League Rules

League rules, recruiting policy, weather policy.

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.

Recruiting of Players

The following code of ethics, also present in the TCSL Rules, is meant to cover the recruitment of players:

1. 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.
2. If a player initiates contact with a coach during regular season play, the coach must ask the player if they are committed to another TCSL club.  If so, then the player will be asked to inform their current club of their intent to try-out for another club before any further action may be taken, and the current club must agree to said tryout.   The League expectation is that clubs will communicate clearly and honorably through this process.
3. TCSL clubs are not allowed to acquire teams from another club within the TCSL to bring into their own organization, unless permission is obtained in writing. Club mergers are exempt.

Player Transfer Policy

The following is meant to cover the transfer of players:

Players will be bound to a member club when they have agreed to accept a roster position and paid part or all of the member club registration fee. Tryout fees cannot bind a player to a member club; this is a fee to tryout only.

Clubs may hold tryouts for 8U-11U after the league season has concluded, and for 12U+ after the conclusion of Summer Cup.

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.
– A team that player registered for does not come to exist.
– Both clubs must 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 intent of this rule is for clubs to communicate honorably throughout this process.

It is the goal of TCSL to discourage player transfers, after the player has registered at a member club, unless it is in the best interest of the player. Member clubs will be expected to hold the player’s best interest at the fore of all decisions.

WEATHER POLICY

11.7 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 (10) ten 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 (6) six 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 minutes after the last lightning strike to resume play. Agreement must be reached between teams and referee whether the game is to be abandoned at its current status. Under no circumstances should the potential outcome of the match be a deciding factor whether a match shall continue in unsafe conditions.
3. If the venue is the highest structure in the surrounding area, get spectators out of the stands and into a protected area as quickly as possible when lightning is within five 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 game, determine vicinity to venue and prepare to delay 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.

11.8 Inclement Weather: Taking Action

11.8.1 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.

11.8.2 Seeking Proper Shelter

1. 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.

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

1. Higher elevations
2. Wide open areas, including fields
3. Tall isolated objects, such as trees, poles, or light posts
4. Unprotected open buildings
5. Rain shelters
6. Bus stops
7. Metal fences and metal bleachers

11.8.4. Hot Weather/Heat Index:

1. Up to 89 degrees: normal play
2. 90-99 degrees: 2 min water breaks; each half shortened by 5 minutes
3. 100-105 degrees: 2 min water breaks; each half shortened by 10 minutes
4. 105 degrees: play suspended

11.8.5. Cold Weather Guidelines:

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