PART THREE: League Play
A. The Executive may, from time to time, make temporary rules governing specific cases not provided for in the Constitution and/or the Rules and Regulations, but which may be necessary to carry out the objectives of the league. These decisions will be submitted for ratification by the membership at the next Annual General Meeting.
B. Schedule:
a) The Executive, in cooperation with the Societies appointed Referee-in-Chief, shall be responsible for the scheduling of all games along with the dispatch of game officials to all B.M.S.A. league and Cup games.
b) All B.M.S.A. games shall be played on parks allocated to the Executive by the City of Burnaby.
c) The Executive shall issue member teams with a printed schedule of play prior to the commencement of league operations.
NOTE
- Unless otherwise notified, ALL scheduled league games will proceed regardless of whether they fall on a three day [3] holiday weekend.
- No game postponement requests will be considered for the month of December.
- No game postponement requests will be considered to accommodate sporting events like ÒGrey CupÓ or ÒSuper Bowl SundayÓ.
d) Member teams must be prepared to play when and where as directed by the schedule of the Executive.
e) The Executive shall give teams at least forty-eight hours [48] notice of changes in the schedule, especially switches to all-weather fields.
NOTE
The Executive will make a reasonable attempt to contact a team representative or alternate contact prior to a change in the schedule. It is still the responsibility of the team [league website: www.esportsdesk.com] and will be subject to the provisions of these Rules and Regulations under Part 3B.
f) The Executive shall re-schedule all games abandoned or postponed on account of bad weather or adverse field conditions. [Subject to field availability and time]
g) Unless notified by the Executive all teams must attend the park and await the decision of the Game Official [s] in the event of atrocious weather.
g) The match decisions of referees appointed by the B.M.S.A. shall be deemed conclusive by the Executive. Complaints regarding the standard of officiating shall be addressed in writing to the SocietyÕs Secretary who shall forward the matter to the B.M.S.A. referee-in-chief for review.
h) In games WITHOUT Assistant referees, linesmen flags must be handed back directly to the game official.
i) Game fees must be paid in full even where some game official [s] are missing or delayed.
j) Teams requesting league game postponements [Cup games will not be postponed] must apply in writing to the Executive not less than thirty days [30] prior to the scheduled date of the said game.
- Any team failing to give thirty days [30] notice of their request to postpone the game will have [one time only [1] only per team per season] to submit their proposal to the opposing team manager. The game will be re-scheduled to a later date by the Executive [subject to Part 3B:xii] ONLY after the opposing team manager or representative agrees to waive his right to claim a forfeit victory. THIS INFORMATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE LEAGUE NO LATER THAN TUESDAY OF THE WEEK BEFORE THE GAME IS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO BE PLAYED NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED AFTER THIS DAY.
- Both teams must play any re-scheduled game at the time and date instructed by the Executive.
k) Postponement/re-scheduling of any scheduled league game [Cup games will not be postponed] is subject to approval by the Executive.
- Defaults/Abandonment
a) Any team responsible for defaulting or causing a league game to be abandoned shall be assessed penalties and charged with ALL expenses incurred in preparation such a game [Full field allotment costs/game official fees].
b) A defaulting team, or a team causing a game abandonment, shall forfeit the match points to the opposing team which shall be awarded three points [3] in the standings and one to nil [1-0] win. [This goal will be reflected in the teams overall ÒGoals ForÓ but will not be credited to any player].
c) Any team having defaulted or cause to be abandoned, two games [2] may be expelled from the Society. All monies paid the league will be forfeit by any team that has been expelled or quits.
d) Any team winning a game by failing to comply with the rules of league play may, as a result of a disciplinary ruling by the Executive, have that game ruled as a default and have the result overturned.
e) Any team having any people [players, coaches, managers, spectators or known associates] enter the field of play without the express permission of the game official or be found to be found responsible for a game abandonment due to the presence of unauthorized people on the pitch will be fined [minimum two hundred dollars ($200.00) and assessed an automatic game forfeiture (if necessary)] in addition to the penalties defined in Òa)Ó above.
NOTE
A MATCH SHALL BE VALID IF ONE SIDE HAS AT LEAST SEVEN PLAYERS [7]
- Unfinished or Abandoned Games
a) The Executive shall decide on all matters pertaining to unfinished or abandoned league or Cup games.
b) Where plausible, past precedent of higher governing Soccer bodies regarding such matters will be used.
c) The decision of the Executive in these cases is final subject to the Rights of Appeal outlined in Part 7 of these Rules and Regulations.
- Particulars of League Play
a) Except where noted, the rules of league play will adhere to those of the B.C.S.A. and F.I.F.A.
b) Games will be ninety minutes [90] in length with two [2] forty-five minute [45] halves.
NOTE
A MATCH SHALL BE CONSIDERED COMPLETED PROVIDED SIXTY-EIGHT MINUTES HAVE BEEN PLAYED
c) Whenever possible, each team shall compete within a three division [3] format [A, B and C] and play a ÒHomeÓ and ÒAwayÓ series with each opposing team within that division.
d) A two team [2] relegation of teams between Divisions [top two of ÒCÓ are relegated up and bottom two of ÒBÓ are relegated down and top two of ÒBÓ are relegated up and the bottom two of AÓ are relegated down] based upon team point standings at the end of scheduled league play. [Relegation is Mandatory Exceptions to this clause [if any] are subject to Executive approval]
e) If scheduling logistics require modifications to the format, then member teams will play as directed by the Executive. [Part 3A:iv]
f) League points shall be awarded on the basis of three points [3] for a ÒWinÓ; one point [1] for a tie and zero points [0] for a loss.
g) Only legally registered players with the B.C.S.A. and the Society with valid B.M.S.A. I.D. Cards shall be allowed to play. Suspended players are ineligible.
h) Only a maximum of twenty players [20] may dress and play in any game.
i) Substitution is to be unlimited but is to be restricted to a time in the game when play is suspended and the team wishing the substitution has had their player [s] eligibility checked and approved by the Assistant Referee and/or the referee and control or possession of the ball. Where applicable, all substitutions are to be made through the Assistant Referee. In the event of an injury to a player or players, a substitution may be made with approval of the referee.
j) The league standings of teams resigning or removed from the league before they have completed one half [1/2] of the schedule will be erased from the SocietyÕs records. If a team has played more than one half of the schedule, the societyÕs records will count all games played in the first half of the season and erase from the SocietyÕs records all games played past the half way point. [All discipline assessed in all games played will, however count]
Each team is to supply the referee ten minutes [10] prior to the game, a properly completed game form including jersey numbers signed [legibly] by a team official [When necessary, Home teams are to note the liner number that was used to line the field in the appropriate section of the game report. [For games that the field was previously lined by a B.M.S.A. team the form should be marked Òpreviously linedÓ], player I.D. cards for inspection by the Game Official and one half [1/2/] of the total game fee [Referee: $25.00/Assistant Referee: $25.00 = $50.00 total]. Every team will be given, as grace, until the end of half time to comply with supplying game forms and I.D. cards [if applicable] or face at the discretion of the opposing team having the game declared a forfeit and losing that game by default.
GAME OFFICIALS MUST BE PREPAID
k) Each team is to supply and properly secure a net [when not on artificial turf] and two regulation length corner flags to the satisfaction of the game official and the league.
- Duties of the "Home" team
- Line the field [when not on artificial turf], each team should have, or have access to a field liner and whiting. ALL designated Home teams are responsible for ensuring that their fields are lined. This includes Òtouching-upÓ the lines after the game ahead has concluded and/or lining the field in the event the first scheduled home team did not line the field. Home teams will be disciplined if, in the opinion of the game official and/or the league Executive this duty has not been met responsibly. [Play-off/Cup games MUST have the field lined EVERY game Ð no exceptions].
NOTE
Field liners are available to Home teams from the league. Liners are considered to be the complete and total responsibility of the allocated Home team for each week. Damage and/or loss will be fully charged back the offending team [s]. Where applicable, liners are to be returned to the league immediately after use. In all other cases, liners MUST be returned to their proper storage right after the game on the day of use. Liners, whiting, and/or storage keys left or "forgotten" at any field or facility by any team will be disciplined.
- Furnish a first class game ball acceptable to the referee and the Executive
- Furnish an alternate game ball in the event the first ball can no longer be used.
- Furnish a net [secured (when not on artificial turf fields)], two regulation corner flags [2] acceptable to the game official and the league Executive. And two soft orange pylons [minimum eleven inches in height [11Ó] positioned at the center line
- Provide the game official with someone to run the line [if no assistant referee is available]
- Have an alternate color set of numbered jerseys in the event of a color clash with opponents.
- Have enough individual same color numbered jerseys for every player.
- Home teams will always occupy the eastern side of the field [closest to clubhouse]
- Duties of the "Away" team
- Provide the game official with someone to run the line [if no assistant referee is available]
- Furnish a net [secured (when not on artificial turf fields)], two regulation corner flags acceptable to the game official and the league Executive.
- Have enough individual same color numbered jersey's for every player
- Away teams will always occupy the western side of the field [farthest from clubhouse].
- At the conclusion of the regular season schedule, the team with the most points in each Division shall be declared the league Divisional Champion [subject to the tie-breaking formula for league play (Part 3E)]
a) Appropriate game preparation is responsibility of the team, not the league.
b) Teams must be on the field, in uniform ready to play at the time indicated on the printed league schedule. Discipline will be assessed those teams that do not comply.
c) Each team shall have at least two complete sets [2] of uniforms, which are presentable with clearly marked unique and individual numbers on each jersey for each member of the team.
d) The B.M.S.A. will be conducting RANDOM picture ID Card checks. Players whose cards are challenged will not be allowed to play until they have provided B.M.S.A. APPROVED ID. [drivers License or B.C. ID]
e) The Executive shall rule on any or all matters pertaining to the provisions or violations of league play.
- Tie-Breaking Formula
a) All ties in the standings will be determined as per the tie-breaking formula outlined below:
i. Total aggregate of goals "For" in the games the two teams (or more) played against each other.
ii. The number of league game "Wins" during the regular playing season.
iii. "Plus/Minus" goal difference during the regular season.
b) In the event that this tie-breaking formula does not adequately resolve the situation, the Executive shall determine how best to break the deadlock. This decision by the Executive shall be binding on all parties concerned.
- Cup Games
a) Each eligible member team shall compete for the BURNABY CHALLENGE CUP [Challenge Division (A)]; the JAWALA PRASAD ELIMINATOR CUP [Eliminator Division (B)] or the DANTE MAGLIO DEFENDER CUP [Defender Division "C")]; the Final of which is to be held at a site designated by the Executive.
b) Teams that lose their Semi-Final round games will compete for Third and fourth place in the play-offs at the Finals.
c) The eligible member teams shall contend for these trophies via a series of elimination rounds.
d) All performance bond balances must be replenished to their five hundred dollar [$500.00] limit prior to commencing the B.M.S.A. play-off schedule. Non-compliance would result in game forfeiture by Default and its attendant penalties. [Part 2 I; iii; of the B.M.S.A. Rules and Regulations]
e) All teams eligible, will play a minimum of one game [subject to time and space]
f) All discipline accumulated during league play will carry forward to Cup play.
g) Any eligible team that forfeits a play-off/Cup game or causes it to be abandoned, will be deemed to have forfeited that game as well as the series and will be eliminated from any further Cup play.
h) The league Executive reserves the right to allocate all fields and game times throughout the play-offs.
- An effort may be made to allow the team with the highest order of finish in Divisional league play to have first choice of fields and time for their play-off games EXCEPT FOR THE FINAL. [Top placing teams in the Challenge Cup series may have first choice of fields and time then the top ranked team in the Eliminator Cup series will have its choice of the remaining times and then the top ranked team in the Defender Cup series will have its choice of the remaining times. Choice then returns to the second ranked team in the Challenge Cup series and so on.
NOTE
Play-off rounds may not be two game total goal depending upon the number of teams in each Division, the weather, and time remaining in the schedule. The Executive will rule in this regard if and when it is necessary each season.
i) Except where noted in this Constitution and its Rules and Regulations, F.I.F.A. rules will apply in all Cup Games.
j) In the event of some unforeseen circumstances preventing the completion of a Cup game, the Executive will decide how best to determine a solution.
k) All the other provisions of league play shall apply except where noted herein.
l) In order for a player [s] to be eligible to play in a Cup game he must be signed on or before January 15 of the year of the play-offs and in compliance with Part 5 C d of the B.M.S.A. Rules and Regulations
m) All assessed discipline to team [s] and/or its/their members will be carried forward into the next season [i.e.: Red Card suspensions etc.]
n) Each member team competing in Cup play is to supply the referee ten minutes [10] prior to the game with a properly completed game form. Player I.D. Cards, for inspection by the referee [if applicable] and one half [1/2/] of the game officials stipulated fee [referee: $25.00/assistant referee: $25.00 (where applicable)]. Every team will be required to comply with this provision with NO grace period.
o) If the provision is not met, then the game may not proceed. The offending team will be assessed FULL game costs, fined heavily [minimum $100.00] and at the discretion of the Executive, default of the game. In the event that the game is not ruled a default, then the game will be played [if necessary] when and where as directed by the Executive. [Assessed discipline will remain in effect]
p) The Executive retains the power over any and all decisions relating to:
- League or Cup play including scheduling, player registration and referee allocation.
- Suspension or expulsion of any member team for neglecting to pay its league fees at due date or will not respect the Rules and Regulations and/or Constitution.
QUARTER FINAL ROUND
- A Quarter-Final Round for all Cup competitions will consist of a two game [2] total goal Home/Away round* with the highest ranking eligible team in each Cup competition ["A","B", "C"] playing the lowest ranking team in each Division. Match-ups will continue with highest-ranking team versus lowest ranking team.
- The two lowest rated teams [in points] at the end of league play are eliminated from any Cup Play.
- In the event that both teams are tied in total goals at the end of regulation time of the second game, then two [2] eight-minute [8] overtime periods with a "Golden Goal" [next goal is winning goal] provision will be played.
- If at the end of the two [2] overtime periods, the two teams are still tied, then Penalty Kicks will decide the game.
- Losing teams are eliminated from any further Cup play.
- The winning eligible team teams advance to the B.M.S.A. Semi-Final play-off round.
* Subject to field and/or time availability
SEMI-FINAL ROUND
- A Semi-Final Round for all Cup competitions will consist of a two game [2] total goal Home/Away round* with the highest ranking eligible team in each Division playing the lowest ranking team in that Division and so on.
- In the event that both teams are tied in total goals at the end of regulation of the second game, then two [2] eight-minute [8] overtime periods with a "Golden Goal" [next goal is winning goal] provision will be played.
- If, at the end of the two overtime periods the two teams are still tied, then Penalty Kicks will decide the game.
- determine Third and Fourth place.
- Winning eligible teams advance to the B.M.S.A. Final Round.
* Subject to field and/or time availability
B.M.S.A. CUP FINALS
¯ Third/Fourth Place play-off
¯ Dante Maglio Defender Cup
Day/Field/Time: To Be Announced
¯ Jawala Prasad Eliminator Cup
¯ B.M.S.A. Challenge Cup
q) - Provincial Cup Competition:
The team winning top place in Challenge Division earns the right to represent the B.M.S.A. at the provincial level by competing in the Amateur "B" Cup Provincial Finals. The successful team will be expected to meet the following standards:
a) Practice once a week until the tournament.
b) Play two exhibition games [minimum one in April and one in May]
c) Supply a MINIMUM 18 players.
d) Maintain a disciplined tournament-focused environment while at the event. [little or no alcohol,drugs or ]
Meeting these requirements would qualify the team for $400.00
[four hundred]dollars towards travel/accommodation expenses. The league will add a further $200.00 [two hundred] dollars (for a potential of $600.00)] should the team advance to the Semi-Final round.
- The league will have an Executive present at the tournament.
NOTE:
Any team fortunate [and skilled] enough to earn this prestigious honour MUST understand fully that their actions represent our league and its members.