The following summary highlights the WYSL rule changes and clarifications for Fall 2008. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by the actual rules set forth in the WYSL’s Handbook, to which reference is made.

 

 

Roster Changes. Article I.2.C. Deadline for roster changes and additions is the fourth game of the season (September 28).

 

Silent Sunday. Article IV(6). This season, Silent Sunday will be in effect for the games to be played on September 28, 2008, the fourth scheduled Sunday of the season.

 

Scheduling of TBS Games. Article X.3. TBS games must be scheduled before the fourth game of season.

 

Permanent Changes/Clarifications (minor changes omitted)

 

Player Transfer Fee. Article I.2.F. A transfer fee of $50 will be charged to the receiving club for processing player transfers other than intra-club transfers.

 

Practicing with Another Team. Article I.2.H. The rule is clarified that participation in an open, advertised tryouts in accordance with Rule I.2.J is the sole exception to this Rule.

 

Commencement Date for Spring Open Tryouts. Article I.2.J.1. The first day that spring open tryouts are permitted will be the day after Memorial Day.

 

Special Limitations for Coaches of WYSL Select and Other Special Teams. Article II.2.D. Any person who acts as a coach, assistant coach, trainer or team manager of a WYSL Select Team, Y League Team, ODP Team, Empire State Team or another other “special event” team cannot act as a coach, assistant coach, trainer or team manager of a WYSL team of the same age and gender, or coach or participate in tryouts for a WYSL team of the same gender that is one year older for the following year.   Exceptions require approval from the League’s Board of Directors. The Rule expands the existing restriction on coaching a special team of the same gender and age as the coach’s club team to cover the following year.

 

Limitation on Number of Head Coaching Positions. Article II.2.E. A coach may not act as head coach for more than two teams playing a regular WYSL schedule in any season (premier, rec, school and other teams not playing a regular WYSL schedule are not included in this limitation).

 

Roster Size. Article III.3.D. The Board may waive roster limits for good cause for all age levels and divisions.

 

Penalty Spot for U9-U11. Article IV.4. To conform to ENY practice, the penalty spot for U11 (and younger) will be 10 yards from the goal line. The penalty spot for older players will remain 12 yards from the goal line. 

 

Headgear and Face Masks. Article V.3.E. The rule has been revised to conform to USSF practice, as follows: “A player may use equipment other than the basic equipment provided that the sole purpose is physical protection and it poses no danger to any player. Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft lightweight padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.” The special provision regarding headgear has been eliminated. Use of any equipment remains subject to the ultimate authority of the referee not to permit any article to be worn if he determines that it presents a danger to the player wearing it or the other players.

 

Seeding – Moving Up in Age. Article IX.1.B. The rule has been revised to reflect current practice: “Any Division I winners, teams that play in a premier league or premier teams that are comprised of players from multiple communities may be required to move up to the next age division.”

 

Player Safety. Article XI.1. The following was added to the Rule: At the first sound of thunder or sign of lightning, coaches and referees should pull all players off the field and seek shelter in nearby buildings or vehicles.  Games and practices should not restart until at least 15-30 minutes has passed since the last thunder or lightning.