ARTICLE ONE

 

PURPOSE

 

These  Guidelines have been adopted by the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) pursuant to the  authority granted in AYSO National Bylaw Section 1.03 (a) (6) to provide guidance to the area in its organization and operation.

 

Under AYSO National Bylaw Section 1.04 (l) and National Policy Statement 6.1, the Area has the responsibility to operate in accordance with these  Guidelines. Approved by the area director and section director.

 

These Guidelines are subject to AYSO’s Articles of Incorporation, National Bylaws, National Policy Statements, National Rules and Regulations, Section Rules and Regulations. All operating regulations are available on-line at www.soccer.org, and copies of these documents will be made available by the area upon request and are hereby incorporated by reference as a part of these al Guidelines. These  Guidelines are meant to enhance and to conform to the operating regulations.  To the extent that there may be any contradiction or conflict among these documents, the operating regulations shall prevail.

 

These guidelines, or such other guidelines as the Area may adopt, must be made available upon request to the members of the area pursuant to AYSO Bylaw 1.04 (l).

 

ARTICLE TWO

 

MISSION

 

The AYSO Mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on the AYSO philosophies:

 

            Everyone Plays - Our regions’ goal is for kids to play soccer¾so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.

 

            Balanced Teams - Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible¾because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.

 

            Open Registration - Our program is open to all children between 4½ and 18 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

 

            Positive Coaching - Kids win when they are built up, not when they are torn down! We train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand and offer positive help to our players, rather than negative criticism.

           

            Good Sportsmanship - We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

 

            Player Development -  we believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer

            Skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a    

             Team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

ARTICLE THREE

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE Area

 

The duties and responsibilities of the Area shall be, to the extent permitted by its size and available resources:

 

(a)       To provide oversight for all AYSO regions with-in the area to ensure that the regions offer a quality youth soccer program to all youth from 4 through 18 years of age in a safe, fun, fair, positive environment that complies in letter and spirit with the Bylaws, policies, rules, regulations, and philosophies of AYSO;

 

(b)       To maintain good community relations and become involved in youth development and other community activities;

 

(c)       To ensure that regions register with the National Support & Training Center all participating players, coaches, referees, administrators, and other volunteers prior to the commencement of the season;

 

(d)       To ensure that regions assign players and coaches to assure proper balance of teams within each age division within the region or within a reasonable part thereof;

           

(e)       To ensure that regions obtain and maintain safe playing facilities;

 

(f)        To ensure that regions obtain and be accountable for uniforms, balls, goals and other equipment and to use such equipment in a safe manner;

 

(g)       To ensure that regions schedule practices and games;

 

(h)       To recruit  volunteers and train them.

 

(i)        To disseminate information to the Regions and others in the  community concerning AYSO and its programs;

 

(j)        To recognize volunteer efforts;

 

(k)       To hold periodic meetings of the Area board and disseminate to the participants,  appropriate information concerning the operation of the Area and regions.

                                                     

(l)        To publish for the Area and the files of AYSO, and make available to the participants and their families at least annually, financial statements of the Area and guidelines for the operation of the Area approved by the area director and section director. And to ensure that regions have guidelines, or in the absence of such guidelines  that the regions operate in accordance with the Standard Regional Guidelines as are in effect from time to time;

 

(m)      To ensure that regions collect and disburse fees and other monies for the sound financial organization and operation of the region, to keep and submit to the National Support & Training Center, as required, accurate financial records to insure continuation of the tax exempt status of AYSO, to participate in the National Accounting Program and to pay the National Support & Training Center prior to the start of the each season the national portion of its registration fees and all amounts due with respect to its purchases;

           

(n)       To elect or appoint, at a minimum, a Area Director, treasurer/auditor, coach administrator, referee administrator.

 

(o)       To comply with the Soccer Accident Insurance (SAI) plan and to submit insurance claims according to current procedures;

 

(p)       To notify the National Support & Training Center immediately of any threatened or actual claim or lawsuit against the Area, regions, its participants, or AYSO;

 

(q)       To implement AYSO’s national programs available to the regions at least once a season;

           

(r)        To cooperate with neighboring regions, areas, the section and development personnel, to promote growth, development and cooperation throughout AYSO;

 

(s)        To participate in regional, area, section and national events and programs; and

 

(t)        To cooperate in policies and procedures developed by the board or the National Support & Training Center with respect to requiring each coach, referee, and other designated volunteers to complete a volunteer form, and with respect to verifying the information obtained, before permitting the coach, referee or such volunteer to participate.

ARTICLE FOUR

 

MEMBERSHIP IN THE Area

 

There shall be three kinds of members in the Area:

 

Participating Members: those persons serving the Area G in some role as a volunteer.

 

Board Members: all Regional Commissioners with in the area. And all Area Staff...

 

Contributing Members: those other persons to whom the Areal board grants membership to recognize a contribution of value to the region or to express its gratitude.

 

The names, addresses and telephone number of all members of the Area, as well as the information contained in the AYSO Executive Member Directory, are private and confidential. Such information and mailing lists may not be disclosed or distributed to anyone, including any vendor or sponsor, without the prior written approval of the national executive director.

ARTICLE FIVE

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE Area

 

1.         The Area Director, with the support and assistance of the Regional Commissioners, shall conduct the business and affairs of the Area.

 

2.         Unless otherwise specifically provided by these guidelines, all decisions of the Area board shall be made by a majority decision of the board members voting on any such matter; provided, however, that the Area Director may veto any such decision if the effect of such decision would be to violate any of the national operating regulations. Such veto may be reviewed by the Section director  on request by a 1/3 vote of the board members voting on such matter. By a 2/3 vote of the entire area board, any other issue may be put to the participating members of the area, subject to fair and reasonable voting procedures to be adopted by the regional board.

 

3.         Upon the creation of  Area 8-G the Area Director shall appoint the initial Area board to serve until the next scheduled board meeting, at which time nominations and voting for board positions will take place.

 

4.         The Area board shall fix, at its initial meeting each year (“annual meeting”), the time, date and place of each regular meeting of the Area board and send notice of such annual meeting to all participants in the program. In addition, the Area Director the Area secretary or 1/3 of the board members may call a special meeting of the Area board on three days’ prior notice stating the purposes of such meeting, which notice may be given in writing, by telephone or in person. A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of holding either a regular or special meeting. It shall be the policy of the Area to hold at least one board meeting in each month during the soccer season and at least one every two months.  The  board shall provide for the taking of minutes of the proceedings at each meeting and make them available to the members of the Area.  All  board meetings shall be open to all participating members unless the regional board determines that it is necessary to hold an executive session.  An “executive session” is permitted only to review personnel matters, disciplinary matters, or legal matters, and should not be used where a vote upon any issue involving the affairs of the region is taken.

 

5.         In the event of a vacancy in the position of Area Director other than at the expiration of the regular term, the  board, including (if available) the outgoing Area Director, shall recommend an interim Area Director and submit such recommendation to the Section director.

 

6.         The Area Director may serve multiple terms so long as he or she is nominated and appointed as indicated above.

 

7.         It is the general policy of the area that the Area Director will have normally served at least one year on the board before serving as Area Director.

 

8.         It is the general policy of the Area/ that the Area Director/ not serve as a coach or assistant coach, nor hold any other board or staff position in the region, except with the approval of the Area or a regional board.   The Area Director shall act in all other ways to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

 

9.         No board member or any other participant in the Area shall receive monetary or other compensation for his/her services to the area or any region, nor may he/she use his/her position to benefit him/her directly or indirectly in any other way, such as a supplier of equipment or camp programs to the region.  Nothing in this paragraph prohibits any  board or staff member, or regional volunteer, from being reimbursed for his or her out-of-pocket expenses incurred for work on behalf of the region with the approval of the area board.

 

10.       Any vacancy on the board, except that of Area Director, may be filled by a majority vote of the then remaining board members, though less than a quorum, and the person filling such vacancy shall serve until the next annual meeting and until his/her successor has been duly appointed.

 

11.       Any board member (except the Area Director or regional commissioner) may be removed in accordance with Article Nine, paragraph 4, of these guidelines. The regional commissioner may be suspended by the area director and the area director by the section director and suspended or removed only by the National Board of Directors in accordance with Sections 3.07 and 7.03 of the National Bylaws.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                  Article Six

 

OFFICERS

           

The area board shall, at a minimum, consist of the Area Director, the Area Treasurer/Auditor, Area Coach Administrator, the Area Referee Administrator, and each Regional Commissioner within the Area. The board may create, designate, appoint, or elect such other voting board, or non-voting staff, positions including one or more assistants, a  secretary, a  coach trainer, a  director of referee instruction, a  director of referee assessment, and a director of public relations, a statistician/scheduler, a director of purchasing, a director of volunteer recruitment, a web site director, and development, management director, and such other positions as the  board may from time to time deem desirable. In addition, there may be such members-at-large as the board shall create.  All members of the board understand and agree that they are fiduciaries of, and owe a duty of loyalty to, AYSO, and agree to be bound by its Bylaws, Policies, Rules and Regulations.  The following are the job descriptions.

 

Position descriptions for all positions may be found and downloaded from the AYSO Web site, www.soccer.org, or may be obtained by calling the Supply Center to order the complete list.  For specific position description requests, please call the Certification Associate at the National Support & Training Center.  Every volunteer should have a copy of their position description, and current copies should be kept in the region for succession planning purposes.

 

A brief and general overview of the duties and responsibilities of the six mandatory board positions follows.

 

Area Director

 

The AYSO volunteer position of Area Director is intended to have the responsibility and the authority to manage the day-to-day business of the area and give over site to all regions, within the framework of the AYSO operating regulations.

 

Treasure/Auditor

 

The AYSO volunteer position of  treasurer/auditor is intended to have custody of all funds and securities, evidence of indebtedness and other valuable documents, and shall deposit funds and securities in the name and to the credit of the area in a bank or depository. Also to audit regions as needed.

 

 Coach Administrator

 

The AYSO volunteer position of  coach administrator is intended to administer a quality coaching program within the Area. To schedule training as is needed and requested by regions and the area.

 

 

 

Interplay Scheduler

The area scheduler is to schedule all inter play games and up date a list of playing field locations and update a list of all interplay coaches,

 

 

 

 Referee Administrator

 

The AYSO volunteer position of  referee administrator is intended to implement, monitor, and maintain the AYSO National Referee Program including program delivery, staff development, communication, and coordination at the Area level. To schedule training as it is needed and requested by the regions.

 

Secretary

 

The area secretary is to take minutes at area meetings and distribute the same. Other duties assigned by the area board.

 

 

 

ARTICLE SEVEN

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM

 

            Eligibility

 

            All boys and girls, between the ages of 4 and 18, based on their age as of July 31 of the year in which the season begins, subject to field availability, volunteer support, AYSO operating regulations, and such rules as may be issued by the regional boards.  It is the duty of the regions to assure that only eligible players are permitted to register and play.

 

4.         Length of Season and Cancellation of Games

 

            The season shall be of such duration as determined by the regional boards, for interplay the Area. Inclement weather or poor field conditions may necessitate from time to time the postponing or canceling of games. Any such postponement or cancellation will be made at the discretion of the regional commissioners or the regional risk management/safety directors as early as practical before game time. Once the game begins, only the referee in charge of the particular soccer field may suspend or cancel the game, except that the regional commissioners or designate may suspend or cancel games due to inclement weather or other conditions that may warrant such action.

 

5.         Attendance; Participation

 

            Every player shall be entitled to play at least half of every game. Moreover, it is the policy of the area is  to encourage each coach to (a) play each player at least three quarters of every game, whenever possible, and (b) to allow different players to start the first quarter of each game. It also is the policy of the regions and the area, in divisions U-12 through U-8, to have different players play the same number of quarters as goalkeeper, if any, as in any other different field position. Each player is strongly urged to attend every team practice.  Any player who missed practices regularly may have his/her playing time limited to one-half (but not less than one-half) of a game.

 

6.         Protests

 

            No protest of games shall be permitted. However, coaches are encouraged to file with the regional referee administrator a written report within 48 hours after a game of any misapplication by a game referee of the Laws of the Game or rules and regulations. This procedure shall not be used as a means of complaining about, or criticizing, any judgment call of a referee or assistant referee. If, after investigation by the regional referee administrator, it is found that a law, rule, or regulation was misapplied, such referee shall be so informed in order to ensure that no further misapplication occurs.

 

 

 

7.         Conduct during Games

 

            The highest standards of conduct and good sportsmanship must be maintained at all times by players, coaches, referees, spectators and all other participants. Offensive, insulting or abusive language is forbidden. The use of alcohol, tobacco products, or illegal drugs in the vicinity of the playing field during practices or games is strictly forbidden.

 

            All participants must wear the official uniforms provided for all games and dress in them in a neat, clean manner. The use of shin guards is required at all practices and games.

 

            Coaches are expected to be positive and set the best possible example for the participants. Excessive coaching from the sidelines shall not be permitted, and the function of the coach should be to provide encouragement and a positive direction. The coach may enter the field of play only with the consent of the referee and may coach only within 10 yards in each direction from the half-way line of the field (in no event in either of the penalty areas or from behind the goals).

 

            Spectators at games must remain behind the spectator control line (three yards from the sideline) and between the penalty areas and their vocal efforts should be limited to positive compliments to the participants. Spectators are expected at all times to act positively around players and to demonstrate respect for opponents, officials, and all other volunteers. Under no circumstances should they attempt to coach or address remarks derogatory to players, coaches or the referee.

 

            At the end of the game, the players on each team shall line up and shake hands with the players of the opposing team and thank the referee and assistant referees.

 

            Discipline shall be up to the referee at each game. The referee shall have the power and authority to caution and send off players and coaches (as well as spectators, in the case of outside interference) from the playing area, or terminate the match if necessary, if their conduct violates the Laws of the Game, these guidelines or otherwise interferes with the course of play. No appeal of disciplinary action taken by a referee shall be allowed.

 

            A player or coach who is sent off or cautioned may be subject to additional disciplinary action (e.g., parent conferences, game suspensions, expulsions) at the discretion of the regional boards upon thorough review of the incident following the procedures outlined in Article 9 (Dispute Resolution). A coach, assistant coach or spectator who is sent off or cautioned may also be subject to similar or additional disciplinary action at the discretion of the regional board upon thorough review of the incident following the procedures outlined in Article 9 (Dispute Resolution). The regional board may adopt an automatic additional one game suspension for any participant who is sent off the field by a referee for a disciplinary reason.

 

 

 

 

9.         Parental Participation

 

            As AYSO is an “all-volunteer” organization, each parent or guardian who has a player in the regions shall be strongly encouraged to volunteer his or her valuable time and services in some way. The regions shall not reduce or eliminate the player fee based upon voluntary work done by a participant’s parents or guardians and shall not charge an additional fee to those parents of players who do not volunteer their services or who do not donate funds to the program.  No fee distinction shall be made based upon parental or player participation in regional fundraising activities. No regions may condition the registration of a player based upon any requirement of volunteer participation by a parent or guardian.

 

 

 

10.       Facilities

 

            It shall be the responsibility of the regions to have  guide lines that cover goalposts, nets, lining of playing fields,  first aid kit, trash, And parking.

 

11.       Sponsors

 

            The regions and area encourages local businesses and individuals to support its program. Suitable recognition shall be given to them. Contributions are strongly encouraged to be made to the region rather than to a particular team. All such contributions are considered charitable contributions and are deductible for U.S. tax purposes, subject to the applicable limitations in the Internal Revenue Code.  It is the responsibility of any sponsor to comply with the Internal Revenue Code and AYSO will give no opinion on whether a particular donation is or is not deductible.

 

12.       Equipment

 

            The regions shall make arrangements to supply each player with a uniform with the original AYSO logo properly affixed thereto. Each player is expected to provide his/her own appropriate footwear and shin guards. No player may participate in a game without such uniform, appropriate footwear and shin guards.  Players may not wear jewelry of any kind (including chains, watches, body jewelry and earrings), bandanas or other ornamentation or anything else that may, in the opinion of the referee, create an increased risk of injury to himself or herself or to other players during the game. 

 

            Medical information bracelets should not be removed, but must be padded and taped to the player’s skin. 

 

            Prescription eyeglasses may be worn, but must remain firmly on the wearer’s head or restrained by a strap. Non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses are not permitted to be worn by a player during a game.

 

            Hard casts (including padded casts), splints, helmets and hard padding are not permitted to be worn by a player during any game or practice. Players with permanent orthodontic braces are strongly encouraged to wear mouth guards.

ARTICLE EIGHT

 

FINANCIAL, BANKING AND RELATED MATTERS

 

1.         Budget; Financial Statement

 

            The regional boards and the area shall adopt an annual budget which provides the basis for setting  fees. At the end of each season, the regional boards and the area Board shall cause to be prepared a statement of income received and amounts expended in connection with the program. Such statement shall be made available for review by the parent or guardian of each player and a copy shall be made available upon reasonable request.

 

2.         Account Signatories

 

            All checks drawn on any bank account maintained by the area or region in Area 8-G shall bear two signatures, one of which must either be the  treasurer’s or the regional and   commissioner’s or Area Director. The Area director must be signatories on all regional bank accounts with in the area. Additional signatories must be authorized by regional or area board action. Two signatories from the same household shall not be allowed.  There must be at least three signatories on all regional bank accounts.

 

3.         Transfer of Funds

 

            All funds received by the area, whether from fees, gifts or otherwise, must be deposited into the area checking account, from which all expenses and disbursements must be paid. All funds transferred in or out of the area/s savings account must be transferred from or to the areas checking account. No area expenses or reimbursements are to be paid from monies collected which have not first been deposited into, and accounted for within, the regional checking account.

 

4.         Cash Handling Procedures

 

The area and or regional treasurers and are treasurer in cooperation with other  board and staff members shall establish internal control procedures to safeguard against the misuse or loss of regional assets, especially in regard to cash receipts and cash disbursements.  Such internal control procedures shall include the following:

 

Funds withdrawn for “cash box change” must be deposited back into the  bank account on the same day, or the first banking day thereafter. 

 

All  fees collected in cash and checks must be reconciled to the bank deposit slip and the AYSO  forms.

 

Arrangements should be made to have the cash received deposited into a bank account on the same day such cash is received, or the first banking day thereafter.

 

When handling a significant amount of cash monies, at least two area/regional volunteers should be present.

 

5.         Receipt Procedures

 

The  treasurers in cooperation with other  board and staff members shall establish internal control procedures to safeguard against the misuse or loss of regional assets, especially in regard to receipts for monies received. Such internal control procedures shall include the following:

 

A cash receipt book must be used to record all payments received on behalf of the regions or area in cash.  The original cash receipt for each transaction must be given to the payer, and the copy kept in the cash receipt book.  All cash receipts must be signed or initialed by the volunteer completing the cash receipt form.

 

The cash receipt book must be reconciled to the bank deposit slip.

 

 

 

6.         Immediate Accounting to  Treasurer

 

The  treasurer in cooperation with other board and staff members shall establish internal control procedures to safeguard against the misuse or loss of regional assets, especially in regard to the immediate accounting to the treasurer for monies received, checks written upon the  bank account, invoices received for accounts payable by the region, and requests for reimbursement to volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the region. Such internal control procedures shall include the following:

 

No one should sign a  check in blank or which contains any item to be filled in later.

 

No one should sign a  check without verifying the expense by examining the invoice or request for reimbursement.

 

No requests for reimbursement to  volunteers shall be honored without a written request signed by such volunteer, itemizing the out-of-pocket expenses incurred, and with supporting receipts or other documentation attached.

 

All bills and invoices received for payment by the Area must be forwarded to the  treasurer for payment, if not already paid, within five (5) days of the receipt.

 

The Area treasurer must be notified of any checks written on the area bank account without his or her knowledge within 48 hours of the issuance or delivery of such check for payment of any regional expense.

 

All bank withdrawal transactions and area checks shall be noted with the appropriate National Accounting Program (NAP) code denoting the purpose for such transaction

 

7.         Immediate Deposit Procedures

 

The  in cooperation with other  board and staff members shall establish internal control procedures to safeguard against the misuse or loss of regional assets, especially in regard to the immediate deposit of monies received.

 

All fees collected on behalf of the Area for sponsorships, fundraising, and donations or for any other purposes shall be deposited immediately after being reconciled with the appropriate cash receipt book, registration form, and/or bank deposit slips.

 

Under no circumstances may any person accept on behalf of the area any post-dated check or agree to hold any check for deposit on a later day.

 

8.         Monthly Bank Reconciliations

 

            All  accounts shall be reconciled by the  treasurer, and verified by another board member who is not authorized to sign on the accounts. The reconciled statement(s) and copy of bank statement must be presented to each board member at their regularly scheduled meeting.

 

9.         Credit/Debit Card Transactions

           

            If credit/debit cards are accepted, all required accounting shall be performed and submitted on the first banking day after each credit/debit card transaction.

 

10.       Audits

 

Each region will have an Area  8-G audit under any of the following conditions. 

1.     in the event of a replacement of the a commissioner or regional treasure

2.     In the event that a region is 90 or more day behind in payments to vendors.

3.     At the direction of the Area Director.

4.     at least every two years,

 

The area will have an audit under any of the following conditions

1.     in the event of a replacement or the director or area treasurer

2.     at the direction of the Section 8 director

3.     at least every two years

ARTICLE NINE

 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

1.         General Policy

 

            It is the policy of the Area to resolve all disputes involving persons involved in the area in an amicable way, if possible. Compromise should be emphasized whenever possible, and personality conflicts should be avoided. If disciplinary action is found to be necessary, it is the area’s policy to take only the minimum action necessary. All means available should be taken to avoid legal action.

 

            It is the policy of the Area to avoid punishing the players for the conduct of the parents except when there is no other solution (e.g., where a parent cannot or will not cease his or her disruptive behavior). 

 

            It is the policy of the Area to avoid wiping out years of good memories of AYSO and good service to AYSO, and that suspension or removal procedures are to be used only as a last resort.  Voluntary resignation is preferable to a suspension or removal procedure.

 

            It is the policy of the Area to avoid publicizing the suspension or removal proceedings beyond those persons who need to know, and to respect the privacy of the individuals involved.  However, the regional commissioner, area director or board should notify the area director, the section director, the National Support & Training Center or members of the AYSO Legal Commission of the pending proceedings pursuant to the operating regulations, and must comply with all applicable regulations and laws requiring suspension for abuse and similar events.

 

2.         General Due Process Procedures

           

            Disputes involving day-to-day activities of the regions or the area should first be addressed and resolved, if possible, by the appropriate board member in charge of the activity and/or then by the entire regional board, if necessary. Disputes arising out of game conduct should first be addressed and resolved, if possible, by the regional referee administrator and/or then by a disinterested review board appointed by the regional commissioner and/or then by the entire regional board, if necessary.

 

            If it is determined that it is necessary that a person involved in the region needs to be disciplined, or that his or her participation in the region should be limited or terminated, then the regional commissioner or the regional board shall give notice in writing to such person of such intention. Such notice shall specify the action to be taken and the reasons therefore. Such notice shall further notify such person that he or she, upon request, will be given a reasonable opportunity to explain why such action should not be taken. Such opportunity to respond may be in person at a hearing, by telephone or in writing. The regional commissioner or regional board may appoint a disinterested hearing board or committee of neutral persons to consider such discipline. After such opportunity to respond has been given, the regional commissioner, regional board, hearing board or committee shall make its determination and announce it in writing to all persons concerned.

 

3.         Suspension

 

            The regional commissioner or regional board may suspend a person involved in the region from further involvement in the program on notice (by telephone, fax, writing or in person) if there is found to be an imminent danger to players or to the program by his or her continuing involvement, or if a crime has been alleged to have been committed by such participant. Such a suspension must be followed by a disciplinary hearing described in Paragraph Two above. A suspension is considered to be temporary in nature, and such suspension may be removed or set aside by a majority of the regional board at any time.

 

4.         Removal

 

            The regional commissioner or the regional board may remove a person (whether or not suspended) involved in the region, from further involvement in the program. Such removal may only be made upon prior notice and after a determination is made that removal is appropriate, as the result of a disciplinary hearing described in Paragraph Two above. Such removal is only permitted when there is found to be (a) a violation of the National Bylaws or of the rules, regulations, policies or philosophies of AYSO or (b) conduct which disrupts the region's or AYSO's activities or programs.

 

5.         Hearing Procedures

 

The disciplinary hearing shall be held at a neutral location. The hearing procedures shall be communicated to and understood by all parties prior to the commencement of such hearing. All interested parties are to be informed of the date, time, and location of such hearing.

 

A person who has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter shall not participate in any stage of the procedure.  In the event the regional commissioner has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter, any authority herein to be exercised by the regional commissioner shall be referred to the area director.  A person has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter if that person’s conduct is in any way called into question by the events, or if that person is a witness to the events, has a familial relationship with any person involved in the matter, has a financial interest in the outcome, or whose judgment, for any reason, cannot be unbiased and neutral.

 

A committee or hearing board of disinterested persons shall conduct the hearing as quickly and as fairly as possible, but may structure the proceedings as circumstances may require to keep them as positive as possible as well.  The proceedings should be kept as confidential as may be necessary to protect all parties.  The committee or hearing board shall listen to the facts of the situation from all interested parties.  Each “side” may be permitted or requested to make their presentations outside the presence of the other if necessary to prevent undue acrimony or harm to the participants.  Parties do not have the right to involve attorneys or to cross-examine other parties or witnesses, although either may be permitted within the discretion of the committee or hearing board if it believes that such participation will be helpful and positive.  It is strongly recommended that players and other minors not be permitted to participate as witnesses or to offer “testimonials” either in person or in writing unless it is unavoidable.  The committee or hearing board may ask such questions and request such documents or other evidence as may be necessary to obtain all pertinent facts, but should refrain form being overbearing with such examinations and requests.

 

At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee or hearing board shall adjourn to a private session where the decision will be reached.  Under no circumstances shall the committee or hearing board deliberate in the presence of the parties involved in the dispute.  The committee or hearing board will then decide the issues raised pursuant to AYSO operating regulations and these regional guidelines based on the evidence submitted, and by a majority vote determine the appropriate action to be taken.  Such action may include that no action should be taken against the individual accused, or that a warning or caution be given, that a written reprimand be given, that further education or probation be required, or that such person should be suspended or removed from involvement in regional activities.  All interested parties shall promptly be notified of such decision after, in the case of removal or where otherwise deemed appropriate, such individual is given an opportunity to resign voluntarily.

 

6.         Review

 

            Any determination made in accordance with this Article shall be final and binding on all concerned unless it is determined by the area director, or, if he/she is not disinterested, the section director, that such determination was arbitrary and capricious, or that the procedure was not fair, or that the person or persons making such determination are found not to have been disinterested. Any interested party dissatisfied with the decision or action taken by the committee or hearing board may request a review of such decision by the area director, section director or National Board of Directors, as may be appropriate pursuant to the operating regulations relating to dispute resolution and due process. There shall only be one review of each matter.           

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE TEN

 

CHANGES IN GUIDELINES

 

1.         Approval of Guidelines

 

            These guidelines shall become effective after being approved by the Area board, the area director, the section director, and then submitted to the National Support & Training Center.

 

2.         Change in Guidelines

 

            Once adopted, these Guidelines may only be amended by the area  board by a 2/3 vote of the regional board members, with the approval of  the area director, the section director, and then submitted to the National Support & Training Center.

 

 APPENDIX

 

APPENDIX A                                    Area Interplay Guidelines