Chapter 3

NFWASA RULES AND REGULATIONS

 3.1            Registered Players    

 
Only registered players shall be permitted to play in competitions under the auspices of this Association.  A team that uses unregistered players shall automatically forfeit all games in which said players have participated.  A violation of this rule shall result in the offending Coach, Assistant Coach/Administrator being suspended for a minimum of one (1) year from all soccer related activities.  

3.2            Unregistered/Non-sanctioned play    

 
Youth and amateur players or teams who participate with unregistered players or engage in unsanctioned play shall void their NTSSA registration and must apply for reinstatement to their appropriate Commissioner, along with a re-filing fee of $2.00 per player   

3.2.1.         Unsanctioned play shall include, but is not be limited to:   

1.      Outdoor/indoor league not sanctioned by NTSSA or another USSF affiliate.  

2.      Outdoor/indoor tournament not sanctioned by NTSSA or another USSF affiliate.   

3.      Any game (friendly or scrimmage) with non-USSF affiliate.  

3.2.2.         Application by the team/player to the registrar to engage in a game or games may be approved under certain conditions that may be determined to be in best interest and enhancement of the game. 

3.3              Friendly Games           

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules. 

3.4              Suspensions

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.5              Referees

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.6              Adult Criminal Background Checks

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.7              Youth Play in Amateur Division

 
N/A to NFWASA.

3.8              Amateur Registration

 
N/A to NFWASA.

3.9              Playing AGE

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.10          Youth Contracts and Releases 

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.11          DISCIPLINE

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.12          Referee System

 
 NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.13          GAME PROTESTS  

 
NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules.

3.14          NFWASA will abide by NTSSA rules for U11 and older for rules of competition.

3.15          Modified Playing Rules for Under 5 – Located in Separate Document

3.16          Modified Playing Rules for Under 6 – Located in Separate Document

3.17          Modified Playing Rules for Under 7/8 – Located in Separate Document

3.18          Modified Playing Rules for Under 9 – Located in Separate Document

3.19          Modified Playing Rules for Under 10 – Located in Separate Document

3.20          GAME POSTPONEMENT, SUSPENSION, OR ABANDONMENT

3.20.1.     Incomplete game because of misconduct:           
 
If a game is not completed because of misconduct clearly traceable to one or the other contending teams, its management, or its followers as determined by the respective authority, the respective authority shall decide as to the disposition of the game.

3.20.2.     A referee or NFWASA board member has the final authority to postpone, suspend, or abandon a game due to foul weather or other circumstances he/she judges to be unsatisfactory.  If both are present, the board member’s decision takes precedence.

3.20.3.     Weather guidelines are as follows:

1.      Under 9 and older leagues shall play in any weather that does not constitute a hazard to health. Under 8 and younger leagues shall play in dry weather when the temperature is above 40 degrees F., and wet weather ONLY when the temperature is above 50 degrees F and at the discretion of the referee to determine if the conditions are hazardous and in accordance with 3.20.2.

2.      Lightning shall always be considered hazardous.

3.      Teams must report to the field ready to play regardless of the weather, unless the respective member association of where the game is being played has notified the coach prior to game time or has made a determination for the game and communicated such on the respective member association information line and/or website.

4.      If a game is abandoned due to weather after the second half has begun, it shall be considered a complete game.

3.20.4.     Referee Absence

1.      The absence of a referee to officiate a game for U8 and younger leagues shall not be considered grounds for game postponement or rescheduling.  It is the responsibility of the coaches for the respective teams to share in the officiating responsibilities or to identify a mutually agreed upon individual to officiate the game.

2.      In the event there is an absence of a referee(s) to officiate a game for U9 and older leagues, it is at the discretion of the present referee(s) to determine the actions required to proceed with the game in accordance with bylaw 3.12.

3.21        CHANGES 
 
These Rules and Regulations may be changed or new Rules and Regulations may be added at a meeting of the Board of Directors provided ten (10) days written notice of the meeting, including a written copy of the proposed changes or additions, have been submitted to the membership. Any changes or additions to these rules that are approved by the Board shall immediately become a part of these rules, and all members shall receive notice of the new rule(s) or amendment of the rule(s) within forty-five (45) days. Posting on the NFWASA website shall constitute proper submission and notification to the membership.  

Where a quorum is present at the above meetings, it will take a majority vote of the members present at the meeting to pass new rules or to change or amend present rules.

3.22        WHO MAY PROPOSE RULE CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS

Any proposal to amend the rules or add new rules may be made by any member of NFWASA and properly constituted committees of NFWASA. Changes submitted by a member of committee must pertain to the duties and scope of that committee.  Any proposed change must be submitted to the Board of Directors in writing a minimum of sixty (60) days prior to the next meeting of NFWASA for review and distribution to the membership within the allotted time frame required in rule 3.21.