MISO
Major Island Soccer Organization
Rules and Regulations
Revised January 2011
SECTION I: GENERAL
A. All Major Island Soccer Organization (MISO) games shall be played under the current “Laws of the Game” published by FIFA and Hawaii Soccer Association (HSA) rules, policies and procedures, subject to the following MISO Rules and Regulations. In the event FIFA, HSA and MISO Rules and Regulations do not addresses any MISO issue, MISO in its sole discretion shall make those determinations.
B. It is the responsibility of the participating club/team to become familiar with the FIFA, HSA and MISO rules.
SECTION II: TEAMS/CLUBS
A. Adult Divisions shall be gender restricted. Since MISO offers opportunities for both Men’s and Women’s Leagues, MISO welcomes everyone to join member teams/clubs, but respective leagues will be closed for participation to the other gender.
B. Team rosters shall consist of not more than twenty-five (25) registered players.
C. Teams will be allowed to place up to three (3) players on the Injury Reserve List (see Sec VII – E)
D. Team application and season fees shall be as determined by the MISO BOD.
E. Teams must meet the season payment deadlines set forth by the League (deadlines are usually set at pre-season meetings).
F. Clubs/Teams shall be considered in bad standing and shall not be allowed to participate in League, Open Cup competition or Play-Offs until payments are up to date.
G. Each member of the team must be registered with one (1) Organization club only, within the same age division.
H. Each team must submit to MISO, before the respective season deadline, the following:
1. Team name and colors.
2. All respective forms and monies
a. Late payments or deadlines missed will be assessed a $50 late fee.
b. All returned checks will be assessed a $20 service fee.
I. Any teams wishing to be recognized by the League as affiliated within a club in MISO must complete and submit a Club Affiliation form to be recognized by the League.
J. Affiliated Club Teams shall have no restrictions in the number of players they transfer between the affiliated teams during the “Off Season” period. “Off-Season” is defined as the period between the culmination of one season and the start time of the next. The M35+, Masters and W1 Divisions consist of two (2) seasons per registration year. MISO Div I, II and III consist of one (1) season per registration year. During the course of the season, affiliated Club Teams must follow the same rules that apply to all other teams (Sec. lX-C-2).
K. If one of the affiliated teams in a club owes fees or fines to the league, the other affiliated team will be held responsible as well. The club will be held responsible for all teams under its direction.
SECTION III: LEAGUE ADMISSION & FEE
New teams seeking admission into MISO shall first complete and turn in to MISO a MISO Team Application Form, along with a $300 deposit. Teams accepted into MISO shall pay an admission fee of $300; to be paid only the first year such team joins the Organization, provided such team remains a in the league.
SECTION IV: AGE & GENDER DIVISIONS
MISO offers various age and gender restricted Divisions (some variations of the Rules may apply to each Division). Players under the age of 18 must have their HSA registration forms and all other legal forms, signed by their parents or legal guardian and are responsible to secure all paperwork if required by their respective youth affiliation organizations (i.e. USYSA Permission to play in an adult league, etc.)
The age restrictions are as follows:
Juniors - Boys and Girls U-11 thru U-19 (see MJL Rules)
Division I - Men’s Open
Division II - Men’s Open
Division III - Men’s Open
W1 - Women’s Open Division 1
M35+ - Men’s 35 and over
Masters - Men’s 45 and over
Ages for the M35+ and Masters Divisions are based on the year of birth. All players turning 35 or 45 during the current year, are eligible as of January 1 to play on those age restricted Divisions.
SECTION V: PLAYERS
A. An Active Player is a HSA registered player listed on a team's current MISO roster. To be active he/she must be registered on the roster at least a week (7 days) before a schedule game.
B. An Inactive Player is a player currently registered with HSA but not listed on any MISO roster.
C. Only Active Players on teams registered with MISO will be eligible to participate in MISO games.
D.
A. Short Season: An Active Player released from a team's Roster becomes an Inactive Player at the time the modified Roster is submitted. This player may NOT be reinstated with the releasing team within the same season but may be reinstated with another league team within that particular season according to league rulings.
B. Long Season: An Active Player released from a team's Roster becomes an Inactive Player at the time the modified Roster is submitted. This player may NOT be reinstated with the releasing team within two (2) months of the date the player is released, but may be signed with another league team within that particular season according to league rulings.
E. A registered member of the League will be allowed to play and coach on separate teams.
Any suspensions or changes in status of such player/coach shall affect both teams. Only games for the team on which the suspension was incurred shall count toward the suspension although the player/coach shall not participate on either team until after the last day the suspension has been served.
F. Any player with a Professional status must first be reinstated as an Amateur thru USSF, prior to participating in any MISO games. Proof of reinstatement must be submitted to MISO. Allowances may be made by MISO under the approval of US Soccer for professionals participating during the off-season of their Pro League. Professional players may not receive any type of remuneration for their participation within MISO teams or clubs.
SECTION VI: COACHES & MANAGERS
A. An Active Coach or Manager is a HSA registered coach or manager listed on a team's current MISO roster.
B. Only Active Coaches / Managers will be eligible to participate in MISO games.
C. Coaches may be registered to coach on more than one team.
D. MISO may deny any person with a history of disciplinary issues with the League, Association or other Leagues, from becoming a Coach or Manager in the League. Coaches and Managers must be able to lead by example.
E. The usage of electronic equipment (phones, two way radios, etc.) as a coaching devise is prohibited by suspended players, coaches, managers, etc.
SECTION VII: ROSTERS
A Roster is defined as a list not to exceed 25 active players registered in MISO according to HSA rulings. The Roster submitted to the league shall include all Active Players registered to participate in MISO for a particular season. Any alterations to the Roster must be submitted a week prior to the next scheduled game.
A. The Roster submitted to the league shall include all Active Players and Active Coaches/Managers/Medical personnel registered to participate in MISO for a particular season.
B. No team shall have more than twenty-five (25) players registered to play on itsofficial MISO game card.
C. Any player listed on the official MISO game card shall be considered as having played under the name and shirt number as listed. The accuracy of the player entries on the official MISO game card is the responsibility of the team administrators (coaches and managers). The penalty for infraction may include forfeiture, fines, probation, or suspension at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
D. Failure to cooperate with a reasonable request to substantiate the legitimacy of any player who has played in a particular game shall result in a Disciplinary Committee investigation and hearing, and may result in forfeiture, fines, probation, and/or suspension at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
E. No team shall have more than three (3) players on the Injured Reserve List at any given time. Before a player may be placed on the injured reserve list, the team must submit to the League a written statement from a medical doctor describing the player’s injury. Such players may not be reinstated into the active roster within one (1) month of being placed in Injury Reserve. When reinstating, player must wait one (1) week before being eligible.
SECTION VIII: REGISTRATIONS
A. HSA Registrations of players and teams shall be valid for one (1) seasonal year (September. 1 – August 31)
B. Player and team’s registrations must be submitted prior to the MISO established deadline, including all monies due, forms, pictures and players’ passes.
C. Teams must submit along with the hard copies of registrations, the electronic copies of their rosters to MISO by established date set forth by the league at the AGM and/or Bi-Annual General Meeting.
D. Any player or coach not registered on a team’s active roster a week (7 days) prior to the game cannot play or coach in that game.
E. Players and Coaches/Managers must register before the start of the season by the stated due date set forth by the league during the Annual General Meeting or Bi-annual General Meeting.
F. All signatures must be original. Any team or player found guilty of forging a signature will be severely penalized at the discretion of MISO.
G. Signatures on registration form and player’s card must match.
H. Any team that allows a non-registered player to participate will forfeit that game.
I. No registrations will be accepted during the last month (4 weeks) of the Regular Season or Playoffs. For teams playing a “compact season”, the Registration deadline will be five (5) games from the end of their Regular Season
J. Registration is revocable by action of the Board. Any action by a player or a team that is judged in conflict with the objectives, rules and / or regulations of MISO is grounds for revocation.
K. HSA players’ passes/cards are property of the players. Team Managers/Coaches must release passes to the players upon request. Teams not complying will be fined $10 per pass/card not released.
L. Teams not meeting the registration deadlines will be penalized three (3) points from the standings at the start of the season.
SECTION IX: PLAYER RELEASE AND TRANSFER
M. Any player released for disciplinary (or misconduct) reasons may be subject to MISO Sanctions before transferring to another team.
N. All player releases and transfers are required to be completed according to MISO Rules and Regulations.
O.
1. Short Season: A player may transfer teams once during a season. A transfer form, which must be signed by the player and the coaches / managers of the teams involved, must be submitted to the league. A maximum of 3 players will be allowed to transfer from one team to another. Off-season transfers are also limited to 3 players from one team to another, unless it is within a Club.
2. Long Season: For long seasons,player may transfer teams twice during a season. A transfer form, which must be signed by the player and the coaches/managers of the teams involved, must be submitted to the league. A maximum of 3 players will be allowed to transfer from one team to another per round (half-season). During the winter and summer breaks (between rounds), transfers are also limited to 3 players from one team to another, unless it is within declared affiliated teams in a Club.
P. No transfers will be allowed during the last month of the Regular Season or Playoffs. For teams playing a “compact season”, the Transfer deadline will be five (5) games from the end of their Regular Season.
SECTION X: RULES FOR THE GAMES
The rules as listed in the last edition of the Federation Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) Laws of the Game and Universal Guide for Referees shall be adhere to with these exceptions:
A. A completed roster and players’ passes must be presented to the referee before each game.
B. There shall be no limit to the number of substitutions by a team during a league game and a replaced player may re-enter the game as a substitute for any other player.
C. Substitution by a team shall be unlimited but only at the following times:
1. Prior to a throw-in, by the team in possession only. Once team with possession agrees to substitute, the other team may substitute as well.
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team.
3. After a goal is scored by either team.
4. After play has been stopped for injury by either team.
5. At half time.
D. The game duration shall consist of two 45-minute halves played with a size 5 ball.
E. The half-time interval shall not exceed ten (10) minutes.
F. In the event that a game must provide a winner, and at the culmination of such the score is tied, the game shall go on to Over Time (unless otherwise stated in the competition rules).
1. The Over Time shall consist of two (2) equal halves of 10 minutes played in its entirety.
2. If the game remains tied after the two Over Time periods, the game will be decided via a penalty shoot-out according to FIFA rulings.
G. Games suspended by the referee because of player or spectator violence must be reported directly to the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee shall decide if the score at the time of the suspension shall stand, or if the game should be replayed. The Disciplinary Committee will make any other decision, which may be deemed necessary under the circumstances.
H. Agreement to play an unscheduled game establishes compliance with any and all League rulings.
SECTION XI: FANS & SPECTATORS and TECHNICAL AREA
Fans and spectators will have to place themselves in the opposite sideline from the team’s technical area. Only registered players, coaches, managers, trainers, etc with the participating teams are allowed on the team’s technical area. A maximum of four (4) registered non-players (coaches/managers, etc.) will be allowed in the teams’ technical areas. Suspended and/or ejected players are not allowed in the technical areas.
SECTION XII: FORFEITS
Forfeits will not be tolerated. A $150 fine will be imposed to all teams forfeiting a game, and a $500 fine will be imposed to all teams forfeiting a championship game. After the second forfeit, a team may be further fined and suspended for the remainder of the season and may have their MISO membership revoked. The team in question would have to apply for membership as a new team for the following season and incur all the costs and normal considerations associated with a new membership.
A. If a teamknows ahead of time of a future forfeit, it shall immediately submit notice to the MISO in writing and include reasonable explanation. If done at least two (2) weeks before the schedule game, fine may be reduced.
B. If the game is not played, the forfeiting team shall lose by a score of 0-3. The winning team shall also be awarded 50% of the forfeit fine.
C. If the game is played and the cause of the forfeiture is discovered later, the forfeiting team shall abide by these rules.
1. If it loses by a goal differential of three (3) or more, the game shall stand. Otherwise the score shall be recorded as 3-0.
2. If it wins, the goals scored by the forfeiting team shall be recorded as zero (0); the score for the other team, provided it is also not forfeiting and it is not less than three (3), shall stand. If the non-forfeiting team’s score is less than three (3), it shall be recorded as three (3)
3. If a tie exists, the forfeiting team shall have its goals nullified, its score being recorded as zero (0). The opposing team’s score shall stand as long as it is not less than three (3). If the non-forfeiting team’s score is less than three (3), it shall be recorded as three (3)
4. Forfeiture time shall be 15 minutes after the official game time (FIFA).
D. No team shall purposely forfeit or throw a game to gain advantage in the standings or to impede another team from advancing. This will be considered game fixing, and any team(s) found by the Disciplinary Committee to be guilty of such acts will be punished by the MISO and may face suspension up to expulsion from the League.
SECTION XIII: SCHEDULE
A. The official playing year shall begin on September 1, and end on August 31, of the following year.
B. The schedule of games shall include a list of teams, days, times and fields, as well as indicating Home team (team listed first), and team colors.
C. The schedule shall be finalized at least one (1) week prior to the start of each season.
D. The following steps must be taken when attempting to re-schedule a league game.
1. A team administrator must obtain approval to re-schedule the game from the other team’s official administrator before making any re-scheduling arrangements. The other team’s official has the right to refuse the reschedule on the sole basis of a team’s non-conforming to the procedures stated here.
2. Game changes must be made at least two(2) weeks in advance of the scheduled game. The team administrator must notify MISO and referee assignor.
3. A $20 “re-schedule” fee must be submitted to the league, no later than the date of the original scheduled game.
4. The date of a “re-scheduled” game must be submitted to the President and referee assignor within two weeks of canceled game, but no later than two weeks prior the new date.
SECTION XIV: POSTPONEMENTS
Request for game postponements may be issued for necessary / urgent matters only. A written explanation must accompany the request. Requests are not guaranteed to be accepted. If request is accepted, requesting team must follow same steps as Section XIII, Article D (1-4).
SECTION XV: OFFICIALS
A. MISO will submit to Hawaii State Referee Association (HSRA) MISO’s modified FIFA rules. HSRA will provide these rules to officials upon request.
B. No official connected, in any way, to a team shall officiate (center or line) games for that team, unless such referee is approved by both teams in writing on the official MISO game card prior to the game being played.
C. The referee shall be the sole judge on the field of play and his or her decisions shall be final. No protest based on “referee judgment” shall be allowed.
D. Any complaints regarding referees shall be directed in writing to the MISO BOD.
E. In the event that the referee fails to appear, a certified referee may be appointed with the mutual agreement of both teams. Signature on the official MISO game card by the official administrators for both teams shall constitute acceptance of the appointed referee.
F. All referees must have a current USSF Referee License. The three (3) Referee System (diagonal system) shall be used for all games. The two (2) Referee System is prohibited. Should one referee fail to appear or be unable to continue, a club linesman shall be appointed by and at the Referee’s discretion as a replacement. Should two (2) referees fail to appear or be unable to continue, two (2) club linesmen shall be appointed by and at the Referee’s discretion. But regardless of whether the Referee chooses to use club linesmen or not, the two (2) whistle system will not be used.
G. The Referee on the field must be a minimum of fourteen (14) years of age.
SECTION XVI: GAME STOPPAGE AND DELAYS
A. If for any reason a game is not played or is not completed, MISO shall decide the standing of the game depending upon the reason for the game stoppage.
B. The MISO Disciplinary Committee may reschedule the game, order the game to stand as played, order remaining time to be played off at a later date, or order such other action depending upon the circumstances as they are determined to be proper.
C. All games shall start at their scheduled time and the delay of a game for any reason shall not extend the start of the following game past the grace period for the following game.
D. The grace period shall be fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled game time.
E. A team must start a game with a minimum of seven (7) players in good standing, who are registered to that team. The players must be on the field ready to play at the end of the grace period or forfeit the game.
F. It shall be the responsibility of the Referee to start the game on time and he/she shall be the judge of the tardiness of teams with will be determined by a cell phone Universal Time.
G. The Referee shall check the Player Passes of the team in attendance and follow the normal procedure before the absent team shall be subjected to forfeiture.
H. The Referee may terminate or suspend the game, but only the MISO Disciplinary Committee may determine a match to be a forfeit by one or both teams.
I. It is mandatory for each team to provide a Referee / AR to the league. MISO, in conjunction with HSRA, will organize referee clinics when needed, and will pay for such when funds are available. Teams not in compliance will be fined
SECTION XVII: MEETINGS
Meetings attendance is mandatory. A $50 fine will be assessed to each team for meetings unattended.
SECTION XVIII: PERFORMANCE BOND
Each team will deposit a $100 Performance Bond. Any and all fines will be levied against such bond, and at the end of the season, the residual money will be credited towards the following season’s Bond.
SECTION XIX: DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND COMMITTEE
A. The Disciplinary Committee shall be composed of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) members.
B. The Committee may meet to discuss any multiple games sanctions that it shall determine in its sole discretion. The team Rep of the affected team shall be notified of the time and location of the meeting. It is the team Rep’s responsibility to ensure representation at such meeting to defend their case. Once the Committee reaches a decision, it will be final. There will be no further appeals made to MISO.
C. All suspensions and disciplinary actions will be posted within 72 hours on the website (islandsoccer.com). It is the team’s responsibility to keep track of their players’ cards count and suspensions. Any team playing a suspended player will forfeit the game and be fined $150.
D. Any player, coach or manager serving a multiple games suspension in any MISO Division (Open, Juniors, Masters, Over 35, W1, Cup competition, etc) shall be served in the same Division that the player, coach or manager committed the act that resulted in the suspension. In the event that such player, coach or manager is also registered with another MISO team and the said suspension cannot be served in that Division’s pending season, The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to apply the suspension to other MISO Divisions.
E. Any player, coach or manager serving a multiple games suspension in any MISO Division (Open, Juniors, Masters, Over 35, W1, Cup competition, etc) due to violent conduct, shall be restricted from participating in any MISO games, regardless of division, until the suspension has been fully served in the same Division that the player, coach or manager committed the act that resulted in the suspension. In the event that such player, coach or manager is also registered with another MISO team and the said suspension cannot be served in that Division’s pending season, The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to apply the suspension to other MISO Divisions.
F. Racial and/or ethnic insults will not be tolerated. Players found guilty of such will be issued with a 5 games suspension and a $30 fine.
G. Ejected and suspended players or coaches may not sit on the team’s sideline or coach. They must sit on the spectators’ side or leave the premises.
H. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all City and County of Honolulu parks. Any player caught consuming alcoholic beverages will be issued a 3 games suspension and a $30 fine.
I. Yellow Cards (short seasons)
1. 3 Yellow Card = 1 Game Suspension and no fine minimum.
2. 6 Yellow Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $15 fine minimum.
3. 8 Yellow Cards = 3 Games Suspension and a $25 fine minimum.
4. The penalty for all yellow cards after 8 will be decided upon by the Disciplinary Board and may include suspension for the remaining season and a $50.00 fine.
J. Yellow Cards (long seasons)
1. 3 Yellow Card = 1 Game Suspension and no fine minimum.
2. 6 Yellow Cards = 1 Game Suspension and no fine minimum.
3. 9 Yellow Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $20 fine minimum.
4. 10 Yellow Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $25 fine minimum
5. The penalty for all yellow cards after 10 will be decided upon by the Disciplinary Board and may include suspension for the remaining season and a $50.00 fine
K. Red Cards. (short season) 1. 1 Red Card = 1 Game Suspension and a $15 fine minimum.
2. 1 Red Card Referee Abuse (oral, physical or publicly) = 3 Game Suspension and a $20 fine minimum
3. 1 Red Card Violent Foul = 3 Games and a $25 fine minimum.
4. 2 Red Cards = 3 Games Suspension and a $30 fine minimum.
5. 3 Red Cards = 5 Game Suspension or Reminder of Season, whichever is greater, and a $50 fine.
L. Red Cards. (long season)
1. 1 Red Card = 1 Game Suspension and a $15 fine minimum.
2. 1 Red Card Referee Abuse (oral, physical or publicly) = 3 Game Suspension and a $20 fine minimum
3. 1 Red Card Violent Foul = 3 Games and a $25 fine minimum.
4. 2 Red Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $20 fine minimum.
5. 3 Red Cards = 3 Game Suspension and a $30 fine minimum.
6. 4 Red Cards = 5 Game Suspension or Reminder of Season, whichever is greater, and a $50 fine
M. Violent Conduct.
The Disciplinary Committee will review any incident involving violent conduct such as but not limited to; fighting, striking, intent to strike or any conduct that inflicts injury. Factors the Disciplinary Committee may consider include (1) degree of any injury, (2) intent to injure, (3) whether the player, coach or manager was the instigator, retaliator or neither, (4) whether a weapon or physical object was used, (5) whether the player, coach or manager has a history of abusive/violent conduct, and (6) any HSA guidelines
N. Any player entering or leaving the field during an altercation or possibility of such will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games and subject to a $25.00 - $50.00 fine.
O. Any player, coach or manager who repeatedly and/or unreasonably abuses (orally, physically or publicly) a referee or league official may cause his or her team to be fined, suspended and/or lose team points in addition to the issuance of any game suspensions arising out of any red card issued for abuse of referee.
P. When any player verbally or physically threatens to assault a Referee, assistant or an official of the League or Association, on or off the field, such player shall automatically be suspended for a period of at least six month from the time of the assault. The player shall be fined an amount to be determined by the League.
Q. When any player physically assaults a Referee, assistant referee or any official of the League or Association, on or off the field, such player shall automatically be suspended for a period of one (1) year from the time of such assault. The player shall be fined an amount to be determined by the League ($100 - $500).
R. If circumstances in either of the above warrant a longer suspension, the League Disciplinary Committee shall make a recommendation for a longer term to the League’s Board of Directors; the Board may also impose a longer suspension at its discretion.
S. Any fan that engages in violent conduct during a game may cause the team the fan is associated with to be fined and/or lose team points.
T. Any team causing the termination of a game will forfeit the game regardless of the score at the time of termination.
U. All suspensions are effective immediately upon issue. Suspensions must be fully served prior to participating in any game(s), unless otherwise stated (refer to Sec. XIX, C).
V. In the event that a game, for which a player or coach was suspended, is postponed or re-scheduled, that game will count towards the suspension and the player or coach will have to serve such suspension when the game is re-scheduled.
W. Yellow and Red cards accumulated during the season will not carry over into Play-Offs. However if a suspension has been issued and not fully served by the end of the season, then such suspension will carry into the Play-Offs
X. Yellow and Red cards issued during League play will be kept separate from those issued during Cup games (i.e. Robledo Cup). However at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee, a multiple game suspension may affect both competitions simultaneously.
Y. Suspensions carrying over from a previous season will be applied to all future games (League & Cup) until the suspension is fully served.
SECTION XX: PROBATIONS
Any Player or Team violating the League’s Rules may be placed on probation. Players or Teams serving a minimum of six (6) months suspension will automatically be placed on probation. The probation period shall not be less than double that of the suspension period. Players or Teams violating the terms of their probations are subject to further sanctions by MISO.
SECTION XXI: LEAGUE EXPULSION
The Board of Directors may deny or expel a Team’s or Club’s admittance to MISO based on the Team’s or Club’s violation of MISO, State or National Association, or other organizational rules, or due to excessive disciplinary problems caused by members of the Team or Club including, but not limited to, the administrators, players or spectators.
ECTION XXII: TEAM’S WITHDRAW, DISBANDMENT & EXPULSION
In the event that a team is to withdraw, disband or be expelled from the League after the commencement of the season, the following criteria will be used with the games played and standings:
1. If such occurs during the course of a round (1st, 2nd or 3rd), all games played in such round shall be nullified.
2. If such occurs after a round has been completed, all games from the completed round shall stand.
3. No refunds of League or registrations fees will be given to any team withdrawing, disbanding or being expelled.
4. All players, coaches and managers will be held responsible for all monies owed to the League if and when their respective team(s) should withdraw, disband or be expelled.
SECTION XXIII: COLLECTION OF FINES
A. MISO will not be responsible for collection of a fine(s) incurred by a player, unless one of the following occurs:
1. The player does not return to the team on which the fine was incurred.
2. The team on which the fine was incurred does not allow the player to participate until such fine(s) has been paid.
B. In these situations only, MISO may become involved in the collection of fines. The League must receive notification of outstanding fines within two (2) weeks from the close of the season in which the fine was incurred.
C. In the situation where the team allows the player to participate without payment of fines owed, the team will be wholly responsible for outstanding fines and will have forfeited MISO involvement.
SECTION XXIV: APPEALS
Appeals of MISO decisions must be submitted in writing to the MISO President by an official team administrator within 72 hours of the challenged decision. A $50.00 deposit must accompany the appeal. The deposit will be refunded only if MISO finds in favor of the defendant. Once MISO comes to a decision on the appeal, it will be final. No further appeals to MISO will be allowed. Teams will be notified by email of the suspension that has been issued to their respective player(s). It will be sent by the end of the next day after the hearing.
A player or Team may further appeal any MISO decisions to HSA. Appeals to HSA must be submitted within a week (7 days) from MISO’s decision, and must be accompanied with a $25 deposit. The deposit will be refunded only if HSA finds in favor of the defendant.
SECTION XXV: UNIFORMS
Shorts and socks must be of the same color as the rest of the team. Team jerseys must be identical in color and design, and shall not have duplicated numbers. A same jersey or number cannot be used or shared by more than one player during a game. Players out of uniform will not be allowed to play. The league must first approve change of team uniform’s colors. In the event of a conflict of colors between teams, the home team must wear their primary color first. A $20 fine will be issued to the away team for wearing same or similar color as home team’s primary color.
SECTION XXVI: POINT SYSTEM AND TIE BREAKERS
A. Point System.
Win - 3 points
Tie - 1 point
Loss - 0 points
B. Tie Breakers.
1. Goal Differential
2. Goals Scored
3. Head-to-Head
4. Goal Differential in Head-to-Head (provided more than one [1] game was played)
5. If more than two (2) teams are involved, and teams are still tied after all previous tie breakers, then the
team with highest points and or goals from the games between the teams involved will win the tiebreaker.
6. Coin Toss
SECTION XXVII: PLAY-OFFS
A. Only those teams finishing in the pre-determined positions will qualify for the Play-Offs.
B. Teams that are behind in payments of their League fees or other may not be eligible for the Play-Offs.
C. In the event that a qualified team cannot participate, then the next team with the best record on the over-all standing would go in its place.
D. The format for Play-Offs shall be as follows
i. Four (4) Teams: Top team plays fourth (4th) team, while second (2nd) team plays third (3rd). Winners of each game will advance to the championship game.
ii. Six (6) Teams: Top two teams move straight into the semifinals. The other four teams will compete for the final two semifinals spots as follows: #3 –vs- #6 and #4 –vs- #5. The lowest ranked semifinalist (based on final season record) will face the top ranked team, while the other quarterfinal winner will face the second (2nd) top ranked team. Semifinal winners will advance to the championship game.
SECTION XXVIII: PROMOTION AND RELEGATION
A. The Division II and III Jack Sullivan Trophy winners (best over-all record) shall be promoted to the next upper Division (I & II) for the following scheduled season.
B. The bottom two finishers of Division I over-all standings shall play in the Promotion / Relegation Play-Offs with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the Division II over-all standings.
C. The bottom two finishers in Division II “over all standings” shall play in the Promotion / Relegation Play Off’s with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers of Division III “over all standings”.
D. The Promotion / Relegation Play-Off shall be played as a single Round Robin. The team with the most points shall be awarded with a place in Division I or II for the following scheduled season.
E. In the event a vacancy occurs in Div I or II, the 2nd place team from such Promotion / Relegation Play-Offs shall be awarded said vacancy for the following scheduled season.
F. Teams may not refuse promotion or relegation.
SECTION XXIX: USE OF MISO LOGO AND NAME
MISO must approve the use of the MISO logo and name including but not limited to use in tournaments, clinics, camps, events, and any promotion. Once approved, the organizers must follow the guidelines set by MISO.
SECTION XXX: TROPHIES AND AWARDS
All cups and trophies provided by or donated to MISO shall be awarded in competition. If cups and / or trophies are given to MISO for perpetual use, they shall be competed for each season. Cup and trophy winners shall be held responsible for the safety of such cup or trophy while it is in their care. Any repairs that are necessary when the cup or trophy is returned to MISO shall be charged to the team and / or team members returning the award. Perpetual trophies shall be returned to the League in good conditions one month before the culmination of the regular season or at any time MISO requests such trophy/cup. MISO reserves the right to deny any team the right to retain the perpetual trophies for an extended amount of time.
SECTION XXXI: MISO FAIR-PLAY AWARD
MISO will award $150.00 each season to the Div I & Div II teams with the best Fair-Play records (lowest negative points accumulated). The following point system will be used to determine the final results:
SECTION XXXII: SPONSORSHIP
Teams and players must respect any sponsorship to MISO. Teams and players in violation will be penalized.
SECTION XXXIII: LEAGUE SPONSORSHIP (Pending funds availability for such)
A. Criteria for teams.
1. Must be going to play in a HSA / USSF / FIFA soccer tournament out of state.
2. Must represent Hawaii and / or MISO in the tournament.
3. All team members are members of MISO.
4. All players must have been registered in MISO for at least one (1) year within the last three (3) years.
B. Reimbursement for teams.
1. MISO will pay the tournament fees, the amount not to exceed $200 per team.
2. Reimbursement is limited to one tournament per team per year.
C. Team Responsibility.
The team will be responsible to give MISO special assistance within one (1) year from date of event (i.e. help with MISO tournaments, field maintenance, etc.)
D. Criteria for Individuals.
1. Player(s) invited to try out for a USA National Soccer Team.
2. Player(s) must be a member of MISO for at least one (1) year.
E. Reimbursement for Individuals.
MISO will determine the dollar amount to be awarded.
F. Individual Responsibility.
The individual will be responsible to give assistance to MISO within one (1) year from date of event (i.e. put on a clinic, etc.)
SECTION XXXIV: CONSUMPTION OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
The consumption of alcoholic beverages and other illegal substances are prohibited at all public parks. Consumption of such may jeopardize the League’s fields’ permits. Those caught consuming illegal substances on the park premises will be punished in the same manner as a red-carded player. Repeated offenders will be punished in the same manner as those with multiple red cards.
Playing under the influence of illegal substances is not allowed. Those in violation will receive a three (3) games suspension as well as a $30 fine.
If a team knowingly allows a player under the influence to participate in a match, such team could be subject to a forfeit loss, monetary fine, suspension or all of the above.
Team Managers are responsible for the conduct of their team members.
Team Managers should report any incidents to either MISO Management or to any of the referees.
PLEASE HELP US PROTECT OUR FIELDS' PERMITS!
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL RULES for MISO MASTERS DIVISION
The MISO Masters’ Division is designed to provide a place for mature players (45 and over) to enjoy a competitive game of soccer, where dangerous and aggressive play is discouraged, with an emphasis on safety and camaraderie.
The following are some special Rules for the Masters’ Division:
1. No slide tackling – first time offense Yellow Card, second offense Red Card
2. Players Receiving Yellow Cards Must Sit Out 10 Minutes. Team will NOT be able to substitute the carded player.
3. Over 60 players (based on Year of Birth) must be distinguished by wearing yellow shorts (or other contrasting color in the event that the team’s uniform shorts’ color is already yellow). Players over 60 may earn two (2) points when scoring from the field (only 1 point for penalty kicks), ONLY if wearing yellow shorts. Otherwise, goals will count as one (1) point. Team Managers need to enforce the “Spirit of the Masters League” otherwise this issue will be revisited if 60-year-old players are getting fouled in the penalty area.
4. Over 60 players will not count towards the roster limit of 25.
5. In an attempt to balance the playing field, the bottom three (3) teams from the previous season, are allowed to pick up to three (3) players that will be turning 44 years during that particular year (new teams do not qualify). Those players will then be “grand-fathered” in, but may not transfer to any of the other top five (5) teams or teams that already have three (3) other players of their same age, until they qualify as a true 45+ player.
6. Five (5) Yellow Cards in the same season will result in a two (2) Games Suspension - $15.00 FINE
7. All other yellow cards after 5 will go before the Disciplinary Committee for additional penalization and fine.
8. Three (3) Red Cards in the same season will result in a minimum eight (8) Games Suspension, $50.00 fine and review of future eligibility by Team Managers or the MISO Disciplinary Committee.
9. New teams applying to enter into the MISO Masters must be composed of at least 50% of new players to the League.
SECTION I: GENERAL
A. All Major Island Soccer Organization (MISO) games shall be played under the current “Laws of the Game” published by FIFA and Hawaii Soccer Association (HSA) rules, policies and procedures, subject to the following MISO Rules and Regulations. In the event FIFA, HSA and MISO Rules and Regulations do not addresses any MISO issue, MISO in its sole discretion shall make those determinations.
B. It is the responsibility of the participating club/team to become familiar with the FIFA, HSA and MISO rules.
SECTION II: TEAMS/CLUBS
A. Adult Divisions shall be gender restricted. Since MISO offers opportunities for both Men’s and Women’s Leagues, MISO welcomes everyone to join member teams/clubs, but respective leagues will be closed for participation to the other gender.
B. Team rosters shall consist of not more than twenty-five (25) registered players.
C. Teams will be allowed to place up to three (3) players on the Injury Reserve List (see Sec VII – E)
D. Team application and season fees shall be as determined by the MISO BOD.
E. Teams must meet the season payment deadlines set forth by the League (deadlines are usually set at pre-season meetings).
F. Clubs/Teams shall be considered in bad standing and shall not be allowed to participate in League, Open Cup competition or Play-Offs until payments are up to date.
G. Each member of the team must be registered with one (1) Organization club only, within the same age division.
H. Each team must submit to MISO, before the respective season deadline, the following:
1. Team name and colors.
2. All respective forms and monies
a. Late payments or deadlines missed will be assessed a $50 late fee.
b. All returned checks will be assessed a $20 service fee.
I. Any teams wishing to be recognized by the League as affiliated within a club in MISO must complete and submit a Club Affiliation form to be recognized by the League.
J. Affiliated Club Teams shall have no restrictions in the number of players they transfer between the affiliated teams during the “Off Season” period. “Off-Season” is defined as the period between the culmination of one season and the start time of the next. The M35+, Masters and W1 Divisions consist of two (2) seasons per registration year. MISO Div I, II and III consist of one (1) season per registration year. During the course of the season, affiliated Club Teams must follow the same rules that apply to all other teams (Sec. lX-C-2).
K. If one of the affiliated teams in a club owes fees or fines to the league, the other affiliated team will be held responsible as well. The club will be held responsible for all teams under its direction.
SECTION III: LEAGUE ADMISSION & FEE
New teams seeking admission into MISO shall first complete and turn in to MISO a MISO Team Application Form, along with a $300 deposit. Teams accepted into MISO shall pay an admission fee of $300; to be paid only the first year such team joins the Organization, provided such team remains a in the league.
SECTION IV: AGE & GENDER DIVISIONS
MISO offers various age and gender restricted Divisions (some variations of the Rules may apply to each Division). Players under the age of 18 must have their HSA registration forms and all other legal forms, signed by their parents or legal guardian and are responsible to secure all paperwork if required by their respective youth affiliation organizations (i.e. USYSA Permission to play in an adult league, etc.)
The age restrictions are as follows:
Juniors - Boys and Girls U-11 thru U-19 (see MJL Rules)
Division I - Men’s Open
Division II - Men’s Open
Division III - Men’s Open
W1 - Women’s Open Division 1
M35+ - Men’s 35 and over
Masters - Men’s 45 and over
Ages for the M35+ and Masters Divisions are based on the year of birth. All players turning 35 or 45 during the current year, are eligible as of January 1 to play on those age restricted Divisions.
SECTION V: PLAYERS
A. An Active Player is a HSA registered player listed on a team's current MISO roster. To be active he/she must be registered on the roster at least a week (7 days) before a schedule game.
B. An Inactive Player is a player currently registered with HSA but not listed on any MISO roster.
C. Only Active Players on teams registered with MISO will be eligible to participate in MISO games.
D.
A. Short Season: An Active Player released from a team's Roster becomes an Inactive Player at the time the modified Roster is submitted. This player may NOT be reinstated with the releasing team within the same season but may be reinstated with another league team within that particular season according to league rulings.
B. Long Season: An Active Player released from a team's Roster becomes an Inactive Player at the time the modified Roster is submitted. This player may NOT be reinstated with the releasing team within two (2) months of the date the player is released, but may be signed with another league team within that particular season according to league rulings.
E. A registered member of the League will be allowed to play and coach on separate teams.
Any suspensions or changes in status of such player/coach shall affect both teams. Only games for the team on which the suspension was incurred shall count toward the suspension although the player/coach shall not participate on either team until after the last day the suspension has been served.
F. Any player with a Professional status must first be reinstated as an Amateur thru USSF, prior to participating in any MISO games. Proof of reinstatement must be submitted to MISO. Allowances may be made by MISO under the approval of US Soccer for professionals participating during the off-season of their Pro League. Professional players may not receive any type of remuneration for their participation within MISO teams or clubs.
SECTION VI: COACHES & MANAGERS
A. An Active Coach or Manager is a HSA registered coach or manager listed on a team's current MISO roster.
B. Only Active Coaches / Managers will be eligible to participate in MISO games.
C. Coaches may be registered to coach on more than one team.
D. MISO may deny any person with a history of disciplinary issues with the League, Association or other Leagues, from becoming a Coach or Manager in the League. Coaches and Managers must be able to lead by example.
E. The usage of electronic equipment (phones, two way radios, etc.) as a coaching devise is prohibited by suspended players, coaches, managers, etc.
SECTION VII: ROSTERS
A Roster is defined as a list not to exceed 25 active players registered in MISO according to HSA rulings. The Roster submitted to the league shall include all Active Players registered to participate in MISO for a particular season. Any alterations to the Roster must be submitted a week prior to the next scheduled game.
A. The Roster submitted to the league shall include all Active Players and Active Coaches/Managers/Medical personnel registered to participate in MISO for a particular season.
B. No team shall have more than twenty-five (25) players registered to play on itsofficial MISO game card.
C. Any player listed on the official MISO game card shall be considered as having played under the name and shirt number as listed. The accuracy of the player entries on the official MISO game card is the responsibility of the team administrators (coaches and managers). The penalty for infraction may include forfeiture, fines, probation, or suspension at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
D. Failure to cooperate with a reasonable request to substantiate the legitimacy of any player who has played in a particular game shall result in a Disciplinary Committee investigation and hearing, and may result in forfeiture, fines, probation, and/or suspension at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
E. No team shall have more than three (3) players on the Injured Reserve List at any given time. Before a player may be placed on the injured reserve list, the team must submit to the League a written statement from a medical doctor describing the player’s injury. Such players may not be reinstated into the active roster within one (1) month of being placed in Injury Reserve. When reinstating, player must wait one (1) week before being eligible.
SECTION VIII: REGISTRATIONS
A. HSA Registrations of players and teams shall be valid for one (1) seasonal year (September. 1 – August 31)
B. Player and team’s registrations must be submitted prior to the MISO established deadline, including all monies due, forms, pictures and players’ passes.
C. Teams must submit along with the hard copies of registrations, the electronic copies of their rosters to MISO by established date set forth by the league at the AGM and/or Bi-Annual General Meeting.
D. Any player or coach not registered on a team’s active roster a week (7 days) prior to the game cannot play or coach in that game.
E. Players and Coaches/Managers must register before the start of the season by the stated due date set forth by the league during the Annual General Meeting or Bi-annual General Meeting.
F. All signatures must be original. Any team or player found guilty of forging a signature will be severely penalized at the discretion of MISO.
G. Signatures on registration form and player’s card must match.
H. Any team that allows a non-registered player to participate will forfeit that game.
I. No registrations will be accepted during the last month (4 weeks) of the Regular Season or Playoffs. For teams playing a “compact season”, the Registration deadline will be five (5) games from the end of their Regular Season
J. Registration is revocable by action of the Board. Any action by a player or a team that is judged in conflict with the objectives, rules and / or regulations of MISO is grounds for revocation.
K. HSA players’ passes/cards are property of the players. Team Managers/Coaches must release passes to the players upon request. Teams not complying will be fined $10 per pass/card not released.
L. Teams not meeting the registration deadlines will be penalized three (3) points from the standings at the start of the season.
SECTION IX: PLAYER RELEASE AND TRANSFER
M. Any player released for disciplinary (or misconduct) reasons may be subject to MISO Sanctions before transferring to another team.
N. All player releases and transfers are required to be completed according to MISO Rules and Regulations.
O.
1. Short Season: A player may transfer teams once during a season. A transfer form, which must be signed by the player and the coaches / managers of the teams involved, must be submitted to the league. A maximum of 3 players will be allowed to transfer from one team to another. Off-season transfers are also limited to 3 players from one team to another, unless it is within a Club.
2. Long Season: For long seasons,player may transfer teams twice during a season. A transfer form, which must be signed by the player and the coaches/managers of the teams involved, must be submitted to the league. A maximum of 3 players will be allowed to transfer from one team to another per round (half-season). During the winter and summer breaks (between rounds), transfers are also limited to 3 players from one team to another, unless it is within declared affiliated teams in a Club.
P. No transfers will be allowed during the last month of the Regular Season or Playoffs. For teams playing a “compact season”, the Transfer deadline will be five (5) games from the end of their Regular Season.
SECTION X: RULES FOR THE GAMES
The rules as listed in the last edition of the Federation Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) Laws of the Game and Universal Guide for Referees shall be adhere to with these exceptions:
A. A completed roster and players’ passes must be presented to the referee before each game.
B. There shall be no limit to the number of substitutions by a team during a league game and a replaced player may re-enter the game as a substitute for any other player.
C. Substitution by a team shall be unlimited but only at the following times:
1. Prior to a throw-in, by the team in possession only. Once team with possession agrees to substitute, the other team may substitute as well.
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team.
3. After a goal is scored by either team.
4. After play has been stopped for injury by either team.
5. At half time.
D. The game duration shall consist of two 45-minute halves played with a size 5 ball.
E. The half-time interval shall not exceed ten (10) minutes.
F. In the event that a game must provide a winner, and at the culmination of such the score is tied, the game shall go on to Over Time (unless otherwise stated in the competition rules).
1. The Over Time shall consist of two (2) equal halves of 10 minutes played in its entirety.
2. If the game remains tied after the two Over Time periods, the game will be decided via a penalty shoot-out according to FIFA rulings.
G. Games suspended by the referee because of player or spectator violence must be reported directly to the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee shall decide if the score at the time of the suspension shall stand, or if the game should be replayed. The Disciplinary Committee will make any other decision, which may be deemed necessary under the circumstances.
H. Agreement to play an unscheduled game establishes compliance with any and all League rulings.
SECTION XI: FANS & SPECTATORS and TECHNICAL AREA
Fans and spectators will have to place themselves in the opposite sideline from the team’s technical area. Only registered players, coaches, managers, trainers, etc with the participating teams are allowed on the team’s technical area. A maximum of four (4) registered non-players (coaches/managers, etc.) will be allowed in the teams’ technical areas. Suspended and/or ejected players are not allowed in the technical areas.
SECTION XII: FORFEITS
Forfeits will not be tolerated. A $150 fine will be imposed to all teams forfeiting a game, and a $500 fine will be imposed to all teams forfeiting a championship game. After the second forfeit, a team may be further fined and suspended for the remainder of the season and may have their MISO membership revoked. The team in question would have to apply for membership as a new team for the following season and incur all the costs and normal considerations associated with a new membership.
A. If a teamknows ahead of time of a future forfeit, it shall immediately submit notice to the MISO in writing and include reasonable explanation. If done at least two (2) weeks before the schedule game, fine may be reduced.
B. If the game is not played, the forfeiting team shall lose by a score of 0-3. The winning team shall also be awarded 50% of the forfeit fine.
C. If the game is played and the cause of the forfeiture is discovered later, the forfeiting team shall abide by these rules.
1. If it loses by a goal differential of three (3) or more, the game shall stand. Otherwise the score shall be recorded as 3-0.
2. If it wins, the goals scored by the forfeiting team shall be recorded as zero (0); the score for the other team, provided it is also not forfeiting and it is not less than three (3), shall stand. If the non-forfeiting team’s score is less than three (3), it shall be recorded as three (3)
3. If a tie exists, the forfeiting team shall have its goals nullified, its score being recorded as zero (0). The opposing team’s score shall stand as long as it is not less than three (3). If the non-forfeiting team’s score is less than three (3), it shall be recorded as three (3)
4. Forfeiture time shall be 15 minutes after the official game time (FIFA).
D. No team shall purposely forfeit or throw a game to gain advantage in the standings or to impede another team from advancing. This will be considered game fixing, and any team(s) found by the Disciplinary Committee to be guilty of such acts will be punished by the MISO and may face suspension up to expulsion from the League.
SECTION XIII: SCHEDULE
A. The official playing year shall begin on September 1, and end on August 31, of the following year.
B. The schedule of games shall include a list of teams, days, times and fields, as well as indicating Home team (team listed first), and team colors.
C. The schedule shall be finalized at least one (1) week prior to the start of each season.
D. The following steps must be taken when attempting to re-schedule a league game.
1. A team administrator must obtain approval to re-schedule the game from the other team’s official administrator before making any re-scheduling arrangements. The other team’s official has the right to refuse the reschedule on the sole basis of a team’s non-conforming to the procedures stated here.
2. Game changes must be made at least two(2) weeks in advance of the scheduled game. The team administrator must notify MISO and referee assignor.
3. A $20 “re-schedule” fee must be submitted to the league, no later than the date of the original scheduled game.
4. The date of a “re-scheduled” game must be submitted to the President and referee assignor within two weeks of canceled game, but no later than two weeks prior the new date.
SECTION XIV: POSTPONEMENTS
Request for game postponements may be issued for necessary / urgent matters only. A written explanation must accompany the request. Requests are not guaranteed to be accepted. If request is accepted, requesting team must follow same steps as Section XIII, Article D (1-4).
SECTION XV: OFFICIALS
A. MISO will submit to Hawaii State Referee Association (HSRA) MISO’s modified FIFA rules. HSRA will provide these rules to officials upon request.
B. No official connected, in any way, to a team shall officiate (center or line) games for that team, unless such referee is approved by both teams in writing on the official MISO game card prior to the game being played.
C. The referee shall be the sole judge on the field of play and his or her decisions shall be final. No protest based on “referee judgment” shall be allowed.
D. Any complaints regarding referees shall be directed in writing to the MISO BOD.
E. In the event that the referee fails to appear, a certified referee may be appointed with the mutual agreement of both teams. Signature on the official MISO game card by the official administrators for both teams shall constitute acceptance of the appointed referee.
F. All referees must have a current USSF Referee License. The three (3) Referee System (diagonal system) shall be used for all games. The two (2) Referee System is prohibited. Should one referee fail to appear or be unable to continue, a club linesman shall be appointed by and at the Referee’s discretion as a replacement. Should two (2) referees fail to appear or be unable to continue, two (2) club linesmen shall be appointed by and at the Referee’s discretion. But regardless of whether the Referee chooses to use club linesmen or not, the two (2) whistle system will not be used.
G. The Referee on the field must be a minimum of fourteen (14) years of age.
SECTION XVI: GAME STOPPAGE AND DELAYS
A. If for any reason a game is not played or is not completed, MISO shall decide the standing of the game depending upon the reason for the game stoppage.
B. The MISO Disciplinary Committee may reschedule the game, order the game to stand as played, order remaining time to be played off at a later date, or order such other action depending upon the circumstances as they are determined to be proper.
C. All games shall start at their scheduled time and the delay of a game for any reason shall not extend the start of the following game past the grace period for the following game.
D. The grace period shall be fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled game time.
E. A team must start a game with a minimum of seven (7) players in good standing, who are registered to that team. The players must be on the field ready to play at the end of the grace period or forfeit the game.
F. It shall be the responsibility of the Referee to start the game on time and he/she shall be the judge of the tardiness of teams with will be determined by a cell phone Universal Time.
G. The Referee shall check the Player Passes of the team in attendance and follow the normal procedure before the absent team shall be subjected to forfeiture.
H. The Referee may terminate or suspend the game, but only the MISO Disciplinary Committee may determine a match to be a forfeit by one or both teams.
I. It is mandatory for each team to provide a Referee / AR to the league. MISO, in conjunction with HSRA, will organize referee clinics when needed, and will pay for such when funds are available. Teams not in compliance will be fined
SECTION XVII: MEETINGS
Meetings attendance is mandatory. A $50 fine will be assessed to each team for meetings unattended.
SECTION XVIII: PERFORMANCE BOND
Each team will deposit a $100 Performance Bond. Any and all fines will be levied against such bond, and at the end of the season, the residual money will be credited towards the following season’s Bond.
SECTION XIX: DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND COMMITTEE
A. The Disciplinary Committee shall be composed of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) members.
B. The Committee may meet to discuss any multiple games sanctions that it shall determine in its sole discretion. The team Rep of the affected team shall be notified of the time and location of the meeting. It is the team Rep’s responsibility to ensure representation at such meeting to defend their case. Once the Committee reaches a decision, it will be final. There will be no further appeals made to MISO.
C. All suspensions and disciplinary actions will be posted within 72 hours on the website (islandsoccer.com). It is the team’s responsibility to keep track of their players’ cards count and suspensions. Any team playing a suspended player will forfeit the game and be fined $150.
D. Any player, coach or manager serving a multiple games suspension in any MISO Division (Open, Juniors, Masters, Over 35, W1, Cup competition, etc) shall be served in the same Division that the player, coach or manager committed the act that resulted in the suspension. In the event that such player, coach or manager is also registered with another MISO team and the said suspension cannot be served in that Division’s pending season, The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to apply the suspension to other MISO Divisions.
E. Any player, coach or manager serving a multiple games suspension in any MISO Division (Open, Juniors, Masters, Over 35, W1, Cup competition, etc) due to violent conduct, shall be restricted from participating in any MISO games, regardless of division, until the suspension has been fully served in the same Division that the player, coach or manager committed the act that resulted in the suspension. In the event that such player, coach or manager is also registered with another MISO team and the said suspension cannot be served in that Division’s pending season, The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to apply the suspension to other MISO Divisions.
F. Racial and/or ethnic insults will not be tolerated. Players found guilty of such will be issued with a 5 games suspension and a $30 fine.
G. Ejected and suspended players or coaches may not sit on the team’s sideline or coach. They must sit on the spectators’ side or leave the premises.
H. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all City and County of Honolulu parks. Any player caught consuming alcoholic beverages will be issued a 3 games suspension and a $30 fine.
I. Yellow Cards (short seasons)
1. 3 Yellow Card = 1 Game Suspension and no fine minimum.
2. 6 Yellow Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $15 fine minimum.
3. 8 Yellow Cards = 3 Games Suspension and a $25 fine minimum.
4. The penalty for all yellow cards after 8 will be decided upon by the Disciplinary Board and may include suspension for the remaining season and a $50.00 fine.
J. Yellow Cards (long seasons)
1. 3 Yellow Card = 1 Game Suspension and no fine minimum.
2. 6 Yellow Cards = 1 Game Suspension and no fine minimum.
3. 9 Yellow Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $20 fine minimum.
4. 10 Yellow Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $25 fine minimum
5. The penalty for all yellow cards after 10 will be decided upon by the Disciplinary Board and may include suspension for the remaining season and a $50.00 fine
K. Red Cards. (short season) 1. 1 Red Card = 1 Game Suspension and a $15 fine minimum.
2. 1 Red Card Referee Abuse (oral, physical or publicly) = 3 Game Suspension and a $20 fine minimum
3. 1 Red Card Violent Foul = 3 Games and a $25 fine minimum.
4. 2 Red Cards = 3 Games Suspension and a $30 fine minimum.
5. 3 Red Cards = 5 Game Suspension or Reminder of Season, whichever is greater, and a $50 fine.
L. Red Cards. (long season)
1. 1 Red Card = 1 Game Suspension and a $15 fine minimum.
2. 1 Red Card Referee Abuse (oral, physical or publicly) = 3 Game Suspension and a $20 fine minimum
3. 1 Red Card Violent Foul = 3 Games and a $25 fine minimum.
4. 2 Red Cards = 2 Games Suspension and a $20 fine minimum.
5. 3 Red Cards = 3 Game Suspension and a $30 fine minimum.
6. 4 Red Cards = 5 Game Suspension or Reminder of Season, whichever is greater, and a $50 fine
M. Violent Conduct.
The Disciplinary Committee will review any incident involving violent conduct such as but not limited to; fighting, striking, intent to strike or any conduct that inflicts injury. Factors the Disciplinary Committee may consider include (1) degree of any injury, (2) intent to injure, (3) whether the player, coach or manager was the instigator, retaliator or neither, (4) whether a weapon or physical object was used, (5) whether the player, coach or manager has a history of abusive/violent conduct, and (6) any HSA guidelines
N. Any player entering or leaving the field during an altercation or possibility of such will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games and subject to a $25.00 - $50.00 fine.
O. Any player, coach or manager who repeatedly and/or unreasonably abuses (orally, physically or publicly) a referee or league official may cause his or her team to be fined, suspended and/or lose team points in addition to the issuance of any game suspensions arising out of any red card issued for abuse of referee.
P. When any player verbally or physically threatens to assault a Referee, assistant or an official of the League or Association, on or off the field, such player shall automatically be suspended for a period of at least six month from the time of the assault. The player shall be fined an amount to be determined by the League.
Q. When any player physically assaults a Referee, assistant referee or any official of the League or Association, on or off the field, such player shall automatically be suspended for a period of one (1) year from the time of such assault. The player shall be fined an amount to be determined by the League ($100 - $500).
R. If circumstances in either of the above warrant a longer suspension, the League Disciplinary Committee shall make a recommendation for a longer term to the League’s Board of Directors; the Board may also impose a longer suspension at its discretion.
S. Any fan that engages in violent conduct during a game may cause the team the fan is associated with to be fined and/or lose team points.
T. Any team causing the termination of a game will forfeit the game regardless of the score at the time of termination.
U. All suspensions are effective immediately upon issue. Suspensions must be fully served prior to participating in any game(s), unless otherwise stated (refer to Sec. XIX, C).
V. In the event that a game, for which a player or coach was suspended, is postponed or re-scheduled, that game will count towards the suspension and the player or coach will have to serve such suspension when the game is re-scheduled.
W. Yellow and Red cards accumulated during the season will not carry over into Play-Offs. However if a suspension has been issued and not fully served by the end of the season, then such suspension will carry into the Play-Offs
X. Yellow and Red cards issued during League play will be kept separate from those issued during Cup games (i.e. Robledo Cup). However at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee, a multiple game suspension may affect both competitions simultaneously.
Y. Suspensions carrying over from a previous season will be applied to all future games (League & Cup) until the suspension is fully served.
SECTION XX: PROBATIONS
Any Player or Team violating the League’s Rules may be placed on probation. Players or Teams serving a minimum of six (6) months suspension will automatically be placed on probation. The probation period shall not be less than double that of the suspension period. Players or Teams violating the terms of their probations are subject to further sanctions by MISO.
SECTION XXI: LEAGUE EXPULSION
The Board of Directors may deny or expel a Team’s or Club’s admittance to MISO based on the Team’s or Club’s violation of MISO, State or National Association, or other organizational rules, or due to excessive disciplinary problems caused by members of the Team or Club including, but not limited to, the administrators, players or spectators.
ECTION XXII: TEAM’S WITHDRAW, DISBANDMENT & EXPULSION
In the event that a team is to withdraw, disband or be expelled from the League after the commencement of the season, the following criteria will be used with the games played and standings:
1. If such occurs during the course of a round (1st, 2nd or 3rd), all games played in such round shall be nullified.
2. If such occurs after a round has been completed, all games from the completed round shall stand.
3. No refunds of League or registrations fees will be given to any team withdrawing, disbanding or being expelled.
4. All players, coaches and managers will be held responsible for all monies owed to the League if and when their respective team(s) should withdraw, disband or be expelled.
SECTION XXIII: COLLECTION OF FINES
A. MISO will not be responsible for collection of a fine(s) incurred by a player, unless one of the following occurs:
1. The player does not return to the team on which the fine was incurred.
2. The team on which the fine was incurred does not allow the player to participate until such fine(s) has been paid.
B. In these situations only, MISO may become involved in the collection of fines. The League must receive notification of outstanding fines within two (2) weeks from the close of the season in which the fine was incurred.
C. In the situation where the team allows the player to participate without payment of fines owed, the team will be wholly responsible for outstanding fines and will have forfeited MISO involvement.
SECTION XXIV: APPEALS
Appeals of MISO decisions must be submitted in writing to the MISO President by an official team administrator within 72 hours of the challenged decision. A $50.00 deposit must accompany the appeal. The deposit will be refunded only if MISO finds in favor of the defendant. Once MISO comes to a decision on the appeal, it will be final. No further appeals to MISO will be allowed. Teams will be notified by email of the suspension that has been issued to their respective player(s). It will be sent by the end of the next day after the hearing.
A player or Team may further appeal any MISO decisions to HSA. Appeals to HSA must be submitted within a week (7 days) from MISO’s decision, and must be accompanied with a $25 deposit. The deposit will be refunded only if HSA finds in favor of the defendant.
SECTION XXV: UNIFORMS
Shorts and socks must be of the same color as the rest of the team. Team jerseys must be identical in color and design, and shall not have duplicated numbers. A same jersey or number cannot be used or shared by more than one player during a game. Players out of uniform will not be allowed to play. The league must first approve change of team uniform’s colors. In the event of a conflict of colors between teams, the home team must wear their primary color first. A $20 fine will be issued to the away team for wearing same or similar color as home team’s primary color.
SECTION XXVI: POINT SYSTEM AND TIE BREAKERS
A. Point System.
Win - 3 points
Tie - 1 point
Loss - 0 points
B. Tie Breakers.
1. Goal Differential
2. Goals Scored
3. Head-to-Head
4. Goal Differential in Head-to-Head (provided more than one [1] game was played)
5. If more than two (2) teams are involved, and teams are still tied after all previous tie breakers, then the
team with highest points and or goals from the games between the teams involved will win the tiebreaker.
6. Coin Toss
SECTION XXVII: PLAY-OFFS
A. Only those teams finishing in the pre-determined positions will qualify for the Play-Offs.
B. Teams that are behind in payments of their League fees or other may not be eligible for the Play-Offs.
C. In the event that a qualified team cannot participate, then the next team with the best record on the over-all standing would go in its place.
D. The format for Play-Offs shall be as follows
i. Four (4) Teams: Top team plays fourth (4th) team, while second (2nd) team plays third (3rd). Winners of each game will advance to the championship game.
ii. Six (6) Teams: Top two teams move straight into the semifinals. The other four teams will compete for the final two semifinals spots as follows: #3 –vs- #6 and #4 –vs- #5. The lowest ranked semifinalist (based on final season record) will face the top ranked team, while the other quarterfinal winner will face the second (2nd) top ranked team. Semifinal winners will advance to the championship game.
SECTION XXVIII: PROMOTION AND RELEGATION
A. The Division II and III Jack Sullivan Trophy winners (best over-all record) shall be promoted to the next upper Division (I & II) for the following scheduled season.
B. The bottom two finishers of Division I over-all standings shall play in the Promotion / Relegation Play-Offs with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the Division II over-all standings.
C. The bottom two finishers in Division II “over all standings” shall play in the Promotion / Relegation Play Off’s with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers of Division III “over all standings”.
D. The Promotion / Relegation Play-Off shall be played as a single Round Robin. The team with the most points shall be awarded with a place in Division I or II for the following scheduled season.
E. In the event a vacancy occurs in Div I or II, the 2nd place team from such Promotion / Relegation Play-Offs shall be awarded said vacancy for the following scheduled season.
F. Teams may not refuse promotion or relegation.
SECTION XXIX: USE OF MISO LOGO AND NAME
MISO must approve the use of the MISO logo and name including but not limited to use in tournaments, clinics, camps, events, and any promotion. Once approved, the organizers must follow the guidelines set by MISO.
SECTION XXX: TROPHIES AND AWARDS
All cups and trophies provided by or donated to MISO shall be awarded in competition. If cups and / or trophies are given to MISO for perpetual use, they shall be competed for each season. Cup and trophy winners shall be held responsible for the safety of such cup or trophy while it is in their care. Any repairs that are necessary when the cup or trophy is returned to MISO shall be charged to the team and / or team members returning the award. Perpetual trophies shall be returned to the League in good conditions one month before the culmination of the regular season or at any time MISO requests such trophy/cup. MISO reserves the right to deny any team the right to retain the perpetual trophies for an extended amount of time.
SECTION XXXI: MISO FAIR-PLAY AWARD
MISO will award $150.00 each season to the Div I & Div II teams with the best Fair-Play records (lowest negative points accumulated). The following point system will be used to determine the final results:
- Yellow Card = -1 point
- Common Red Card = -4 points
- 2 Games Suspension Red Card = -7 points
- 3 Games Suspension Red Card = -10 points
- 5 Games Suspension Red Card = -12 points
- 8 Games Suspension Red Card = -15 points
- 8+ Games Suspension Red Card = -20 points
- Forfeits = -20 points
- Late payments, registrations or other = -5 points
SECTION XXXII: SPONSORSHIP
Teams and players must respect any sponsorship to MISO. Teams and players in violation will be penalized.
SECTION XXXIII: LEAGUE SPONSORSHIP (Pending funds availability for such)
A. Criteria for teams.
1. Must be going to play in a HSA / USSF / FIFA soccer tournament out of state.
2. Must represent Hawaii and / or MISO in the tournament.
3. All team members are members of MISO.
4. All players must have been registered in MISO for at least one (1) year within the last three (3) years.
B. Reimbursement for teams.
1. MISO will pay the tournament fees, the amount not to exceed $200 per team.
2. Reimbursement is limited to one tournament per team per year.
C. Team Responsibility.
The team will be responsible to give MISO special assistance within one (1) year from date of event (i.e. help with MISO tournaments, field maintenance, etc.)
D. Criteria for Individuals.
1. Player(s) invited to try out for a USA National Soccer Team.
2. Player(s) must be a member of MISO for at least one (1) year.
E. Reimbursement for Individuals.
MISO will determine the dollar amount to be awarded.
F. Individual Responsibility.
The individual will be responsible to give assistance to MISO within one (1) year from date of event (i.e. put on a clinic, etc.)
SECTION XXXIV: CONSUMPTION OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
The consumption of alcoholic beverages and other illegal substances are prohibited at all public parks. Consumption of such may jeopardize the League’s fields’ permits. Those caught consuming illegal substances on the park premises will be punished in the same manner as a red-carded player. Repeated offenders will be punished in the same manner as those with multiple red cards.
Playing under the influence of illegal substances is not allowed. Those in violation will receive a three (3) games suspension as well as a $30 fine.
If a team knowingly allows a player under the influence to participate in a match, such team could be subject to a forfeit loss, monetary fine, suspension or all of the above.
Team Managers are responsible for the conduct of their team members.
Team Managers should report any incidents to either MISO Management or to any of the referees.
PLEASE HELP US PROTECT OUR FIELDS' PERMITS!
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL RULES for MISO MASTERS DIVISION
The MISO Masters’ Division is designed to provide a place for mature players (45 and over) to enjoy a competitive game of soccer, where dangerous and aggressive play is discouraged, with an emphasis on safety and camaraderie.
The following are some special Rules for the Masters’ Division:
1. No slide tackling – first time offense Yellow Card, second offense Red Card
2. Players Receiving Yellow Cards Must Sit Out 10 Minutes. Team will NOT be able to substitute the carded player.
3. Over 60 players (based on Year of Birth) must be distinguished by wearing yellow shorts (or other contrasting color in the event that the team’s uniform shorts’ color is already yellow). Players over 60 may earn two (2) points when scoring from the field (only 1 point for penalty kicks), ONLY if wearing yellow shorts. Otherwise, goals will count as one (1) point. Team Managers need to enforce the “Spirit of the Masters League” otherwise this issue will be revisited if 60-year-old players are getting fouled in the penalty area.
4. Over 60 players will not count towards the roster limit of 25.
5. In an attempt to balance the playing field, the bottom three (3) teams from the previous season, are allowed to pick up to three (3) players that will be turning 44 years during that particular year (new teams do not qualify). Those players will then be “grand-fathered” in, but may not transfer to any of the other top five (5) teams or teams that already have three (3) other players of their same age, until they qualify as a true 45+ player.
6. Five (5) Yellow Cards in the same season will result in a two (2) Games Suspension - $15.00 FINE
7. All other yellow cards after 5 will go before the Disciplinary Committee for additional penalization and fine.
8. Three (3) Red Cards in the same season will result in a minimum eight (8) Games Suspension, $50.00 fine and review of future eligibility by Team Managers or the MISO Disciplinary Committee.
9. New teams applying to enter into the MISO Masters must be composed of at least 50% of new players to the League.
