RULES AND REGULATIONS
(as published July 15, 2022)
Summary of Changes for 2022-23
REGISTRATION
a. 2.1.c, 9.1 – Registration
fee for new players (i.e., not registered with the VMSL in the last two seasons)
is increased from $60 to $65.
b. 2.1.d – Transfer fee
increased from $20 to $25.
c. 7.7 – Every team must
have a minimum of 12 players registered.
d. 9.9 – New youth
permit process drives changes. Note youth permit players now need to register online
with the VMSL (for free). Clean up ID card language for youths given youth
cards are now in VMSL card decks obviating the need for 2 paper copies of each
permit and youth ID cards for the ref. Set new limits such that a team can only
use four youth permits per game (except in U21 where a team can use up to 8
youth permits). When a U21 team uses more than four youth permits in a game,
there is a charge of $10 per youth permit after the 4th. These limits apply to both
the number of youth permits that can be used in a game as well as the number
that can be applied for.
e. 8.c.iii – NEW: Minimum
$100 fine for not ensuring in a timely manner that: (a) your player and team
staff profiles are registered with the exact same name and (b) your player and
team staff profiles are merged into a single user ID / login.
SCHEDULE
f. 4.1 - Expanded
regular kickoff hours on Saturday and Sunday.
g. 4.3 - Clarify scheduling
of game completions. Must endeavour to complete directly at alternate field. If
rescheduled, revert to regular scheduling.
h. 4.3.a – Player
eligibility in completion: Narrows the types of cases where an request of VMSL
would or would not make sense (don’t ask if not still in your club).
i. 4.6 – Schedule
Changes and Postponements: rewrite for clarity. Codifying of the game week
concept (Wed to Mon) and the standing policy requiring discretionary
postponements to fit within the VMSL’s 22 game week schedule.
j. 4.9 – now 4.7 for
flow – Field not playable: retiring of defunct language re: on standby for 24
hours for reschedule. Obligation to move to an alternate if within 2 hours.
PLAYOFFS
k. 6.1.c and 6.1.d – Building
on the new Div 3 Promotion Playoff Structure … Proposed is a NEW Div 2 Playoff
(which is a bonus for Div 2 and a jeopardy for Div 1 3rd last). Div 2A second
place plays Div 2B second place and then the winner plays third bottom in Div.
1 for a spot in Div. 1. Rationale: Increases merit based mobility in the league
at the Div 2 / 1 level as well as adding further high stakes late season play.
l. 7.17, 11.10, 13.3,
15.2 – For playoffs that are exclusively to determine Provincial Cup
qualification, normal playoff rules amended to exclude CAT and ICP players (but
not youth permits) and in the masters divisions exclude any players who are
“underagers” and ineligible for Provincial Cup. (i.e., if you’re tied at end of
season, the team with the best Prov Cup team should qualify, not the team with
the best “club strength”.)
DISCIPLINE / FINES / FEES
m. 7.12 – Admin fee for
a hand written player added to rules and increased from $5 to $10.
n. 8.b, 8.c.i and 8.c.ii
– fine for use of ineligible player, forging a registration increased from $200
to $250 minimum.
o. 8.b.5, 9.15 – Fine of
$20 per game suspended going to $25 per game minimum.
p. 8.i.2 – Fine for not
having nets increased from $25 to $75.
q. 9.4 – In the case
where a team attempts to check in an ineligible player, a sanction of some sort
is still applicable even if the player is barred from playing.
r. 11.13 – Clarify that
the details of the restrictions when under suspension apply to suspended
players as well as team staff.
s. 11.14 – Addition: Anyone
suspended as a player or coach may be barred by the League from refereeing in
the VMSL until their suspension is served, depending on the nature of the
associated offence. [NOTE: Softened slightly post AGM to “League discretion”
based on member feedback that a ref-player should not be barred from reffing
for, say, a yellow accumulation or a DOGSO red.]
MISCELLANEOUS
t. 14.2, 14.3 – Any team
seeking promotion to the Premier Division from Division 1 cannot be affiliated
with a Club that has a team in the Premier Division in the season that they
seek promotion.
u. 7.11 – Make the
obligation of premier division home teams to notify away teams of home team kit
colours 3 days in advance only required if the home team is NOT playing in
their primary kit colours posted on their team page (i.e., not their alternate
kit).
v. 13.1 – Clean up: Add
Division 4 to the ICP (Intra Club Permit) sort list.
w. Section 6 – Promotion
and Relegation: Remove temporary rules to support the VMSL Expansion program affecting
promotion and relegation for Premier, Division 1, 2 and 3.
x. Section 15 and 16 – Update
Years of Birth for O35, O45, U21.
MEMBER PROPOSED and passed at the AGM
y. 11.7, 11.11 and NOT
11.8 – the Yellow Accumulation rule in League play should be changed to a
suspension after 4/6/7 yellows not 3/5/6 yellows
Section 1 – Governance
1.1.
The VMSL is a registered not-for-profit entity under the BC Society Act.
1.2.
All competition in the league is governed by the VMSL Board of Directors.
1.3.
The VMSL operates under its own Constitution and Bylaws, as well as pursuant to
BC Soccer’s.
Competition Rules and Regulations
1.4. The
VMSL operates solely as an amateur league and the payment of players is
strictly prohibited as governed by the bylaws of BC Soccer and in particular BC
Soccer Rule 5b (“An amateur player shall
not receive any remuneration or consideration directly or indirectly from
playing soccer except as provided in these rules”)
1.5
Discipline will be applied according to the VMSL Discipline Policies and
Procedures.
Section 2 – League Fee
2.1. The
Board of Directors shall establish the Annual Membership fees, subject to
approval of the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The fees shall be payable at a date fixed by
the Board of Directors.
League Fees
(a)
VMSL Team Registration fee: $350
(b) BC Soccer Team Registration fee: $50
(c) BC Soccer / VMSL Player Registration fee: $50 (VMSLsoccer.com returning player); $65 (player not already registered
on VMSLsoccer.com within the previous two seasons)
(d) BC Soccer / VMSL Player Transfer fee: $25
(e) Fields fees will be charged according to a team’s usage of League field
permits
(f) Performance bond per team: $500 (Note: some teams have $250 on deposit as
opposed to $500 based on the previous performance bond dollar amount)
The
bond may be increased by the Board of Directors for teams, who, by their
conduct, show a disregard for the Laws of the Game, the Bylaws, and/or the
Rules and Regulations of the VMSL.
Section 3 – Competition Prize Tokens and
Provincial / National Competition Subsidies
3.1.
Divisional competition prize money may be established and funded by the clubs
within each division and shall be subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors. The VMSL will match premier
division prize money funded by the clubs.
3.2.
The VMSL will match the BC Soccer travel grants (currently $500 per trip) that
VMSL teams in provincial cup play receive for travel to Vancouver Island.
3.3.
The VMSL will provide a travel grant ($5000) to VMSL teams in national
championship play.
Section 4 – Schedule
4.1.
The VMSL Board of Directors shall be responsible for the scheduling of all VMSL
games. Regular kickoff times for the VMSL are Fridays between 8 and 9 pm,
Saturdays between noon and 8 pm and Sundays between 10 am and 8 pm. All other
home game kick off times must be approved by the VMSL in advance of the season
start.
4.2.
The VMSL Board of Directors shall appoint all game officials.
4.3.
In the event that a match cannot continue through to full regulation time due
to inclement weather or extenuating circumstances where no alternative field is
available within 60 minutes of the stoppage to complete the match directly, its
completion will be rescheduled for some other date/time designated by the VMSL.
The rescheduled completion will start at the same minute that the match was
originally suspended and with the same score, accumulation of cards (if there were
any) and, for games in the open age Premier, First and Second Divisions, the same
players that were listed on the teams’ rosters and were present and checked in at
the game at the time it was suspended. For games other than Premier, First
Division and Second Division, teams can use any player listed and not suspended
on the game day roster archived by the referee at the incomplete game regardless
of whether they were present or absent, checked in, crossed out or unmarked. A
youth to senior permit duly completed for a game that ends up being postponed
or is incomplete must be resubmitted and re-authorized for the rescheduled game
or game completion if the rescheduled game or game completion takes place more
than 72 hours after the originally scheduled game. The VMSL Board of Directors
shall have discretionary power to decide whether unfinished games are to be
replayed or the game declared officially completed. Further, with respect to
player eligibility and discipline, the following applies to incomplete games:
a. If a player’s status
has changed (e.g., they have transferred away to another club and/or league),
the player cannot be used. If the player remains within the same VMSL club, a
team can seek advanced written approval from the league to use the player. This
applies to all players listed on the roster including youth callups, CAT players
and ICP call ups.
b. Unless the board
determines otherwise (such as in the case of egregious and/or indefinite
suspensions and players who have repeatedly failed to appear at a discipline
hearing) and notifies both teams, it is the player's suspension status at the
time of the game origination that determines the player's eligibility (with
respect to Discipline) for the game completion.
c. A red card received in the game origination
will result in a discipline hearing and games served immediately following the
game origination.
d. A yellow card received in the game origination
will result in a yellow accumulation suspension if it triggers a threshold and
result in a game served immediately following the game origination.
e. A red card received in the game completion will
result in a discipline hearing and games served immediately following the game
completion.
f. A yellow card received in the game completion
will result in a yellow accumulation suspension if it triggers a threshold and
result in games served immediately following the game completion.
g. A yellow received in the game completion that
combines with a yellow received in the game origination will result in a second
caution red. In the case where the yellow from the game origination had already
triggered a yellow accumulation suspension, the player will get credit for the
game served and his yellow tally will be reduced by one (ie., the player will
be made whole as if it was one game all along)
4.4.
The VMSL Board of Directors may institute temporary rules to deal with
interrupted schedules, determining which games must be played, where and under
what conditions, and how points and league placements are to be awarded.
4.5.
Any team responsible for defaulting or cancelling a game will be charged with
all the expenses incurred in preparation for such game as per Section 8.e.
of the VMSL Rules and Regulations. The Board of Directors shall have the
power to suspend or expel any member club who has defaulted and/or forfeited 3
or more games in one regular season.
4.6.
Changing and postponing matches:
In
this section “match week” refers to the period from Wednesday to the following
Monday.
(a)
A home team may change the location and kickoff time of a match to another
location and time within the same match week with no fewer than 14 days notice
to the Scheduling Secretary.
(b)
A home team wishing to change the location and kickoff time of a match to
another location and time within the same match week with fewer than 14 days
notice must obtain a written agreement of acceptance from the opposing team
before changes are made and is subject to the approval of the VMSL.
(c)
An away team wishing to change the location or kickoff time/day of a match to
another location or time/day within the same match week must apply in writing
to the Scheduling Secretary no fewer than 14 days prior to the originally
scheduled match. A written agreement of acceptance from the opposing team must
be obtained before changes are made and is subject to the approval of the VMSL.
(d)
All matches postponed to a later match week for non-discretionary reasons (i.e.,
cup play, field closures, lighting issues, etc.) will be rescheduled by the
Scheduling Secretary during a match week where the two teams are not already
scheduled to play.
(e)
Notwithstanding subsection (d), the two teams may agree to play the rescheduled
match during a match week in which one or both of the teams is scheduled to
play.
(f)
All discretionary postponements to a later match week (i.e., those agreed upon
by the teams) must be rescheduled within the structure of the VMSL’s 22 League Game
match week schedule.
(g)
Any discretionary postponement to a later match week that involves a team
playing two matches within the same match week requires the written approval of
that team.
(h)
Any team wishing to change or postpone a match to a day or time outside the
regular kickoff times for a VMSL match week must be prepared to supply their
own field permit for the match and is subject to approval of the VMSL
Executive.
(i)
All rescheduled matches are subject to change at the sole discretion of the
VMSL Executive and Scheduling Secretary in order to optimize the number of
matches being played in a given match week, particularly as it pertains to
completing the schedules at the end of the season.
(j) Schedule
change requests are subject to a fee of $25.
4.7. In the
event of inclement weather, teams must:
(a)
Be in attendance and prepared to play at the scheduled field and wait for the
decision of the referee as to whether the ground is in playable condition or
not, unless previously advised to the contrary by the Scheduling Secretary.
(b)
If the registered team staff members of the involved teams have been advised
not less than 12 hours in advance of a scheduled match under threat from
inclement weather by the Scheduling Secretary of an available alternate field
and/or kickoff time the teams must either:
(i) Agree to move the match to the
available alternate field and/or kick off time; or
(ii) Attend at the originally scheduled field
and, if the field is deemed unplayable, be prepared to play at the alternate
field if the alternate field kickoff time is not more than two hours later than
the originally scheduled match and an official(s) can be provided.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection (b), the teams may agree to move the match to an
available alternate field and/or kick off time with less than 12 hours notice,
subject to the approval of the VMSL Executive.
4.8.
The standing of teams resigning or removed from the VMSL before completion of
the schedule will be expunged from the record as follows:
(a)
If a resignation or removal occurs prior to the completion of the first round
of the schedule, all results involving that team will be expunged from the
league record.
(b)
If a resignation or removal occurs prior to the completion of second round of
schedule, only the second round results will be expunged.
(c)
The same formula shall apply for any subsequent rounds.
(d)
The score, goal scorers and shutouts of games that are later expunged will be
deleted so as not to impact standings, scoring races and shutout races.
(e)
Discipline and fines incurred (as well as credit for games served) associated
with games that are later expunged will not themselves be revisited or expunged.
4.9.
Points shall be awarded on the basis of three (3) points for a win, one (1)
point for a draw and zero (0) point for a loss.
4.10.
Admission fees:
(a)
In a regular VMSL game played in an enclosed park for which an admission is
charged, the home team will retain the net gate.
(b)
In regular VMSL games, which form part of a double header, and for which an
admission fee is charged the net gate will be divided between the two home
teams.
(c)
In regular VMSL games played on open parks the home team is entitled to take
and retain the proceeds of any moneys collected.
Section 5 – Division Section Championship
5.1.
At the completion of the league schedule, the team with the most points shall
be declared the Division Section Champion.
5.2.
In the event of two teams having the same number of points, the Division
Section Champion shall be determined by the result of a one game playoff.
The
game will be played on neutral ground, with extra time periods, and a penalty
kick series if necessary.
If
the Championship playoff does not affect promotion (e.g. in the case where both
teams are being promoted) and the Board of Directors feels that there is
not sufficient time to complete the playoff, the formula in 5.3 will be
used to break the tie.
5.3. In
the event three or more teams are tied for first place, a round-robin playoff
will take place. Field and referee costs will be shared by the teams and the
CAT system and ICP system and league suspensions will be in effect. If the Board of Directors feels that there is
not sufficient time to complete the round-robin playoff, the following rules
will be used to break the tie:
(a) Total
points in games played among tied teams.
(b) Goal
difference (goals for minus goals against) in games played among tied teams.
(c) Goal
average (goals for divided by goals against) in games played among tied teams.
(d) Average
goal difference in all games played.
(e)
Goal average in all games played.
If,
after the round-robin playoff, two or more teams are still tied, the rules for
breaking the tie will be the same as the ones above. When it is deemed
impractical to play games to finalize placements, a points per game method,
followed by the tiebreaking rules listed in 5.3 will be used (for example, to
determine provincial cup qualification or disposition of an incomplete season.)
Section 6 – Promotion and Relegation and
Vacancies
6.1.
At the end of each season, the VMSL shall promote and relegate teams as follows:
(a)
The two last placed teams in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division
1.
(b)
The first and second placed teams in Division 1 will be promoted to the Premier
Division.
(c) The
last two teams in Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2. The third last
team in Division 1 will play off against the Division 2 playoff winner for a
Division 1 spot.
(d) The
winner of each of the Division 2 sections will be promoted to Division 1. The
second place teams in each of the Division 2 sections will playoff for the
opportunity to play the 3rd last place team in Division 1 for a spot
in Division 1.
(e)
Four teams from Division 2 will be relegated to Division 3; the last two teams
in each Division 2 section.
(f) Four teams from Division 3 will be
promoted to Division 2. The procedure to identify the teams may vary, depending
on the number of sections in Division 3. With three sections, each section
winner is promoted to Division 2 and there is a semifinal and final knockout competition
for the fourth spot between the three second place teams and the best third
place team on a points per game basis and Section 5.3 tiebreakers. The second
placed Division 3 team with the best record on a points per game basis and
Section 5.3 tiebreakers will play a semifinal against the third place team with
the best record and the other two second place teams will play the other
semifinal. The semifinal winners will play in a promotion final.
(g) Two
teams from Division 3 will be relegated to Division 4. If there is time for a
relegation playoff, the last placed team in a Division 3 pool with the best
record on a points per game basis and Section 5.3 tiebreakers will play to stay
up against the winner of a semifinal relegation playoff between the other two
last placed teams in a Division 3 pool.
(h)
The first and second placed teams in Division 4 will be promoted to the
Division 3.
(i)
In all of the above cases, the placement of promoted or relegated teams into
divisions with multiple sections will be decided by a random draw per 6.4.
6.2.
In the event of two teams having the same number of points at the end of the
league schedule, and providing that this situation affects the promotion or
relegation of teams, a one game playoff on a neutral ground shall take
place. In case of a tie, two 15 minute extra time periods will be played,
followed by penalty kicks if needed. Field and referee costs as well as field
set up will be shared by the teams and the CAT system and league suspensions
will be in effect.
Where
three or more teams are affected, a round-robin tournament among the tied
teams will take place and the tie breaking formula outlined in Section 5.3 of
the Rules and Regulations will be used.
6.3.
Vacancies (or open spots in a division) are filled every summer as part of the
setting of a new divisional structure prior to the start of a new season.
Vacancies in any Division, except the ones covered by Section 6.1 shall be
filled as follows:
(a)
The next placed team by points standing in its respective division, regardless
of section, shall be promoted, assuming that the teams have played an equal
number of games. If the teams have not played an equal number of games, then
the team with the highest points/games quotient (points divided by number of
games played) shall fill the vacancy.
(b)
Where two or more teams are tied in points per game standing, then the rules
defined in Section 5.3 will be used to break the tie.
(c)
If there are more than 2 vacancies to be filled in a division, the VMSL
executive reserves the right to consult the directly affected parties. When one
or two vacancies are to be filled, they will go to teams next in line per
6.3(a) and 6.3(b).
(d)
Vacancies created by teams dropping out once the season has started or being
expelled once the season has started will be left unfilled until the following
season. In such cases the vacating team does not count as one of the teams to
be relegated unless it has completed at least half of the season (i.e. played
each team once assuming a balanced schedule).
6.4. Realignment
within Divisions with multiple sections:
Teams
remaining for the next season in a division that is broken into sections will
be redistributed to newly formed sections based on their placement in the
previous playing season. The process to redistribute the teams will based on a
draw after placing the teams into various pots for the purposes of the draw based
on past season performance (i.e., a seeded lottery). Where two or more teams
are tied in points standing and it affects which pot the teams go into, the
formula outlined in section 5.3 shall apply. If teams do not re-register for
the upcoming season, the teams in that section that were below the exiting
teams generally move up in the section ranking. Each pot contains a number of
teams divisible by the number of sections and as the teams are drawn from each
pot they are placed into the sections in rotation.
6.4.1
Realignment of Division 2. The pots to be drawn into the two Division 2
sections are constructed as follows:
·
Pot
A – the relegated teams from Division 1 (2 teams)
·
Pot
B – second, third and fourth placed teams from each section (6 teams)
·
Pot
C – fifth, sixth and seventh placed teams from each section (6 teams)
·
Pot
D – eighth, ninth and tenth placed teams from each section (6 teams)
·
Pot
E – the four teams promoted from Division 3 (4 teams).
6.4.2
Realignment of Division 3. The pots to be drawn into the three Division 3
sections are constructed as follows:
·
Pot
A – the relegated teams from Division 2 and the two second placed teams that
did not get promoted(6 teams)
·
Pot
B –third and fourth placed teams from each section (6 teams)
·
Pot
C – fifth, sixth and seventh placed teams from each section (9 teams)
·
Pot
D – eighth, ninth and tenth placed teams from each section (9 teams)
·
Pot
E – eleventh and twelfth placed teams from each section and/or all new teams to
the league. (6 teams)
If required the lowest ranked one or two teams from Pot D will be moved to Pot
E to make Pot D and E divisible by the number of sections)
If
space remains, new teams registering for the league late and after the main
draw will be assigned to the Division 3 sections via one or more supplemental random
draws.
Section 7 – Clubs/Teams Responsibilities
The
rules and regulations set forth in this Section are to be administered and
enforced by the VMSL Board of Directors. Infractions may result in such
disciplinary action as may be considered necessary.
7.1.
Clubs failing to send a representative to any VMSL meeting will be subject to a
twenty-five ($25) dollar fine per team not represented.
7.2.
Every club is responsible to the VMSL for the actions of its teams, players,
officials and supporters and is to take all necessary precautions to prevent
behaviour that may bring the game into disrepute.
7.3.
Any club, team, or individual who induces or attempts to induce a registered
player of another club in the VMSL to leave his club without first giving seven
(7) days’ notice in writing to the club for which the player is registered,
shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and be dealt with as per BC Soccer Rule 6 - Poaching.
7.4. All
decisions and reports of the Board of Directors, or any business transacted at
any meeting may be published at the discretion of the Board of Directors
whether such publication shall or shall not reflect on the character or conduct
of any club, player or spectator, and in the event of such publication, every
club, player or spectator concerned or referred to therein shall be deemed to
have assented to such publication.
7.5.
Each club must, at least two weeks before the commencement of the season and in
a form approved by the VMSL, submit a complete list of its officers together
with the club mailing and email addresses and phone numbers to the VMSL Board
of Directors. Any changes to this list must be communicated in writing or
via electronic submission to the VMSL office immediately.
7.6. Any
club wishing to change its name must apply to the VMSL for permission to do so.
Every team is to provide a club crest (in digital format on a white background)
for use on the VMSL website and VMSL digital ID cards. Every team in a club
must use the same crest.
7.7. Every
team must have a minimum of 12 players registered.
7.8. Every team must have available two sets of jerseys
of substantially different colours.
7.9.
If, in the opinion of the referee, a conflict of jersey colours exists, it is
the responsibility of the away
team to change jerseys.
7.10.
Each player must have an easily identifiable number displayed on his jersey
that corresponds with the number on the team list. The same number must not be
allotted to more than one player in any game.
7.11.
Each club is responsible for seeing that the players are properly dressed and equipped
and is expected to do everything possible to make the game as attractive as
possible for the spectators. In the Premier Division, home teams who will not
wear their primary kit colours posted on their team page in any given home
match are required to provide three days notice to away teams of the colour of the
kit they will be wearing (socks, shorts, jerseys) so that the away team can
plan its non-conflicting kit.
7.12. Team
lists must be game-specific VMSL system-generated roster sheets properly printed
on an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet showing duplicate rosters for the referee and your
opposition. The list shall be printed legibly and shall state the numbers and
full names of all eligible
players that the team intends to use in the game. Players not listed on the
team list will be considered ineligible for the game. CAT players, ICP callups,
youth permit players should all be on the game-specific VMSL roster. Rosters
should be printed only after all roster adjustments are final. In the case
where a CAT, ICP, youth player or a new registration or player transfer is
processed after the roster has been printed, the player can be used in the game
if he shows up in the digital ID card deck. In this case, the player must be
hand written onto the roster. A $10 administration fee is applied per
handwritten player as the league will need to review each case.
(a)
Both copies of the team list shall be handed to the referee prior to the
commencement of the game with enough time to complete a thorough check-in
process. Once players have been checked in by the Referee on both copies of the
Team List, a Team Official must sign both copies of the Team List to verify the
validity of the Team’s Players and Staff checked in by the referee on the game
specific Team List.
(b)
The referee shall then sign both copies of the team list. He will retain one
copy and, prior to the commencement of the game; give each team a copy of the other
team’s list.
7.13. The
home team must make available two (2) high quality soccer balls from a list of
approved official match balls published by the VMSL. From the list of approved official
match balls, the League will designate each season one specific ball for the
Premier Division. In the Premier Division, home teams are required to provide two
such game balls so that Premier Division play each season is with a single type
of ball.
7.14. Each
home team must provide the following (according to the Laws of the Game):
(a)
The field must be properly marked to the referee’s satisfaction.
(b)
Regulation size corner flags properly and securely placed.
(c)
Goal nets in satisfactory condition and properly hung.
(d)
Fields shall be booked for not less than 2 hours for a regular League games and
not less than 2:30 hours for a Cup games where overtime is a possibility.
7.15. In
all VMSL league games, it is the home team’s responsibility to pay the referee
and the assistant referees prior to the commencement of the second half of the
game. In games without assistant referees, the teams are responsible for
providing one linesman each to call throw-ins only.
7.16.
For all games, other than scheduled regular league games, the referee and
assistant referee fees are to be shared equally by both teams. For cup games
and playoff games at neutral venues, field fees are to be shared equally by
both teams.
7.17.
Playoff games are used to determine promotion status, championship status,
relegation status and Provincial Cup and other qualification statuses. Playoff
games are played at a neutral ground, with extra time periods, and a penalty
kick series if necessary. The league will schedule two assistant referees
regardless of the division involved. Field and referee costs are shared by the
teams. Field set up is shared - one net and two flags per team. If a playoff
game is scheduled on grass, lining is coordinated between the teams. For all
Playoff games, other than those solely to determine Provincial Cup
qualification, the CAT system, ICP system, league suspensions and youth permits
are all in effect. For Playoff games that are solely to determine Provincial
Cup qualification, youth permits will be in effect, but CAT, ICP and underage
players shall be ineligible, and unless the League notifies the teams
otherwise, league suspensions are not in effect.
7.18
For all VMSL games, every team, home or away, must bring a minimum of four flat
cones to mark a technical area as directed by the referee (unless a technical
area is already in place.)
7.19
For all VMSL games without linespersons, both the home team and the away team
must supply one linesperson to assist the referee in determining which team
should be awarded the throw-in when the ball goes into touch.
Section 8 – Club / Team Fines
Clubs / Teams found guilty of committing the
following offences will be fined as follows:
8.a.
Team fails to appear for a scheduled game
Penalty: Minimum $150 fine,
plus cost of game official(s), if less than one week’s notice, ($80/90) and
Field cost, for away teams, ($75 +). 3-0 result will be given to the opponent.
8.b.
Use of ineligible player
1)
First Offence- Penalty: $200 fine, stripped of any points acquired
in the game and a further deduction of three (3) points. 3-0 result will be
given to the opponent.
2)
Second Offence- Penalty: $400 fine, stripped of any points acquired in
the game and a further deduction of six (6) points. 3-0 result will be
given to the opponent.
3)
Third offence- Penalty: the team shall be expelled from the VMSL, and its bond
forfeited.
4)
Cup games- Penalty: $200 fine and expulsion from further cup
competition.
5)
Use of a player that has served their player suspension but has not paid the
associated player suspension fine: $25 per game eligible to play while fine
outstanding (on top of original fine)
8.c.i
Forgery of Player’s Signature on Registration Confirmation form
This applies (i) when a player enters the league for
the first time and is required to sign the registration confirmation form, and
(ii) when a player re-registers for a new season online.
In the context of the re-registration of players in
an online registration system who have already been accepted into the league
(and are not required to provide a signed registration confirmation each
season), this penalty and fine also applies to the re-registering of a player
in the VMSL without the player’s consent. (The VMSL strongly recommends that
players maintain their own login versus delegating this to team staff)
Penalty: Minimum $200 fine.
8.c.ii Entry of incorrect name or date of birth
during annual player registration and/or duplicate registration
This applies when a player enters the league for the
first time and registers his full name and date of birth and confirms that the
data is correct and signs the registration confirmation form.
Penalty: Minimum $200 fine.
8.c.iii Entry of team staff name not matching player
name during team staff profile creation and maintaining separate player and
team staff logins
VMSL members who are players and team staff must
have single user ID and must advise VMSL administration to merge their player
and team staff profiles in a timely manner
Penalty: Minimum $100 fine.
8.d.
Team fails to commence a game or withdraws from the game after it has started
unless so directed by the Referee
Penalty:
Minimum $150 fine, plus cost of game official(s) ($80/90) and Field cost
($75+). 3-0 result will be given to the
opponent. (Note: $300 minimum for a forfeit in the VMSL Premier division.)
8.e.
Defaulting, forfeiting or cancelling a game
Penalty: $150 fine,
plus cost of game official(s) ($80/90 each) and Field cost ($75+). 3-0 result will be given to the opponent.
8.f.
Delay of start of game
Penalty:
Minimum $25 fine.
8.g.
Failure to pay referee(s) before start of second half
Penalty:
Minimum $25 fine.
8.h. Insufficient or unacceptable uniforms
Penalty:
Minimum $25 fine.
8.i. Team fails
to,
1)
Mark field properly; Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.
2)
Supply appropriate goal nets; Penalty: Minimum $75 fine.
3)
Supply appropriate corner flags; Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.
4)
Supply match ball and/or spare match ball; Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.
5)
Provide team lists before kickoff; Penalty: Minimum $50 fine
6)
Provide VMSL digital identification (ID) cards before kickoff; Penalty:
Minimum $50 fine
7)
Supply substitution slips; Penalty: Minimum $50 fine
8.j.i Team held
to be at fault for abandonment of a game
Penalty: Minimum $150 fine plus game officials fees/s ($80/90) and
Field cost ($75 +) - 3-0 result will be given to the opponent.
8.j.ii Both teams held to be at fault for abandonment of a game
Penalty: Minimum $150 fine per team. Game will be deemed played
and no points awarded.
8.k. If
requested by referee – lack of spectator control by team official(s) including
failure to address the referee
Penalty: Minimum $50 fine and
may be suspended from further participation in the competition.
8.l. Harassment of
referee, persistent criticism of the referee or disputing calls of the referee
by team officials and/or players,
Penalty: Minimum $50 fine and
may be suspended from further participation in the competition.
8.m. If requested by
referee – failure to identify spectator(s) responsible for misconduct towards a
referee or assistant referee;
Penalty: Minimum $50 fine and
may be suspended from further participation in the competition.
8.n. Player/team
official, while under suspension and attending a game as a spectator, behaves
in a manner that brings the game into disrepute,
Penalty: Minimum $100 fine
and suspended from attendance at the game sites.
8.o. Team fails to
send a representative to the VMSL Annual General Meeting and/or a
pre-competition meeting,
Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.
8.p. Team fails to
fulfill Provincial and/or Club National commitment,
Penalty: Minimum $100, plus
the BC Soccer and Canada Soccer fines that are assessed to the VMSL.
Section 9 – Players
9.1.
All players to be eligible to take part in VMSL games must be
registered in a form approved by BC Soccer, and filed by the VMSL with the BC
Soccer Registrar.
For
clarity, this includes following the applicable FIFA / Canada Soccer / BC
Soccer rules with respect to international and provincial transfer
certificates. A player who fails to process an ITC / PTC when required to play
in BC is deemed to be an ineligible player.
The
VMSL player registration fee (independent of any ICT/PCT transfer fees) is
currently set at $50 for returning players (with a current VMSL login) and $65 for
new players to the league.
9.2. A
player shall be eligible to take part in VMSL game play from the date of
registration completion with the VMSL / BC Soccer providing he has a valid VMSL
digital ID card or special permit issued by the VMSL and is not suspended. A
player will not be given a VMSL digital ID card unless they have met all the
requirements of registration which include completing the online registration,
uploading a headshot, completing payment of the player registration fee,
completing any necessary international or provincial transfer or amateur
reinstatement and providing proof of identity and date of birth and signing the
registration confirmation form.
9.3.
A player or team staff under suspension by the VMSL or BC Soccer is an
ineligible player or team staff and cannot participate in a VMSL game either as
a player or a team staff. (See Section 11 for more detail.)
9.4.
It is the team’s responsibility to present the game-specific VMSL digital ID
card at each game that the player intends to play in. A player who fails
to produce a valid VMSL digital ID card or a special permit issued by the VMSL
is deemed to be an ineligible player. A team attempting to check in a player
under someone else’s player ID will be sanctioned under Rule 8.b whether the
ineligible player plays or not.
9.5.
Players transferring from one team to another are subject to BC
Soccer Rule 7 - Transfer of Players.
All
player transfers must be filed with and approved by the VMSL.
- When transferring to
another team, a BC Soccer transfer form must be completed and releasing
and accepting clubs signatures obtained before being submitted to the VMSL
(in digital or hard copy) along with the current transfer fee.
- A player is
entitled to a transfer provided he has complied with all
the provincial, district or league rules and regulations and is not
indebted to the current team, district or league.
- A player is
entitled to a transfer as hereinafter provided, by January 15th of the
current year for the coastal/winter-playing season, except as provided
below, and by June 30th of the current year for the
interior/summer-playing season, except as provided below.
- A player shall
not be allowed to transfer during the team’s playing season without
the consent of the team for which the player is registered. Such
consent must not to be unreasonably withheld if the player is not indebted
to the current team.
- A player
currently under suspension and seeking a transfer is not eligible to play
until the suspension has been served with his current team. For clarity, the
transfer of a player who is suspended will not be processed until the suspension
is served with the releasing team. (Note: A suspended player can still transfer
by the Jan 15 deadline even if still suspended but the transfer will not
be processed until the suspension is served with the releasing team.)
- Once a team
plays its first league game in the current playing season any player movement
thereafter would be subject to the transfer regulations.
9.6. Any
player playing under more than one name, and/or for more than one BC Soccer
affiliated team, shall be immediately suspended for the balance of the season
at a minimum.
In
addition, his club will be liable for a minimum two hundred dollar ($200) fine.
Any subsequent infringement of this regulation by the club will render the club
liable to expulsion from the VMSL.
9.7.
VMSL digital ID cards for all players on the current team list must be
presented to the referee, together with the team list, before the commencement
of the game. In the VMSL, it is the referees right to demand only uniformed and
checked in players and checked in team staff be present within the technical
area and team bench
9.8.
To be current and acceptable, every VMSL digital ID card must indicate:
(a)
Name in full.
(b)
Current team playing for.
(c)
A passport size photograph of true likeness of player.
(d)
Annual authentication by the VMSL.
9.9.
A youth player playing in the VMSL on permit must show the referee a valid VMSL
digital identification card as part of the team’s game specific digital ID card
deck. This requires all youth permit players to register with the VMSL as a youth
to senior permit player. For each game, a youth player must complete the BC
Soccer youth to senior permitting process including approval from the youth
team, youth district, the VMSL and BC Soccer. A BC Soccer parental liability
acknowledgment form must be completed once per season per player and registered
with the VMSL. No team within a club can permit youth players (nor sign, CAT or
ICP underage players) unless all their team staff have registered a current
criminal record check with the VMSL. A team can only use four youth permits per
game (except in U21 where a team can use up to 8 youth permits). When a U21
team uses more than four youth permits in a game, there is a charge of $10 per
youth permit for the permits beyond the fourth. These limits apply to both the
number of youth permits that can be used in a game as well as the number that
can be applied for.
9.10.
An eligible player who is late for the kick-off may participate in the game
upon presentation of his VMSL digital ID card to the referee, together with a
substitution slip if required.
9.11. The
referee will check the VMSL digital ID cards prior to the commencement of the
game to verify the identity of each player. Any discrepancies must be
reported to both teams prior to the commencement of the game and a detailed
report submitted to the VMSL president within 24 hours.
9.12.
Should the manager or coach insist on fielding a player without a valid VMSL
digital ID card (or special permit issued by the VMSL), the referee must inform
the opposing manager or coach and report the infraction to the VMSL within 24
hours. (A player without a valid VMSL digital ID card or special permit is an
ineligible player. See VMSL Rule 8.b. for the ramifications of playing an
ineligible player.)
9.13. Managers
are responsible for ensuring that all VMSL digital ID card information is
correct. Any discrepancies must be reported to the VMSL Board of Directors
immediately.
9.14. Any
player ejected from the game by the referee shall be reported to the Player
Discipline Committee, within 48 hours.
9.15. The
digital player identify card and the roster will be marked “suspended” until
the player’s suspension has been served. If the associated fine ($25 per game
minimum) has not been paid by the time the suspension is served, late fees
accrue at $25 per game.
9.16. Confirmation
that the requisite number of games have been “sat out” by the player must be established
prior to the player resuming playing.
9.17
All team staff intending to be present in the technical and/or team bench area
during any league or cup game must be registered with the VMSL. The team staff
registration process requires that team staff provide their full name, email
address, phone number, headshot, birthdate. All team staff must agree to the
team staff code of conduct each season.
Section 10 – Substitutes
10.1. In
all matches under the jurisdiction of the VMSL, with the exception of Division
3, Division 4 and the Masters’ Divisions, each team is allowed to make a
maximum of five substitutions during a total entire game, which includes extra
time when played.
10.2. Players
substituted shall be permitted to take further part in a game, each change to
be counted as a substitution.
10.3.
In league play in the Division 2 and the U21 Division, unlimited substitutions
will be allowed at half time. Unlimited substitutions will be allowed at half
time in the U21 Cup but not the Division 2 Cup.
10.4. In
the Masters Divisions, unlimited substitutions will be allowed during the
entire game in League and League Cup Play. In Divisions 3 and 4 and in the
Division 3 Cup, unlimited substitutions will be allowed during the entire game.
10.5. With
the exception of Division 3, Division 4, the Masters’ Divisions, and at half time, Division 2 and the U21
Division, a substitute player must present to the referee a valid substitution
slip upon entering the field of play.
10.6. With
the exception of Division 3, Division 4, the Masters’ Divisions, and at half time, Division 2 and the U21
Division, a team found to have made more than five (5) substitutions in a game
shall be considered to have played an ineligible player. The provisions of
Article 6.5 of the By-Laws and Section 8.b of the Rules and Regulations shall
apply.
Section 11 – Discipline Committees
11.1. The
Board of Directors shall form a Player Discipline Committee. Such committee
shall consist of three (3) members, including a member of the VMSL Board
of Directors who shall act as chairman of the committee.
(a)
The chairman shall only have a tie-breaking vote.
(b)
Attendance by any other person at committee meetings shall be by invitation
only.
(c)
Player Discipline Meetings shall be held at a time and place as designated by
the Board of Directors.
11.2.
The Board of Directors shall form a Club Discipline Committee. Such committee
shall consist of all members of the Board of Directors, including a member who
shall act as Chairman of the committee.
(a)
The Club Discipline Committee Chairman shall only have a tie-breaking vote.
(b)
Attendance by any other person at committee meetings shall be by invitation
only.
(c)
Club Discipline meetings shall be held at a time and place as designated by the
Board of Directors.
11.3. Decisions
made by the Player and Club Discipline Committees shall be based on the
guidelines regarding discipline as declared in the Constitutions of BC
Soccer and Canada Soccer respectively.
11.4.
Any player or team staff who is ejected from a game either via a straight red
card or a second caution is ineligible to play or coach in VMSL League or
League Cup play until their suspension is served.
11.5. A
player or team staff suspended for the accumulation of yellows over multiple
League games is not barred from playing or coaching in League Cup games.
11.6. A
player or team staff suspended for the accumulation of yellows over multiple League
Cup games, is not barred from playing or coaching in League games.
11.7.
A player or team staff who accumulates four yellow cards in league play will be
suspended and ineligible to play or coach for one game. A player or team staff who
accumulates two more (six total) yellow cards in league play will be suspended
for another game and is ineligible to play or coach. A player or team staff who
accumulates one more (seven total) yellow cards in league play will be
suspended and is ineligible to play or coach until they appear before the
Discipline Committee. A player or team staff who accumulates more than seven total
yellow cards in league play will be suspended and ineligible to play or coach until
they appear before the Discipline Committee each time they get another yellow
card in league play.
11.8.
A player or team staff who accumulates three yellow cards in league cup play
will be suspended and ineligible to play or coach for one cup game.
11.9.
A player or team staff who is under suspension for a game that is defaulted,
will be deemed to have served a suspension for that game, regardless of which team
forfeited the game.
11.10.
League yellow accumulation suspensions (but not Cup yellow accumulation suspensions)
will apply to all VMSL playoff games related to relegation, promotion,
divisional and sectional championship and league placement. Yellow accumulation
suspensions will not apply to playoffs with the sole purpose to determine Provincial
Cup qualification.
11.11.
Four game League yellow accumulation suspensions and Cup yellow accumulation suspensions
will not be carried over from season to season but the associated fines must be
paid. All other suspensions will carry over from season to season. A player
must be registered in the VMSL to serve games. Carryover suspensions are thus not
decremented unless and until a player is registered in a following season
except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the VMSL based on a
formal written request.
11.12
When a referee ejects a member of the team staff or reports team staff
misbehaviour, the VMSL will determine the length of any suspension and
associated fine. A suspended team staff member is suspended from playing and
coaching in the VMSL while serving their team staff suspension.
11.13
A suspended player or team official cannot be involved in any match-related
activities, including warm-up, pre-game talks, dressing room access, player
check in, referee payment, or half time talks. The suspended player or team
official may attend the match as a spectator, but must stay well away from the
field of play and the team benches from one hour before and 30 minutes after
the game. A suspension prohibits interference in the match, or participation as
a player or team official or communicating in any way with players, team
officials or game officials.
11.14
Anyone suspended as a player or coach may be barred by the League from
refereeing in the VMSL until their suspension is served, depending on the
nature of the associated offence.
Section 12 – Club Affiliated Team (CAT)
System
12.1. Clubs
fielding more than one team in the VMSL may operate one or more Club Affiliated
Team (CAT) systems within their club.
A
CAT system is a collection of teams within a club with no more than one team
from each age group – Under 21, Open, Over 35 and Over 45 that allows for
unlimited player sharing subject to age restrictions.
12.2. Clubs
may run more than one CAT system within their club but each must be a distinct CAT
system with distinct name that cannot share any players with the other CAT
system(s), except potentially though an Intra Club Permit per Section 13.
A
club must declare, prior to the commencement of the VMSL season, which of its
teams is to be part of their CAT system(s). Teams in a CAT system must all have
the same name other than the A, U21, M-A or M-B designation depending on the
age group the team is in. The only exception to this rule is that a unique
extension can be added following the A, U21, M, M-A or M-B designation (Note,
clubs can have B and C teams in the open divisions but these teams cannot be
CAT’d. B and C teams only participate in the Intra-Club Permit (call up) system
detailed below). If two or more clubs merge in order to form a CAT system, this
must be declared prior to the commencement of the VMSL season.
The
use of CAT players requires that the receiving team manager add, prior to the
game via the league website, the required CAT players from their CAT system and
to have these CAT players appear on the game-specific system-generated roster
sheet and game-specific Digital Player ID cards. The system will only permit
valid CAT players to be added to a roster.
12.3. Players
registered on teams designated by a club to be within one of their CAT systems
are eligible to play (in League games only) on certain applicable other teams
designated to be part of that particular CAT system without a transfer. Players
registered on teams not designated by a club to be within one of their CAT
systems are not eligible to play on any other team in the league without a
transfer or an intra-club permit (ICP).
12.4. Players
are only eligible to compete in Cup competition for the team with which they
are registered.
12.5.
Players in the CAT system will serve any suspensions with the team with which
they are registered. While they are serving a suspension with the team with
which they are registered, they are not eligible to play for any other team in
their CAT system.
Section 13 – Intra-Club Permits (ICP) – Call
Ups
13.1. All
clubs with more than one team in the VMSL may use the Intra-Club Permit (ICP)
system to call up players. ICPs are only used when a CAT relationship between
the teams is not in place or is not allowed (such as with teams in the same age
category).
An
ICP allows a limited number of players from a lower level team within a club to
play up with a higher level team within a club subject to age restrictions. For
the purposes of an ICP, the hierarchy of levels is Premier, Division 1,
Division 2, Division 3, Division 4, Over 35 Premier, Over 35 Division 1, Over 35
Division 2, Over 45 Premier, Over 45 Division 1, Over 45 Division 2, Under 21.
Age
restrictions apply to Over 35 divisions and O45 divisions as follows. An O35
underage player cannot ICP except into open. An O45 underage player cannot ICP
except into O35 or open. Underage O35 and O45 players cannot ICP to a team in a
division within the same age group.
13.2.
No declaration other than to which club a team is affiliated prior to the
commencement of the VMSL season is needed to use the ICP system within a club.
Teams affiliated as a club must use the same core club name in their team name.
The
use of ICP players (or Call Ups) requires that the receiving team manager add,
prior to the game via the league website, the required ICP players and to have
these ICP players appear on the game-specific system-generated roster sheet and
game-specific Digital Player ID cards. The system will only permit valid call
ups to be added to a roster.
13.3. ICPs
are only in effect for league games. Playoff games for Promotion, Relegation,
Division Championship (but not Provincial Cup Qualification) are considered
league games. Players are only eligible to compete in Cup competition for the
team with which they are registered.
13.4.
Open and Over 35 teams calling up players from one or more lower level teams
within their club are limited to a maximum total of 4 players per game. Over 45
teams calling up players from a lower Over 45 Division team within their club
are limited to a maximum of 8 players per game. Under 21 teams calling up
players from an Under 21B Division team within their club (if an Under 21B Division
is in place) are limited to a maximum of 8 players per game. Under 21 teams
cannot call up players from Open divisions even if the players are under 21.
13.5.
Players will serve any suspensions with the team with which they are registered
regardless of whether the suspension was a result of playing in a game on an
ICP. While they are serving a suspension with the team with which they are
registered, they are not eligible to play for any other team in their club via
an ICP.
Section 14 – Premier Division
14.1
The Premier Division shall be limited to one team per club.
14.2 Any team seeking promotion to the Premier
Division from Division 1 cannot be affiliated with a Club that has a team in
the Premier Division in the season that they seek promotion.
14.3 Any team wishing to disassociate from a club
with a team in the Premier Division for the purposes of seeking promotion in a
given season must submit to the League (in writing no less than 14 days before
the commencement of play in the league season) a description of the structural
changes being made and the associated name change request for review.
Section 15 – Masters’ Divisions
15.1. For
the 2022-23 season, players born
in 1987 or earlier will be
allowed to play in the Over 35 Divisions.
For
the 2022-23 season, players born
in 1977 or earlier will be
allowed to play in the Over 45 Divisions.
15.2. For
2022-23, each team in the Over 35 Divisions will be
allowed to register 3 underage players. These players must be born in 1988, 1989 or 1990. These players will
be allowed to participate in regular League play as well as Cup play. However,
they will not be allowed to participate in the Over 35 Provincial Cup
competition (or any Provincial Cup qualification playoff games).
For
2022-23, each team in the Over
45 Divisions will be allowed to register up to 3 underage players born in 1978,
1979 or 1980. These players will
be allowed to participate in regular League play as well as Cup play. However,
they will not be allowed to participate in the Over 45 Provincial Cup
competition (or any Provincial Cup qualification playoff games).
15.3. There
will be three Over 35 Divisions:
Premier Division, Division 1, Division 2, and 3 Over 45s Divisions, Premier Division, Division 1 and Division 2.
The following promotion/relegation system will be in effect for both Over 35 Divisions and Over 45 Divisions:
the two bottom teams from the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1,
while the two top teams from Division 1 will be promoted to the Premier
Division. The two bottom teams from Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2
and the two top teams from Division 2 will be promoted to Division 1.
Teams
in Over 35 Premier and Division
1 are entitled to enter the Masters A Cup. Teams in Over 35 Division 2 and Over 45 Premier, Division 1 and Division 2 are entitled to enter the
Masters B Cup.
Section 16 – Under 21 Division
16.1. For
the 2022-23 season, players born in 2002 and younger will be allowed to play in
the Under 21 Division.
16.2.
Each Under 21 team that is part of a CAT system will be allowed to use a
maximum of 2 overage players, belonging to the club’s CAT system, in League
games (as an exception to the general CAT rules).
16.3.
Each Under 21 team will be allowed to use an unlimited number of players who
are under 21 but registered with the open age team in their CAT system, in League
games.