SOUTH JERSEY ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE, INC.
CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE l - NAME 
    The name of this League shall be the South Jersey Adult Soccer League, Inc.
 
ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE
    The purpose of the League shall be to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer on the adult level, and provide competition for its members in accordance with high standards of good sportsmanship and fair play. 

ARTICLE 3 - HEADQUARTERS 
    League headquarters shall be within the playing area of the S.J. Adult Soccer League, Inc. and shall be determined by whom authority may be vested.

ARTICLE 4 - AFFILIATION 
    This League shall be a member of the New Jersey Soccer Association, Inc. and through it, shall be affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation. The authority, rulings and laws of both these bodies shall be recognized at all times. 

ARTICLE 5 - COLORS
    The representative colors of this association shall be royal blue and gold.

ARTICLE 6 - MEMBERSHIP 
    SECTl0N I (Clubs) - Every adult amateur club having headquarters in South Jersey (defined as the seven counties south of and including Burlington County) shall be eligible for membership.
 
    SECTION II (Applications) - To obtain full membership, each club must:
        A. Pay appropriate fees and bond to the S.J. A.S.L., Inc. 
        B. Submit official entry application. 
        C. Obtain a guaranteed home field for full time use. 

    SECTION Ill (Qualification and Acceptance) - The Executive Committee shall have the power to determine qualifications of applications for membership. They shall make recommendations for acceptance or rejection to the League body that shall have the final vote. Any rejected club may make personal appeal to the League body. 

    SECTION IV (Registration Deadline) - All clubs must have their annual registration fees paid in full by required deadline of the current season to be eligible to play and vote. The Executive Committee may grant short extensions of this deadline. 

ARTICLE 7 - ADMINISTRATION 
    SECTION I (Executive Committee) - The League shall be governed by an Executive Committee which shall make all rules, interpret the Constitution and By-Laws, conduct League business, and decide on matters not covered by the rules. 

    SECTION II (Executive Committee Rights) - Members of the Executive Committee shall have a vote on all matters except election of officers. 

    SECTION Ill (Team Representatives) - Team Representatives or their delegated alternates shall hold the voting power for each club. 

    SECTION IV (Authorization of Representatives) - Each representative and alternate shall be authorized in writing on team application form which shall be presented with all fees and bond to the Executive Committee at time of registration with the League. 

ARTICLE 8 - GOVERNMENT 
    The Executive Committee in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws shall govern this League, except where this document shall conflict with, and/or be supplemented by, the rules and regulations of the U.S.S.F. and/or the New Jersey Soccer Assoc., Inc. The Executive Committee shall make all rules and determinations necessary for conducting the regular affairs of this League. Final League authority however shall rest with the membership who may, at their discretion, overrule the Executive Committee by a 2/3-majority vote present. 

ARTICLE 9 - LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL 
    SECTION I (In Whom Vested) - The legislative and judicial powers in all matters presented to the membership shall be vested in the official representative or alternate representative for each team registered and the President of the League. 

    SECTION II (Power of the Team Representatives) - Each official Team Representative shall cast one vote, or, in the case of his/her absence, the alternate representative will cast his/her vote. 

    SECTION III (Rules of Order) - Roberts Rules of Order, Revised Edition, shall be the governing procedure at all meeting or sessions of this League. 

ARTICLE 10 - QUORUM 
The presence of representatives of a majority of member clubs shall constitute a quorum to transact business at any meeting of the League or Committee thereof. 

SOUTH JERSEY ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE, INC.
BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1 - JURISDICTION 
    SECTION I (Scope) - This League shall have full jurisdiction over all clubs, club officials, players, and all matters concerned with soccer, which it shall conduct. 

    SECTION II (Strength) - It shall have power, in the manner herein provided, after hearing, to suspend or expel any club and/or person under its jurisdiction who is guilty of violations of this League and/or to impose such fines and/or penalties, as it may deem proper.

ARTICLE 2 HEARINGS 

    SECTION I (Misconduct) - Every case of misconduct which shall arise in this League shall be tried by the Grievance Committee in the presence of all parties of interest who shall be invited to appear. The absence of said persons, after proper notification shall not be grounds for cancellation of the hearing. 

    SECTION II (Protests and Violations) - All protests of games or rule violations shall also be heard by the Grievance Committee, in the presence of all parties of interest who shall be invited to appear. The absence of said persons, after proper notification, shall not be grounds for cancellation of the hearing. 

ARTICLE 3 - RE-HEARINGS AND APPEALS 
    SECTION I (Re-Hearing) - A club wishing to appeal any decision of the Grievance Committee or Executive Committee, must first request a re-hearing from the appropriate committee. Such request must be based only on new information not available or presented at the original hearing. The request must be typed or printed clearly, state the specific reason or reasons for the re-hearing, be submitted to the General Secretary within five (5) days of the first decision and be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars. Only after a decision on the re-hearing has been rendered may the next higher authority be approached. 

    SECTION Ill (Appeal from the Executive Committee) - An appeal from the Executive Committee may be made to the General Membership, provided said appeal shall be made in writing to the General Secretary within seven (7) days of notice of such decision, and shall be accompanied by a fee of fifty ($50.00) 

    SECTION IV (Disposal of Appeal Fees) - Appeal fees in all cases shall be forfeited to the League if the decision is upheld or be returned to the appellant if their appeal is granted. 

    SECTION V (Appeal to N.J.S.A.) - When all above steps have been exhausted, an appeal may be taken to the Appeals Committee of the New Jersey Soccer Assoc., Inc. State procedures require the appeal to be submitted to the State Secretary, on Club stationery, accompanied by a fee of one hundred ($100.00) dollars and submitted within five days of decision. 

ARTICLE 4 OFFICERS 
    SECTION I (Officers) - The Officers of this League shall be a President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, General Secretary, Games Commissioners (Men/Women) [2], Treasurer, and Trustee. They together shall constitute the Executive Committee. 

    SECTION II (Term of Office) - The Officers shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Meeting to serve a term of one year. It is necessary to receive a majority of votes cast to be elected. 

    SECTION III (Duties and Powers) 
        A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - Conduct League business; make rules; interpret the Constitution and By-Laws; decide on all matters not covered by the rules; fine, suspend and/or expel those in violation of this Constitution or the rules of soccer; determine all protests or similar matters including differences between clubs; serve as an Appeal Board for decisions of Grievance Committee; appoint representative(s) to Council of N.J. State Senior Soccer Assoc., Inc.; fill vacancies on or other Committees; remove from office any Officer who is derelict in his duty or whose actions are not in the best interest of the League. 

        B. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE - Shall be appointed by the President and shall consist of the Vice-President as Chairman, two other members of the Executive Committee and two members-at-large (Team Representatives). The Committee shall conduct hearings on all cases of misconduct or other violations of the Constitution and By-Laws, hear all protests and determine disciplinary actions on all matters to come before it. 

        C. PRESIDENT - Preside at all meetings of the League; serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee; appoint all Committees; enforce the Constitution and By-Laws and such other rules and regulations that may be adopted; call such meetings as herein provided; supervise affairs of the League; sign checks with the Treasurer when same is authorized by the Executive Committee; sign all contracts and necessary documents with Trustee when same is authorized by the Executive Committee; be an ex-official member of all Committees; and perform such other duties which the Executive Committee or Membership directs.

        D. VICE-PRESIDENT - Perform all duties and exercise all powers during absence or incapacity of the President; serve as and maintain all records of Chairman of the Rules Committee and Grievance Committee; receive all referee reports from Game Officials (Referees) misconduct. 

        E. SECRETARY - Sign all contracts and documents with the President and/or Trustee when authorized by the Executive Committee; send preseason notice of registration forms to all clubs; attend to all correspondence concerning League affairs. 

        F. TREASURER -Collect all dues and monies; deposit all monies in a depository in the League's name; take charge of the books and accounts of League's finances; liquidate all bills against the League when authorized by the Executive committee; sign all checks together with the President, General Secretary and/or Trustee; present financial report at each monthly meeting and detailed written report of full year at Annual Meeting.

        G. GAMES COMMISSIONER(S) - Represents Executive Committee in managing all phases of League competition and coordinates all scheduling/rescheduling with the Referee's Association; arrange schedule of games; keep team records and League standings up to date and publish weekly to all clubs; receive weekly game scores and furnish results to newspapers; serve as receiving point for both cancellation and rescheduling of games. 

        H. RECORDING SECRETARY - Record minutes of all meetings and present for approval at following meeting; assure minutes will be delivered to any meeting from which he may be absent; keep record of attendance at all meetings; conduct any minor correspondence of related affairs as directed by the President. 
        
        I. TRUSTEE - Supervise operation of the League and assure proper conduct of all League affairs. Must be knowledgeable in all phases of League operations. In that capacity, serve as Registrar for all teams and players; maintains League file of all registration forms; insure completeness and accuracy of all forms and determine compliance with U.S.S.F. and N.J.S.A. registration procedures; maintains team rosters up to date at all times; collects all fines and monies levied for disciplinary actions and submits to Treasurer for deposit. 

        J. RULES COMMITTEE - Shall be chaired by the Vice-President and staffed by person or persons appointed by President; act as expert on Parliamentary Procedure; serve as collection agent for proposed amendments or changes to the Constitution. 

        K. TROPHY/AWARDS COMMITTEE - Locate retail outlets and sponsors, when possible for all trophies/awards which may be required; make recommendations to Executive Committee; coordinate purchase, engraving and delivery of trophies/awards within prescribed limit. 

ARTICLE 5 - MEETINGS 
    SECTION I (Annual) - The Annual Meeting shall be held in the first week of August to elect officers and conclude League affairs for the business year. 

    SECTION II (General Membership) - Regular membership meetings shall be held during the playing season as determined by the President. 

    SECTION Ill (Executive Committee) - Executive Committee meetings shall be held as determined by the President. 

    SECTION IV (Seating of Officers) - Annual financial report and seating of Officers shall occur at the Annual Meeting in August. 

    SECTION V (Special) - Special meetings of the membership or Executive Committee may be called at the discretion of the President. 

    SECTION VI (Notice) - Recording Secretary shall send notice of all meetings at least one week in advance. 

    SECTION VII (Annual Notice) - Notice for the Annual Meeting shall be sent at least two (2) weeks in advance. 

    SECTION Villa (Fines) - Clubs shall be fined for non-representation at meetings. The Executive Committee will determine amount of fine(s). Any clubs not reporting scores within appropriate time will be fined ten ($10.00) dollars. 

    SECTION IX (Payment of Fines) 
        A. All fines for any cause are due and payable immediately upon presentation of notice. Teams may not engage in any competition until outstanding fines are paid. Forfeits will be levied against any team missing a game because of non-payment of fines. Fines not paid by the end of business year (August 31) will automatically put that club in bad standing with loss of all rights and privileges. 

        B. If fines are still not paid by the start of the next season following the Annual Meeting, the club will not be accepted into the League for that season. The fine will then be apportioned equally among the team's players, coaches and representatives. These players and team officials may then not participate or register with the League until their portion of the fine is paid. Further, said players and team officials will be in bad standing and shall be denied any and all participation by the N.J.S.S.A. and the U.S.S.F. 

ARTICLE 6 - FISCAL YEAR 
    The fiscal year for this League for accounting purposes shall be September 1 to August 31. These dates shall also define the official playing season.

ARTICLE 7- FEES 
    SECTION I (Obligation) - All clubs desiring membership shall pay an annual registration fee. 

    SECTION II (Component Parts) - Said fee is comprised of three parts: League registration, State registration, and Forfeit bond. 

    SECTION III (Explanation)
        A. League registration shall be determined by the Executive Committee and shall consist of operating expenses plus trophy/awards fee.

        B. State registration is determined solely by the N.J.S.A. Fee consists of State affiliation fee plus charges for amateur player registration.

        C. Forfeit bond is a fee required by the League to assure presence at each scheduled game. This fee shall be determined by the Executive Committee and will be put in a special escrow account credited to each club and need be paid only once club's initial entry into the League. Faithful attendance at all games will keep bond in force for as many years as club remains in the League. If club disbands or withdrawals from the League, the bond will be reimbursed less any outstanding financial obligations owed the League. However, should a club forfeit a game at any time, the bond will be transferred to the League Treasury as a fine, and said club must post another bond before being allowed to play next scheduled game. If this bond is not deposited by the next scheduled game, an additional forfeit shall continue to be levied for each game until all fines are paid

    SECTION IV (Forfeiture of Rights) - All clubs, team officials, or players who have outstanding obligations, financial or material, beyond deadline set by the Executive Committee, shall be suspended and lose all rights and privileges.

ARTICLE 8 - ORDER OF BUSINESS 
    SECTION I (All Meetings Except Annual General Meetings) 
        1. Roll Call 7. Reports of Committees 
        2. Minutes of Previous Meeting 8. Communications 
        3. Report of Executive Committee 9. Old Business 
        4. Treasurer's Report 10. New Business 
        5. General Secretary's Report 11. Good and Welfare
        6. Report of other Officers 12. Miscellaneous 

    SECTION II (Annual General Meeting) 
        1. Roll Call 
        2. Minutes of Previous Annual Meeting 
        3. Communications 
        4. Treasurer's Report 
        5. Report of Committees 
        6. Officer's Reports 
        7. Unfinished Business 
        8. Appoint Election Board 
        9. Release of Officers 
        10. Nominations and Election 
        11. New Business 
        12. Good of Soccer 

ARTICLE 9 - DISSOLUTION 
    In the event of dissolution of this League, all assets remaining after payment of debts shall be returned equally to the member clubs of the S.J.A.S.L. 

ARTICLE 10 - AMENDMENTS 
Proposed amendments to the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules must be submitted in writing to the Vice-President. First reading will be made upon submission and a second reading and voting will occur at the next meeting. Proposal must be passed by 3/4 of delegates present. 

ARTICLE 11- COMPETITION 
    SECTION I (Amateur Clubs) - Competition is open only to amateur clubs and players. Professionals are expressly forbidden. Any club using a professional player shall be expelled from the League. 

    SECTION II (Minimum Age/Use of Juniors) 
        A. Players may not register with this League unless they will attain their eighteenth birthday during the current calendar year (prior to December 31) and shall have graduated from high school. 

        B. A birth certificate (photo copy only) must be presented at registration for all players who will not have reached their nineteenth birthday during the current calendar year (prior to December 31). 

        C. Any youth registered with a U -18/19 team may play up to four (4) trial games with a senior team on their youth player pass. Authorization is granted upon completion of required Senior Trial Game Permission Form. 

        D. Clubs adding such youth players in trial games may not exceed their twenty (20) player roster limit. Each club is limited to a maximum of seven players on trial games at any one time. 

        E. Any team who uses a youth player without permission or more than the allowed trial games, shall forfeit all games in which they participated. 

    SECTION Ill (Season/Schedule) 
        A. The playing season shall be from September 1 to August 31. Length of competition will be determined by the number of teams. 

        B. Games shall be scheduled for Sunday mornings or Sunday evenings. 

        C. Weekday games may be added as schedule requires. 

    SECTION IV (Points) - The standing of clubs shall be determined by points. Three points for a win and one for a tie. 

    SECTION V (Divisions and Play-Offs) 
        A. The League shall be arranged into ranked divisions. Games will be played on a home and home basis within each division. The team with the most points in each division will be declared the Division Champions and be awarded with team and individual trophies. 

        B. The universal promotion and relegation system will be the fundamental basis for determining divisional structure. At season's end, the top two (2) teams in each division will automatically be promoted to the next higher division. The bottom two (2) teams in each division will be automatically relegated to the next lower division. It is mandatory for all clubs to abide by this procedure. 

        C. If a vacancy should occur because of club's dissolvement, the spot will be filled by moving up the teams from the lower division in special sequence. The relegated teams shall be moved in reverse order of finish, followed by the teams in rank in the lower division until all spots are filled. 

        D. Divisions may be added or deleted by the Executive Committee as the schedule dictates. 

        E. The tiebreakers for teams with equal points in the final standings will be applied in the following sequence: 
            1. Most points in head to head games. 
            2. Goal Differential in head to head games. 
            3. Most goals in head to head games. 
            4. Goal differential of entire League schedule. 
            5. Single game playoff. 

    SECTION VI (Trophies/Awards) 
        A. Individual and team trophies/awards will be presented annually to Division winners. The Executive Committee shall determine quantity and style. Alternate awards may be substituted as determined by the Exec. Board.

        B. The Champions Cup is a perpetual trophy to be held for one (1) year and returned to the League in time for presentation for the succeeding champion. Individual trophies are permanent awards to the Division Champions. 

        C. The League has the right to demand of the Champions proper care and security for the perpetual trophy as well as proper cash re-imbursement in case of damage or loss. 

    SECTION VII (Referees and Misconduct) 
        A. Three referees shall be assigned to each game whenever possible. The Executive Board of the New Jersey Soccer Association, Inc will determine fees for referees. 

        B. The referee is responsible for insuring that the game consists of two equal halves. He shall be paid his full fee if game is terminated by: (a) any cause over which neither club has control; (b) any cause affected by either club; (c) any cause over which either club should have had control; (d) any match forfeited by either club for which the referee was not previously notified. 

        C. If a match was not previously called off, and a referee arrives and declares the grounds unplayable, he shall be entitled to his traveling expenses from the home club. The Executive Committee shall determine such expenses. 

        D. The appointed referee shall arrive at the field no later than 30 minutes before scheduled game time. He shall judge the conditions and fitness for play, and when possible, have any discrepancies corrected before starting the match. When the referee gives the order to play, it shall be unlawful for any club to refuse to play. 
        
        E. The referees are required to give strict observance to the Laws of the Game and the Rules of this League in order to assure gentlemanly conduct, sportsmanship, and fair play at all times. 

        F. The referee shall send a written report of his match to the Vice-President within 24 hours of its completion. All instances of misconduct or players being sent off MUST BE REPORTED so these players may be dealt with swiftly. 

        G. In case the assigned referee fails to appear, the Games Commissioner shall be notified and the game rescheduled, or the teams may mutually agree to select a neutral observer to referee so the game can be played. Results of such games are official. 

        H. Gentlemanly conduct and good sportsmanship is required of all players, coaches, club officials and fans at all times. FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED WHATSOEVER! The referees are strictly required to report all cases of misconduct, whether a pass is pulled or not. All persons so reported shall appear before the Grievance Committee for disciplinary actions. The following acts of misconduct and their associated penalties will be the basis for disciplinary action: 
            1. Striking Referee - 2 years for first offense; life for second offense 
            2. Striking Opponent - 3 games minimum; up to 1 year maximum 
            3. Striking Spectator -3 games minimum; up to 1 year maximum 
            4. Sent off for Rough Play. Insulting Referee or Opponent Foul Abusive Langyage. Excessive Fouling-- 2 games minimum 
            5. Abusive or Foul Language by any Team Personnel on Sidelines Fine and/or suspension 
            6. Drinking on field or premises by ANY team personnel is expressly forbidden and subject to suspension. 
            7. All suspensions imposed by this League will be supported and honored both State-wide and Nation-wide by the parent-affiliated associations. 
            8. Goalies shall not be touched or approached in a violent manner while in possession of the ball. 
            9. Any additional offenses authorized by F.I.F .A. will be inclusive and ruled on by the Grievance Committee. 

    SECTION VIII (Starting Times. Forfeits. Cancellations) 
        A. The starting time for all matches is set by the League schedule. Any club that is not ready to play by fifteen minutes after the scheduled starting time shall forfeit the match. 

        B. If a match is forfeited to the opponents, the opponents shall be credited with a 3-0 score. 

        C. The forfeiting team will be fined the appropriate fee determined by the Executive Committee. In addition, they will pay all referee fees. 

        D. The referee fees and the forfeit fine must be paid prior to the next scheduled game. Failure to do so will result in automatic forfeit of all games until all fees are paid in full. Continued failure to pay fines will result in possible expulsion from the League. 

        E. Under no circumstances shall a game be broken off by one of the participating teams. If a team breaks off a game, it shall be penalized with a loss of points and fined. Any person or player responsible for breaking off a game shall be suspended and/or fined. 

        F. In the unlikely event that both teams do not show up for a scheduled match, but the referee does, and declares the grounds playable, both teams shall be credited with a 3-0 loss. They both shall be fined the forfeit fee and shall each pay 1/2 of all referees fees as well as posting a new forfeit bond. 

        G. All cancellations for unplayable grounds must be made to the Games Commissioner no later than two hours before a scheduled start so he/she can give proper notice to the referee's Association and opposing team. No cancellations will be accepted later than two hours before start deadline and jurisdiction for the match then reverts to the referee. 

        H. In the event of a canceled match, both teams must notify the Games Commissioner of a mutually agreed upon replay date, no later than 72 hours following the cancellation. This game will be added to the schedule and the Games Commissioner will notify the Referee's Association. If the clubs cannot provide a satisfactory replay date in the prescribed time limit, the Games Commissioner shall schedule the game at his discretion and it shall be binding upon both clubs to play. 


    SECTION IX - Uniforms) 
        A. All clubs are required to appear on the field in identical jerseys and shall assure that permanent numbers of at least 6 inches in height be on the back of all jerseys. No tape or magic marker numbers are acceptable, nor are duplicate numbers. 

        B. The quality of the jerseys shall be left to the discretion of the club. Standard T-shirts would be acceptable, as long as they're identical and numbered. 

        C. Goalies shall be required to wear starkly contrasting colors so as to be distinguishable from other players and the referees. 

        D. Referees shall refuse participation to any player whose jersey is not identical with the others or who is not properly numbered. 

        E. In case of jersey conflicts between clubs, the home team shall be required to change. 

        F. Shin guards are mandatory equipment required by F.I.F.A. Players not wearing them will not be eligible to play. 

        G. Referees will inspect equipment before the game and shall not allow any player to participate whose equipment violates the acceptable code as determined by F.I.F.A. and/or the League. Interpretation of this code rests solely with the referee. 


    SECTION X (Ground Complaints) -Any complaint relating to the condition of the field, markings, goals, nets, flags, and/or other accessories shall be made to the referee prior to the match; or if conditions alter during the match, at time of occurrence. If the referee finds the complaint well founded, he shall order the club responsible to correct the condition. Upon failure to correct the condition, the match may be played under protest, but the complainant club to the referee in the presence of the opponent club shall verbally express the protest. Such protests, of necessity, will be made solely by the manager of the club. Notice of protest is not ground for refusal to play, and the match will be played. 


    SECTION XI (Registration. Player Passes. Releases) 
        A. All players assume risk for personal injury sustained before, during or after game and/or practice. They shall not hold any club, League or affiliated Association responsible. 

        B. All players are required to submit a properly completed amateur registration form and player pass, and photo, to the N.J.S.A. for registration. 

        C. Photos must be current, 1-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. passport photos of the type available from coin machines only. Personal snapshots of any sort are not acceptable. 

        D. Passes will be returned to players for each match play identification and certification of valid registration. 

        E. All teams must have 50% of the previous summer team's players return to maintain their league division status. Teams not meeting the 50% number shall be considered a new team and drop to the bottom conference.

        F. Passes must be inspected by the referee and opposing manager prior to each scheduled game and no player may participate in any game without a pass. This rule will be rigidly adhered to without exception. Lost or misplaced passes are no excuse. 

        G. Clubs are limited to a maximum of twenty (20) players on their roster. An official roster will be submitted to the Registrar at time of registration of players. This roster must be kept up to date and it is the responsibility of the club to process all changes through the League Registrar to comply with this requirement. Failure to do so will result in such changes being declared invalid and illegal. 

        H. Every club that plays an ineligible player or a player without a pass shall forfeit to the opponents all matches in which the ineligible player participated. 

        I. Clubs may add new players to the roster if the roster is not at a maximum of 20, or make room for a new player by obtaining a release for an existing player. No new players or transfers are allowed during the last four (4) scheduled games and play-offs. Players are cup tied during tournaments and may not play for another team during any cup competition. 

        J. Releases must be requested on proper form, available from Registrar. They are mandatory whenever a player transfers to another League within New Jersey or to a team in another State Association other than New Jersey. 

        K. No player may sign for another club (double registration) until his release is obtained from the Registrar. Any player or club guilty of double registration shall be severely dealt with by the League and the N.J. Soccer Association. (Fine and/or suspension) 

        L. Registration with a club binds a player to that club for the season unless the club grants a player his official release. 

        M. A club may refuse to release a player if he has outstanding financial or material obligations to the club. Once said obligations have been cleared, the release must be issued. If the club still refuses, the player may appeal to the Executive Committee who shall grant release. 

        N. When changing clubs, a player must submit a new registration form, and attached the validated release form to it. 

        O. Any club that induces or attempts to induce a player to change his club shall be fined $100.00.

        P. All players are automatically free agents upon completion of season year (August 31) provided they have no outstanding obligation to the club or League. 


    SECTION XII (Withdrawal) 
        A. No team may withdraw from the League without submitting written request to the General Secretary. The Executive Committee will grant permission to withdraw provided all obligations to the League have been met. A fine will be imposed for any withdrawal prior to completion of the scheduled competition. 

        B. Failure to complete said obligations shall result in forfeiture of all rights, privileges, and funds to the League. In addition, the standard forfeit fee must be paid for each game forfeited from point of withdrawal. 

        C. Acceptance of withdrawal by Executive Committee during the playing season shall prohibit club from re-applying for membership for a period of one year from date of acceptance. 

        D. If a club withdrawal occurs with less than one-half of its games played, all games played are rescinded. 

        E. If one-half of all games have been played, the scores stand and the remaining games are forfeited to opponents with normal forfeit score (3-0).


    SECTION XIII (Responsibilities of Clubs) 
        A. All clubs are responsible for the conduct of its players, team officials and spectators. 

        B. Home clubs are required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators, team officials or players from threatening or assaulting the referees or visiting players and spectators either before, during, or after a game. They will guarantee protection of referees at all times. 

        C. Visiting teams are equally responsible for protection of referees and for the proper conduct of its players, team officials, and fans.") 

        D. Violations of any part of the rule by either or both clubs will result in automatic expulsion from the League with forfeiture of all rights and privileges. Additional severe penalties will be levied by the N.J.S.A., Inc. for assaults on referees. 


ARTICLE 12 - GOOD AND WELFARE 
    SECTION I (Directory) - A League Directory shall be issued at the start of the business year and shall be amended and re-issued prior to each playing season so as to include new clubs. Said directory will include a complete list of clubs; mailing addresses and phone numbers of their Team Representative, Alternates, and Coaches; description of jerseys and shorts (colors); and location and address of home field. 

    SECTION II (Maintain Directory) - It is the responsibility of each club to keep the League informed of any change of club officials and/or mailing addresses of said officials. 

    SECTION III (Scope of Constitution) - Both the letter and the spirit of this Constitution are binding on all clubs and all personnel related to the clubs regardless of their function. 

    SECTION IV (Knowledge of Constitution) - Ignorance of the terms, provisions, and requirements of this Constitution is not acceptable as a cause for violations. 

    SECTION V (Exclusion of Clubs) - Clubs which attempt to circumvent a rendered decision, or which seriously damage the interests of this League, may be expelled at the Annual Meeting or a special meeting called for this purpose upon proper written notice to all clubs. A decision for expulsion shall require a 2/3-majority vote of all votes cast. 

    SECTION VI (Court Suits) - No club, team officials or players may invoke the aid of the courts of ANY STATE without first exhausting all available remedies within ORGANIZED SOCCER, I including a final appeal to the Annual General Meeting of Council of the United States Soccer Federation, Inc.