*It is TCSL’s strong preference to prioritize 15U-19U matches to be played with three (3) certified referees.

Club Linespeople Responsibilities:

• Assist the Center Referee by indicating if the ball is in/out of play (the Referee will provide a flag to use);
• The Club Linesperson is NOT to call offside or assist with the calling of fouls.

RECRUITING POLICIES

It is the TCSL philosophy that player development occurs at the club level.

To that end, it is TCSL’s goal to provide a structured league environment for member clubs to participate in, so that clubs can develop their players to their highest potential. All participants are expected to hold themselves to a high standard at all times. Adult participants are expected to be role models AND LEADERS WITHIN THE SOCCER ENVIRONMENT.

5.2. Bound to Member Club

Players will be considered members of a club when they have finalized one of the following: 

1. Signed the club registration form, electronic or otherwise.
2. Paid a commitment fee to register for the upcoming season. 

A tryout fee does not register a player to a club, this is merely a fee to tryout.  

9U-11U players will be bound to the club from the 1st day of their registration (after July 25) through the first day of tryouts for the following soccer year. 

12U+ players will be bound to the club from the 1st day of their registration through the last day of TCSL play such as Final 4 championships. 

5.3. Player Transfer Process

Any player bound to a Member Club cannot transfer once registered to the Member Club except in exceptional circumstances. 

Such circumstances are:  

• A change of living location that makes it difficult to commute to current Club; or 

• A team that player registered for does not come to exist; or

• Both Clubs agree to any player transfer after a player is bound to a Member Club. 

Any disagreement regarding a player transfer will be resolved by the TCSL League Office. 

The Player Transfer Form will be used for player transfers and both Member Clubs must fill out and sign all parts.  

5.4.1. Player Contact Initiated by Adult 

Coaches and adults (including Club personnel, and parents of players) are not allowed to contact any players from another TCSL Club as long as the player(s) in question are bound to another Club.  

5.4.2. Contact Initiated by Player 

If a player initiates contact with a coach during regular season play, the coach must ask the player in writing if they are committed to another TCSL Club.  If so, then the player will be asked to inform their current Club in writing of their intent to try-out for another Club before any further action may be taken, and the current Club must agree in writing to said tryout or training.   

SEVERE WEATHER POLICY

5.1. Inclement Weather: General Guidelines

The safety of the players, coaches, management and spectators are of primary concern during any weather event that occurs during a match. The Referee has final say over delaying a game due to weather (with the exception of tournament events in most cases, where tournament administrators generally own this responsibility). Waiting to stop play may result in a serious injury or loss of life. Act responsibly when dealing with such events during all games.

To determine the distance of lightning in your area, count the number of seconds between the flash and the first sound of the thunder and divide by five. This will give you the distance in miles from your location. Remember, if you are in a higher elevation, the lightning can come upon you much quicker and your reaction time is greatly hindered.

1. When lightning is sighted within ten (10) miles of the venue, determine movement and status and begin making preparations for a potential delay in the game.
2. When lightning is sighted within six (6) miles of the venue, stop the game immediately and clear the field and stands regardless of time played in the match. Lightning can strike at any time without warning within this proximity. Wait at least thirty (30) minutes after the last lightning strike to resume play. Agreement must be reached between teams and the Referee whether the game is to be abandoned at its current stage. Under no circumstances should the potential outcome of the match be a deciding factor whether a match shall continue in unsafe conditions.
3. Spectators should be encouraged to leave any stadium stands or like seating areas and they should move into a protected area as quickly as possible when lightning is within five (5) miles of the venue. The structure/stands will act as a potential lightning rod for the storm and create much danger for those in the immediate area.
4. If severe weather warning is issued during a game, determine vicinity to venue and prepare to delay the game. It is vital to know your exact location to be able to take immediate actions should conditions warrant it.
5. Be sure to send all players, coaches, and spectators to their vehicles – nobody shall be on or near the fields or lights.
6. Be smart when dealing with potential weather threats.

5.2. Inclement Weather: Taking Action

Recognizing the threat

1. Apply the 30-30 rule. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter.
2. Obey the rules established by the community park lightning detection and warning systems.
3. Minimize the risk of being struck. Protect the safety of all participants by stopping activities quickly, so that participants and spectators may retire to a safer place. If you can hear the thunder, you are within reach of lightning.
4. Remain calm to prevent panic by young players.

Seeking Proper Shelter

No place outside is safe near thunderstorms. The best shelter is a large, fully enclosed, substantially constructed building. A vehicle with a solid metal roof and metal sides is a reasonable second choice.

Avoid most dangerous locations, such as but not limited to:

• Higher elevations;
• Wide open areas, including fields;
• Tall, isolated objects, such as trees, poles, or light posts;
• Unprotected open buildings;
• Rain shelters;
• Bus stops; and
• Metal fences and metal bleachers.

5.3. Hot Weather/Heat Index:

• Up to 89 degrees: normal play.
• 90-99 degrees: 2 min water breaks; each half shortened by 5 minutes.
• 100-105 degrees: 2 min water breaks; each half shortened by 10 minutes.
• 106 degrees and above: play suspended

5.4. Cold Weather Guidelines:

TCSL utilizes US Soccer’s Recognize to Recover Cold Weather Guidelines.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Social media is a wonderful tool to celebrate your club’s success. As TCSL does, various social media platforms provide an opportunity to celebrate our sport and the joy it brings. Clubs are reminded about TCSL’s stance on social media etiquette.