CUYAHOGA
FALLS SOCCER CLUB
BY-LAWS
(Revised
and Effective March 2008)
Article
I. Purpose
(A) The purpose of this
organization shall be:
1) To provide the opportunity for advances players to play
soccer at the highest level of competition available.
2) To provide young players an opportunity to engage in a
meaningful learning experience and further their abilities to play the game.
3) To provide advanced instruction in the skills and
tactics of the game of soccer under philosophies of good sportsmanship, teamwork,
and the fundamentals of the game.
4) To promote the spirit of good sportsmanship among
players, parents, coaches, officials, etc.
(B)No part of the income or assets
of this organization shall inure to the benefit of any private individual or
member.
(C) This organization shall have
no capital stock. Its object and purpose is being solely of a benevolent
character and not for individual fecuniary gain or profit of its members.
Article
II. Board of Control
Regular meetings of the Board of Control shall be held at
least once every month at such places and times, as the President of the Board
of Controls shall designate. Special meetings may be held at the call of the
President or by request of and four (4) members of the Board of Control.
Article
III. Officers
A) The officers of the Cuyahoga
Falls Soccer Club comprise of the following positions:
President, Executive Vice President, Vice President –
Micro Division, Vice President – U-6 Division, Vice President – U-8 Division,
Vice President – U-10 Division, Vice President GAASA (Travel Division),
Secretary, Treasurer, GAASA Registrar, In-House Registrar, Equipment Manager,
Referee Liaison, Fundraising Coordinator
B) Each Officer shall have a copy
of the By-Laws and Constitution.
C) The Board of Control Officers
has the authority to appoint any person to the board at any time.
D) If for any reason at any time a
Board of Control Officer steps down from his/her position, the remaining Board
of Control Officers will appoint a person to fill the position.
Article
IV. President
(A) The duties of the President are:
1) Presides at all meetings of the
Board of Control.
2) Serve as an ex-officio member
of all committees.
3) Sign papers as required by
his/her office.
4) Make reports and
recommendations to the Board of Control.
5) Manage the affairs of the
organization under the direction of the Board of Control.
6) Obtain all field permits from
the Cuyahoga Falls Parks and Recreation Department.
7) Require such reports from the
Treasurer, Secretary and Committee Chairmen as in his/her judgment is
necessary.
8) Perform all such other duties
as may be incidental to his/her office.
Article
V. Executive Vice President
(A) The duties of the Executive
Vice President are:
1) Carry out the duties of the
President when he/she is absent.
2) Plan and organize the annual
Soccer Palooza Festival held at the end of the Spring Soccer season at
Waterworks Park.
3) Acting first level grievance
officer for Vice-Presidents within the In-House Program.
4) Plan and schedule all Foot
Skills sessions for the Fall and Spring seasons.
5) Maintain and update the
organization’s website (www.fallssoccerclub.org).
Article
VI. Vice Presidents of In-house
(A) The Vice President of In-house Teams (U-10, U-8, U-6
and Micro) duties are:
1) Organize players to team
rosters and assign coaches.
2) Obtain player information from
the Registrar.
3) Input roster information to the
Registrar.
4) Identify jersey and ball
requirements for the Equipment Committee and distribute to teams.
5) Identify schedule information
to the Registrar for each season and distribute to teams.
6) Acting first-level grievance
officer for coaches or parents of players within the In-house program.
Article
VII. Vice President of GAASA (Travel)
(A) The Vice President of Greater Akron Teams (Travel)
duties are:
1) Organize players to team
rosters and assign coaches.
2) Obtain player information from
the Registrar.
3 )Input roster information to the
Registrar.
4) Identify jersey and ball
requirements for the Equipment
Committee and distribute to teams.
5) Acting first-level grievance
officer for coaches or parents of players
within the Greater-Akron program.
6) Provide the Registrar any
necessary information in regards to Players Passes and Game Reports involving
GAASA or Tournament participation.
7) Acting Club representative at
GAASA monthly meetings and report current information at CFSC meetings.
Article
VIII. In-house and GAASA Registrars
(A) The In-house and GAASA Registrars duties are:
1) Maintain player registration, parental acknowledgement
and liability Waiver records.
2) Organize the registration of Club Teams participation
in amateur soccer league programs non-inclusive of the organization’s In-house program.
3) Maintain a record of active Coaches, Board Members,
Committee Members, and Volunteers.
4) Organize and maintain team records of the In-house and
Greater- Akron teams.
Article
IX. Secretary
(A) The duties of the Secretary are:
1) Keep a record of all businesses conducted at every
meeting.
2 )Maintain a file of organization records.
3) Sign such papers as required by his/her office.
4) Perform such other duties as required by his/her office
and/or as directed by the Board of Control.
Article
X. Treasurer
(A) The duties of the Treasurer are:
1) Receive all monies of the organization and have custody
thereof.
2) Deposit funds of the organization in one or more banks
selected by the Board of Control to be disbursed in accordance with the
direction of, and upon the signature of persons designated by the Board of
Control.
3) Maintain a full account of all monies received and paid
out and shall make such reports thereof to the President and the Board of
Control at each meeting.
4) Receive and have custody of all deeds, securities,
notes, contracts, and other financial papers of the organization.
5) Maintain full account of all deeds, securities, notes
and financial papers of the organization and make such reports thereof to the
President and the Board of Control, as they require.
6) Sign such papers as may be required by his/her office
or as may be directed by the Board of Control.
7) Perform such other duties, as may be incidental to the
office.
8) He/She may be required by the Board of Control to give
such bonds as they shall determine for the faithful performance of his/her
office.
Article
XI. Referee Liaison
(A) The duties of the Referee
Liaison are:
1) Coordinate the Referee Training
Program for the U-8 and U-10 Divisions.
2) Attend any Referee training
programs in the area to keep up with new rules and regulations.
3) Evaluate the In-House Referees
by attending weekly games and offering ways to improve the game calling skills.
4) Perform such other duties as
required by his/her office and/or as directed by the Board of Control.
Article
XII. Equipment Manager
(A) The duties of the Equipment
Manager are:
1) Order all In-House jerseys,
Travel uniforms, socks, balls, and nets.
2) Assemble First-Aid kits for all
coaches.
3) Work with all Vice-Presidents
and coaches to distribute equipment for each season.
4) Coordinate initial lining of
all soccer fields.
5) Inventory every field box.
a) Replace any lost items (including hammers, cones,
flags, etc.)
b) Lubricate locks on each box and change the combination
if needed.
6) Remove all nets and return goals for storage at the end
of each season.
7) Perform such other duties as required by his/her office
and/or as directed by the Board of Control.
Article
XIII. Fundraising
(A) The duties of the Fundraiser are as follows:
1) Purchase the food, beverages, and merchandise that are
to be sold at any Soccer Club event.
2) Coordinate any weekly Game Day sales events, as
approved by the Board of Control.
3) Infuse new ideas at Monthly meetings as to how the Club
can raise funds.
4) Place orders for new merchandise as approved by the
President of the organization.
5) Perform such other duties as required by his/her office
and/or as directed by the Board of Control.
Article
XIV. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the organization shall run from August
1st through July 31st
Article XV. Amendments
(A) The Bylaws of this organization should be reviewed
every two (2) years. Any
changes deemed necessary shall be voted on and revised.
(B) These Bylaws may be amended by a simple majority vote
of the members of
the Board of Control at any regular or special meeting
called for this purpose,
provided notice of the change is given at least fourteen
(14) days prior to the
meeting.
Article XVI. Team Organization
In accordance with the purpose of this organization, as
stated in the
organization’s constitution, each team organized under the
Cuyahoga Falls
Soccer Club must be composed of a minimum of
eighty-percent (80%) of
players residing in the school districts of the Cuyahoga
Falls City School
system. The balance of each team roster may be made up of
players outside
the Cuyahoga Falls school system so long as they do not
exceed twenty-
percent (20%) of the team roster.
Article
XVII. Rules and Regulations (U8 division)
The U8 Division shall abide by the United States Soccer
Federation “Laws of Soccer” that are current at the time. In addition, the
following Cuyahoga Falls Soccer Club “Rules and Regulations” will apply and
take precedence over the USSF Laws.
(A) Rule 1- The Team and
Players
1)
There
will be a minimum of five (5) and/or a maximum of seven (7) players per team,
per field at one time.
2) All teams will play with equal
numbers of players on the field at one time. (Example: 6V6, 5V5)
3) No full-field games will be
played.
4)
If either team cannot field at least five (5) players, the game may be:
a) Rescheduled (In which either
coach MUST notify the VP of U-8)
b) Used as a practice/scrimmage
game (using equal sides).
c) Canceled (This is only if no
make-up date can be agreed upon).
5) Each player is to have the
opportunity to play at least two (2) full quarters during each game they attend
with the following exceptions:
a) In the case of injury to the
player.
b) If the player arrives late to
the game.
6) Players within a team will be
divided equally on each field according to ability (No stacking or one-sided
advantage).
7) Substitutions:
a) May be made at the ten (10)
minute breaks and at halftime.
b) A player may be substituted for
an injured player at any time.
8) There will be a new goalkeeper
at least every half or each quarter.
9) All players must wear shin
guards to play the games. Shin guards are also required for all practices.
10) After a three (3) goal lead,
the leading team must place their highest scoring player in a defensive
position. At the same time, the opposing team may add another player until such
a time that there is no longer a three (3) point lead.
11) No players may be allowed to
play in any game, except those listed on the “official team roster”.
(B) Rule 2- Offsides
1) The Offside Rule will not apply
in the U-8 Division except as follows:
a) If, in the referee’s opinion,
the player is purposely trying to create an advantage by staying near the
opponent’s goal area or on the opponent’s end of the field when the play has
moved to their side of the field (cherry-picking).
b) A coach that is on the field
for either team may bring an offside situation to the attention of the referee
at the appropriate time.
c) If a player continues in an
offside position and that player score a goal from that position, the goal will
not count. The restart will be from the center by the opposing team.
(C) Rule 3- Fouls and Misconduct/Free Kicks
1) All USSF Fouls and Misconduct
rules will apply with the following exceptions:
a) The referee should use discretion in enforcing the rule
that states that the goalkeeper may not gain control of the ball a second time
unless the ball was touched or played by another player.
2) All USSF Free Kick rules will
apply with the following exceptions:
a) Due to space restrictions on the smaller fields,
defenders should line up seven (7) yards from the ball.
b) The “Penalty Area” and the “Goal Box” are one and the
same on the “DD” field.
c) As in USSF rules, only attackers must be out of the box
on goal kicks, not defenders.
d) Penalty Kicks- no penalty kicks or direct kicks.
Indirect kicks will be used.
e) The referee should allow the coach a brief time to
instruct his players on how to set up for penalty kicks and direct-free kicks.
(D) Rule 4- Referees
1) These items are in addition to the rules of the USSF:
a) For the purpose of instructing the players, the
referees should, as often as possible, verbally call throw-ins, free kicks, and
other actions. The referee should also inform the offending player as to what
infraction has been committed.
b) Referees may stop the play at anytime to caution the
coaches for verbally abusive behavior on their part or on the part of the
spectators that is directed at the referee or players. If the abusive behavior
does not cease, the referee has the authority to prematurely end the game. This
action should be used in only the most extreme circumstances.
c) It is the responsibility of the referee to check all
players before the start of the game to see that they are wearing shin guards.
The referee can prevent a player from participating until they are properly
equipped.
(E) Rule 5- Coaches
1) There will be allowed no more than two coaches per
team. Only one coach will be permitted
on the field at any time.
2) A coach is a part of the field, just as a referee is.
At the same time, the coaches should try to stay out of the penalty area when
the ball is in play.
3) Coaches will remember that the referee is in charge of
the game. If there is a question or problem, it should be calmly handled either
at the half or at the end of the game. Unresolved problems can be referred to
the Vice- President of In-house Teams or the Referee Committee Chairperson for
review.
4) It is the coach’s responsibility to instruct the
spectators as to the proper conduct. Spectators should be encouraged to cheer
their team and players in a positive manner. Verbal abuse from the sidelines
that is directed at referees or players will not be tolerated.
5) Coaches must abide by all the rules and regulations
that govern the “DD” Division.
Article
XVIII. Rules and Regulations U-10 Division
The U-10 Division
shall abide by the United States Soccer Federation “Laws of Soccer” that are
current at the time. In addition, the following Cuyahoga Falls Soccer Club
“Rules and Regulations” will apply and take precedence over the USSF Laws.
A) Rule 1- The Team and Players
1) All teams will play with not
more than eight (8) players and not less than six (6) players.
2) All teams will play with equal
numbers of players on the field. (Example: 8V8)
3) If either team cannot field at
least six (6) players, the game may be: (Only one option may be chosen.)
a) Rescheduled (with 48 hour
notice to the Referee Committee).
b) Used as a practice/scrimmage
game (using equal sides).
c) Canceled
4) Each player is to have the
opportunity to play at least one half (½) of each game they attend, except as
follows:
a) In case of injury to a player.
b) Disciplinary action. A coach
may prohibit a player from
getting their one half (1/2) of playing time under the
following circumstances:
1) If a player continually disrupts practices with unruly
behavior.
2) If a player is habitually late for or is absent from
scheduled practices or games.
5) Substitutions:
a) Substitutions may be made at a
dead ball situation midway
through the half (at the referee’s signal) and at
halftimes.
b) A player may be substituted for
an injured player.
c) There will be no free subbing
even if both coaches want it.
6) All players must wear shin
guards to play in games. Shin guards are also required for all practices.
7) After a three (3) goal lead,
the leading team must place their highest scoring player in a defensive
position. At the same time, the opposing team may add another player until such
a time that there is no longer a three (3) point lead.
8) No players may be allowed to
play in any game, except those listed
on the “Official Team Roster”.
A) Rule 2 – Coaches
1) Coaches are not allowed on the
field of play once the game begins, except under the following circumstances:
a) For an injury to a player.
b) At the request of the referee.
2)
Coaches
will remember that the referee is in charge of the game. If there is a question
or problem, it should be calmly handled either at the half or at the end of the
game. Unresolved problems can be referred to the Vice-President of In-house
Teams or the Referee Committee Chairperson for review.
3) It is the coach’s
responsibility to instruct the spectators as to proper conduct. Spectators
should be encouraged to cheer their team and players in a positive manner.
Verbal abuse from the sidelines that is directed at referees or players will
not be tolerated.
4) As this is an instructional
league, coaches and assistant coaches will be allowed to coach from the sidelines
under the following guidelines:
a) Team benches should be opposite
sides of the field.
b) They do not disrupt the play of
the game.
c) They are on their own side of
the field.
d) They stay behind the touchline
between the outside lines of the penalty areas
5) Coaches have the right to
restrict spectators from coaching from the sidelines, if in their opinion, it
is disruptive to the coach or the game.
6) Once the game begins, no
spectators, players or coaches are allowed in the end areas by the goals. Coaches
are expected to assist the referees in enforcing this rule.
7) Coaches must abide by the
“Rules and Regulations” that govern the “C” Division.
B) Rule 3 -Referees (These items are in addition to the USSF
Laws.)
1)
For
the purpose of instructing the players, the referee should, as often as
possible, verbally call throw-ins, free kicks, and other actions. The referee
should also inform the offending player as to what infraction has been
committed.
2)
Referees may, at a dead-ball situation, stop the play to caution the coaches
for verbally abusive behavior on their part or on the part of the spectators
that is directed at the referee or players. If the abusive behavior does not
cease, the referee has the authority to prematurely end the game. This action
should be used in only the most extreme circumstance.
3) It is the responsibility of the
referee to check all players before the start of the game to see that they are
wearing shin guards. The referee can prevent a player from participating until
they are properly equipped.
4) Referees will use the
“advantage rule” when calling infractions.
a) Definition-Under the “advantage
rule”, the offending player is creating a potential advantage situation for
himself or his/her team, whether intentional or not, through the commission of
infraction.
Article
XIX. Appointment of Coaches
All coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers must be
appointed by the
Cuyahoga Falls Soccer Board of Control at the March
(Spring) meeting and
August (Fall) meeting of the club. The VP of each age
division will list coaches
they are nominating for appointment. The appointment of
coaches is at the
sole discretion of the Cuyahoga Falls Soccer Club Board of
Control. Reasons
for the appointment or non-appointment of coaches are not
required.
Coaching in the
Cuyahoga Falls Soccer Club is contingent upon the receipt of
the OYSAN State
office KidSafe form filed out by each coach. Coaches’
appointments are NOT final until this is done. Coaches not
complying can
have their appointment revoked at any time by the
President, with no right of a
hearing.
Coaching in the Cuyahoga Falls Soccer Club GAASA Division
is contingent
upon the appointed coaches being approved by the GAASA
Board of Directors.
