Iowa Soccer League Rules and Policies

PART I GENERAL 101: Name and Composition

The name of this LEAGUE shall be the WEST CENTRAL IOWA SOCCER LEAGUE. It will be referred to as the “WISL”. This league shall be an organization structured under the Iowa Soccer Association bylaws.

102: Purpose

Section 1: The purpose of the Western Iowa Soccer League “WCISL” shall be to develop, promote, and administer youth soccer at all levels in the State of Iowa.

Section 2: The WCISL is a recreational player development league. The league is open to all clubs within Iowa that are affiliated with the Iowa Soccer Association.

Section 3: WCISL will strive to provide an enjoyable and satisfying competitive platform for all players at the appropriate competition level.

103: Goals

Developmentally appropriate Meaningful Competition Accessible

Improved competition formats for players to enjoy and develop

104: ISL Standards for Player Development

Section 1: WCISL Standards for Player Development U08-U09

Section 2: WCISL Standards for Player Development (09-U10

Section 3: WCISL Standards for Player Development U11-U12

Learning to train – Focus on technique and skill development and introduce tactics “FUN IS PARAMOUNT” o GOALS: Grassroots player development and competing for enjoyment

U11 Age Division Fall 2014: ISL will select test sites for pilot program: Mandatory Drop off line for goal kicks in U11 games to encourage playing out of the back.

105: WISL Club Standards

Section 1: Club Administration – To be eligible to participate in WCISL, clubs/teams must meet standardized administrative procedures in place at the club:

Club must be up to date on all league fees and invoices Club must provide a league rep to communicate with League Director

If hosting home games at the club’s facility, club must provide one field coordinator to communicate with the league on all issues regarding fields.

Section 2: Coaching Standards – One coach on the sideline of WCISL games need to have a US Soccer “F” License or equivalent.

Section 3: Referees – To be eligible to host WISL home games, clubs must have a designated referee assignor assigned by the league, for their facility and a sufficient referee pool that will cover games at their local facility.

Iowa Soccer will provide support, in conjunction with the Iowa Referee Committee for clubs looking to build a referee pool by helping organize referee courses.

106: Compliance

This league shall comply with the authority of the Iowa Soccer Association, and those regional, national and international organizations of which the Iowa Soccer Association is an affiliate.

107: Boundaries

The boundaries of the WCISL shall be limited as defined by the Iowa Soccer Association.

108: Laws of the Game

The “Laws of the Game” as authorized by FIFA, and modified for youth play by the USSF, USYSA, or the ISA, apply to all youth soccer games sanctioned by the WCISL.

109: Competition Seasons

Fall and Spring Both genders, U08 to U19 teams The seasonal year of the WCISL will begin on August 1 of one calendar year and end on July 31 of the following calendar

year.

110: Use of Name and Logo

No one may use the name or initials of the WCCCISL, any of its trade names including Iowa Soccer League and WISL or its logo, except as provided under these Rules & Policies or except with the express written consent of the ISA.

111: Authorities

This league shall be governed by its rules and policies as presently constituted except in those matters reserved by the Iowa Soccer Association.

Section 1: This league shall be governed by a League Committee, whose membership shall be determined and updated each year. Each club participating will have one representative on the committee.

Section 2: The league shall be administered by a League Director appointed by the ISA Executive Director. When a vacancy in the League Director’s position occurs, all League DirectoR responsibilities will be the domain of the ISA Executive Director, who may

appoint a temporary director until the position is filled.

112: Robert’s Rules of Order and Quorum

Section 1: Except as otherwise provided in these rules and policies, all meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the latest authorized edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 2: A simple majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum at any Committee meeting.

113: Dissolution

If this league dissolves for any reason, its property and assets shall inure to the ISA for the benefit of youth soccer in Iowa.

114: Fiscal Year Budget

The League Director shall prepare a budget for the WCISL for the next fiscal year.

115: Accounts, Books and Records

Section 1: The WCISL financial records shall be kept by the ISA Executive Director in accordance with ISA accounting standards.

Section 2: All books and records, including copies of governing documents shall be open to inspection by the league membership.

116: Disclaimer

The WISL shall not assume, nor be liable for, the debts and/or financial responsibilities either implied or incurred, of any player, head coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager, team official, club official or referee from any member team, affiliate or other organization.

PART II

MEMBERSHIPS

201: Eligibility

The membership of the WCISL is open to all invited soccer clubs, teams, players, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators and officials within the State of Iowa that are affiliated with and in good standing with the Iowa Soccer Association.

202: Representation

Each Member Team will be represented by a team coach who is responsible for all communications between the league and the team.

The coach must be 18yrs old or older.

Each member team will designate one person as the liaison between the league membership and the team.

Each member team will be registered with an ISA.

Each member club/team will be responsible for their member teams (in case of clubs), players, coaches and parents.

203: General Responsibilities

In addition to the requirements of these rules and policies:

(a) Falsification of records shall be grounds for removal from future participation and/or membership in this league.

(b) A plea of ignorance to the rules, policies and procedures of this league is not sufficient and violators may expect appropriate action by the League.

(c) Any person found guilty of violating the rules, policies and procedures of this league may be discipline as per these rules.

204: Admission to Membership

Section 1: Any team wishing to participate in this league must submit an application to the ISA state office on or before the published sign up date as determined each season by the League Director and posted on the League web site at least 30 days in advance.

Section 2: The current members of this league will meet no later than the 3rd Sunday in July in order to vote on new and existing teams for participation in the upcoming league season, develop the playing schedule for each age division and recommend any changes to the league structure.

Section 3: Upon a team’s acceptance to this league all players, coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and managers will be members of this league and must adhere to these rules and policies.

Section 4: The League at any time may extend an invitation to any team that it feels is eligible to participate in this league.

Section 5: The League may withdraw, deny or remove any member and/or member team from participation in this league for any violation of these rules and policies.

205: Terms of Membership

The term of membership for this league will be for one (1) seasonal year.

206: General Responsibilities

Section 1: In addition to other requirements of these rules, each member shall:

To the extent consistent with applicable law, comply with the rules of the WCISL, ISA, USYSA and the USSF.

Pay all fees to the WISL by the deadline due. The League Director shall be responsible for setting the deadline for the current year and informing all members of the deadline date.

Section 2: Each member team shall maintain its own autonomy except as otherwise provided in these rules and policies.

207: Fees

Section 1: Each Team Member shall pay to the WISL fees in an amount recommended by the League. A budget process will be established and maintained between the League Director and the ISA Executive Director.

Section 2: The team fee to be collected will include the following: Administration Fee Scheduling Fee Website and Communication Fee Arbiter Fees Allocated General Expenses

Section 3: A fee schedule for additional fees for such matters as assignor, referee, and field usage will be established by the League Director in consultation with the ISA Executive Director.

208: Reinstatement

A suspended member of WISL may submit a written request for reinstatement. The League may reinstate the membership of a suspended member and/or member team if all the requirements of the suspension have been met.

PART III

ORGANIZATION

301: Divisions

Section 1: The WCISL will be comprised of two (2) Divisions. These Divisions will be known as the Girls Division and Boys Division.

Section 2: Girls and Coed teams may play in the Boys Division.

302: Tiers

Section 1: At the discretion of the league and in consultation with the League Committee, as well as in the interest of competitive play, any division U08 to U19 may be divided into 2, or more, distinct tiers.

303: Age Divisions

Age divisions- U08-U19 will be offered for both boys and girls. o The League reserves the right to combine divisions based on number of teams entered in the league.

o New teams to the league in spring will be placed by the League Director in consultation with the League Committee.

304: Organization Members

Each Member Team is entitled to one (1) vote at any League General Meeting.

Each Member Team may designate a team representative to attend meetings and place a vote for the Head Coach.

305: League Committee and Directors

The Officers of the WCISL are the League Director and the League Committee members.

The League Director may not vote.

All other members of the Committee shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

306: Composition and General Authority

Section 1: The WCISL is counselled by the League Committee.

Section 2: The League Committee has the following authority:

Authority to suggest amendments to the rules and policies of the WCISL. The League Committee may wish to have the entire membership vote on rules or policy change at the annual meeting but is not required to do so.

Adoption of the fee schedule of the WCISL.

Approve the final playing schedule as produced by the League Director.

307: Meetings

Section 1: The League Committee will meet at the following times for the listed purpose.

No later than 3rd Sunday in July of the current year. This will be the League placement and scheduling meeting as well as dealing with any matters concerning the upcoming year’s league play.

No later than the end of the calendar year. This meeting will review the fall season and set dates for the spring season and tryouts.

At any time deemed necessary by the League Director to resolve issues. A minimum one-week notice by confirmed communication is required. This meeting may take place by teleconference.

Section 2: All League Committee meetings are mandatory except emergency meetings where a simple majority is sufficient. There will be an automatic 50.00 dollars fine for the first missed meeting/100.00 dollars and possible suspension from the committee for the second meeting.

Section 3: A committee member may designate an alternate to attend the meeting in his/her place.

308: Annual Meeting

Section 1: The League Director shall hold an Annual Meeting (AM) after the conclusion of the fall season.

Section 2: The order of business at the AM shall be as follows.

Call to Order

Review of Past Season

New Business

Adjournment

309: Place of Meetings

Section 1: The League Director shall secure and inform all committee members at a minimum of two weeks prior to any scheduled meeting, the time and location of the meeting.

Section 2: The league AM will be held no later than the end of the calendar year.

Section 3: Meetings may be audio recorded by the League Director.

PART IV:

401: League Director

Administration of the WCISL will be conducted by the League Director under the supervision of ISA Executive Director.

402: ISA Office

The ISA Office will provide the WCISL all office related support.

403: Referee Assignors

The League Director will secure and maintain the service of a Referee Assignor or Assignors for the purpose of scheduling all referees for league matches.

404: Responsibilities of the Referee Assignors

The responsibilities of the Referee Assignors shall include, but not limited to, the following:

They must be an ISA approved and certified assignor.

Only the Referee Assignors may assign referees for any WISL match.

The assignors will only assign referees, who are qualified to officiate the high level of competition of the WISL.

The Referee Assignor will report directly to the League Director.

405: Removal

Section 1: Any Member of the League Committee may be removed from the Committee by vote of the members entitled to vote for that office.

Section 2: Any Member of the League Committee who is absent for two consecutive meetings, or a total of three meetings of the Committee during their term of membership for any reason other than performing the official duties of the WCISL, may be removed from office by a majority vote of the Committee.

Section 3: Any Member who is removed from office for cause or resigns from office, may not be appointed to any office of this league for a period of no less than two years.

PART V

PLAYER & MATCH RULES

501: Registration

Section 1: All League players and teams shall be registered with the ISA for the seasonal year. (August 1- July 31)

Section 2: By submitting an approved, signed registration form for processing by the Club Registrar, a player agrees and commits to the club for the seasonal year unless released by the club.

Players must satisfy all financial commitments to the club they are registered with before transferring or signing with another WCISL member club.

502: Players/Coach Passes

Section 1: All teams are required to present a valid ISA player/coach pass for each player, head coach, assistant coach, trainer and/or manager that will be on the member team’s sideline. Passes must be complete with pictures and laminated on both sides. Players may only play for one club in the WCISL

Section 2: The Referee Assignor will insure that all referees assigned to officiate any WCISL games are aware of this rule.

503: Teams

Section 1: The age brackets of teams within the WISL will be in the U08, U10, U12, U14, U15, U16 - U19 age groups. Age divisions may be combined or divided by the League Director for the purpose of league play.

Section 2: It is the responsibility of each team to comply with rules and regulations outside the boundaries of the WISL rules and policies.

Section 3: Teams are limited to 8 on the sideline for U08 matches, 10 on the sideline for U10 matches, 14 on the sideline for U11/12 matches and 18 on the sidelines for U13 and above.

504: Playing Divisions

Section 1: Teams may request to be placed in a division at the time of application. Decisions for placement will be the domain of the League Committee and may not be changed after the schedule is complete except by vote of the League Committee.

Section 2: The League Committee, after taking into consideration all requests for placement, will place teams into divisions they deem appropriate to the team’s skill level.

505: Matches

Section 1: All teams registered in the WCISL shall be required to play all of their scheduled league matches. Teams may not cancel or reschedule matches. Teams not playing a scheduled league match are subject to a $100 forfeit fine and possible suspension from the WISL. Failure to adhere to this policy will render the offending team responsible for all referee fees and match expenses for the game.

Section 2: In the event of weather, field closures, or an Act of God, the League Director will work with clubs and verify the dates, locations, and matches that will be cancelled.

Section 3: Only those matches cancelled due to an “Act of God,” field closures, or weather may be rescheduled at the League and Club Directors discretion as per the following procedure:

Team coaches or coordinators must contact each other and agree upon a date and time The agreed-upon date and time must then be forwarded to the League Director. The League Director will confirm if fields and referees are available for the agreed-upon time and if so, the

rescheduled match will be entered into the WISL schedule In the event matches cannot be rescheduled, those matches will be posted as not played.

Section 4: The team listed first on the schedule will be designated the Home team and is responsible for changing jerseys should there be a color conflict.

Section 5: Match length

Match Duration

U08 – 10 minute quarters U10 – 25 minute halves U11/12 – 30 minute halves U13/U14 - 35 minute halves. U15/U19 - 40 minutes halves.

Coaches may change the length of any match as long as both coaches agree and inform the referee prior to the start of a match. Teams play the match length of the oldest team scheduled to compete. Coaches will advise referees if they are playing two games in one day.

Section 6: The WCISL is an Iowa Western region league and as such will play matches from Carroll to Clarinda to Council Bluffs.

All WCISL Member Teams must be prepared to travel for league matches.

No Member Team may reschedule a match due to traveling conflicts.

If a Member Team must reschedule a match in accordance with Sections 3 of this rule, the rescheduled match will be played in the city it was originally scheduled for.

The League Director, at his/her discretion, may schedule two matches in one day.

Section 7: The WCISL may schedule matches on both Saturday and Sunday, Sunday being the primary day, based on field availability and the wishes of the Member Teams and WCISL.

Section 8: Substitutions

U13 and Older Age Divisions

Unlimited player substitutions at any stoppage at the discretion of the referee, with a limit of three times per half. Injured players who have left the field for attention may re-enter at the discretion of the referee.

U11/U12 Age Divisions and below

Unlimited Substitutions shall be made with the consent of the referee at the following times: Both teams may substitute if players are at the center mark.

1. Prior to a throw-in in your favor 2. Prior to a goal kick by either team 3. After a goal by either team 4. A team may substitute for an injured player or players and the opponent may substitute a like number of players, when the referee stops play for an injury

5. At halftime.

506: Schedules

Section 1: Schedule Format – Round robin/double round robin league schedule will be written so that each team plays every other team once or twice (depending on the number of teams in the division). If additional games are needed to fill schedule, scheduler will look at similar competitive opponents based on geographic location in another division. Games may be scheduled for a neutral site to minimize travel.

Section 2: The League Director shall be responsible for establishing the calendar parameters for the WISL seasons

Section 3: League game count per division will be dependent upon the number of entries in each division.

Number of Games -The scheduled minimum number of games shall be 6.

Section 4: Teams sharing coaches-The league will coordinate schedules for a head coach of two teams to the best of our ability. Beyond that, we cannot guarantee game coordination.

Section 5: Neutral sites may be used and may provide:

Better options for referee scheduling

Better league management and oversight

507: Blackout Dates

Section 1: Blackout dates will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Section 2: Blackouts must be properly entered by each team during registration. Blackouts may be revised up until the blackout date deadline. At the start of the scheduling process, no further changes are allowed.

508: Match Locations

Section 1: It is preferred that each Member Club must provide one approved field for every three teams entered. The fields must be available for scheduling on the same day at the same time. The League Director will try to locate appropriate fields for clubs who do not meet this requirement. It will be the responsibility of the Team and or Club to contract and secure fields.

Section 2: All league matches will be played at the locations listed on the schedule that is posted on the web site.

Section 3: The League Director will locate and maintain a database of premier quality fields available for league matches.

509: Referees

Section 1: The Referee Assignors will ensure that all referees assigned WISL games are certified as required by the IRC and USSF.

Section 2: It is the responsibility of the Referee Assignors to ensure that only referees of the highest caliber are assigned matches played in the WCISL.

Section 3: It is the responsibility of each Member Team’s Head Coach to advise the League Director of all referees deemed inappropriate to referee matches of the caliber of play in the WCISL. The League Director will then meet with the Referee Assignor to investigate the report and confirm allegations and discuss the future use of the referee.

Section 4: The referees will officiate all matches in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game.

Section 5: The referees will be paid after the game report has been submitted to the ISA office. ISA will process referee payments, as per ISA accounting procedures, on the 15th and the last day of each month.

Section 6: The Referee Assignors will communicate with the League prior to the start of the seasonal year to determine the fees to be paid to referees.

Section 7: The League Director will assure that all teams pay an equal fee for referees within an age division.

PART VI

RECRUITING & TRYOUTS

601: ISL Recruiting Policy

Recruitment, or recruiting, is defined as any action initiated by a “Team Official” (coach, assistant coach, team manager/coordinator, trainer, or any person representing a team or club) who seeks to enlist the services of a player.

Section 1: Illegal recruitment is defined as the employment of any prohibited practice by a “Team Official”. These prohibited practices include:

a) Offering any inducement of material or monetary value to a player or player’s family.

b) Contact initiated by a club or club member to any player registered with another WISL club at any time throughout the seasonal year. (August 1- July 31)

c) Interference with a player once the player has signed a registration form and paid the fee to register with a team/club for the next seasonal year.

Section 2: Illegal recruitment does not include the following permitted practices:

a) Club Scholarship for families meeting requirements for such a scholarship.

b) Contact with a player for limited purpose of participating as a guest player with prior approval by the player’s primary coach.

602: Club Promotion

Section 1: Clubs may generally promote their selective/competitive programs and try-out procedures/events, in their respective WCISL age divisions, publicly in the following places:

a) Club Websites, ISA, Public Media, Schools, and libraries, Sports Stores, Public Bulletin Boards and Club Newsletters which are mailed to a Clubs Membership. Prior to distributing any promotional material at another clubs event, you must have written permission from that club.

Section 2: When a WISL player initiates contact, the club is at liberty to provide generic promotional material pertaining to program information.

603: Invites to Join your Club

Section 1: A player is considered registered to an Affiliate Member Club the moment the player, parent or guardian personally or electronically signs the affiliate member's registration form and submits a portion of, or the full amount of the fees required by the affiliate member club.

605: Guest Players

Section 1: Before approaching a player(s) who is not in your club and/or the player’s parents regarding an opportunity to guest play or dual participate, a designated club official must be contacted first and informed of the intent to contact the player and/or parents. The club official has the right to grant or refuse the player request to guest play.

606: Recruiting Violations

Section 1: Allegations of illegal recruiting are very serious and must be based on fact. A written report detailing the alleged violation, including the rules or policies violated and all documents and witnesses supporting the allegation must be submitted to the League Director.

a) First Violation – automatic $200 fine plus any further action by the League Committee

b) Second Violation – automatic $500 fine plus any further action by the League Committee

c) Third Violation – The club will be suspended from the league for a minimum of one year plus any further action by the League Committee.

PART VII DISCIPLINE & HEARING PROCEDURES

701: Discipline

Section 1: All matches will be played in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game except as amended in these rules and policies.

Section 2: All discipline involving an ejection of any head coach, assistant coach, trainer and/or spectator shall be forwarded to the League Director before 10:00pm the day of the match by the head referee. It is the responsibility of the referee to provide a written

report, with supporting reports from the assistant referees within 48 hours of the incident.

Section 3: All members are required to participate on hearing or discipline committees if requested.

702:Send-Off

Section 1: Any player receiving a red card must sit their next scheduled WISL match with the team they received the red card.

The sitting player must be brought to the attention of the Head Referee and notation made on the match report to the fact that the player sat the game.

Section 2: Any Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager receiving a send-off must sit the next scheduled WISL match for the team they received the card.

Any coach, assistant coach, manager or trainer that has been sent off is to leave the facility immediately.

Any coach, assistant coach, manager or trainer IS NOT allowed to be present at the field for his/her next scheduled game with the team he/she was given a send-off.

Any Member found violating this section, will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games or the remainder of the seasonal year, whichever is less.

The designated Coach of Record will advise the Head Referee that the coach, asst. coach, manager or trainer is sitting the send-off and verify that the offender is not present at the field.

Section 3: Any player, head coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager found to violate any rules or section of these rules will be brought in front of a Disciplinary Committee of three members designated by the League Director for a hearing.

Section 4: The League Director will convene a Disciplinary Committee, which will be comprised of the following members:

The League Director who will serve as mediator. (The League Director will not vote).

Three members from the League Committee designated as the "Hearing Committee". They may have no affiliation with the member(s) involved.

Section 5: Disciplinary Committee procedures

The committee may call any witness to speak at the hearing.

The alleged violator may call any witness to speak at the hearing.

After hearing all evidence presented, the Disciplinary Committee will make a determination of the discipline to be handed out.

Unless the violated rules have a specific punishment the Disciplinary Committee will determine the punishment, which may be any of the following:

o Verbal Warning/Written Warning. o Fine. o Suspension. o Removal from the league.

703: Protests

Section 1: Any team wishing to protest any contest must contact the League Director within four (4) hours after the end of the game to be protested. The protesting team will then have twenty-four (24) hours from the time of notification to present a written account of the protest to the League Director along with a check in the amount of $200.00.

The League Director upon being contacted that a match is being protested will arrange to meet with the protesting Head Coach and receive the written protest and protest fee of $200.00.

After receiving the written protest and fee, the League Director will set a hearing date, which cannot be more than five days from receipt of the written complaint.

The League Director will convene a Hearing Committee consisting of the; o The League Director who will serve as mediator. (The League Director will not vote). o Three members from the League Committee designated as the "Hearing Committee". They may have no affiliation

with the member(s) involved.

The Hearing Committee will listen to all facts surrounding the protest and render a decision.

After hearing the facts the Committee will decide to: o Uphold the protest.

o Deny the protest.

Section 2: If the Committee upholds the protest the League Director will decide when and where the game will be replayed. It is also the League Director’s responsibility to advise all the teams affected of the board’s decision and game reschedule.

Section 3: The Committee will then authorize the league to return the $200.00 protest fee check back to the protesting team.

Section 4: The findings of the Hearing Committee are final and no further protests are allowed.

704: Suspensions, Fines, Termination and Reinstatement

Section 1: Any member team failing to pay any fees due the WCISL shall be provided written notice of the delinquency by the ISA State Office. If those fees are not paid within 15 days after the date of the notice of delinquency, the delinquent team shall be suspended from further league play.

The League Director will then send a letter to the ISA requesting that the member team be placed in bad standing.

For the purposes of this League, bad standing shall be defined as the team/player/coach not being able to participate in an ISA/US Youth Soccer sanctioned or sponsored competition.

Section 2: The League Committee may suspend, fine or terminate or any combination thereof, the membership of any member and/or member team of the WISL if the League Committee determines that;

The conduct of the Member and/or Member Team is adverse to the best interests of soccer, the WCISL, the ISA or the USYSA.

The Member has not complied with the requirements of its membership.

Section 3: Any individual member that is placed in Bad Standing for actions relating to one team will be in Bad Standing for all teams he/she associated with within the WCISL.

Section 4: A Member team may be removed from the league upon a vote of the League Committee.

705: Procedures involving Suspensions, Fines, Termination and Reinstatement.

Section 1: Upon a determination of the Disciplinary Committee to Suspend, Fine or Terminate a Member the following procedure will apply:

The League Director will direct that a letter containing the specific reasons for the suspension, fine or termination be drafted.

The letter will contain the infraction, cite the applicable rule(s), date the suspension or termination begins, date the suspension or termination ends, the address any appeals can be mailed to, the amount of the fine (if applicable) and the date by which time the fine must be paid and the League Directors signature.

The letter will then be mailed to the affected member by Email, return receipt requested.

Upon return of the registered mail receipt the League Director shall keep the receipt for a period of at least one-year.

If after a period of seven (7) days a letter of appeal has not been received the League Director will direct that a letter be prepared advising the WCISL that the member and/or member team have been suspended, fined or terminated.

706: Procedures for Appeal of a Suspension, Fine or Termination

Section 1: Upon receipt of a letter of Suspension, Fine or Termination the affected member or in the case of a member team the designated Head Coach, shall have seven (7) days to file a Letter of Appeal.

The Letter of Appeal will contain a request for a hearing, the names and address of any witnesses that the member will produce at the hearing and a list of any and;

All evidence and/or documents he/she plans to produce at the hearing.

The member will then Email the letter, return receipt requested, to the League Director.

Upon receipt of a Letter of Appeal the League Director will forward the documents to the ISA Executive Director

The League Director will also designate a time and location for the hearing. The hearing may be conducted electronically by email or web meeting.

A letter advising the member of the Date, Time and Location of the Hearing will be sent to the Member within seven (7) days by Email, return receipt requested.

It will be incumbent upon the affected Member to advise any and all witnesses he/she wishes to produce at the hearing of the hearing date, time and location.

Section 2: The League Director will convene a Hearing Committee, which will be comprised of the following members:

The League Director who will serve as mediator. (The League Director will not vote).

Three members from the League Committee designated as the "Hearing Committee". They may have no affiliation with the member(s) involved.

Section 3: The Hearing Procedures will be as follows

The League Director will provide the hearing committee with any documentation or testimony supporting the Suspension, Fine or Termination no less than three days in advance of the hearing.

The hearing committee may request additional information prior to the start of the hearing.

The Member will then be allowed to present his/her evidence, testimony and/or documents which will support his/her position.

The Member will then be allowed to present his/her evidence, testimony and/or documents which will support his/her position.

All witness testimony will be limited to only the facts surrounding the reasons for the Suspension, Fine or Termination.

After the affected Member(s) have presented their case, the League Director will close the hearing.

Once the hearing has closed, the League Director will call for a vote from the members of the Hearing Committee.

The Hearing Committee Members may only vote to:

o Uphold the Suspension, Fine or Termination

o Modify the Suspension, Fine or Termination

o Overturn the Suspension, Fine or Termination

Section 4: The Decision of the Hearing Board is final and no other Appeals will be entertained.

Section 5: Within seven (7) days of the Hearing the League Director will send a letter by Email, return receipt requested, to the affected Member detailing the Hearing Boards decision.

Section 6: Within seven (7) days the League Director will send a letter to ISA advising them of the Hearing Boards decision and

reaffirm the Bad Standing Status or request that the Bad Standing Status be rescinded.

Section 7: The Hearing may be audio recorded.

707: Conflict of Interest

Any committee member with a conflict of interest with any interested parties in a hearing process with the league is required to inform the chair of the proceeding and excuse themselves from the proceedings immediately upon determining the conflict of interest.

PART VIII AMENDMENTS TO RULES

801: Proposing Amendments

Section 1: Any member in good standing with the league may propose any change to these rules and policies.

Section 2: All proposals for changes must be received by the League Director in writing no later than thirty days prior to any scheduled meeting.

Section 3: Any proposed rule or policy change that passes a vote of the membership will become effective immediately unless otherwise stated.