X State Purpose

Rule 1101. Definitions

Section 1. The definitions of Bylaw Article III of US Youth Soccer apply to this policy. Those definitions include the following:

• “Federation”: The United State Soccer Federation, Inc.
• “Region”: One of those regions established under Bylaw Article VIII.
• “National Council”: The National Council of US Youth Soccer as provided under Bylaw Article XI.
• “Organization Member”: means an organization that is classified as such a member of USYSA as provided by Bylaw Article IV.
• “State Association”: The administrative body within a territory determined by the National Council to carry out the US Youth Soccer’s programs for youth players.
• “Team”: A group of soccer players playing on the same side in soccer games.
• “US Youth Soccer”: The United States Youth Soccer Association, Inc.
• “Youth player”: means an indivdual who is an amateur player and who has not reached 20 years of age prior to December 31 for the current seasonal year.(Rev. 8-16)
• “NYSWYSA”: New York State West Youth Soccer Association.
• “Seasonal year”: The seasonal year of NYSYWSA shall begin on September 1^st and end on August 31 of the following calendar year

Section 2. The following definitions also apply to this policy:

• “Add”: The addition of a player to a teams roster.
• “Eligibility to play”: Registered and not under suspension.
• “Involuntary release”: The removal of a player from a teams roster at the request of team authorities.
• “Registration”: The execution of an intent to play the sport of soccer and the paying of fees to become a member of NYSWYSA and US Youth Soccer.
• “Game Roster”: means the list of players who will particiapte in a particular competition.
• “Team Roster”: means the list of registered players eligible to play for a team.
• “Rostering”: Assignment of a registered player to a team.
• “Select team”: The official select or all-star team of US Youth Soccer, A region, NYSWYSA, A district or geographical subdivision of NYSWYSA; or Any league
• “Suspension”: The temporary withdrawal of rights and privilege, such as the right to play, coach, or otherwise administer or participate (directly or indirectly) in soccer, and the suspension is for the entire term of the suspension with all rights and privileges withdrawn unless specifically stated otherwise by the suspending authority.
• “Uniform” means a jersey or shirt, shorts, thermal undershorts, stockings, shin guards, footwear, warmup jacket, pants, or suit, and other similar items of wear.
• “Voluntary release”: The removal of a player from a teams roster at the request of the player.

Section 3. The following definitions are used by NYSWYSA and suggested for use by leagues within NYSWYSA to facilitate communication and understanding among them:

• “Classic or Club team”: A travel or competitive team composed of players who are listed on the team’s NYSWYSA roster for league play and does not include guest players. A Classic or Club team participates in a Classic or Club league (multi-club league; tryouts are allowed; one or more league rules restrict the manner in which players are rostered to participating teams). These leagues are also sometimes referred to as basic travel leagues.
• “Premier team”: A team which participates in a single tiered Premier league or the Premier Division of a multiple tiered league (no league rules restrict the manner in which players may be rostered, except for rules which limit recruiting behavior or limit participation of previously rostered players). This would also include those teams that participate in a “weekend” cup-qualifying league.
• “Select team”: The official Select team of a US Youth Soccer member National State Association. In NYSWYSA, these are State Olympic Development Program teams. These teams would not be permitted to participate in any NYSWYSA Cup.
• “Inter-Club Tournament team”: A team put together for the sole purpose of playing in tournaments or other sanctioned non-league competitions, whose roster includes players who are members of more than one club.
• “Intra-club Tournament team”: A tournament team whose roster includes players who are members of only one club.
• “Recreational team”: A team which participates in a recreational league (a single club league; no tryouts; all eligible applicants accepted; league balances talent across teams for even competition; rules require that each player play at least ½ of each game).
• “Club”: An organization that is a member of NYSWYSA that has identifiable membership of youth soccer players on whose behalf the organization conducts or engages in youth soccer activities; and sometimes referred to as a “league” or “local association,” is the basic administrative unit of US Youth Soccer.
• “District”: A geographical subdivision of the territory of NYSWYSA.
• “Guest player”: A registered player participating in a competition for a team to which the player is not rostered for purposes of league play.
• “Inter-club transfer”: The removal of a player from a teams roster at the request of the player and the contemporaneous addition of the player to the roster of another team from a different club.
• “Intra-club transfer”: The removal of a player from a teams roster at the request of the player and the contemporaneous addition of the player to the roster of another team from the same club.
• “League”: A structured group of 4 or more teams joined for the purpose of inter-team play under a common set of administrative and competition rules; and is differentiated from another league by rules that govern that the rostering of players to each leagues teams, and the different terms used to describe each league do not necessarily reflect the level of ability or talent of teams participating in the league.
• “League team”: A team that participates in regularly scheduled league play.
• “Player”: A youth player registered in accordance with US Youth Soccer and NYSWYSAs rules.
• “Transfer”: The removal of a player from a teams roster on the request of the player, and the contemporaneous addition of the player to the roster of another team.

Rule 1102. Applicability of Policy

This policy only applies to New York State West Youth Soccer Association youth players registered through New York State West Youth Soccer Association, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Rule 1103. Gender of Teams

NYSWYSA recognizes two types of team genders:

Teams with females only are girls teams.

All other teams are boys teams.

Rule 1104. Age Groups (Rev. 8-16)

a)  Except as otherwise provided by Rule 1105, age groups shall be comprised of youth players who are of age on or before the last day of December of the current year.

• 19 years of age and under.
• 18 years of age and under.
• 17 years of age and under.
• 16 years of age and under.
• 15 years of age and under.
• 14 years of age and under.
• 13 years of age and under.
• 12 years of age and under.
• 11 years of age and under.
• 10 years of age and under.
• 8 years of age and under.
• 6 years of age and under.

b)  Players may play up in an older age group, but never play down in a lower age group.

Rule 1105. State Variances (Rev. 11-02)

As provided by US Youth Soccer Rule 1105, NYSYWSA may permit variances in Rule 1104 and 2205 of this policy in the best interest of developing the sport with the jurisdiction of the State Association. Those variances do not apply to any NYSWYSA State Cup competitions.

Rule 1106. Game Play with Non-Members
Section 1. The USYSA Board of Directors or its designee may grant temporary permission to a regional or USYSA team to participate in games with a team of an organization that is not a member of the Federation or FIFA. In granting that permission, the Board or its designee shall ensure that all USYSA requirements have been met, including insurance requirements.

Section 2. New York State West Youth Soccer may grant temporary permission to a NYSWYSA team, or to a team of a member of the State Association, to participate in games with a team of an organization that is not a member of the Federation or FIFA. In granting that permission, NYSWYSA shall ensure that all USYSA and State Association requirements have been met, including State Association insurance requirements.

Section 3. Temporary permission under this rule may not be given for more than a period of one seasonal year. Permission may be renewed.

Rule 1107. Recognition of Risk Management Actions
Section 1. A disqualification or other disciplinary action for violation of Risk Management policies imposed by NYSWYSA against a person participating or seeking membership in a program of USYSA program, a State Association, or a program of a member of a State Association shall be recognized by all member State Associations within USYSA.

Section 2. A Risk Management disqualification imposed by NYSWYSA upon a prospective member who has been convicted of, or is a defendant in litigation alleging that the person has committed a felony, a crime of violence, or a criminal offense against a child shall be recognized by all State Associations upon proper notification to and by USYSA.

Section 3. NYSWYSA’s Board of Directors or its designee shall conduct a review or hearing before allowing membership within their State Association to any individual who has been disqualified or otherwise disciplined by another State Association for violation of its Risk Management policies. The review or hearing shall be limited to whether the conduct giving rise to the Risk Management action taken by the other State Association constitutes a violation of the prospective State Association’s Risk Management policies. Nothing herein shall prevent a State Association from disqualifying other prospective members in accordance with its own Risk Management policies.

Rule 2201. Player Registration (Rev. 09-05)

Section 1.(a) A youth player must register each seasonal year in the state association in which he or she resides with his or her parent or parents or guardian or guardians, or, for a student in residence at a boarding school, college, or university, or division of the college or university is located. NYSWYSA may determine any other questions of residency by which state the player is registered to vote, holds a current driver’s license, or from copies of school transcripts.

(b) In NYSWYSA, clubs and teams are required to register in the district in which they reside.

Section 2. (a) Any youth player wishing to play on a team of a member of NYSWYSA other than the State Association where the player is registered, must receive written permission from –

(a) The state association where the player is registered; and NYSYWYSA

(b) permission must be obtained each seasonal year.

More detailed instructions for registration of non-residents can be found by following the link to the document: Registration Guidelines for Non-resident Players

Section 3. A youth player is registered for a seasonal year from the moment the player or the player’s representative executes the registration form and pays the appropriate fees.

Rule 2202. Player registration Fee

The NYSWYSA player registration fee shall be $12.25 for each player each seasonal year. In addition, NYSWYSA shall charge an additional fee of $10.00 for all players who require a US Youth Soccer Member Pass. These player registration and pass fees must be paid to NYSWYSA by the last day of each month of the seasonal year for which the fees were due.  Fees are collected via RosterPro Invoices.

It must be noted that due to the limits imposed by US Youth Soccer Rule 224, Section 4, for players and teams involved in National Championship/State Cup play. This roster move will count as a transfer. By US Youth Soccer Rule 221, Section 2, Cup teams are limited to no more than 5 transfer adds in a seasonal year. A fee of $10.00 payable to NYSWYSA will be charged for this roster transaction.

Rule 2203. Olympic Development Program Player Tryouts

Section 1. Any player wishing to try out for the Olympic Development Program shall do so through the National State Association member of the State in which the Player may be registered under US Youth Soccer Rule 201.

Section 2. Any player released to play in another National State Association under Rule 201, Section 2 (a) may request, in writing, \ permission to try out for the Olympic Development Program in that National State Association.

Written permission must be received from:

• the State Association where they are registered
• the State Association where they wish to try out

Section 3. A player shall not be eligible to try out for the Olympic Development Program in more than one National State Association Member territory. A player shall be responsible for all Olympic Development Program fees of the National State Association in which the try out occurs.

More detailed information for non-resident players who wish to participate in NYSWYSA’s Olympic Development program can be found by following the link to the following document: Out of State ODP Policy and Forms

Rule 2204. Proof of Age

Proof of age shall consist of a birth certificate, a Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 1173) issued by the uniformed services of the United States, a birth registration issued by an appropriate government agency or board of health records, a passport, an alien registration card issued by the United States government, a certificate issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service attesting to age, a current driver’s license, or a certificate of a United States citizen born aboard issued by the appropriate government agency. Hospital, baptismal or religious certificates will not be accepted.

Rule 2205. Roster Limitations (Rev. 09-05) (Rev. II 08-08) (Rev. III 08-11)

Except as otherwise provided by Rule 1105 – a team, 13U and older may not have more than 22 youth players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year; and all teams may not have fewer than 7 youth players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year.

For age groups permitted to roster more than 18 players, a game roster shall be used.  The game roster shall have a maximum of 18 players and a minimum of 7 players.  The game roster shall be prepared by the team and submitted to the competition authority at a time designated by the authority.   Every player listed on the game roster must be included on the team roster to be eligible to participate with the team except for tournament/league competitions that may permit guest players.  Those guest players must be included on the game roster of that match/event in which they intend to guest.

Teams that take advantage of the expanded roster at any time during the seasonal year could disqualify themselves from Cup eligibility dependent on the team age group.

Region I Championship rules limit Cup rosters of 12U small sided teams to a limit of 16 players for their Cup roster.  NYSW 12U teams in Cup must abide by this limit to their Cup roster.

National Championship rules permit Cup rosters in the 13U through 19/20U age groups to a limit of 22 players.  

Age groups 12U and 11U shall have a maximum roster size of 18 players. Small sided teams of players 10 & Under age groups shall not have more than 16 players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year. No team, regardless of age group, shall have less than 7 players at any time during the seasonal year.

Rule 2206. Multiple Rostering (Rev. 09-05) (Rev. 02.24)

The NYSWYSA permits multiple rostering of a player to more than one team during a season in accordance with US Youth Soccer Rule 206. However, a player can only be designated a primary player on one team. US Youth Soccer Rule 224, Section 4 has conditions regarding US Youth Soccer sponsored competitions:

“When a State Association allows a player to be rostered on more than one team, the first team to which the player is rostered is the only team with which the player may participate in National Championship competitions (State Cup, Regionals, Nationals) for a seasonal year, except if a player is rostered to more than one team on the same day, the player must designate on that day the only team for which the player is to be rostered for National Championship competitions and failure to so designate on that day makes the player ineligible for any National Championship competitions for that seasonal year; and As provided by Section 2 of US Youth Soccer Rule 221.”

Although NYSWYSA allows multiple rostering, no player is permitted to be rostered to more than TWO (2) teams at any one time during the seasonal year. Any player rostered to more than one team must participate in the game played by their primary team in case of a schedule conflict. The player’s first obligation is to the primary team.

Leagues and tournaments may have further restrictions on multiple rostering. Each league has the autonomy to permit or not permit the use of secondary players within that league. It is incumbent upon the team to verify that they comply with any such restrictions. The most common restriction is to require that all team members be registered as primary players. Teams should determine from all tournament hosts if their multiple rostered players are eligible to participate before submitting the tournament application.

Secondary players must complete the appropriate paperwork on the NYSWYSA Release to Secondary Team form. Once you receive the form, numerous signatures are required; namely, parent’s, primary team coach, and secondary team coach. Once you have all the signatures except the registrar, take or mail the completed secondary release form to the secondary club registrar along with the player’s primary team pass, the secondary club registrar should make the appropriate entry into the GotSport system marking the players as secondary.  A charge of ten dollars ($10.00) will occur on the club GotSport invoice for this transaction.

A secondary player pass is issued by the secondary club registrar to the player using the primary registration number and indicating the team to which he or she is designated as a secondary player. Upon fixation of the player photo and signature, the registrar will validate the secondary pass. This pass will then be laminated with a colored laminate to designate it as a secondary pass. Primary and Secondary passes will be laminated with clear laminate.

Prescribed roster limits on the number of players will be observed.  See NYSWYSA Rule 2205 in regard to specifics regarding roster limits.    

A player may become secondary only if he or she is rostered to a team as a primary player. If the player transfers or is released from their primary team, their secondary player pass becomes void. If the primary team is disbanded, the secondary player pass becomes void. If the player desires to switch primary and secondary designations of his or her two teams, this should be done via the NYSWYSA Player/Team status form using the release and transfer sections.

It must be noted that due to the limits imposed by US Youth Soccer Rule 224, Section 4, for players and teams involved in National Championship/State Cup play. This roster move will count as a transfer. By US Youth Soccer Rule 221, Section 2, Cup teams are limited to no more than 5 transfer adds in a seasonal year. A fee of eight dollars ($8.00) payable to NYSWYSA will be charged for this roster transaction.

A player can only be added to an existing roster as a secondary player. This means, that the team must already exist before secondary players can be added.

Therefore, a team of 22 players can have a maximum of fifteen (15) secondary players on the roster. The maximum for small-sided teams is seven (7) secondary players. US Youth Soccer Rule 205, Number 2 states, “No team shall be allowed to have less than seven (7) [understood to mean primary] players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year.”

Rule 2207. International Clearances (Rev. 03-15, 08-16)

The Federaton and FIFA have international clearance requirements and procedures for players coming to the United States to play soccer.  A player age 10 or older is prohibited from registering until the Federation provides appropriate clearance. The clearance would need to be granted after the completetion of the Federations ITC(International Transfer Certificate) Process. 

FIFA requires all players over the age of 10, regardless of their ability or citizenship, to receive an international transfer clearance (“ITC”) from their former country when they are attempting to register to play soccer in a different country (i.e., the United States). U.S. Soccer is responsible for obtaining that ITC on behalf of all players in the U.S. participating in affiliated leagues.

FIFA, however, prohibits the transfer of players between the ages of 10 to 17 (minors) unless the player meets one of two exceptions:

(a) The player has moved with his/her parents to the U.S. for reasons other than playing soccer (e.g. work);
or

(b) The player and prospective club are both located within 30 miles of an international border.

If the player can prove to FIFA that either of the two exceptions above has been met, U.S. Soccer would be permitted to request the ITC for that minor player. If the player does not meet one of the two exceptions above, the available options to register are found by clicking the link below for more details.

If a player can prove that he/she moved to the US prior to age 10, they can be cleared immediately. Further details and instructions can be found by clicking here. Players who require an International Clearance are encouraged to start the application process early in the seasonal year due to the amount of time it takes to complete. (Average turn-around time is 8-10 weeks!)

Rule 2208. Adult Games

Section 1. A youth player may play an unlimited number of adult games without losing his or her youth eligibility. The youth player must notify NYSWYSA and his or her youth coach or other authorized team official of the players’ intention to play adult games. The youth player shall request, in writing by means of the NYSWYSA Player/Team Status form, (1) eligibility clearance from NYSWYSA, and (2) permission from the appropriate Adult State Association. When clearance and permission have been granted, the Adult State Association has sole discretion in permitting a youth player to play adult games and will be responsible for establishing procedures under which the youth player will be allowed to play. In the event of a conflict between an adult game and a youth game, the youth games shall take precedence. A youth player who is required to sign an adult form shall retain youth eligibility.

Section 2. (a) A youth team with the written permission and mutual consent of both NYSWYSA and the Adult State Association may play in an adult-approved league and not lose its youth eligibility to compete in NYSYWYSA Cup events. If the youth team’s players are required to sign an adult form, the team shall retain its youth eligibility. Permission to Participate in Adults Games form.

(b) The youth team will be required to play under the rules of NYSWYSA concerning registration, roster rules, transfer rules, and any additional qualifications that are required to be eligible for NYSWYSA cup competition. Participation in any adult leagues will not qualify a youth team for NYSWYSA cup competition.

Rule 2209. Use of Ineligible Players

A team shall forfeit each game of the team in which; An unregistered player was with the team at the game in a uniform; or a player was improperly entered on the team’s roster.

Rule 2210. Movement of Players (Rev. 08-04)

All player movement must be done via the NYSWYSA Player/Team Status form.

The following is defined as player movement in NYSWYSA:

• (a) Voluntary Release – a voluntary release is the removal of a player from a team’s roster at the request of the player. This right is granted to players by the Player Rights Policy.(b) Transfer – A transfer is the placement of a player on a team’s roster after the player has been released from the previous roster. Once a player is released from a team, he/she is considered a transfer whether or not the player is placed on a different team roster or back on the same team roster.(c) Involuntary Release – A team may not release, voluntarily or involuntarily, any player from its roster unless a written request, stating the reason why the release has been requested, has been made to and approved by NYSW on a form provided, and within the guidelines of Part III of the this registration policy, entitled Player’s Rights.

A team may release involuntarily a player from its roster only if the player is unable to play for one of the following reasons:

• (a) The player has violated bylaws, policies, or requirements of the Federation, USYSA, NYSW or the member of NYSW through whom the player is registered.(b) The player has moved beyond a reasonable travel distance as defined by NYSW.(c) The player is injured in such a manner that the player will not be able to participate for the remainder of the season.

Teams in NYSWYSA may not roster more than five(5) previously rostered players.

A player is considered rostered to a team not later than when the player first participates for the team in any competition approved by US Youth Soccer, NYSW or its member leagues, clubs, or teams. NYSW is not required to consider the following as a rostered player:  

• (a) A player on a school team in those instances when NYSW administers school programs.(b) A player on a Recreational Team.

Rule 3301. RULES OF PLAY

Section 1. Except as provided by USYSA or its State Associations, the FIFA “Laws of the Game” apply to all competitions sponsored by USYSA. Players under 10 years of age may play soccer in accordance with the rules of USYSA’s Development Player Program—Modified Playing Rules for Under10, Under 8, and Under 6.

Section 2. State Associations may not approve games involving teams Under 10 or younger, unless those games are conducted with not more than 8 players on each side.

Rule 3302. SUBSTITUTIONS

Section 1. Except as provided by USYSA or its State Associations, substitutions shall be unlimited except where specified otherwise in the rules and regulations for a special competition.

Section 2. Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage in play.

Rule 3303. LENGTH OF GAMES, OVERTIME PERIODS, BALL SPECIFICATIONS, FIELD SIZES, GOAL SIZES, OFFSIDES, AND BUILD OUT LINES

Section 1.

(a) Except as provided by USYSA and its State Associations, the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group is as follows:

Age Group	Game Length	Overtime Periods	Ball Size	Circumference Weight	Players	Max Field Size (yards)	Maximum Goal Size (feet)	Offside
19 & Under	Two 45’ halves	Two 15’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Height 8 Width 24	Yes
18 & Under	Two 45’ halves	Two 15’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Height 8 Width 24	Yes
17 & Under	Two 45’ halves	Two 15’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Height 8 Width 24	Yes
16 & Under	Two 40’ halves	Two 15’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Height 8 Width 24	Yes
15 & Under	Two 40’ halves	Two 15’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Height 8 Width 24	Yes
14 & Under	Two 35’ halves	Two 10’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Hieght 8 Width 24	Yes
13 & Under	Two 35’ halves	Two 10’ halves	#5	27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.	11 v11	130 Length 100 Width	Height 8 Width 24	Yes
12 & Under	Two 30’ halves	Two 10’ halves	#4	25-26 in. 11-13 ozs	9 v 9	70-80 Length 45-55 Width	Height 7 Width 21 (Recommended  Height 6.5 x Width 18.5)	Yes
11 & Under	Two 30’ halves	Two 10’ halves	#4	25-26 in. 11-13 ozs	9 v 9	70-80 Length 45-55 Width	Height 7 Width 21 (Recommended  Height 6.5 x Width 18.5)	Yes
10 & Under	Two 25’ halves	NONE	#4	25-26 in. 11-13 ozs.	7 v 7	55-65 Length 35-45 Width	Height 6.5 Width 18.5 (Recommended  Height 6.5 x Width 12)	Yes
9 & Under	Two 25′ halves	NONE	#4	25-26 in. 11-13 ozs.	7 v 7	55-65 Length 35-45 Width	Height 6.5 Width 18.5 (Recommended  Height 6.5 x Width 12)	Yes
8 & Under	4-10’ quarters	NONE	#3	23-24 in. 11-12 ozs.	4 v 4 No Goal Keeper	25-35 Length 15-25 Width	Height 4 Width 6	No
6 & Under	4-10’ quarters	NONE	#3	23-24 in. 11-12 ozs.	4 v 4 No Goal Keeper	25-35 Length 15-25 Width	Height 4 Width 6	No

(b) In tournament play, if the game is still tied after overtime periods, FIFA “Kicks from the Penalty Mark” rules apply to determine the winner.

Section 2.

(a) Except as provided by USYSA and its State Associations, the length of games, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group shall be as follows:

Age Group Game Length Size Circumference Weight _

10 & Under As Modified Rules specify #4 25-26 in. 11–13 ozs.

8 & Under As Modified Rules specify #3 23-24 in. 11–12 ozs.

6 & Under As Modified Rules specify #3 23-24 in. 11–12 ozs.

(b) For the 10U, 8U, and 6U competitions, ties will stand.

Section 3.

(a) In 10U and 9U 7v7 games a build-out line will be used.

• When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.
• Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drops kicks are not allowed).
• After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out lin and play resumes as normal.
• The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during  goal kick until the ball is put into play.
• If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
• If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
• The build out line will also be used to denote where offsides offense can be called.
• Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line.
• Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and the goal line.

Rule 3304. Uniforms

Section 1. In this rule, “team member” means a player, coach, assistant coach, or other official of a team.

Section 2. A team member is not prohibited by USYSA or NYSWYSA from having a mark or name, or both, on any part of the team member’s uniform being worn at a game, if the mark or name is related to an item or service that is appropriate for youth. The Organization Member with which the team member is registered shall determine the appropriateness. An Organization Member, or its member, may be more restrictive on uniform marks or names than allowed under this rule. Any inappropriate mark or name on the team member’s uniform must be removed, replace, or covered before the team member may continue to participate in the game.

Rule 3305. Heading

Section 1. This rule is mandatory for all US Soccer conducted events, including Regional and National competitions for the National Championship Series, and National Presidents Cup series. This rule is also mandatory for the US Youth Soccer National League, US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues, and the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.

Section 2. NYSWYSA Member Clubs are strongly encouraged to adopt this Rule for state and local play.

Section 3. All Players age 10 and younger shall not head the ball directly from the air in any match or competition, nor shall these players practice heading the ball in any organized team setting. If a player age 10 or younger deliberately heads the ball in a match, the referee shall award an indirect free kick to the opposing team at the spot of the infraction. If the heading occurs within the penalty area, the referee shall move the ball outside the penalty area and award an indirect free kick to the opposing team.

Players age 11 and age 12 shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition. These players may practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session, but coaches shall monitor this practice so that no single player heads the ball more than 25 times per week, regardless of setting.

Players age 13 and older shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition and these players may practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session.

Rule 4401. Permission to Travel and Host Tournaments and Games

Permission to travel and to host tournaments and games is as provided by the NYSWYSA Travel and Tournament Hosting Policies.

Rule 5501. Amendment of Policy

Except in an emergency, the Board of Directors may adopt an amendment to this policy only after providing member clubs at least 30 days prior to the Board’s consideration of the proposed amendment, written notice and the text of each proposed amendment.  Member clubs shall have until 10 days before the Board’s consideration an opportunity to submit to the Board wrtten comments about the proposed amendment.

NYSWYSA youth soccer players have rights, but they also have obligations to play within the rules of NYSWYSA and US Youth Soccer. National and New York West officials have done their best to make such rules as fair as possible to players, coaches and administrators. It is the responsibility of ALL persons involved in youth soccer to KNOW both their rights and obligations. This goes for parents and guardians as well. NYSWYSA administrators urge every NYSWYSA participant to become familiar with these rights and obligations.

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) considers that any player who registers and is rostered to a travel team each seasonal year (September 1 – August 31) has reached a mutual agreement with the Team Official(s) to play on that team until the end of the current Seasonal Year. Registration and Rostering to a team must be renewed each seasonal year. The player may choose to be released from the team at any time and for any reason, e.g., to play another sport, to play on another US Youth Soccer (USYSA) affiliated team (rules permitting), not to play anymore, etc. Upon leaving a team, the player must honor the agreement reached with the Team Official(s) regarding payment of fees, return of uniforms and/or other equipment, etc. Failure to do so may prevent the player from joining another team; therefore, it is essential that players and their parents or guardians get a clear understanding of the policies regarding FEES (amount, when due, refunds) and EQUIPMENT (who owns what) BEFORE joining the team.

Team Officials cannot refuse to release a player. Upon receiving a request, Team Officials must act promptly in completing the release process in accordance with NYSWYSA policies and procedures. To effect the release, a NYSWYSA Player Release-Transfer form (available from the state website forms page, and the NYSWYSA State Office) must be completed and signed by the player, the player’s parent or guardian, and a Team/Club Official. The parent or guardian must also complete the portion explaining the reason for the requested release. The player and parent/guardian signatures on this form are NYSWYSA’s verification that the player is leaving the team voluntarily. NYSWYSA  will not process a release unless all signatures are present on the form and the reason stated.

According to US Youth Soccer rules, a player may be released involuntarily only for the following reasons:

• The player has violated rules of US Soccer, US Youth Soccer or NYSWYSA
• The player has moved beyond a reasonable distance (as defined by NYSWYSA)
• The player is injured in such a manner that he or she will not be able to participate for the remainder of the season.
• In the case where team rights are in question, NYSWYSA permits the involuntary removal of a player from a team if the player, player’s parents/guardians, or anyone associated with the player are disruptive influences. A Team Official for approval must submit requests for this type of involuntary release in writing to the NYSWYSA Board of Directors (with a copy to the player’s parents/guardians).

While the player may leave a team at any time, there may be restrictions on joining another team; generally, these restrictions are defined in League rules. Violation of agreements with the former team on payment of fees or return of uniforms and equipment may prevent the player from joining another team. In addition, NYSWYSA and National rules may restrict the number of players that can transfer onto a team within a given Seasonal Year. It is the player’s responsibility to notify the officials of both teams that he or she desires to move, and to verify if any restrictions apply that would preclude such a change or limit the player’s participation on the new team before action is taken on being released from the present team.

Under US Youth Soccer and NYSWYSA rules, a player has the right to be concurrently rostered to more than one team. The player can be a Secondary (multiple-rostered) player on one team and can be a Primary player on one team. Only Primary players can participate in State Cup competitions. (Teams containing multiple-rostered players are eligible to compete in State Cup, but players with only a secondary pass to the team cannot participate. See Cup rules for specifics.)

Most leagues have further restrictions that preclude playing for more than one team within the league. There may also be restrictions on participation in tournaments, which should be investigated at the time of application. Players must indicate in the appropriate sections of the affiliated club membership and Player Registration and Player Release-Transfer forms any affiliation with other teams. The player must also inform all appropriate Team Officials of his/her affiliation with other teams.

Players have the right to participate with another team as a guest player in tournaments if the tournament rules so allow. Team Officials must make the US Youth Soccer Member Pass available on request to allow this participation; the Passes must be returned as soon as possible after completion of the tournament. In considering participation as a guest for another team, the player should first consider obligations to the present team, and whether the player’s absence would be a detriment to the team in any scheduled games or activities which conflict with the tournament.  Players passes are owned by NYSW, NYSW retains the right to rescind a pass at any time.

To be covered by New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) insurance, any
team or player participating in an indoor league of a sports center, the team and players must
be properly registered to New York State West Youth Soccer Association through a member
club.