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(Latest revision: 2023)
A. Each player must have in their possession at each game in which they participate a current valid player card issued by the Oregon Adult Soccer Association (OASA). This card must be present at each game. Teams and players are subject to sanctions for not having the card present AND valid regardless of a referee’s permission or a player’s registration status. A PLAYER MUST NOT PLAY WITHOUT A VALID PLAYER CARD PRESENT!
B. Each player must be registered with Northwest United Women’s Soccer, Inc. (NUWS). This registration will occur by being listed on a game roster for any game in which they play. Each player must be listed on the game roster prior to playing in the game.
C. A minimum of fourteen years of age as of game date is required.
D. Any team found to be using a player or players ineligible under any provision of Rule 1 may be subject to suspensions, fines, forfeiture, disbanding or expulsion from the League without a refund. The team will automatically forfeit the game or games in question. The player(s) shall be suspended from at least the next league game for which they are otherwise eligible after discovery of the violation.
A. Teams shall be affiliated with NUWS upon receipt by the League of the following items by the date set by NUWS for each season:
1. Completed team registration forms.
2. All fees, bonds, fines, or other monies required by NUWS for that season.
B. The team Manager or Co-manager is the team representative in all matters and has the duty of proper team registration.
C. Any team found to be ineligible under any provision in rule 2 may be subject to suspensions, fines, forfeiture, disbanding or expulsion from the league without a refund.
A. The home field must be within a 30-mile radius of the main post office in downtown Portland (715 NW Hoyt) during weeknight games, and within a 50-mile radius during weekend games.
B. The home team will provide goal nets and corner flags. Fine for failure to provide goal nets and/or corner flags, or any portion of the sets, shall be $20. The NUWS Treasurer will bill the team manager at the end of the season, and payment must be made prior to the team's next season registration, which is the same as stated in Rule 9.D.1.
C. If the referee declares a conflict in uniform colors, the home team must change. Alternate jerseys must match in color and contrast from the other set (e.g., white with an alternate of Grey is NOT acceptable). Alternate shirts need not be numbered.
A. Each player on a team must have a numbered shirt of the same color. Numbers should be at least six inches high of a contrasting color. Each player shall have a different number. One (1) player must be designated as a goalkeeper who shall have a shirt that contrasts both her teammates and opponents.
B. It is recommended each team be prepared to provide a person to assist the referee as a lines person whenever possible.
C. Each team shall be prepared to provide a #5 game ball in good condition.
D. The visiting team shall have the responsibility to contact the home team regarding game time, directions to the field, uniform color, etc.
E. Any changes to the schedule as published by NUWS must be approved by the NUWS Board and coordinated through the appropriate division representative.
F. Games must be rescheduled no later than the last playing date of the season. The division representative will coordinate with the two teams the time for the rescheduled game. If the teams are unable to agree with the rescheduled game time, the issue shall be resolved by the Board of Directors.
G. Each team Manager or appointed representative shall be responsible for reporting their game score and report any game incidents to the Division Representative as soon as possible after the game.
H. Each team is responsible for the actions of their players, coaches, and fans.
A. Any team changing its manager is responsible for notifying the League. NUWS cannot be held responsible for undelivered mail or mail directed to a manager of record who is not the correct manager.
B. Any team changing their home field must notify their Division Representative by phone with follow-up in writing allowing at least 72 hours notice and include a copy of the appropriate field use permit prior to the next scheduled game to be played.
C. Any team changing their uniform color must notify their Division Representative in writing 48 hours prior to the first game in which they are worn.
A. League games are those games played during the official NUWS season as scheduled by NUWS.
B. All games shall be conducted according to FIFA’s Laws of the Game. OASA and NUWS also have rules. Teams, managers, and players have the responsibility to know these rules and sanctions may be imposed for violations of any of them.
C. League games will normally consist of two (2) forty-five minute halves, excepting those games shortened by a vote of the NUWS Board. This rule does not supersede the referee’s authority to shorten a game due to dangerous or unplayable conditions. No overtime shall be played during regular league play.
D. Unlimited substitutions for both teams are allowed on any dead ball (kick off, free kick, penalty kicks, carding, a throw in, injury, corner kick, a drop ball, etc.), subject to the discretion of the referee.
E. A player will not be allowed to participate who is wearing anything deemed by the referee to be dangerous to another player.
F. All metal braces must be covered by a sleeve of neoprene or like material that is at least ¼” thick.
G. All watches must be completely covered by something soft and secure, such as a sweatband.
H. All games are to be played as scheduled except as determined by the NUWS Board. If a referee fails to appear on schedule, the game will be rescheduled by the division representative with approval by the Board of Directors, unless both teams agree to play without the official referee (See Rule 8). Each team should be ready to play at the scheduled match time. Ready to play shall be taken to mean a minimum of seven (7) players listed on the game roster, properly equipped, having shown a valid player card to the referee. If one or both teams are not ready to play at scheduled game time, they shall have a grace period of up to 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes after the scheduled game time the team(s) not ready to play shall forfeit and be fined. See rule 9.D.10-11. The Judiciary Commissioner will take appropriate disciplinary action against any team deliberately forfeiting any scheduled game.
I. Games to be rescheduled because of circumstances outside the control of both teams shall be rescheduled by the Division Representative with the approval of the Board of Directors.
J. Slide tackling shall be prohibited in any of the middle division games when one or both managers chooses not to have slide tackling in their game. See below under Rule 10, division differences.
K. During a lightning/thunderstorm, if there is less than 30 seconds between the lightning and thunder, the game referee can suspend the game and players should seek shelter until it is safe to continue (minimum 20 minutes from last lightning incident). After the grace period, both team managers need to agree to either abort or re-start the game. If one team abandons the game before the 20-minute grace period they forfeit the game. If there is less than 20 minutes left in the game when suspended, the game will be considered final at the time of interruption. These games will not be rescheduled. Teams will not be fined.
L. It is the responsibility of the NUWS President to determine when an event should be suspended and when it is safe to return to play as the result of air quality concerns. Whenever there are concerns about air quality related to the health and safety of players at NUWS games, the AirNow tool provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency will be the primary tool to be used to make decisions about the efficacy of outdoor physical activity. The following criterion shall be used when making decisions about game play in relation to air quality:
Notice of game cancelations and air quality warnings need to be sent from the President to the division reps via email. It is possible that games in certain areas of the city could be played while others are canceled due to differing conditions.
A. League standings shall be determined by the following procedure:
B. A team must have appeared for and been ready to play at least 75% of their scheduled NUWS games in order to be eligible for a Championship in any Division. This will not affect promotion.
C. A forfeit for any reason shall be a 1-0 win for the non-forfeiting team, 3 points shall be awarded in the standings. In the event both teams forfeit, no points shall be awarded and no reimbursements will be processed.
D. League standings will be posted on our website and updated periodically through the season. Any team with a standings inquiry should contact the NUWS statistician.
A. Referees’ shall be appointed by the NUWS Referee Scheduler. The referee shall have all powers granted by FIFA’s Laws of the Game; these powers are in effect while in proximity to the field, before, during and after the game. All referees shall be registered with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) for the current year.
B. If a referee fails to appear within 15 minutes of scheduled game time, NUWS will attempt to reschedule the game. Both managers are responsible to call their Division Representative as soon as possible to notify NUWS of the no-show referee. If NUWS is unable to reschedule the game, teams will receive a credit equal to their referee and field fee (if appropriate).
C. If a referee fails to appear for a scheduled game, if both teams are agreeable, they may agree to play the game to count at the originally scheduled time. An individual must be nominated to collect and verify the roster and cards from both teams. An individual may be selected to act as the game referee. This person is not compensated for refereeing the game, nor do they need to be a certified referee. After the game, both managers must email their Division Representative to relay the game status, report the score, confirm that cards and rosters were checked, and that nets and flags were present. Both teams will be credited the fee they paid the league for the referee.
D. A game evaluation form is available on the NUWS website and should be used for each game to provide NUWS feedback (positive and negative) on how referees are doing.
All protests or appeals of any kind relating to the interpretation of the NUWS Bylaws and Rules, the calling of a game by a referee, or complaints against a referee, member team or individual shall be referred to the league by the following procedure:
A. Protests, Appeals, and Complaints Generally
1. Protests.
a. “Protests” relate to the actual competition on the field and involve misapplication of the rules or laws.
b. Grounds for protest shall be limited to: misapplication of FIFA’s Laws of the Game, USSF Administrative Rules, OASA Bylaws and Rules, and NUWS Bylaws and Rules.
c. Protests shall be in writing to the President of NUWS and Judiciary Commissioner accompanied by a $10.00 fee sent to the President. The Board may, at its discretion, waive the $10.00 fee.
2. Complaints.
a. “Complaints” relate to field conditions, uniform colors, player equipment, or specific conduct of a referee, member team, or individual.
b. Any complaint regarding field conditions, uniform colors, or player equipment must be made before the start of the match to the referee and the opposing team. The referee will note that the match was played under protest. A written complaint still must be filed as stated in Rule 9 Section
A.2.c.
c. All complaints shall be in writing to the Judiciary Commissioner. Additionally, if a manager rates a team at a 6 or below on the Online Game Evaluation, the Division Rep will follow-up with that team manager.
3. Appeals.
a. “Appeals” challenge a decision made by the NUWS Board or Judiciary Commissioner to take an action pursuant to Rule 9.
b. Appeals shall be in writing to the President of NUWS and Judiciary Commissioner accompanied by a $10.00 fee sent to the President. The Board may, at its discretion, waive the $10.00 fee.
4. Generally.
a. Any registered player, manager, or team in good standing may bring a protest, appeal or complaint to the attention of NUWS per the requirements of Rule 9.
b. The Board rules directly on complaints and protests except as otherwise provided in Rule 9. The Board may, at its discretion, convene a Judicial Committee, as stated in Rule 9 Section B, to hear an initial protest and/or complaint. The teams or individuals concerned shall be notified of any decision.
c. Any decision made by the Judiciary Commissioner or the Board of Directors during this process may be appealed by following the procedures set forth in Rule 9 Section B.
d. In no event will a judgment call by a referee be grounds for any protest or appeal.
e. If a team or player receives two complaints in a season, the Division Rep will send an email with a reminder about sportsmanship. If a team or player receives more than two complaints in a season, the Board may schedule face-to-face meetings with the manager/player or enforce other actions, which are appealable under Rule 9.
B. Appeal of Judiciary Commissioner or NUWS Board Decision
Assuming all procedures were followed in Rule 9 Section A, any decision under Rule 9 Section A by the Judiciary Commissioner or NUWS Board may be appealed (appeal is referenced in Bylaws Article 15) in the following manner:
1. Within 10 days of written notice of a Rule 9 decision by the Judiciary Commissioner or Board, the appellant shall notify the NUWS President and Judiciary Commissioner in writing of the intent to appeal. The appellant must include a $10 fee with the written notice of appeal sent to the NUWS President. The Board may, at its discretion, waive the $10.00 fee.
2. The NUWS President shall direct the Judiciary Commissioner to appoint a Judicial Committee to hear the appeal.
3. The Judiciary Commissioner will appoint three members to the Judicial Committee to hear the appeal. No member of the Judicial Committee shall be a member of a team involved or any team that might be affected by any action taken (e.g., teams in the same division), nor shall they be members of the Board of Directors or directly or indirectly related to the parties involved.
4. The Judiciary Commissioner shall notify the appellant, team manager, and complainant(s) (if any) of the date, time, and place of the hearing and the matter involved. The notice and hearing shall comply with OASA rules. The Commissioner or any party may request the presence of additional parties or witnesses as deemed necessary.
5. The Judiciary Commissioner shall preside over the hearing but shall not be present during the Judicial Committee’s deliberation and shall not vote.
6. The Judicial Committee may, at its discretion, invite a representative of each team involved or the individual involved. If protest on a game or action during a game is involved, the referee’s report (and supporting data if requested) shall be considered. The Judicial Committee may, at its discretion, invite a referee.
7. A decision on any action (including penalties) shall be reached by a simple majority of the Judicial Committee.
8. The decision of the Judicial Committee shall be announced publicly at the conclusion of the deliberations. The decision shall be effective immediately and shall be binding, pending appeal as set forth in Rule 9 Section C. The Judiciary Commissioner shall forward written notification to the involved parties within 10 days. The written notification shall state the right to appeal and shall describe the procedures in Rule 9 Section C.
9. Any decision made by the Judicial Committee may be appealed by following the procedures as set forth in Rule 9 Section C.
C. Appeal of Judicial Committee Decision
Assuming all procedures were followed in Rule 9 Section B, any decision by the Judicial Committee may be appealed (appeal is referenced in Bylaws Article 15) in the following manner:
1. Within 10 days of written notice of a decision by the Judicial Committee, the appellant shall notify the NUWS President and Judiciary Commissioner in writing of the intent to appeal. The appellant must include a $10 fee with the written notice of appeal sent to the NUWS President.
2. The NUWS Board shall hear the appeal and determine appropriate action at a hearing at the next scheduled Board meeting or a Special Meeting if necessary and shall notify the appellant of the date, time, and place of the hearing in writing. The appellant or any parties involved may be requested to attend the hearing. The appellant and any party involved has the right to attend the hearing. Additional parties and/or documentation may also be requested by the Board.
3. Any Board member who is directly or indirectly related to any party of the appeal including a member of the same team or division shall not be eligible to deliberate or vote on the matter. A decision shall be reached by a simple majority of the present eligible Board members.
4. The decision shall be announced publicly at the conclusion of the deliberations. The decision shall be effective immediately and shall be binding, pending appeal to OASA as described in Rule 9 Section C.5. The NUWS President shall forward written notification to the involved parties within 10 days. The written notification shall state the right to appeal to the OASA pursuant to OASA procedures.
5. A party who wishes to appeal the decision of the NUWS Board may appeal to the Judicial Committee of the OASA. This appeal must be in writing and follow the procedure set forth by OASA.
6. Further appeal rights may exist within OASA, USASA, and USSF. No party to any action may invoke the aid of the Courts of the United States without first exhausting all available remedies within the appropriate soccer organization, including a final appeal to the Annual General Meeting of the USSF National Council. (USSF Rule 2106, Section 1-5).
D. Disciplinary Action
1. Any fine levied against a team or an individual from any of the procedures in Rule 9 Section A, B, or C, or any fine levied from anywhere else within these rules or the current Bylaws, is due and payable within 15 days of written notification by NUWS. If a decision to impose a fine is appealed consistent with the relevant rules, then payment of the fine is paused until the appeal is decided. Failure to pay fines within 15 days may result in further sanctions by the League. At the end of the season, the NUWS Treasurer shall send the notification out as a bill to team managers with totals of fees or fines owed. All fines should be paid to the NUWS Treasurer. Any member team and/or individual who had a fine levied against them shall not be allowed to register in an upcoming season until after the fine has been paid.
2. Any player, manager, or coach receiving three (3) cautionary write-ups (yellow cards) during any NUWS league games, by a referee in any 12-month period shall be suspended for a minimum of one (1) NUWS league game and may be subject to further sanctions. This rule shall apply to all cautionary write-ups regardless of player/team affiliation at the time of the cautionary write-up. Suspension from any NUWS league games due to receiving three (3) cautionary write-ups will be considered complete only when the player, manager, or coach who must serve the suspension misses the appropriate number of NUWS league games played by the team in which the appropriate party was affiliated with at the time of the last cautionary write-up. The player shall be suspended from all OASA sanctioned matches that may occur during this time.
3. Any player, manager, or coach ejected from a NUWS game (red card) shall be suspended for a minimum of one (1) NUWS game. Suspension from any NUWS league games due to ejection will be considered complete only when the player, manager, or coach who must serve the suspension misses the appropriate number of NUWS league games played by the team in which the appropriate party was affiliated with at the time of the ejection. The player shall be suspended from all OASA sanctioned matches that may occur during this time.
4. Any player found guilty of any action deemed by the referee to be “Violent Conduct,” including but not limited to, fighting, shall be suspended for a minimum of two (2) NUWS league games. There shall be no exceptions. Suspension from any NUWS league games for “Violent Conduct” is considered complete only when the player who must serve the suspension misses the appropriate number of NUWS league games played by the team in which the player was affiliated with at the time of the “Violent Conduct”. The player shall be suspended from all OASA sanctioned matches that may occur during this time.
5. Jurisdiction for physical and verbal assaults on a referee shall reside with OASA. Action taken by NUWS, OASA, or USSF shall not preclude the right of the referee to initiate criminal and/or civil action against any player or team who has assaulted them.
6. All minimum suspensions described in this rule are automatic and shall be confirmed in writing by the Judiciary Commissioner as soon as practicable and within five (5) days of the incident. Consistent with OASA rules, the Board shall hold a hearing for any suspension greater than the minimum suspension described in these rules.
7. A player, manager, or coach that is ejected from a NUWS game may, within 48 hours of the ejection, protest the ejection pursuant to Rule 9 Section A.1. If an ejection protest is received, the Judiciary Commissioner shall review the referee report and both team managers’ game reports, and the Judiciary Commissioner or Referee Assigner shall reach out to interview the Referee that issued the caution(s) and representatives from both teams, whenever possible. If the investigation reveals misapplication of a relevant rule or law, the caution(s) shall be rescinded and no suspension shall be imposed. The team manager shall be notified in writing of the decision within 48 hours of written notification of the protest.
8. If the investigation reveals another player, manager, or coach involved should be disciplined, then the Judiciary Commissioner shall notify the team manager and shall hold a hearing according to Rule 9 Section B.
9. If the Board determines, on its own motion or based on a protest or complaint received under Rule 9 Section A, after a hearing that a team is guilty of failing to control its players, coaches, or fans or that the team, players, coaches or fans have violated Bylaw 17.1 relating to Diversity and Inclusion, the failure/violation will result in suspensions, fines, forfeiture, disbanding or other sanctions consistent with these Rules.
10. Forfeits.
11. Any team that forfeits two (2) games in any one season shall be required to pay an additional $80 fine, in addition to the forfeit fine. The team will be subject to additional sanctions as determined by the Judiciary Commissioner and/or the Board, including expulsion from the league. A minimum of $80 shall be fined for each additional occurrence within the same season.
12. The Board of Directors has the right to file a protest, following the procedures as set forth in Rule 9 Section A, against any member team or individual based on the interpretation of the Bylaws and Rules and records kept by the Registrar, Statistician, and/or the Division Representatives who have knowledge of a chronic misapplication of the Bylaws and Rules.
Divisions are built each season by the NUWS Board, and division placement is based on your team's performance and record in prior seasons. If you have a stipulation on your preference, please include it in your the answers you fill in during registration for Board to review during assignment.
In Fall 2019, NUWS changed from an age-based division structure to a skill/pace-based division structure.
Division 1: Our most-competitive division. Generally younger, ex-college players (or those who don't mind playing against them). Some players may only have high school experience (e.g. multi-sport athletes who played another sport in college). Games tend to be very fast-paced with physical play. Slide tackling is allowed.
Division 2: Competitive play, typically a little older ex-college/highly-skilled players, or more athletic women who played sports in high school or college. Fast-paced, physical play. Slide tackling is allowed.
Division 3: Competitive play, generally some ex-college players that span the age ranges, and younger, intermediate players. Moderate-paced, less physical play. Slide tackling is allowed.
Division 4: Moderately-paced game for intermediate players still looking for a competitive atmosphere. Slide tackling will be agreed to by managers at game time.
Division 5: Recreational play (winning doesn’t matter) with generally players of intermediate skill. Moderate-paced, less physical play. Slide tackling will be agreed to by managers at game time.
Division 6: Recreational play with generally older, or less-experienced players of all ages. Pace is slower and typically less physical. Slide tackling is NOT allowed. A single player may not score more than 2 goals per game in this division.
Division 7: Our least-competitive division. Players must be 30 years or older at game time to play on this division. Typically older and/or beginner players in their 30s looking for slow-paced, recreational play. Games tend to not be physical. Slide tackling is NOT allowed. A single player may not score more than 2 goals per game in this division.