CPSL
- RULES AND REGULATIONS - 2004 SEASON
THE
CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE (CPSL)
RULES & REGULATIONS--2004 SEASON
1. COMPETITIONS
The League shall consist of two conferences and the League shall
run a regular schedule of league games.
In addition, the League shall run an Open Canada Cup and the
CPSL Championship Playoffs leading to the final game at the
end of the season. Each team shall play at least a 20-game schedule
(regular league games, cup and championship games combined).
The exact format for the Open Canada Cup shall be determined
as soon as the number of teams taking part has been finalized.
The end of season championship format will be determined annually.
The League may organize any local, national or international
games, tournaments and exhibition matches as agreed by the Board
of Directors.
2. LEAGUE COMPETITION
In 2004, the League shall consist of two conferences and each
team shall play the other teams in its conference twice - once
at home and once away - and shall play the teams in the other
conference once (cross-over games), home or away, as agreed
by the Board of Directors. For crossover games, each of the
two teams will alternate being the home team from year to year.
Three (3) points shall be awarded for a win and one (1) point
for a tie.
The team finishing the regular league schedule with the most
points in its Conference shall be declared the League Conference
Champion (East or West). In the event of two teams tied on points,
there shall be a one-game play-off to determine the Conference
Champion. In the event of more than two teams tied on points,
there shall also be a play-off to determine the Conference Champion.
The Competitions Committee shall determine the exact format
of any Conference Championship play-off.
In the event of one or more teams being tied on points at the
end of the regular league schedule (other than for first place),
the tie-breaking rules set out in these Rules & Regulations
shall be used to determine placing.
3. OPEN CANADA CUP COMPETITION
The format for the Open Canada Cup Competition will be determined
as soon as the number of teams in the League for a given year
has been finalized.
4. PLAYOFF COMPETITION
A Playoff Competition may be run at the end of the season in
a format determined by the League on an annual basis.
For 2004:
The top three teams in each of the two conferences at the end
of the regular league schedule shall compete in the Playoff
Competition for the CPSL Championship.
In each conference, the team finishing first automatically qualifies
for the semi-final play-off weekend. The teams finishing in
second and third place shall play each other in a one game quarterfinal
play-off round with the second place team hosting the game.
The winner of the quarterfinal game and the team finishing first
will advance to the CPSL Championship weekend October 8 to 11,
2004. The Championship Weekend will, in 2004, be hosted by Brampton
Hitmen.
If the Brampton Hitmen are unsuccessful in reaching the semi-finals,
they will play a wild-card game on the Friday night prior to
the CPSL Championship Weekend. Brampton Hitmen will play against
the team from the same conference that won the quarterfinal
(2nd vs. 3rd) play-off game.
The wildcard, semi-finals and final will be single games. In
accordance with new 2004 FIFA Rules, any and all Open Canada
Cup, and Playoff games tied at the end of regulation time will
play two 15-minute overtime periods. If the score is still tied
after the two 15-minute overtime periods are completed, penalty
kicks will be taken in accordance with FIFA Rules.
5.
TIE BREAKING CRITERIA
If two or more teams are tied on points in the standings for
regular league play (other than for first place) or any round-robin
competition, the following criteria shall be used, in order,
to determine the team(s) to be awarded the higher position:
(i) Result between the two teams in regular league play.
(ii) Most wins
(iii) Goal difference (goals scored less goals conceded)
(iv) Most goals scored
(v) Play-Off game.
The first tiebreaker is only applicable for a tie involving
two teams.
6. PLAYER REGISTRATION
All players shall be registered in accordance with Ontario Soccer
Association (OSA), or where applicable, the rules set out by
a provincial governing body in which the team is in membership,
the Canadian Soccer Association rules and CPSL rules.
All registered players must be in possession of a valid Player
Registration Book which must be produced at each game for review
by the Match Observer or appropriate authority for the game
in which the player is taking part. The Player Registration
Book must also be made available at discipline hearings.
There is a roster freeze of September 1, 2021 for all CPSL teams.
All non-amateur (or professional) players must complete and
submit a CPSL-approved player contract obtained from the CPSL
office and must file all such contracts with the CPSL office
and the OSA prior to the player playing any games for the CPSL
Club.
Each team may register up to 25 players. A player who had been
registered but is subsequently transferred or released is not
included in the 25-player limit.
A team shall not have registered more than five (5) import players
at any one time. For CPSL purposes, an import is defined as
an individual who is not a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant
or Canadian government approved refugee.
Any player who had been registered but is subsequently transferred
or released is not included in the five- (5) player limit after
the date of transfer or release.
Players who were last registered and played outside of Canada
must first obtain an International Transfer before they can
be registered to play in the CPSL.
7.
TRANSFER OF PLAYERS
An amateur player shall be entitled to a transfer to or from
a CPSL team to any other team in accordance with CPSL, OSA and
CSA rules as applicable.
A non-amateur (or professional) player shall only be entitled
to a transfer from a CPSL team in accordance with his contract
or with the permission of the CPSL club with which he is contracted
and the transfer must be in accordance with CPSL rules.
The deadline for transfers is September 1, 2004.
8. MOVEMENT OF PLAYERS
In addition to players properly registered with the team, players
may also be used in CPSL league, playoff and Open Canada Cup
as follows:
(i)Players registered with another team in the same club may
be brought up to play for the respective CPSL team at any time
without limitation.
(ii) Players registered with another club in the same territory
with which the CPSL club has a written agreement, may be brought
up to play for the respective CPSL team at any time without
limitation. Affiliation agreements run from April 1 to November
15 on an annual basis and the deadline for entering into an
affiliation agreement is August 31. For an Affiliation Agreement
to be effective, it must be filed with the CPSL and OSA offices
twenty-four hours prior to the respective CPSL club utilizing
a player or players under an Affiliation Agreement.
(iii) Players registered with another club (other than a CPSL
club) in Ontario may, upon completion of a Temporary Registration
Permit (TRP), be brought up to play for a CPSL team for a combined
total of up to three games in any of one or more of the following
types of matches: regular league games; Open Canada Cup games;
League Championship Play-Off games. A CPSL Club may not use
a Temporary Registration Permit for more than three players
in any one CPSL game. Players registered for clubs in other
provinces must complete temperory permits required by that province.
(iv) Players not currently registered anywhere in Canada, and
who are not on the Protection List of any CPSL team, may play
up to two regular league games during a fifteen (15) day period
for a CPSL team upon completion of a Trial Permit Form (TPF).
If such a player was previously registered and played in another
country, an International Transfer is also required.
(v) A player shall be eligible to play for only one team in
any Cup Competition.
(vi) Players may be on loan to CPSL clubs subject to the requirements
of the CPSL and governing bodies. Prior to the loan being effective,
the league must receive confirmation in writing from both teams
in the form of a letter containing the following information:
1. The duration or term of the loan agreement;
2. Who retains the rights to the player regarding inclusion
in a team's Protection List;
3. The terms of the loan agreement.
9. SCHEDULING OF GAMES
The League shall approve the full schedule of regular League
games and Open Canada Cup competition games no later than March
15th for the up-coming outdoor season.
Changes to the schedule after approval by the league may only
be made upon request in writing to the Competitions Committee
with a copy of the request given to the opposing team. The Competitions
Committee may approve or deny the request at its sole discretion.
If the change is granted, the team requesting the change shall
pay a $1,000 administration fee following the approval. In addition,
the request must be made at least 21 days prior to the scheduled
game.
Postponed games requiring rescheduling shall be arranged by
the home team in consultation with the opposing team and submitted
to the CPSL Competitions Committee for approval.
Disputes that arise between the teams as to a suitable date
for a cup or playoff game shall be submitted to the CPSL Competitions
Committee for a decision.
A minimum 72 hours notice will be given for a rescheduled game
or a new cup or playoff game.
10. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR A SCHEDULED GAME
Any club failing to provide an eligible team for a scheduled
game - or properly re-scheduled game, shall forfeit the game
by a 2-0 score, shall be fined and will be subject to additional
penalties as determined by the Discipline Committee and the
Board of Directors.
11. GAME DAY PROTOCOL PRE-GAME TIMELINES
Arrival
Teams are to arrive at least one hour prior to the scheduled
kick-off time.
In order to co-ordinate specific times for inspection of cards
and to determine any changes to the standard timelines due to
any special events or extended pre-game ceremonies, teams (at
least one Team Official and preferably the Team Captain and
at least one of either the Manager, Coach and/or other Club
Official(s)) are to meet with the Match Observer as soon as
the teams arrive and as close as possible to one hour prior
to the game. The
Match Observer and team representatives will agree upon each
teams timetable. In case of any disputes, the Match Observer
will have the final say in finalizing the pre-game time table
for each team.
The
Match Observers are not only working for the League to ensure
standards are maintained and rules are followed, they are also
at the CPSL games to work with, and assist, teams to get through
the necessary game day requirements and in handling any unforeseen
challenges. Each team is asked to work closely with the Match
Observers; they can help to make things easier for everyone
involved with the game.
Ground Conditions
Home team checks field components one hour before kick-off.
Benches must accommodate a minimum of 12 people.
Any deficiencies must be corrected and adjustments made no later
than 30 minutes prior to kick-off time.
Facility Requirements
Adequate changing facilities must be in keeping with league
standards for both teams.
Satisfactory changing facilities are required to accommodate
both male and female game officials. Refreshments for game officials
including bottled water before, during and after the game.
Sponsor banners must be in place in keeping with the league
issued guidelines.
Public address system must be in good working order and the
required announcements must be made, including sponsor announcements
in keeping with league issued guidelines.
The home team is responsible for making all League-related announcements.
Members of the media must be properly accommodated and provided
information to properly and accurately report the game.
In general, the condition of the ground must not fall below
the agreed-to requirements at the time of membership acceptance
in the CPSL.
Warm
Up
Players warm up starts on arrival and must be concluded no later
than 20 minutes prior to kick-off.
Team Sheets and Player Eligibility
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF GAME SHEETS TO BE DOWNLOADED.
The Team Game Sheet is to be downloaded by the respective Teams
and the Referee Game Sheet to be downloaded by the referee.
Teams are to download four copies of their Team Game Sheet after
12 noon on game day. The team shall insert the player jersey
numbers next to the respective player names and the team shall
also insert any additional player information for any players
dressing for the game that are:
" Playing from an affiliated youth club;
" Playing under a Temporary Registration Permit; or,
" Playing under a Trial Permit.
Four copies of the completed Team Game Sheets are to be given
to the Match Observer no later than 45 minutes prior to the
scheduled kick-off time.
Player eligibility must be confirmed by the Match Observer.
If the Match Observer is absent, the Referee, or his/her assignee,
shall confirm player eligibility: As a last resort, a team official
from each team will confirm the opposing team's player eligibility.
A team official may oversee the Match Observer's confirmation
of the opposing team's player eligibility.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the Match Observer at the time
the team arrives at the field and checks in with the Match Observer
(to occur as close as possible to one hour prior to the scheduled
kick-off time), the home team is to have their player eligibility
checked 45 minutes prior to game time. The visiting team is
to have their player eligibility checked 30 minutes prior to
the scheduled kick-off time.
When the Match Observer has completed his confirmation of player
eligibility, he/she shall complete the Referee's Game Sheet.
Specifically, the Match Observer shall:
" Check that all pre-printed information on each Team's
Game Sheet agrees with the Referee's Game Sheet;
" Insert on the Referee's Game Sheet all additional information
that was entered on each Team's Game Sheet and that was confirmed
by the Match Observer (i.e. player numbers and information related
to players from affiliation agreements or players playing under
Temporary Registration Permits or Trial Permits.
Once the above is completed, the Match Observer shall then distribute
the four copies of each of the Team Game Sheets to the:
" Home team;
" Visiting team;
" Fourth Official/Referee along with three copies of the
Referee Game Sheet; and,
" Media Booth/Game Announcer.
Each team shall receive a copy of completed Referee Game Sheet
and the 4th official game log at the end of each game. This
shall be delivered by the Match Observer or the 4th Official
to a member of each team to each team's dressing room. The Match
Observer may alter the place of delivery as is deemed appropriate.
NOTE: TEAMS PLAYING ON SATURDAY'S AND SUNDAYS MAY DOWNLOAD THEIR
RESPECTIVE GAME SHEET AS OF THE FRIDAY IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO
THE WEEKEND AND AFTER 12 NOON ON THAT FRIDAY. HOWEVER, THE TEAMS
MUST UPDATE THEIR RESPECTIVE TEAM GAME SHEETS REGARDING YELLOW
AND RED CARDS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN ISSUED AFTER FRIDAY NOON AND
BEFORE THEIR SATURDAY AND/OR SUNDAY GAME. Specifically, it is
the Club's responsibility to sit out for the appropriate amount
of games any player(s) accumulating their 3rd, 6th, 7th or 8th
yellow card or a red card in a game following Friday 12 noon
and before their Saturday or Sunday game(s). A red card is an
automatic minimum one-game suspension or may be more as indicated
under the Discipline section further on in this document.
Team Roster and Substitution Guidelines
Teams must dress a minimum 13 to a maximum 18 players.
A team may play any or all seven (7) substitutes.
Official substitute cards must be made available to the fourth
official.
A player once substituted cannot return to the field of play.
A maximum of five team officials will occupy the bench.
Team Colours
Colours will be worn in keeping with the colours designated
by each team for home and away.
The Home team has the priority of team colour and it is the
visiting team's responsibility to ensure there is no clash of
team colours.
Official Game Balls
Four Locust game balls shall be made available to the referee
30 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time. The balls are
to be delivered to the referees change room.
Coin Toss
The coin toss will take place 15 minutes prior to the scheduled
kick-off time. The toss will take place at the Officials' change
room. It is the responsibility of each team to have their captain
at the Officials' change room just prior to the time of the
coin toss. It is not the responsibility of the Officials or
Match Observer to chase teams to be present for the coin toss.
If only one team is present at the time of the coin toss (fifteen
minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time), then the team
present is automatically deemed to have won the coin toss. The
absent team will have violated a game-day protocol requirement.
Team captains must be identified by the use of a contrasting
armband.
Walk Out
Walk out will take place 12 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off
time.
Players and game officials will be introduced over the Public
Address system. The pre-game ceremony will be completed at least
5 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time.
A stadium-size Canadian Flag shall be present on the Flag Pole
in the stadium.
Only the Canadian National Anthem shall be played unless, in
the case of an exhibition game, the visiting team is from another
country.
Player Numbers
Players must be wearing numbers at least 8 inches high on the
back of their jerseys and the number is to correspond with their
respective number on the Team Game Sheet.
Jersey Markings
The Team's logo must be displayed on the front of jerseys and
the CPSL patch and sponsor markings as required by the league
must be shown in the location specified.
Ball
Retrievers
Ball retrievers are to be in place at time of the Walk Out.
Official Match Observers
A Match Observer shall be appointed by the CPSL and the CPSL
wishes to have a Match Observer present at all games. The Match
Observer's responsibilities include, and are not limited to,
the following:
" To oversee the entire game day event;
" To make themselves known to both teams and the Officials
as soon as possible to begin working with each of the parties
to the game;
" To treat all parties to the game (club officials, game
officials and players) with courtesy and respect. It is hoped
that this display of courtesy and respect will be replicated
by all the other parties to the game with one another;
" To assist teams and officials in organizing and carrying
out all of their respective game-day protocol requirements;
" To report to the League any non-compliance of game-day
protocol requirements and anything else that the Match Observer
believes should be brought to the League's attention (especially
items that can improve and/or protect the League's image);
" To fulfill his/her responsibilities regarding game documents,
confirmation of player eligibility, etc.;
" To officially represent the League and to carry her/his
self as the CPSL's official overseer of the game. The Match
Observer is to be the individual of reason and calmness especially
if there is a situation of conflict or disagreement between
teams which, normally, may be more passionate in debating an
issue before, during or after the game;
" To watch the game very closely so as to be a reliable
witness to any events that may occur during the game as well
as a general overview of player behaviour and the overall effectiveness
of the officiating.
Match
Observers do not assess or judge the Game Officials.
Security
It is the home team's responsibility to ensure that game officials,
players and CPSL Club officials are secure in a professional
game environment. If there is a threat in any way from spectators,
verbal or physical, it is the home team's responsibility to
deal with the situation before the referee has to intervene.
The Game Officials are to be escorted on and off the field at
all times.
No one is allowed to enter the Game Officials' dressing room
without permission.
At no time should the public address system announcer criticize,
discredit or embarrass a Game Officials. Such criticism is harassment
and may lead to a threatening atmosphere.
The League will not tolerate any Club Official, Team Official
(Coach, Manager, etc.) or player making any remarks in public,
or in earshot of anyone, that criticizes, discredits, embarrasses
or is in any way derogatory towards a Game Official. Such actions
will be dealt with harshly by the League, in addition to the
fines related to game day protocol violation.
Media
It is the home team's responsibility to report the game result
and details including the name of the goal-scorer(s), time of
goals, and the name(s) of the player(s) receiving yellow and/or
red cards to a CPSL designated media person immediately after
the game and no later than 15 minutes following the final whistle.
Videotape Policy
Teams are required to accommodate the needs of television personnel
with interviews and game shooting required for the CPSL Soccer
Show. The Match Observer shall assist in co-ordinating, between
the Club representative and the media, any pre-arranged interviews
within the pre-game timeline with the intent to avoid such interviews
of players and coaches taking place during the warm-up period
or just prior to the walk-on or kick-off.
Penalties
As with Rules & Regulations, violations of game day protocol
will be subject to a fine at the discretion of the CPSL Competitions
Committee or the Board of Directors. Until an official chart
is distributed, each game-day protocol violation will attracted
at least a $100 minimum fine and may be more depending on the
violation. All fines will be applied consistently against all
CPSL Clubs.
12. DISCIPLINE
CPSL discipline matters shall be conducted in accordance with
the Discipline by Review procedures set out in the OSA Discipline
Policies and Procedures.
Players my request a hearing in writing, along with a $50.00
fee, but otherwise will be subject to the minimum penalties
set out in the OSA Discipline Policies. However, if the Discipline
Committee feels a more severe penalty is warranted, a hearing
will be scheduled and the player will be required to attend.
Minimum penalties stipulated under the OSA Discipline by Review
policies are as follows:
(i) Accumulation of Yellow Cards (Cautions)
Third seasonal yellow card >> One (1) game suspension
Sixth season yellow card >> Two (2) game suspension
Seventh and eighth seasonal card >> Three (3) game suspension
Yellow cards are accumulated throughout the season separately
for a regular league game, a league cup game or a playoff game.
The Discipline Committee will specify the game(s) for which
the player is suspended and a least three- (3) day's notice
will be given for such suspension(s).
A player dismissed for a second caution offence in a game does
not have an accumulation of yellow cards from that game and
will automatically sit out the next game whether this be a league,
playoff or cup game.
(ii) Red Card Offences (Dismissed from a Game)
Dismissed for second caution offence >> One (1) game suspension
(Neither offence directed at a game official)
Dismissed for using offensive, insulting, abusive
Language/gesture (not directed at a game official) >>
One (1) game suspension
Dismissed for denying an opponent a goal or an
Obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately
handling the ball >> One (1) game suspension
Dismissed for denying an opponent a goal or an >> Two
(2) game suspension
obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent
moving towards the goal by an offence punishable
by a free kick or penalty kick or penalty kick
Dismissed for Serious Foul Play >> Two game suspension
Dismissed for spitting at an opponent or any other >>
Three game suspension
person (except a game official)
Dismissed for Violent Conduct >> Three game suspension
The OSA Discipline Policies stipulates that all other offences
shall be conducted as Discipline by Hearing. A hearing will
be scheduled and the player required to attend. Such offences
include, but are not limited to, the following.
Dismissed for second caution offence (one of the offences directed
at a game official)
Dismissed for using offensive, insulting abusive language/gesture
(directed at a game official) Receiving a third dismissal in
a season
Dismissed for a Game Official Assault - any form of actual or
attempted physical contact or violent conduct towards a game
official
In any event, a player receiving a red card will automatically
be suspended for the next game regardless of whether the game
is a regular league game, a cup game or a playoff game.
Any additional penalty assessed by the Discipline Committee
will specify the game(s) for which the player is suspended.
At least three days notice will be given for additional suspensions.
Any offence not covered above, including offences by team officials,
will be dealt with as Discipline by Hearing.
13. PROTESTS
Any
protest or complaint must be made in writing to the Competitions
Committee within twenty-for hours following the game being protested.
A $500.00 protest fee in the form of a certified cheque, cash
or money order must accompany a protest. The fee will be refunded
if the protest is successful and at the discretion of the League,
the opposing club levied the administrative cost.
The
Board of Governors will assign a discipline panel to hear the
protest or complaint within three weeks of its receipt at the
league office.
Protests
of games in Open Canada Cup or Playoff competition quarterfinals
or semi-finals shall be filed within two hours of the completion
of the game in question.
14. APPEALS
The decision of the CPSL Discipline Panel on any protest or
complaint may be appealed in writing to the full CPSL Board
of Directors who will consider the appeal at a properly scheduled
meeting.
A $500 appeal fee and a $500 non-refundable administration fee
in the form of a certified cheque, cash or money order must
accompany an appeal.
The decision of the CPSL Board may be appealed to the OSA in
accordance with OSA Appeal Procedures. If such an appeal is
made, the appellant must pay an additional $500 non-refundable
administration fee to the CPSL in addition to the fees required
by the OSA. Appeal fees must be in the form of a certified cheque,
cash or money order at the time of the appeal. The same holds
true if a CPSL Club appeals to any other levels of authority.
15. ABSENTEEISM
Each club is required to be represented at all properly convened
League meetings. Failure to be so represented shall result in
the absenting club being fined as follows:
(i) $250.00 - Two hundred an fifty dollars for each meeting
missed
(ii) $500.00 - Five hundred dollars - for a subsequent consecutive
meeting missed
(iii) $1000.00 - One thousand dollars - for missing a third
consecutive meeting.
Additional consequence, including suspension, shall be considered
by the League Management Board
16. NEW RULES
To approve a new rule, provide for notification of propose rule
changes and two-thirds majority vote required.
