CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND RULES

Last Amended: August 18, 2008

1000. CONSTITUTION.

1000. PREFACE

1010. The Rhode Island Soccer Association, Inc. (RISA) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, organization founded in 1966. The Association was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the Secretary of State of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 1978.

1020. RISA is recognized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as the institution responsible for the governing of amateur soccer in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

1030. RISA is governed by its Constitution and Bylaws as ratified by its members and in compliance with the USSF and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

1040. The Association has jurisdiction over all affiliated leagues, associations, clubs, league officials, referees and players in all matters connected with amateur soccer.

1100. ARTICLE I. NAME.

1110. The name of this Association shall be the Rhode Island Soccer Association, Inc., also known as RISA.

1200. ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

1210. The purpose of RISA shall be the promotion, regulation and development of amateur soccer in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Its purpose shall also be to resolve all questions and controversies of all affiliated members of RISA. In resolving these questions and controversies, the intent of the rules and bylaws of the USSF and FIFA shall apply.

1300. ARTICLE III. TERRITORY.

1310. The territory shall be the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

1400. ARTICLE IV. HEADQUARTERS.

1410. The headquarters of RISA shall be in the State of Rhode Island at a location to be determined from time to time by the Executive Committee.

1500. ARTICLE V. COLORS.

1510. The representative colors of RISA shall be Royal Blue and White. Any team representing RISA should wear uniform as follows: Away Games: Royal Blue Jersey, White Shorts, Royal Blue Socks. Home Games: White Jersey, Royal Blue Shorts, Royal Blue Socks. On the left side, the shirt should display the insignia below:

1600. ARTICLE VI. AFFILIATION.

1610. RISA has been constituted as a National State Association as defined in the US Soccer Official Administrative Rulebook. RISA is a member of the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA). RISA shall be subject to the authority of the USASA, USSF, and FIFA.

1700. ARTICLE VII. MEMBERSHIP.

1710. Application for membership. Any soccer league, association or organization, interested in the promotion of soccer and operating within the State of Rhode Island may apply for membership. Any league organizing teams or games within the state of Rhode Island operating as members or affiliates of the USASA must apply for membership in RISA.

1715. Affiliate Membership. Related organizations can be entitled to representation without voting powers. Any affiliate member (i.e. not a league) which is organized to promote soccer within Rhode Island shall be entitled to a vote on the SBOD provided that the affiliate member provides in its constitution or bylaws for RISA to have comparable voting privileges in its organization. These votes shall be exercised by the President and or his representative.

1720. Written Application. Application for membership must be made in writing to the RISA Secretary by the Secretary of the group desiring affiliation. The application must be accompanied by:

1721. 1. payment of annual dues which, if membership is refused, shall be refunded; as well as one copy of its current constitution, rules and bylaws;

1725. Acceptance. Upon acceptance, each new member shall pay the required performance bond and membership fee immediately (See Fee Schedule contained in Bylaws). Newly accepted leagues shall be eligible to play in any sanctioned competition upon payment of all league, team and player affiliation and registration fees (See Fee Schedule contained in Bylaws).

1730. Annual Dues. Membership dues for the following year shall be paid prior to or at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). (See Fee Schedule contained in Bylaws). The failure of any member to pay annual dues as herein provided shall be cause for immediate forfeiture of membership, which shall include the loss of the right to vote or cast a ballot at the AGM.

1800. ARTICLE VIII. ADMINISTRATION.

1810. RISA shall be governed by its constitution, bylaws, administrative rules and procedures, except when these conflict with, or are supplemented by, the constitution, bylaws, and regulations of the USSF and FIFA.

1900. ARTICLE IX. STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1910. Authority. The Authority of RISA, shall be vested in the State Board of Directors, also known as the SBOD, consisting of the duly elected officers of RISA and a representative from each affiliated member.

1920. Right to Vote. In all matters which are properly presented to RISA, each elected Officer, and each affiliated member representative shall have the right to cast one vote. The President shall cast his vote only as a deciding vote. In the absence of any representative, this right shall be vested in a properly appointed alternate whose appointment shall have been made in writing to the Secretary. No person shall have more than one vote on any matter.

1930. Jurisdiction. RISA shall have jurisdiction over all affiliated leagues, teams, league officials, referees, and players, and members. RISA shall also have jurisdiction over any of the above operating within the territorial borders of the State of Rhode Island or under the auspices of USASA and/or USSF.

1935. RISA shall have the authority to:

1935.1 a) arrange soccer games of any nature whatsoever in its own name, and to that end it may marshall and demand the support of any or every member of RISA;

1935.2 b) to demand and to make available such papers, books, documents and personnel for the Executive Committee's review which it may from time to time require;

1935.3 c) to investigate and correct and demand to be corrected unfavorable conditions which may develop in its affiliate members.

1940. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers of RISA, the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of Amateurs, the State Referee Administrator (SRA) and the State Registrar shall serve as non-voting members of the Executive Committee, unless he or she should be an elected officer of RISA. The Executive Committee, except in matters herein otherwise delegated, shall transact all business of RISA directly or by delegation of its authority to such person or persons whom it may from time to time designate. The Executive Committee shall enforce the rules of the USSF, and of RISA and shall fill any vacancy amongst the officers which may occur during any current term in the manner hereinafter provided.

1945. The Executive Committee has the authority to suspend, expel and/or impose such assessments or penalties upon any team, club, league, association and/or person under its jurisdiction guilty of violation or breach of the rules of RISA and/or the USSF. The Executive Committee shall settle all disputes between two or more members of RISA; and to do anything and everything which it may deem necessary to enforce the purpose for which RISA was organized. In all matters of controversy, the Executive Committee's decisions shall be final, subject to appeals and decisions of the USSF.

2000. ARTICLE X. OFFICERS.

2100. Officers. The officers of RISA shall be the following: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Amateurs.

2110. Terms. The Officers of RISA shall be elected at the AGM for a period of two (2) years. The President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, shall be elected in odd numbered years, and the 1st Vice President, Secretary, and Director of Amateurs shall be elected in even numbered years.

2115. Implementation. The procedure in this paragraph shall be implemented as follows: At the AGM in 1996, the following officers shall be elected for a two (2) year term: 1st Vice President, Secretary and the Director of Amateurs. At the AGM of 1996, the following officers shall be elected for a one year term, and one year later, for a two year term: President, 2nd Vice President, and Treasurer.

2120. Votes Required. In order to be elected, an individual shall receive a majority of all votes cast. Any person nominated for election as an officer, may request the election ballot be conducted in secret.

2125. Nominating Committee. The President, prior to each Annual General Meeting, shall appoint a Nominating Committee. It shall be the duty of the Nominating Committee to receive nominations of candidates. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to prevent nominations from the floor in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

2130. Casting of Votes. Each RISA Officer and affiliate member in good standing, shall be permitted to cast one vote for each officer.

2135. President. The President of the Association shall

a) preside at all meetings;

b) pass on and approve all bills incurred by the Association and shall countersign all checks;

c) appoint all committees that are necessary with the approval of the SBOD;

d) have the right to cast the deciding vote in all deliberations of the Executive Committee and the SBOD, except for the election of officers;

e) supervise, direct, and control the work of all officers;

f) be the official representative of RISA to all outside persons and organizations;

g) be the delegate to USSF and USASA Regional Meetings;

h) be an ex-officio member of all committees.

2140. 1st Vice President. The First Vice President shall:

a) assume the duties of the President in the President's absence;

b) assume other duties as assigned by the President;

c) be the second delegate to USSF and Regional Meetings (if entitled to more than one USSF delegate);

d) Upon appointment by the President, shall act as presiding officer of committees of the state association.

2145. 2nd Vice President. The Second Vice President shall:

a) assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President and the First Vice President;

b) assume other duties as assigned by the President;

c) Upon appointment by the President, shall act as presiding officer of committees of the state association.

2150. Secretary. The Secretary shall:

a) record the minutes of all meetings;

b) attend to correspondence;

c) keep the records and property of the Association.

2155. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:

a) maintain a detailed account of the income and expenditures thereof;

b) deposit all funds upon receipt in a bank account in the name of the Association, or as otherwise directed by the Board;

c) regularly submit a full written report of all financial transactions of the Association and of the balances which are on hand;

d) sign all checks of the Association, which must be countersigned by the President;

e) be bonded, the fee to be paid by RISA.

f) prepare, jointly with the President, a budget for presentation at the Annual General Meeting.

g) chair the Auditing Committee, consisting of three (3) members and shall audit all records of the Association at the direction of the President, a majority of the Executive Board or a majority of the membership, and submit a written report and recommendations, if any, following its examination. One such report shall be available at the annual meeting in August.

2160. Director of Amateurs. The Director for Amateurs shall:

a) be responsible for player and team discipline for violation of RISA and USSF rules and regulations;

b) and such further duties as directed by the President;

c) may appoint individuals to assist him subject to the approval of the President and the Executive Committee.

2165. Charter Directors. The Board of Directors as constituted in the Certificate of Charter (Anthony Piccione, Anthony Tribelli, George Poli, Heinz Kuboll, Thomas Geldhill, Ronald DiGregorio) shall be non-voting members of the SBOD. They shall be welcomed and recognized as Charter Directors at all AGM's and functions of RISA.

2170. Absences. Any officer absent from three (3) consecutive quarterly meetings of the SBOD (without a valid excuse) shall thereby forfeit without additional formality his right to hold his respective office for the unexpired term.

2175. Vacancy. In the event a vacancy occurs in any office other than President, or of the USSF delegate, the President may appoint a temporary successor until the next AGM. In the event the office of President becomes vacant, the First Vice President shall assume the office of President, the Second Vice President shall assume the office of First Vice President, and the President shall appoint the Second Vice President who shall serve until the next AGM.

2180. Conflict of Interest. In all matters brought before RISA for discussion or vote, each and every officer participating in the discussion or vote, shall disclose the following:

2180.1 1) whether the outcome of the discussion or vote may have a direct or indirect effect on himself, his team, league, or association;

2180.2 2) in the event such an interest does exist, each officer or affiliate members having such an interest shall refrain from voting on this matter.

2180.3 3) Failure to disclose such an interest will be the grounds for reconsideration of any vote taken.

2185. Resignation. Any officer wishing to resign, must present a letter of resignation to the President of RISA. Upon notification and acceptance by the SBOD such office shall be declared vacant.

2190. Removal of Officers for Cause. Any officer may be subject to removal from office upon a unanimous vote of the executive committee and a ratification by the SBOD. Any officer subject to this section shall be barred from voting upon his or her removal from office.

2200. ARTICLE XI. MEETINGS.

2210. Annual General Meeting. The annual general meeting (AGM) of RISA shall be held in the month of August. Quarterly meetings of the SBOD will be held at a place and time to be determined by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall meet monthly at a location to be determined by the Executive Committee. Locations and times of meeting will be set periodically by the Executive Committee.

2220. Purpose of AGM. The purpose of the AGM shall be as follows:

a) election of officers of RISA;

b) presentation of the state of the association;

c) presentation of plans for the upcoming year;

d) financial report by the Treasurer;

e) ratification of the actions of the Executive Committee of the previous year.

2230. Rules. All meetings of RISA shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and may only be suspended under the terms of Robert's Rules of Order.

2240. Special Meetings. Special meetings of RISA may be called at any time by the President or upon written demand of one-third () or more of the total membership of the SBOD upon the President. The special meeting shall be called within two (2) weeks of such demand. Such requests must be submitted by registered mail.

2250. Written Notice. For all monthly, quarterly and annual meetings the Secretary shall give written notice to all parties concerned. In case of a special meeting the purpose shall be embodied on the notice and no matter other than that specified shall be considered.

2260. Non-Attendance. Members not represented or excused from attendance at any meeting of RISA shall be assessed a fine (See Fee Schedule contained in Bylaws). All notices of meetings sent to members, officers and affiliates, at which RISA intends to assess this fine shall contain a written warning of the intention of the Executive Committee to invoke to fine. (i.e. WARNING!: RISA RULE 2260 APPLIES. MEMBERSHIP NON-REPRESENTATION WILL BE FINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 2260.)

2270. Guests. Guests may attend quarterly and annual meetings and speak with the permission of the President.

2300. ARTICLE XII. QUORUM.

2310. A majority of those eligible and present to vote shall constitute a quorum to conduct the business of RISA.

2400. ARTICLE XIII. DISSOLUTION.

2410. If RISA dissolves for any reason, its assets shall become the property of the United States Soccer Federation. However, any performance bond held by RISA at the time of dissolution shall be returned to any league that is in good standing at the time of dissolution.

2500. ARTICLE XIV. DISAFFILIATION.

2510. Any team, or club disbanding or withdrawing from any RISA affiliated League without written notice (15 days required) shall forfeit its performance bond and be fined according to RISA rules, not to exceed $500.00. All affiliated Associations, Leagues and soccer organizations shall be notified in writing of RISA

2600. ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTS.

2610. Amendments to the Constitution, Rules and Bylaws of RISA shall be made only at the Annual Meeting and by a two-thirds () majority vote of the members present. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of RISA at least one month in advance of the Annual Meeting. Each member shall be given ten (10) days notice in writing of the proposed amendment.

3000. BYLAWS and RULES & REGULATIONS

3010. ARTICLE I. ORDER OF BUSINESS.

3015. The order of business at all regular meetings of the Council shall be as follows:

a) President's Welcome, Remarks and Roll Call;

b) Acceptance of Minutes of previous meeting;

c) Acceptance of Registrar's and Treasurer's report;

d) President's report of the Executive Committee;

e) Report from the Director of Amateurs;

1) Appeals Board

f) Report of Committee Chairmen:

1) Affiliation, Rules & Credentials Committee

3) Auditing & Finance

4) Communications Committee

5) Field Use Committee

6) Indoor Soccer (Futsball) Committee

7) International Games Committee

8) National Cup Committee

9) Player Development Committee

10) State Referee Committee

11) Select Team Committee

12) State Coaching Committee

13) State Cup Committee

g) Communication;

h) Unfinished business;

I) New Business;

j) Good and Welfare; and

k) Adjournment.

3020. ARTICLE II. PROTESTS AND APPEALS.

3021. Board. The Appeals Board shall consist of five (5) impartial members who shall act upon all appeals.

3022. Procedure. A protest of an affiliated subordinate organization, individual, and/or game referee shall be submitted in writing in duplicate to the Director of Amateurs within five (5) days of such grievance together with a protest fee. The Director of Amateurs shall forward one (1) copy of such protest to the other party(ies) involved. Such protest shall be accepted by the Director of Amateurs if postmarked not later than midnight of the fifth day following the date of the game. The Director of Amateurs shall within five (5) days rule on such protest. If the protest is upheld, the fee will be returned. If denied, said fee will be forfeited.

3023. Appeals Board. The decision of the Director of Amateurs may be appealed to the Appeals Board of RISA provided such appeal is submitted to the President in writing in duplicate with a protest fee within five (5) days of such notification. The President shall forward one (1) copy of such appeal to the other party(ies) involved. The President, upon receipt of the appeal and fee shall call a meeting of the Appeals Board of RISA to hear the case. The decision of the Appeals Board shall be binding upon all parties concerned, subject only to further appeal to the USSF. If the appeal is denied by the Appeals Board of RISA, the fee shall be forfeited to the Association, if the appeal is upheld, then the fee shall be returned. When it is necessary for the Appeals Board of RISA to expend monies to consider and adjudicate an appeal, it may be determined by whom and when such expenses shall be paid.

3025. ARTICLE IV. PENALTIES, DEBTS AND ASSESSMENTS.

3025. A debt of any club, league, association or person to RISA shall be paid upon demand. Failure to comply with this demand shall result in suspension.

3050. ARTICLE V. BENEFIT GAME FOR THE ASSOCIATION.

3051. For the good and welfare of soccer, RISA may designate certain date(s) for the playing of game(s) for the benefit of soccer. On this occasion(s) the players, teams, clubs, leagues and associations under the jurisdiction of RISA, shall be at the disposal of RISA and no player or club may participate in any other game on such date, except as may be authorized by RISA. A team, club, league or association violating this rule shall be assessed a fine (See Current Fees and Fines Schedule).

3052. Players selected to represent the Association in such benefit game(s) who fail to comply shall be suspended for a period to be determined by the Director of Amateurs.

3060. ARTICLE VI. MISCELLANEOUS.

3061. Recognition. RISA shall recognize suspensions and other rulings of other State Associations of which it has been officially notified and which are sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation.

3062. Jurisdiction. Every team, club, league or association shall have jurisdiction over its internal affairs, except when any amateur or professional player, coach, manager, club official or game official assaults or abuses a referee, the original jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter shall vest immediately with the Rhode Island Soccer Association, as outlined in USSF Rule 3042. Misconduct Toward Game Officials. Notification of suspensions of six (6) games or more, or expiration of suspensions, shall be sent to the Director of Amateurs of RISA immediately.

3063. Responsibility. Each team, club, league or association shall take all precautions necessary to prevent disorder at games. Responsibility for police protection is with the league. However, the league may assess the cost of police protection to the offending team or teams. The State Referee Administrator and or the Executive Board may demand police protection at any game(s) under its jurisdiction. Failure to comply shall be referred to the Executive Board for appropriate action.

3064. Representation. No dispute, claim, protest or appeal shall be presented to or defended in RISA, in the absence of a bona-fide member of the team, club, league or association concerned.

3065. Non-Affiliated Teams. Teams affiliated with the Rhode Island Soccer Association, Inc. playing with an unaffiliated team without permission of the Director of Amateurs shall be assessed a fine in accordance with the current fee schedule.

3066. Suspended Teams or Clubs. Teams playing against suspended teams or clubs shall be assessed a fine in accordance with the current fee schedule.

3067. Permits. All games (except National Amateur, National Challenge Cup and International Games) must have the permission of the Director of Amateurs of RISA. A request for permission to play in an interstate exhibition game in Rhode Island must be submitted in writing with an application fee and a Permission to Host Tournament/Game Application Form to the Director of Amateurs at least one (1) week prior to such game. Requests for permission to play an international game must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board along with a non-refundable International Game Application Fee. United States Soccer Federation rules and procedures concerning International games apply. Failure to comply shall result in an assessment of fine in accordance with the current fee schedule. Rules or regulations for Cup or Trophy Games must also be submitted. Permits shall not be granted where the games net income does not accrue to the team, club, league or association participating.

3068. Reserved Dates. No other games (except National Cup matches) shall be permitted on the dates of the final(s) of the Rhode Island Amateur Challenge Cup competition and such other dates as may be determined. Penalty for violation of this rule shall be fined in accordance with the current fee schedule.

3069. Disputes. No legal action may be instituted by any player, team, club, league or association unless and until all avenues of recourse have been exhausted within RISA and the USSF.

3070. Unspecified Matters. RISA is fully empowered to decide all matters not specifically provided for in the Constitution, Rules and Bylaws of RISA.

3071. Officer , Director, USSF Delegate and Committee Expenses. Expenses of the Officers, the Directors, the USSF Delegate, and committees may be defrayed by the Association. An amount to be determined by the Executive Committee shall be expended for expenses to each officer of RISA involved in its everyday management, if funds warrant it.

3072. Leaving the Field of Play. In the event a team leaves the field of play without the referees consent and abandons the game, said team shall be fined the full referee's fee's, the expenses of preparing the field for said game, fined $250.00 and awarded a loss for the game of 5-0, or the greater score, team shall not be allowed to play until all fees are paid in full.

3073. Acts of God. In the event the referee calls a game off for any reason, including but not limited to acts beyond his control, such as weather conditions, lightning, teams refusing to control their players or fans, if the game had been in progress for more than 60 minutes and if the Leagues or RISA wishes to make the game official, it may do so, only after reviewing the referees report.

3074. Replayed Games. Any game that is to be replayed must start from the beginning with a score 0-0. All replayed games must be played within 15 days of the decision, and all subsequent appeals. Referee fees must be paid in full for both the initial game and the replay.

3080. ARTICLE VII. GAME OFFICIALS.

3081. State Referee Administrator (SRA) The SRA shall be appointed jointly by the President of RISA and Rhode Island Youth Soccer Association (RIYSA). The SRA shall work in cooperation with the National Referee Committee in administering the USSF referees within Rhode Island and shall serve as a liaison between other National State Associations. The SRA may be a member of the State Board of Directors, but shall not be the President or Chief Officer of RISA. The SRA shall be a non-voting member of the Executive Committee. (USSF Rule 3032-1)

3082. State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) The SYRA shall be appointed by the RIYSA with the advice of the SRA. (USSF Rule 3032-2)

3083. Affiliation. Only officials in good standing with the United States Soccer Federation and RISA shall be permitted to officiate. An official may retain his club affiliation.

3084. Official's Fee. Official's fees and traveling expenses shall be set at the annual meeting of RISA or can be negotiated with a league or association.

3085. Examination. Officials shall be examined and shall be classified by the State Referee Administrator of RISA. All game officials, except those for the National Open and Amateur Cup Competitions, shall be appointed by the Referee Assigning Committee appointed by the State or Regional United States Soccer Federation Cup Commissioner.

3090. ARTICLE VIII. PLAYER REGISTRATION.

3090. State Registrar. The State Registrar shall be appointed by the RISA President and shall excercise the following duties under the direct authority of the President of RISA.

a) has custody of the records pertaining to the registration, transfer and release of all amateur players under the jurisdiction of RISA,

b) administer the rules and regulations pertaining to player registration,

c) acknowledge the receipt of all registration and release forms to each player's team, club, league or association.

d) issue each player a player photo identification card which must be signed by the respective player, contain a photograph of the player, contain a validation sticker for the current playing season and in all cases shall be laminated in hard plastic laminate.

3091. Playing Season. The official playing season of RISA commences September 1st and closes August 31st. All amateur players are automatically released after August 31st. Players playing for leagues whose playing season extend beyond August 31st are released upon the last game of their season schedule.

3092. Free Agents. When a league officially disbands, all amateur players are automatically released.

3093. Ineligible Players. A club or team using a non-registered player shall be assessed a fine in accordance with the current fee schedule for each such violation and shall forfeit the game or games in which he or she played.

3094. Jurisdiction over Registration and Releases. The State Registrar has custody of the records pertaining to the registration, transfer and release of all amateur players under the jurisdiction of RISA, and shall administer the rules and regulations pertaining to such matters. League Registrars may be empowered to maintain records on behalf of the State Registrar. Registration of professional players shall be governed by the registration rules of the United States Soccer Federation.

3095. Registration Form. An amateur player, in order to participate in any competition, is required to register on the appropriate forms furnished by the United States Soccer Federation and the Rhode Island Soccer Association which must be returned to the Registrar within five (5) days after the player has signed and completed it. Registration forms shall be executed in a manner specified there-on in ink or typed, and shall be signed by the player in the presence of a witness who shall also affix his signature thereto. There shall be a fee for each registration form.

3096. Registration Acknowledgment. The State Registrar shall acknowledge the receipt of all registration and release forms to each player's team, club, league or association. Each player will receive a player photo identification card which must be signed by the respective player, contain a photograph of the player, contain a validation sticker for the current playing season and in all cases shall be laminated in hard plastic laminate. League Registrars may be authorized to issue passes on behalf of the State Registrar. Any alteration of a player pass shall make the pass automatically invalid. Any player or team using such a pass shall be fined or suspended upon RISA receiving notification.

3097. Player Passes. All player passes (which shall not be transferrable) issued by the League Registrar under the authorization of the State RISA Registrar are the property of RISA. In cases of suspensions greater than one month, and in all cases of misconduct toward game officials, the league registrar has the responsibility of returning the pass to the Director of Amateurs. Failure to return any passes requested will result in a fine to the league.

3098. Amateur Status. An amateur player may compete with a professional soccer football team without affecting his amateur status.

3099. Payments to Amateurs. An amateur player shall not be compensated for his services as a player. Any player who receives payment other than duly justified expenses for dress, travel or hotel charges, not to exceed fifty dollars ($ 50.00) shall be declared a professional. Duly justified expenses are those necessary for participation in matches or training. Payment for broken time (loss of wages due to absence from employment) shall not be made. In case of accident a player may benefit by insurance, the premiums of which may have been paid by his association or club. If injured, the player may (when insured or when the insurance does not cover the expense) receive from the league or club a pecuniary assistance provided consent therefore has been obtained from RISA. If an amateur player is a paid employee of any league or association, the player must prove on every demand that the services as a player are not a part of the wages paid to him in the capacity of an employee. Any player who participates in soccer competition for money or merchandise of considerable value is a professional. An amateur player who receives any payment whatsoever must deliver a receipt to the team's secretary setting forth specifically the items for which the player has received enumeration or reimbursement and all receipts shall -- always -- be at the disposal of RISA on request. When an amateur player is injured while playing soccer said player shall, with the consent of RISA, be entitled to reimbursement for the payment of the amount of these expenses received by benefit or any other means except insurance must be paid to RISA, which shall hold such surplus on trust as a common fund for the payment of bills which may accrue by reason of injuries to other players. The fact a player is a dealer in sporting goods does not make him a professional. An amateur is prohibited from endorsing advertising by use of his/her name or photograph. An amateur player loses his status as such when a decision of RISA or the United States Amateur Soccer Federation declares him a professional.

3100. Player from other State Associations. RISA recognizes registrations and releases from other state associations within the United States Soccer Federation. If an amateur or professional player moves into the jurisdiction of RISA, it shall be necessary form him to obtain a release from his former association in order to register in the State of Rhode Island.

3110. Professional Player. Registration, transfer, or release of a professional player is governed by the United States Soccer Federation Administrative Rule Book.

3120. Players from Out-of-State or Foreign Countries. In accordance with USSF Rule 3017. Foreign and Out-of-State Players. All players coming from another National Youth or Amateur State Association, Professional League or foreign country must have clearance papers or a signed release by the official registration chairman or secretary of the foreign association, out-of-state or Professional League registrar before they are eligible to register for another team in this Federation, except as to players in the armed forces. However, temporary permission to register and play pending proper release may be granted by the Federation Secretary General upon payment of the applicable fee. The Secretary General will inform National State Associations and Professional Leagues of permissions and they shall also receive a copy of the request. All fees incurred in the processing of an international clearance or out-of-state transfer are the responsibility of the player.

3200. ARTICLE IX. RHODE ISLAND AMATEUR CHALLENGE CUP

3210. Ownership. This cup, "Rhode Island Amateur Challenge Cup", is the property of the Rhode Island Soccer Association, Inc.

3220. Jurisdiction. The Director of Amateurs shall have complete control over all matters pertaining to this competition.

3230. Eligibility. Only teams affiliated through leagues with RISA are eligible to compete.

3240. Entries. The deadline for entries and entry fee shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

3300. ARTICLE X. RISA NATIONAL OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT (NOD) SELECT TEAMS

3310. Coaches. The President shall select a state coaching committee. The President or his designee and the state coaching committee shall elect annually a men's and a women's state national olympic development select coach.

3320. Tryouts. Annually, the state select coaches shall hold public tryouts (minimum of two) to be publicized no less than two (2) weeks prior to the tryouts at which any player registered in this association shall be permitted to tryout for the appropriate select team.

3330. Team Coordinator. The President shall appoint a member of the executive committee to be a member of the state coaching committee. This person shall act as the select team coordinator.

3340. Selection. The select coaches may select any player registered to play in the State of Rhode Island as an amateur player to play for the state select team.

3350. Notification of Selection. Any player selected to play for a state select team shall be notified of his selection no later than fourteen days (14) in advance of his required appearance. The player's team and league shall also be similarly notified.

3360. Rescheduling of Games. Any team that has one or more players selected to represent RISA for a state select team shall have the right to request a rescheduling of a game which occurs at the same time as a select game or mandatory practice. No league shall refuse a request for such a rescheduling provided such a request is received by the league in writing seven (7) days or more before a scheduled game.

3370. Player Non-Participation. Any player who fails to appear for a tryout, mandatory practice, or select game without having received written permission from the RISA Executive Committee, may be suspended and or disciplined. RISA shall not unreasonably withhold permission to not participate upon a showing of hardship to the player in question.

3380. Team, League, Member Non-Participation. Any team, league member of this Association, or other entity operating under the authority of the USSF or RISA within the State of Rhode Island which interferes with a players' availability for select team tryouts, practicies, and/or games or which fails to make available a player for tryouts, practices and/or games shall be fined and or suspended by RISA.

3400. ARTICLE XI. ANNUAL RISA AWARDS

3410. Fred McKinnon Annual Award. Be it resolved, August 22, 1996, that the Rhode Island Soccer Association in the future (first to be awarded August 1997) make an award for committment and services to the sport of soccer in the State of Rhode Island above and beyond the normal call of duty that said award be entitled to the Fred McKinnon Memorial Award and that said award be given by the State Association with a committee to be appointed by the President and/or his delegate on an annual basis with said award to be presented at the annual general meeting on each and every year henceforth.

4000. RISA AMATEUR CHALLENGER CUP RULES

4000. Player Registration. Player registration is governed by the existing rules of RISA, except that for this competition no team may use a player registered on a professional contract or a player who is registered with its minor team.

4010. Substitutions. Each team may use up to seven (7) substitutes for each game but substituted player will not be allowed back into the same game, this is to ensure that all players will participate, and also to conform with standard FIFA rules.

4020. Pairing. The knockout system shall be used in this competition. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to divide the competition into more than one division if the number of entries warrant it.

4030. Duration of Game. Should any game end in a tie, an extra twenty minutes (10 minutes each way) shall be played. Should a draw result after this extra time, 5 penalty kicks according to the FIFA Rules shall be taken until the winner is determined.

4040. Replayed Games. Only those players certified on the referee's sign up sheet shall be eligible to play in postponed, or replayed matches. Postponed or replayed games must be played at the earliest possible date. In the replay, the traveling club becomes the home team.

4050. No Grace Period. The referee must start the game on scheduled time without a grace period.

4060. Distribution of the Gate Receipts. For the final game, after field rent and referee's fees have been deducted from the gross gate, the balance shall be equally divided among the Association and each competing team. In the event of a deficit, the expenses shall be shared equally. If a match is postponed, the expenses shall be paid out of receipts of the rescheduled match.

4070. Protests and Appeals. Protests and appeals shall be according to the rules of RISA.

4080. Cup Possession. The winner of this competition shall receive the Rhode Island Amateur Cup Trophy to be retained in its possession for approximately one (1) year and must be returned to the Secretary on or before fourteen (14) days prior to the following year's final Cup Game. While the trophy is in its possession the club shall be completely responsible for its return in the condition it was received. Upon receipt of the trophy, the team shall furnish the Secretary with a receipt and with a bond or insurance in the amount specified in the current schedule of fees.

RISA Annual Fees 2008-2009