall be shortened by the late time amount.
  3. There shall be no overtime for regular season BNYISL games. If the score is tied at the end of the regulation time, the game shall be recorded as a draw.
  4. In the event a game is suspended due to weather or field conditions, said game becomes official once the game reaches the half-time interval, in which case the score of the game at the time shall stand and be recorded as the official final score. Failure of the game reaching the half time interval in the event of suspension due to weather or field conditions will result in the game being null and void thus necessitating a replay.

 

Section 2

  1. Scheduling of games shall be carried out exclusively by the Executive Board.
  2. Any scheduled games to be initiated shall be at the discretion of the Executive Board.
  3. THE BNYISL shall have two conferences – the BNYISL Eagles and the BNYISL Lions.

 

Section 3

  1. A club shall be awarded three (3) points for a win.
  2. Each club shall be awarded one (1) point for a tie game.
  3. No points shall be awarded for a loss.

 

Section 4

  1. The four (4) clubs accumulating the most points in each conference at the end of the season shall advance to the play-offs.
  2. The match-ups in the first round of the playoffs shall be as follows: (a) the first place team in one conference shall play the fourth place team of the other; (b) the second place team in one conference shall play the third place team of the other; (c) the third place team in one conference shall play the second place team of the other; and (d) the fourth place team in one conference shall play the first place team in the other. The winners shall advance to the semi-finals.
  3. The semi-final match-ups will be as follows: the winner of (a) above plays the winner of (c); and the winner of (b) above plays the winner of (d).
  4. The semi-final winners will contest the final.

 

Section 5

  1. If at the end of the regular season, two (2) clubs in the same conference have accumulated the same number of points, the club with the best goal differential, that is, the difference between goals for and goals against shall have the advantage. The average of a club shall be ascertained by dividing the number of goals ‘for’ by the number of goals ‘against’.
  2. If a tie still exists after the process in “A” above, then the winner will be decided on goal average. The average of a club shall be ascertained by dividing the number of goals ‘for’ by the number of goals ‘against’.
  3. If a tie still exists after the process in “B” has been carried out, the club that won the game when both clubs vied in the regular season shall have the advantage.
  4. If the tie still exists after the process in “C”, the winner shall be chosen by the traditional FIFA coin flip conducted under the witness of BNYISL officials and clubs represented.

 

Section 6

  1. Play-off and knock-out games shall be 90 minutes in regulation.
  2. If at the end of regulation time, the score is tied in a play-off game there shall be a five (5) minute break, then an overtime period of 20 minutes played in two 10 minute halves.
  3. If there is no winner at the end of the overtime period, the winner shall be decided by penalty kicks.
  4. Each club shall have five (5) penalty shots at the opposing goalkeeper, each alternating after a coin flip determines who goes first.
  5. Each club shall indicate to the referee the names of the 5 players and the order in which they will kick.
  6. The club which scores the most penalty shots shall be declared the winner.
  7. If there is a tie at the end of the 5 penalty shots, each club shall have a new player taking the penalty kick until a club gains an advantage after both clubs have taken the same number of shots. The club with the advantage shall be declared the winner.
  8. Any player who was ejected or substituted during the game prior to the penalty shots shall not participate in this phase of the game.
  9. Only players who were in the game at the final whistle prior to the penalty shots shall be eligible to participate in the penalty shots.

 

ARTICLE IV – HOME TEAM

 

  1. The home club shall be the one first shown in the game schedule.
  2. If there is a conflict in colors, the home club shall be held responsible.
  3. The home club shall contact their opponent to verify game day colors and will contact the registrar with the information.
  4. Each club shall present the BNYISL line-up form to the match inspector/statistician at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the game.
  5. Each player shall hand his player-pass to the referee when requested.
  6. The captain of each team should wear an armband for identification.
  7. All uniform numbers must be clearly visible and not conflict with the uniform itself.

 

ARTICLE V – SUBSTITUTION

 

  1. A maximum of five (5) substitutions, including the goalkeeper, will be allowed during the game.
  2. A substituted player cannot return to the field of play. All substitutes must report to the scorer’s table, and must wait for the player being substituted to leave the field before he can enter.

 

ARTICLE VI – GAME POSTPONEMENT

 

  1. A team or club must request any day or weekends off in writing, prior to the release of the final schedule.
  2. No game shall be postponed under any circumstance, except by the referee at the field on the day of the game, or the Executive Board at least seven (7) days before the game, except in emergency situations at which time a game may be postponed on the day of play.

 

ARTICLE VII – FORFEITS

 

  1. Any team not adhering to Article VI (B) shall lose the game by forfeiture and the score recorded as 2-0 against the offending team.
  2. A team with less than seven (7) players at the start of the game shall lose by forfeit. Any team which shows up with less than eleven (11) players at the scheduled start of the game will be warned for the first offence, and will be fined $100 for each succeeding offense.
  3. Any team forfeiting a game shall be fined an automatic $250.
  4. A fine levied for forfeiture and/or shortage shall be paid before the team’s next scheduled game. Failure to pay such fine shall result in automatic expulsion from the league.
  5. Any team forfeiting two (2) games in one season shall be automatically expelled from the league.
  6. All games played by a club before its expulsion from the league shall be declared null and void provided the expulsion occurs in the first half of the season. If the expulsion occurs in the second half of the season then the rest of their scheduled game(s) will be recorded as 2-0 loss (es).

 

ARTICLE VIII – PLAYER EQUIPMENT

 

Player’s standard equipment are jerseys (shirts with sleeves with numbers on the back at least six (6 inches high), sports shorts, shin guards covered entirely by soccer stockings or socks, and proper footwear.

ARTICLE IX - TECHNICAL AREA

 

The technical area is the space that a manager, coach or their assistants, along with player substitutes attired for playing are allowed to occupy during matches. Each technical area shall begin three yards from the plane of the half line and extend 15 yards towards the end line on either side and extends forward one yard from the touch line. Each technical area will be clearly defined by line markings

 

The technical area is accessible only to properly identified managers, coaches, their assistants and players attired for playing as described in ARTICLE VIII -- PLAYER EQUIPMENT. “No more than nine (9) such properly attired player substitutes and five (5) identified team officials shall occupy the Technical Area during the game or the half-time break. Team Officials will be properly identified by BNYISL-issued managers’ passes.”

 

The manager, coach and other non-playing officials shall remain within the confines of the technical area except in circumstances where the referee summons for on-the-field medical or physical assistance, or when a substitution is made requiring an official to report to the match commissary's table at the half line.

 

Substitutes are only allowed to leave the technical area to warm up or for personal (hygienic, for e.g.) reasons such as using the bathroom.

 

The manager, coach, officials and substitutes are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner as all bench personnel are considered to be part of the game and as such can be cautioned or expelled from the game for offences such as verbal abuse or issuing threats to players or game officials. All bench personnel are subject to the same regulations as on-the-field players as described in ARTICLE X -- DISCIPLINARY MEASURES.

 

Leaving the technical area to enter the field of play unauthorized is a serious offence which can incite others, including players and spectators, to effect a brawl. Such offenders shall be ejected from the game and faces a suspension of at least four games. The BNYISL considers an incident involving at least two persons entering the field of play unauthorized almost simultaneously to be a brawl, in which case the offending club will be fined at least $250 but not exceeding $1,000 to be paid before the club's next scheduled league game. The offending club also faces the possibility of expulsion depending on the severity of the incident.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE X – DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

 

Section 1

  1. Any member club found in violation of the rules and regulations governing the BNYISL shall be subjected to disciplinary actions. Such disciplinary action may take the form of but not limited to any of the following or combination thereof: (a) A fine; (b) probation; (c) suspension; (d) expulsion.
  2. Any player who has been ejected from a game automatically misses his club’s next game and may be subjected to other disciplinary measures.
  3. Any player ejected for verbally abusing another player shall be suspended for his club’s next two (2) games.
  4. Any player who verbally abuses a league or match official shall be suspended for his club’s next four (4) games.
  5. Any player or spectator who physically abuses or attempt to physically abuse a game or league official shall be ejected from the game and could be expelled from the league. The club of said player shall be fined and may be subjected to further disciplinary actions. For the second offense, the player is automatically expelled from the league.
  6. Any club member or official not in the game of play who is guilty of any of the violations committed in “D” or “E”, shall be subjected to the same penalties as described in “D” and “E”.

 

Section 2

  1. Any player receiving his third (3rd) yellow card during the course of the season automatically misses his club’s next scheduled game. A player who receives his fifth (5th) yellow card of the season automatically misses his club’s next two games and may be subjected to further disciplinary actions.
  2. Any player receiving his second (2nd) red card during the course of the season automatically misses his club’s next three (3) games.
  3. Any player receiving three (3) red cards during the season is automatically suspended from the league for the remainder of the season but not for less than five (5) games to be continued in the next season if necessary, even if said player has registered for a new club.
  4. Any player or club official who maliciously uses or attempts to use a weapon against another player, game official, league official or spectator while on the grounds of play or vicinity thereof, shall be banned from the league. The club of said individual shall be subjected to disciplinary actions.

 

Section 3

  1. Any club or member of a club who has been fined for violations of the rules is required to pay said fine on or before the date designated. Failure to pay said fine will render the club ineligible for the next scheduled game and shall result in forfeiture of said game and possible expulsion from the BNYISL.
  2. Any appeal by a club or player to any disciplinary actions shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board within forty-eight (48) hours after said action.
  3. Each club is responsible for the conduct of its players and officials.
  4. A club can be penalized for dangerous conduct of fans that can be positively identified as supporters of the particular club.
  5. A player or club official can be subjected to disciplinary actions for violation of league rules on or off the field of play as long as such violation occurs within the vicinity of the grounds on which BNYISL games are played.
  6. All club and league members are urged to cooperate with law enforcement officials if the need arises.
  7. Any other violations by individuals, players or clubs not included in this Article, will be analyzed by the disciplinary committee and a judgment rendered.

 

 

Section 4

 

 

  1. Any appeal must be filed in writing and forwarded within 72 hours to the League’s General Secretary.
  2. The first level of appeal will be heard by a panel of three players from teams not involved in the incident.
  3. If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the decision in B above then the matter goes to the Disciplinary Committee which shall have arbitration powers.
  4. No automatic red card can be rescinded. Any red card suspension of at least two games can be appealed, provided that the appeal is submitted within 72 hours of the infraction. A fee of $150.00 must be submitted with the appeal and will only be refunded if the appeal is successful. The offending player or official must serve a minimum obligatory one-game suspension. If the appeal is determined to be frivolous by the Disciplinary Committee or the Executive Council, an additional two-game suspension, in addition to the original suspension may be imposed and/or and additional financial penalty of up to $200 may be imposed.

 

 

ARTICLE X1

 

  1. Amendment to these rules and regulations shall only be made at a meeting of the General Council held after the completion of the season and at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the next season.
  2. Each affiliate club shall be given fourteen (14) days notice in writing of any changes or proposed amendments to these rules and regulations.

 

 

 

 

These Rules were ratified and approved at General Council meeting held April 30, 2008 at 3744 White Plains Road, Bronx NY.

Amendments to Articles 1 and 3 approved at General Council meeting held January 27, 2010 at White Plains Road, Bronx NY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRONX NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Bronx New York International Soccer League, hereinafter referred to as "the BNYISL", "this Organization" or "the League".

ARTICLE II - Purpose

The purpose of the BNYISL is to:

A. Educate, develop, promote and administer the game of soccer/football among the youths and adults in and around our community.

B. Encourage and assist in the development and growth of players, coaches and clubs so that soccer is made available to more people.

C. Operate a soccer league that fosters the developing of good character of the youth of our community.

D. Foster and encourage sportsmanship and playing proficiency by all players and persons involved in soccer.

E. Encourage and engage in any other activities, which will enhance and improve the above stated purposes.

ARTICLE III - Membership

A. Any club that has been in existence for two (2) or more years, with a membership of at least twenty-five (25) and a clearly defined management team is eligible for membership in the league.

B. An application for membership in this league shall be accompanied by

1. A non-refundable application fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) which will be applied to the clubs registration fee if it is accepted into the BNYISL.

2. A copy of the clubs current operating guidelines

3. A listing of the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of the officers of the club applying for membership.

C. All member clubs must pay an annual binders fee and a registration fee, set by the Executive Board of the League. The binders fee shall be payable prior to February 15th of each year, and the registration fee shall be payable prior to April 15th of each year. Clubs must do so to remain in good standing. All fees are non-refundable. Each member club affiliated with the League shall appoint two (2) of its members to attend General Council meetings and special meetings required by the League. It is mandatory that member clubs have at least one representative at each meeting. A fine of $100 will be levied against clubs that are absent from three meetings within the League's fiscal calendar. After this fine has been incurred, Clubs will be assessed an additional fine of $100 for each additional absence.

D. The Constitution, By-laws and Rules and Regulations of the League shall be complied with by all member clubs as a condition of their acceptance and continued membership in this League.

E. Individuals registered as players, coaches, administrators, elected or appointed officers and committee members are members of the League through their affiliation with their club, team, program, organization or committee.

F. A club that has participated in the BNYISL and is not actively participating may seek affiliation with the BNYISL (this must be submitted in writing). The club seeking affiliation shall have left the League in good standing. Determination of affiliation shall be made by the Executive Board and the club shall pay a non-refundable yearly affiliation fee of $150.00. Clubs affiliated with the BNYISL shall have first preference to vacancy.

ARTICLE IV - Administration

A. The Executive Board of the League shall be comprised of nine (9) members: the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Register, Assistant Registrar and the immediate past President (or a 2nd Vice-President).

The Executive Board shall administrate the League according to the Constitution and By-laws and as directed by the General Council. It shall be the planning and advisory body of the League. Meetings of the Executive Board are subject to the call of the President at any time and for any purpose he/she deems appropriate.

B. The General Council shall consist of:

1. The Executive Board

A. One delegate and an alternate from each club in good standing with only one vote (the President or Director of each club must annually certify the names of their delegates)

B. Officials of the Executive Board cannot represent their clubs at General Council meetings.

2. Life Members

3. The Chairperson of each standing committee

The BNYISL fiscal year shall begin October 1st and end September 30th of the following year. The business of the League shall be transacted at the General Council meetings, which shall be held at least six (6) times during the League's fiscal year on a date and time selected by the Executive Board. The General Council shall enforce the laws of the game and the rules and regulations of the League. A quorum at all meetings shall consist of a majority of the total membership of the General Council.

C. The order of business for the General Council meetings shall be

1. Roll call

2. Minutes of the previous meeting

3. Matters arising from the minutes

4. Report of officers

5. Report of Chairpersons of each standing committee

6. New business

7. Good and welfare

8. Adjournment

ARTICLE V - Officers

A. President. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the League and shall preside at all meetings. He/she shall approve all expenses and invoices against the League and shall countersign all checks. He/she shall appoint all Committees with the approval of the Executive Board. He/she shall also be an ex-Officio member of all committees.

The President of this Organization shall constitute an emergency committee to represent the General Council on matters demanding immediate attention when it is impractical or impossible to call a meeting of the General Council. The President can appoint new members to the Executive Board if it becomes necessary. If possible, he/she should seek advice from available members of the Executive Board. His/her actions shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

B. Vice-President(s). The Vice President(s), in order of their rank, shall succeed to the powers of the President in his/her absence.

C. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend to all correspondences as directed by the President or the Executive Board. He/she shall keep all records and have charge of the League’s property.

Outside of General Council meetings, correspondences with clubs by the Executive Board shall be conducted via at least two (2) of the following methods: hand-delivered letter; postal mail; email; or phone call.

The President, with the approval of the General Council, may appoint a Recorder who shall be responsible for recording the minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board and the General Council. These minutes are to be forwarded to the Secretary for approval prior to forwarding to members of the General Council. The Recorder may be salaried. The Recorder shall have no vote.

D. Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in effecting all secretarial duties and shall have direct responsibility for the recording of the minutes of the General Council and Executive Board meetings in the absence of the Secretary.

E. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge of the finances of the League and shall report on the condition of the same at each General Council meetings and at any time at the request of the President or members of the Executive Board. He/she shall countersign all checks. He/she shall prepare an independently audited annual financial statement for the fiscal year ending September 30th. He/she shall produce four (4) quarterly reports during the financial year.

F Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in performing all duties, expect the signing of checks or bank withdrawals. He/She shall deliver financial reports or statements in the absence of the Treasurer. 

G. Registrar. The Registrar shall be responsible for the coordination and overseeing of the registration process of clubs and players. He/she shall formulate with the approval of the Executive Board the league schedule and tournament games. The Registrar shall oversee all insurance matters where applicable. He/she shall be the chairperson of the Technical Committee.

H. Assistant Registrar. The Assistant Registrar shall assist the Registrar in the coordination and the overseeing of the registration process of the clubs and players. He/She shall also assist in dealing with insurance matters and shall be the vice-chairperson of the technical committee.

I. Life Members. Life Members shall be members of the General Council. Life Members shall each have one vote on all matters brought before the Council. To attain status of Life Member the candidate must (a) be one of the founding members of the League, or (b) have been affiliated with the BNYISL for more than twenty (20) years, and (c) have been elected to be a Life Member by a vote of no less that seventy-five (75) percent of the total votes cast by the members of the General Council present.

J. Term of Office. All officers shall hold office for two (2) years. If the Past President chooses not to serve in office the General Council shall elect a Second Vice President. All officers can be re-elected for unlimited number of terms.

If the Executive Board decides that an officer's conduct is not in the best interest of the League, the General Council shall be informed. If after an inquiry, the General Council agrees with the Executive Board regarding the officer's conduct, then they must ask that officer to resign immediately. All league property in possession of said officer in question shall be turned over to the Executive Board.

Any officer absenting himself/herself from three (3) consecutive meetings of the General Council or Executive Board meetings, without prior notification, shall have his/her office declared vacant and be replaced by Presidential appointment.

Officers are elected to represent the best interest of the clubs of the BNYISL.

ARTICLE VI - Committees

Standing Committees: The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Board, the following standing committees:

A. Fundraising and Expenditure Review Committee: It shall propose and present ways of obtaining funds to finance the League with the approval of the General Council. It shall also review the budget and make recommendations to the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of this committee.

B. Technical Committee - It shall plan and manage the field activities and games. It shall exercise all powers in connection with the registration and transfer of players, player passes, scheduling of games and club registration forms. It shall coordinate and be responsible for all insurance matters of the League where applicable.

C. Disciplinary and Arbitration Review Committee - It shall handle all cases involving incidents and assaults (physical and verbal) on a referee, and assigned official or player during games played under the jurisdiction of the BNYISL. This committee shall cooperate with law enforcement officials if the need arises. It shall handle all matters requiring disciplinary actions by the League and all appeals filed with the League in conformance with the rules and regulations of the appeals process.

D. Public Relations and Marketing Committee - It shall handle all matters pertaining to league publicity in radio, television and other media. It shall distribute weekly information concerning players, clubs and league games to spectators or supporters. This committee shall be responsible for marketing the League, players and clubs to the community.

E. Players, Coaches and Referee Development Committee - It shall plan and manage programs to improve the development of players, coaches and referees.

All committees shall act with the approval of the Executive Board and the General Council. All committees shall have a minimum of three (3) members and a maximum of nine (9). Any member of the League can volunteer or be nominated for membership on a Committee with the approval of the Executive Board. A member can serve on no more than three (3) committees. Only the President is an ex-officio member of all Committees.

 

ARTICLE VII - Elective Process

Election - The officers shall be elected by secret ballot at a General Council meeting held in October or November of even years. All member clubs in good standing get to vote once for each team they have in the League.

Assumption of Office - Officers shall assume the duties and responsibilities of their respective offices immediately following their election.

ARTICLE VIII - Amendment

Interpretation - The Executive Board shall be responsible for interpreting this constitution.

Voting - Amendment to the constitution and by-laws of this league shall be made by the Executive Board at a General Council meeting with the approval of two third (2/3) majority of the General Council.

Submission - Proposed amendment to this constitution and by-laws must be submitted to the General Council in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to ratification.

Notification - Each club shall be given thirty (30) days notice in writing of any proposed amendments.

ARTICLE IX - Dissolution

In the event of the dissolution of this league, all remaining assets shall be distributed equally to the member clubs in good standing.

 

 

 

This Constitution was ratified and approved at General Council meeting held January 31, 2007 at 3744 White Plains Road, Bronx NY.