I.
CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, RULES & REGULATIONS

I.      NAME

1. The California Premier Soccer Alliance is an Association Soccer Leagues affiliated with the California Soccer Association North.

II.      PURPOSE

1. The purpose of this Alliance shall be to promote and administer a California Soccer Championship Competition among Premier Soccer Clubs of the participating leagues.

III.      MEMBER LEAGUES

1. San Francisco Soccer Football League, Central California Soccer League, Peninsula Soccer League and North Bay Soccer League
   1. The entire control and management of the C.P.S.A. shall be vested in its affiliated leagues.
   2. All procedures concerning organizational and financial matters to conduct the competition shall require the consent of the member leagues.
   3. Voting prerequisites: Each league shall have one (1) vote. A league fielding three (3) teams or more in the competition shall be entitled to two (2) votes.

IV.      ADMINISTRATION

1. A Board of Directors shall constitute the governing Board of the C.P.S.A.. The Board of Directors shall administer the affairs of the alliance according to the regulations and general procedures adopted by the participating clubs and the rules established by the member leagues.

V.      COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD

1. The Governing Board shall be composed of one (I) delegate from each member league. A league having three (3) or more teams competing during a season shall be entitled to two (2) seats on the Board. At the Annual General Meeting the clubs shall elect from the members of the Board of Directors a Chaimian and a Vice Chairman.

VI.      DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD

1. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to act for the Alliance in all matters of administration and operation, and shall deal with violations of the rules and regulations or misconduct of any team, player, club official(s) or club member(s) under its jurisdiction.
2. Consider and act on appeals referred to them by the Commissioner.
3. At all Board meetings four (4) members shall constitute a quorum. In case of a tie vote, (including the Chairman), the decision of the Chairman shall prevail.
4. The Board shall make regular reports to the member leagues on whatever business has been conducted.
5. No member of the Board or appointed person shall have the authority to make or execute any contract of any nature or disburse any funds for items that are not part of normal operating expenditures of the Alliance if said contract or expenditures exceeds $500.00, unless and until approved by a majority vote of the member leagues.

VII.      DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN

1. Serve as liaison between member leagues and the C.P.S.A.
2. Chair all meetings of the C.P.S.A. Board meetings.
3. Call meetings of the Board whenever he/she deems it necessary or if he/she is instructed to do so by three (3) or more members of the Board of Directors.
4. Serve as the general representative of the C.P.S.A. in all matters.
5. In the absence of the Chairman the Vice Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman.

VIII.      SECRETARY/TREASURER

1. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be elected by the participating clubs. He/she shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors, record the minutes of the proceedings at such meetings and maintain the correspondence of the Alliance. He/she shall also keep accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements and submit a financial statement at the Annual General Meeting. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be a member of the Board of Directors and shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

IX.      COMPETITION COMMISSIONER

1. The Competition Commissioner shall be elected by the participating clubs. He/she shall organize and conduct the competition games between teams. The Commissioner's authority to administer the competition shall cover all matters except protests and appeals and shall include, but not be limited to, determining player or team suspension(s), impose fmes and penalties, appointment of game officials, and set dates and game sites for matches and rescheduled games.
2. Neither the Conmiissioner or the C,P.S.A. nor its officers shall be responsible or liable for injuries to registered players or the expenses connected with such injuries, nor for any losses of any nature whatever, incurred by or through participation in games played in this competition.
3. The C.P.S.A., its member leagues, its officers and its member clubs shall not be responsible for any liabilities, financial or otherwise, caused by any team or player participating in this competition.
4. The member clubs of the C.P.S.A. are responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, managers, and fans.

X.      MEETINGS

1. The Annual General Meeting shall be held after the conclusion of the competition, but no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the start of the next season. Each team must be represented at the Annual General Meeting by a duly authorized representative. Failure to be represented at the Annual General Meeting will result in a fine of $100.00.
2. New proposals for placement on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted by the member clubs to the Secretary no later than 14 days prior to the date set for the Annual General meeting.
3. A simple majority shall from a quorum at all meetings of the Alliance.
4. In the event of a tie vote, the presiding Chairman shall have the decisive vote.
5. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the member clubs present at the Annual General Meeting or at any Special Meeting, shall be required to pass any amendments, corrections and/or changes to the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations of the C.P.S.A.
6. Special Meetings for reasons not specified in the Bylaws may be called by the member clubs. The request for the meeting must be submitted to the Secretary, in switing, and must be signed by no less than two thirds (2/3) of the member clubs.

II.
PROPERTY RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES

1. Member clubs shall have no severable property rights in the property of the C.P.S.A.. In the event of dissolution, the current member clubs shall share equally in the property to be distributed. In case a member resigns, withdraws, or is expelled, said club shall have no right, or interest of any kind in the property of the C.P.S.A., and shall not be entitled to any distribution whatsoever.
2. If a club shall have failed to conduct itself in an honorable manner in its participation in the activities of the C.P.S.A., or shall have conducted itself in a maimer detrimental to the best interest of the C.P.S.A., or calculated to bring the C.P.S.A. or any of its members into ill-repute, then said club may be expelled as follows;
   1. A special meeting of the member clubs shall be called, unless the matter is placed on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting.
   2. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of all C.P.S.A. division member clubs present shall be required to expel or suspend a member who shall have been found guilty as herein above set forth.
   3. The conduct of players, club members, and/or sponsors is the responsibility of the member clubs and their actions may be taken into consideration in arriving at any decision concerning the expulsion of the club.
3. No club shall bring any action at law or in equity against the C.P.S.A. unless it has exhausted all rights, remedies and appeals granted to it by this Association, the California Soccer Association North, the United States Soccer Federation, or F.I.F.A.. If a club brings any action before it has exhausted the remedies herein set forth, such club agrees that the Court of Law or Equity, in which such action is pending may award the C.P.S.A. the legal cost(s) and the attorney's fees incurred in the successful defense of any such action.
4. Before arranging games with teams from outside the jurisdiction of the C.P.S.A. a club must apply, in writing, to the Commissioner and the California Soccer Association North for permission. My member club staging games or hosting a tournament shall also apply for permission from its parent league.
5. Any and all fines or fees shall be due alter being notified and shall be paid immediately. Failure to pay fines or fees when due may result in suspension of the team until all financial obligations are met. Any scheduled game(s) during the time of the suspension shall be treated as a forfeit. The fine for each canceled game shall be the sum of $100.00. Once a team has been suspended, it shall be allowed to reenter the competition five (5) days after the suspension has been served.
6. All bank checks, drafts andIor money orders submitted for payments of any fees, fines or penalties shall be made payable to: California Premier Soccer Alliance (C.P.S.A.). A service charge of $20.00 shall be assessed over the amount of any check returned unpaid from the bank. All returned checks must be satisfied by cash, money order or cashier's check.
7. Each participating club shall deposit a performance bond in the amount of $500.00 with the Treasurer of the C.P.S.A. at the time it applies to become a member. In the event that a team is relegated or withdraws from the competition, in writing at least fifteen C.P.S.A. Annual General Meeting, and has met all its financial obligations their $500.00 performance bond shall be returned to their club.
8. My new club entering the C.P.S.A. shall pay a one time initiation fee of $250.00.
9. All teams participating in the C.P.S.A. will pay a yearly fee of $50.00 at the mid-season point to cover playoff costs for that Championship year. All playoffs and finals are to be played at Hoxer Stadium or another suitable like field. (January 2006)
10. Referee's fees shall be paid in advance. Fees for each game shall be shared equally by both teams.
11. Each club shall pay an annual administration fee to the C.P.S.A.. Said fee to be set each year prior
    to the start of the season.
12. The C.P.S.A. shall purchase a permanent trophy for the Competition Champion.
13. The C.P.S.A. shall award the Champion with a cash prize of $750.00.

III.

FORM OF COMPETITION

1. The Central California Soccer League, the Peninsula Soccer League, and the San Francisco Soccer Football League agree, and their member clubs have approved by majority vote, to jointly administer and promote an inter-league soccer championship. Participating teams shall be the premier teams of each league. The respective leagues shall select from their top division a team or teams consistent with the highest competitive standards, organizational standards, and economic viability of the club.
2. In its first year, the C.P.S.A. shall be limited to eight teams. The competition may be increased to ten (10) or twelve (12) teams at a later date, in the event other affiliated leagues wish to job the Alliance as associated member(s). Application for associated membership into the alliance shall be sent to the Board of Directors of the C.P.S.A. prior to the conclusion of the current competition. The Board of the C.P.S.A. shall decide on the disposition of the application no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual General Meeting of the C.P.S.A.. An associated member, after having completed two (2) seasons may apply to become a permanent member of the C.P.S.A.. If a member league, due to relegation is not represented by a team in the C.P.S.A. during a certain season, its champion shall be eligible for promotional play-off the following season.
3. To initiate the competition, starting with the 1993/94 season, the S.F.S.F.L. may be represented by four (4) teams, the P.S.L. by three (3) teams and the C.C.S.L. with (1) team.
4. Format of the Competition. The teams shall be placed in two (2) groups of equal numbers. Clubs of the two leagues with the highest number of participating teams shall form the core of each group. The remaining team(s) of the other league(s) shall fill the vacant spots. Geographical distances and travel time between games sites shall be considered while making the group alignments.
5. Eight (8) team competition. In the regular season, each team shall play all other teams in a double round-robin competition, (home and away), a total of 14 matches.
6. Twelve (12) team competition. (adopted 2/6/96) In the regular season, each team shall play all other teams in their group twice (home and away), and play a single game against each team of the other group, a total of sixteen (16) matches.
7. POST SEASON PLAY.
   1. The C.P.S.A. championship shall be decided by a play-off series between the first and second place teams of each group. The first place teams of each group shall play the second place teams of the other group first. The winners of these games shall compete for the C.P.S.A. Championship.
   2. Relegation — At the conclusion of each season's regular competition three (3) teams shall he relegated. The second from the last place team from each group shall play against each other, (home and away games). The winner of these play-off games shall remain in the C.P.S.A.. The loser and the last place team from each group shall be relegated and return to compete the following season in the same division of their respective home league, prior to their participation in the C.P.S.A.
   3. Promotion At the conclusion of each season's regular competition, three (3) teams may be promoted to the C.P.S.A.. The champions of the two member leagues with the most participating teams in the C.P.S.A. shall be promoted automatically. The champion of the third member league may also be promoted. However, if the North Bay Soccer League notifies the C.P.S.A. prior to the conclusion of the current C.P.S.A. competition that the champion of its top division wishes to enter the C.P.S.A., a play-off shall determine the third team to be promoted. The C.P.S.A. shall schedule any promotional play-off games (home and away) within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the C.P.S.A. season.

  IV

   COMPETITION RULES

1. The rules of the competition games shall be the F.I.F.A Laws of the Game as well as those Rules and Regulations adopted by the C.S.A.N..
2. The following rules shall also apply;
   1. During regular competition play, position in the standings shall be determined by the most number of points. A win shall count three (3) points, a tie one (1) point, and a loss zero points. If two or more teams have the same number of points in the head to head games. If still tied, by the most goals scored. If still tied, by the toss of a coin.
   2. After all games in the regular competition have been completed, position in the final standings between two (2) or more teams with the same number of points, shall be determined, first by the most points in the head to head games between the teams, (two or more). For teams that played Home and Home games, a single result (total goals) shall scheduled games shall count as a count to determine the points of the head to head contest. If still tied, the goal difference and most goals scored in all regular competition games shall apply. If still tied, by a toss of a coin.
   3. A team forfeiting three (3) games during a season will be suspended from the competition for the remaining part of the season, and shall be relegated at the end of the season.
   4. In case a club ceases competition prior to the end of the regular season, all it's remaining forfeit, with a score of 1-0 in favor of the opponent.
3. Play-off games: In the event a single play-off game is tied, or the total goals of a two game play- off are even for both teams at the end of regulation time, a thirty (30) minute overtime period shall be played. If the score is still tied the team with the most points in the head to head games in regular competition play shall be the winner. In the event the head to head competition was tied in the total points, the winner shall be determined by shots taken from the penalty spot according to F.I.F.A. procedure.
4. When determining the home team for the play-off games, the team with the better record in the standing at the end of the regular season shall have first call.
5. Registration of Players
   1. A player must be duly registered under the rules of the California Soccer Association North and must be in possession of a valid player pass in order to be eligible to participate in any league competition game. A club with an active reserve team in its parent league may use a maximum of five (5) players from that team in any competition game. The player(s) must be clearly indicated on the line-up card as "RES".
   2. Any team may use loaned players provided the term of the loan is for a specific period of time with extensions, as long as the period is continuous. The player may only be loaned to the same team once during the same season. Players may not be loaned from teams within the C.P.S.A. to other teams within in the C.P.S.A..
6. If a player is released from a C.P.S.A. team less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the start of the season or during the current competition and transfers to another C.P.S.A. team he shall not be eligible to participate in any C.P.S.A. competition game of his new club until his new club has played two (2) C.P.S.A. competition games after the date of the release from his former team. The above rule shall apply also to a player who temporary registers with a team in another division or league. (Jan. 2001)
7. No club shall sign players or loan players for its last two (2) regular competition games or post season play-off games. Prior to the third to last game of the regular season, each team must submit to the C.P.S.A. its roster, listing all players duly registered to play in the third to last game. The maximum twenty-two (22) player roster may include up to five (5) "Reserve" players. (Jan. 2006) Failure to forward said roster on time will result in a fine of $100.00.
8. Any team using an ineligible player shall forfeit the game to the opposing team with a score of 1- 0, have three (3) points deducted in the standings and shall be fmed the sum of $200.00. Any team attempting to play an ineligible player shall be fined $200.00.
9. A total of twenty-two (22) roster spots will be allowed to be placed on line-up cards with only seventeen (17) players to participate in any match. (Jan. 2006) Substituted players may reenter the game. Substitutions shall be made according to F.I.F,A. rules.
10. The home team must have two sets of uniforms with contrasting colors at the game site. Where the uniforms of the teams are so similar as to create identification problems, as determined by the referee, the home team must change their uniforms.
11. Each team shall play all games as scheduled. A request by a home team to move a scheduled game to another location or to change the kick-off time must be submitted to the commissioner, in writing and received at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled date fo the game and shall include direction to the field. Notification of the change must be given to the visiting team at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled date. Make-up games shall be scheduled at the earliest date possible. Notification to each competing team shall be made no less than five (5) days prior to the scheduled date of the game. Games maybe played on Saturday nights (after 6:00 PM) provided the home team request the change in writing and the visiting team can be notified at the least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the game.
12. A club shall be fined the sum of $300.00 and lose three (3) points in the standings in case of failure to play a fill game or the remaining time of a discontinued game. $200.00 of the amount will go to the opponent to defray game expenses. The scheduled opponent shall be declared the winner of the game with a score of 1-0.
13. Teams not playing a scheduled play-off game shall be eliminated from the competition play-off.
14. A team, when scheduled to play on its home field must be ready to start at the set kick-off time. A traveling team arriving late due to a reasonable cause shall be allowed a grace period of fifteen (15) minutes. Any team delaying the kick-off of a game beyond the above noted times, without the sanction of the proper authority shall be fined the sum of $50.00. If any team delays the game more than fifteen (15) minutes, it shall forfeit the game. In the event both teams are late, then, both teams will forfeit the game.
15. Teams must be at the field and ready for referee's inspection at least twenty (20) minutes prior to the kick-off time and turn in a properly filled out and signed line-up card to the referee. The home team must also submit to the referee a GAME and REFEREE REPORT CARD. The referee shall start the game as soon as both teams can field at least seven (7) players each.
16. If for any cause a game is not completed, the remaining time or the fill game, as determined by the Commissioner, shall be rescheduled, providing, however, that in the event the non-completion of the game results from misconduct clearly traceable to one or the other of the contending teams, its management, or its followers, the Commissioner shall decide as to the disposition of the game, taking into consideration the policy that the home team is generally responsible for the proper staging of the game. The guilty team shall forfeit the game. The Disciplinary Board may also fine or bond the guilty club for an amount not to exceed the sum of $100.00.
17. In case of rain or inclement weather, cancellation of games rest with the Commissioner or the person or persons so designated by him/her.

  V.     

PLAYING FIELD AND STADIUM RULES

1. Clubs are responsible for providing the game site and game balls. The home team is also responsible for field expenses incurred. Clubs may forfeit the game if they cannot provide a proper playing field. A team which is repeatedly unable to provide a proper game site may be denied participation in the C.P.S.A. the following season. All games must be played on enclosed grounds. Dressing rooms must be available. Only in an emergency shall the Commissioner give permission to play, temporarily on an open field. This applies to all sites. At all fields, spectators, including substitute players and managers shall be kept away from the sidelines and goal lines of the playing field. On fields where no barriers, (like a fence or railing exists), it shall be the responsibility of the home team to assure a clearance of at least ten (10) feet between spectators and the field. If necessary, a rope must be put up along the sidelines with the proper clearance to the field. At the Annual General Meeting all teams shall submit to the Commissioner the name
   and location of their home field.
2. Maximum size of the playing field shall be sixty-four (64) yards by one hundred (100) yards. Goal nets and corner flags must be used. The field must be properly marked.
3. Three (3) team officials and a maximum of twenty-two (22) players, dressed up to play, are allowed on the bench. Players andlor club officials under suspension andlor injured players in street clothes are not permitted on the bench or dug-out areas during the game. (Jan. 2006) All players shall use the dressing rooms to change into uniform. Any player undressing on the field or in the stadium stands shall be subject to disciplinary measures. Each offending team shall be fmed the sum of $50.00 for failure to comply.
4. At games where admission is charged, twenty-two (22) players and three (3) team officials per club shall be admitted free. Each club shall submit a list of its registered players and team any changes. officials before the start of the season and notify the Commissioner immediately of Only persons indicated on that list shall be admitted without charge. Players and team officials are required to sign in at the gate before entering the stadium. All players and team officials shall obey the stadium rules and show proper respect towards stadium officials and personnel.
5. Any club using a field for its home games, other than playing site assigned by the parent league, requires the approval of its league. The parent league has the right to collect a percentage of the gate. The amount shall not exceed 10% of the gross revenue.

   

  VI.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

1. The California Premier Soccer Alliance has disciplinary jurisdiction over all their member teams, players, coaches, and managers participating in its activities. A Disciplinary Board shall be appointed by the Commissioner. The Disciplinary Board shall consist of at least three (3) members. The Commissioner shall schedule meetings as required.
2. The Disciplinary Board shall have jurisdiction to conduct hearing and impose penalties for misconduct by players, coaches and managers through probation, suspension, fines, or any of the aforementioned.
3. A player ejected from the game by the referee for continued misconduct after a caution shall be automatically suspended for one (1) competition game.
4. A player ejected by the referee for any violation of the Laws of the Game shall be automatically suspended for two (2) competition games. The Disciplinary Board has the right to impose more severe penalties should the referee's 24 hour report indicate so.
5. For starting a fight, striking an opponent, spitting at an opponent, obscene gestures, verbal insults towards the referee, andlor other serious offenses the Disciplinary Board may impose more severe penalties. In this case the Commissioner shall inform the club of the content of the referee's report. The player ejected from the game shall send a letter to the Commissioner stating his point of view and give evidence on behalf of his defense. If a player is involved, his manager or coach who wishes to attend the hearing concerning his player shall contact the Commissioner for the place and time of the hearing.
6. When, for any reason, a hearing can not be arranged during the time of the automatically imposed suspension, the Commissioner shall make a ruling on the eligibility of the ejected player involved to participate in the following game(s) until the Disciplinary Hearing can be held. The postponement of a hearing shall not affect the right of the Disciplinary Board to impose penal ties at a future date.
7. Only games scheduled by the California Premier Soccer Alliance, California Soccer Association North Cup games, and United States Soccer Federation National Open and Amateur Cup games shall be considered official competition games when serving a suspension for a certain number of games.

VII.

PROTESTS AND APPEALS

1. Any protest shall be mailed to the Commissioner within three (3) days after the game in question. Protests based upon the factual determinations by the referee shall be rejected. A protest regarding (6) days of the game. A protest filed after six (6) an ineligible player shall be lodged within six days shall subject the club and player to fines and suspensions.
2. A player, coach or manager may appeal the sentence imposed by the Commissioner or by the Disciplinary Committee to the governing board of the California Premier Soccer Alliance. The appeal shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board within three (3) days after being notified of the Disciplinary Board's decision.
3. A protest shall be accompanied by a deposit of $50.00. Filling an appeal requires a deposit of $100.00. Deposits shall be forfeited to the California Premier Soccer Alliance if a protest or appeal is rejected, or returned to the club if the protest or appeal is sustained.

The Constitution and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations contained herein are current through February 1,
2006.

Genaro Camacho, Commissioner/Chalrman
Jim Rally, Secretary/Treasurer