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THE PULSE - #77

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Dragon:
IS TPCJSA HEADED FOR A STORM, OR AVOIDING ONE???



....When the brewing "storm" called the RCL hit TPCYSA, the Club Presidents just said "NO"!!!



The Pulse!  No. #77



COVER STORY


Well, "brewing storm" might be a little over blown in some peoples mind, but not in others.  In a story sent in to the Pulse newsroom desk we see how some out there are feeling about the RCL.

On Thursday night the TPCJSA club presidents voted unanimously at their regular monthly meeting to not sign the RCL Charter. (WPFC didn't attend; Harbor did)
 
The week before the presidents met with Andreassen and Fisher in Federal Way, where the got the RCL documents  (See Below), and they all independently came to the same conclusion... this was a bad thing for their clubs and the association.
 
Many feel that this is significant because they say its not something the state believes should be voted on by clubs; its just to be followed by their directive.
No one knows what will come next.   The PDL clubs didn't expect associations to say no; WYS didn't have a plan for associations to just say no...

Dragon found out there was very little discussion before the motion was made, and silence after the vote.  Everybody had already made up their minds from the meeting the week before.   
Now its a waiting game for the State's response.  With the TPCJSA's deadline set for the 3rd of June (Today!), many clubs felt under pressure to decide where to play their teams. 
 
Some are said not to want the subject brought up; they supposidly said no charter had been presented yet so it was a non subject.  But some had been told repeatedly that it was a done deal and the papers were coming.  They were told it wouldn't affect select teams or small clubs, it was only about bringing the PDL back into the State...

Many feel this is a Lie...
 
The people the Pulse got this info from want you to read the below attachments and read for yourself the rights and controls the assoc's will have to give up; They say; "We will essentially give up the right to govern ourselves. There are also a large number of items that will be changed at a later date after we sign....  " ... just sign and we'll tell you about it later," stuff.


They also say the attached bylaws pretty much put the whole assoc under the control of the RCL DOC. (money, players, select teams, everything).  They also added; "If you don't like his decisions you can appeal to the Regional Club sub committee, which is dominated by people just like him... soccer professionals who make their living off little kids soccer, any way they can".
 
Lastly they stated; "It will be good to get this out in the open so other associations don't get railroaded into signing away control their clubs.  TPCJSA is big enough to in house their own leagues if WYS wants to get vindictive.  And, of course, there is the PSPL option, which looks pretty good to all the select teams regardless of the RCL".
 

Dragon has attached some of the documents below for all to read for themselves:



Regional Club Charter
The Regional Club charter is a commitment between Washington Youth Soccer, a member Association, and a chartered Regional Club to work together to serve the highest level of development and play, and improve the quality of development across the association.
Once this charter has been assigned, it can only be removed by Washington Youth Soccer, only with documented cause processed through the Regional Club subcommittee, and only after all avenues for resolving conflicts or performance issues have been exhausted.
Washington Youth Soccer commitments
Washington Youth Soccer commits the following:
* To assist club administrators in operating a high level youth program through programs to improve governance and financial practices
* To provide Washington Youth Soccer’s Long Term Development Program as a framework for Associations and their Regional Club to leverage to drive development
* To represent high performing clubs in national and where appropriate, international youth development matters
* To support our Association and Regional Club player and parent education and welfare programs
* To monitor the Association and Regional Club continued compliance with Washington Youth Soccer’s Regional Club charter program
* To develop relationships, programs and opportunities for players, coaches and administrators from diverse socio-economic communities
* To organize and support the Regional Club subcommittee, including direct ongoing representation from the Regional Club Directors of Coaching and Presidents/ Executive Directors
* To organize and operate a Regional Club league with the following structure:
Age group
Regional Club league maximum
* U10
* 4 six-a-side teams
* U11
* 3
* U12
* 3
2
* U13
* 2
* U14
* 2
* U15 and above
* 1 A team, B team if qualified. Non-qualified B teams move to Open league; A teams have that option as well
a. Associations greater than 6k may be provided an extra slot for U10, U11 and U12 development in the RCL
b. Associations greater than 8k may be provided 2 extra slots for U10, U11 and U12 development teams in the RCL, and 1 extra team at U13 and U14 in the RCL.
c. All mergers of clubs currently in the RCL will waive the team limitation for a minimum of one year upon review of the RCS.
d. All mergers of Associations currently represented by clubs in the RCL will waive the team limitations for a minimum of one year upon review of the RCS and the Oversight Committee (Soccer Operations Committee).
e. At U10, additional teams from regional clubs wishing to participate in the RCL may be included at the joint request of the Regional Club and their association.
f. At U11 and above, additional teams from regional clubs wishing to participate in the RCL may petition the RCS for inclusion on the basis of:
* Cost containment (ie: coach runs the groups as an Academy format)
* Travel considerations (pairings, etc)
* Competitive ability
Association Commitments
Member Association commits to the following:
Technical Criteria: Washington Youth Soccer associations shall implement all of the following Technical criteria in support of the Regional Club charter program: - Jointly support and fund a designated Club / Association Youth Development Director (B license or higher, or commitment to achieve within two years). Appointed by the Regional Club, reporting to the Director of Coaching - Enable the Regional Club in the incorporation of Washington Youth Soccer’s LTPD model and culture into Association programs - Ensure attendance at RC Youth Development Director annual workshop hosted by Washington Youth Soccer in order to support YDD’s role - Actively facilitate Washington Youth Soccer Regional Club /Association support/health check visit (every three years) Organizational Criteria:
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Washington Youth Soccer associations shall implement all of the following Organizational criteria in support of the Regional Club charter program: - Maintain good standing with Washington Youth Soccer - Actively support the Technical criteria listed above and effectively respond to future changes - Ensure compliance with Washington Youth Soccer, Regional Club League, and local Association disciplinary and ethical standards and codes of conduct - Actively implement approved Regional Club programs across the association as where required - Facilitate and enable communications, ongoing alignment with mod and select programs, and field access as required to support the Regional Club - Implement structural and/or bylaw changes to align to approved changes to the Regional Club charter - Support Association and Regional Club compliance with the Regional Club Code of Conduct
The Regional Club charter establishes a baseline number of teams that the Regional Club must be allowed to field. Although a Regional Club may form fewer teams based on their particular situation, the association must support the Regional Club’s ability to establish and serve the following:
Age group
Minimum as allowed by charter
* U10
* 4 six-a-side teams (more with association approval)
* Also, Regional Clubs may offer a separate Academy training program with no formal teams, not competing/ overlapping with association rec programs
* U11
* 3
* U12
* 3
* U13
* 2
* U14
* 2
* U15 and above
* 2
4
Regional Club Commitments
Regional Club commits to the following:
Technical Criteria: Washington Youth Soccer Regional Clubs shall implement all of the following Technical criteria: - Club Technical Director with an A License (B license planned commitment to achieve A license with two years) - Jointly support and fund a designated Club / Association Youth Development Director (B license or higher, or commitment to achieve within two years; also a commitment to achieve a National Youth License within two years). Appointed by the Regional Club, reporting to the Director of Coaching - Incorporation of Washington Youth Soccer’s LTPD model and culture into the club development plans - Maintain a defined Club training curriculum & development plan - Minimum coaching requirements (C License or higher head coach, and applies to (A) teams only (automatic 18 month window for any existing or new coach to achieve)) - Two (2) Club Continued Professional Development Workshops will be organized annually by Washington Youth Soccer in two accessible locations. 50% attendance per year will be expected for all non C license coaches; or can be replaced by a club-lead workshops with pre-approval by Washington Youth Soccer Technical Director - Implementation of an annual performance evaluation process, which includes measurement and evaluation of coaching staff for quality assurance - Actively facilitate Washington Youth Soccer Regional Club /Association support/health check visit (every three years) - 50% participation in quarterly Technical Director need-based workshops conducted by Washington Youth Soccer Technical Director (by Director or A/B licensed substitute) Organizational Criteria: 1. Washington Youth Soccer Regional Clubs shall implement all of the following Organizational criteria: - Maintain good standing with Washington Youth Soccer and local Association ? Properly maintained club bylaws ? Board/ governance practices in compliance with Washington Youth Soccer, Association and Club bylaws ? Sound financial management practices, in compliance with Washington Youth Soccer, Association and Club bylaws
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* Legally constituted 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or affiliated with such an organization - Document compliance with Technical criteria listed above and effectively respond to future changes - Ensure compliance with Washington Youth Soccer, Regional Club League, and local Association disciplinary and ethical standards and codes of conduct - Consistent participation in Washington Youth Soccer Regional Club subcommittee and related activities - Comply with the Regional Club Code of Conduct
6
Association and Regional Club modifications
The Member Association and Regional Club agree to the following modifications:
<agreed upon modifications to the standard charter captured in this section. Must be approved by Washington Youth Soccer/ Regional Club subcommittee and Governing Boad>

PRESS RELEASE
Washington Youth Soccer
Regional Club Subcommittee
The Regional Club Subcommittee of Washington Youth Soccer is pleased to announce the formal ratification of the roles, responsibilities and operating procedures of the committee and league.
In March of this year club Presidents from the Player Development League voted to proceed with integrating the PDL into the Washington Youth Soccer’s Seamless Soccer System, starting with the formation of the Regional Club Subcommittee. This is a subcommittee of the Soccer Oversight Committee of the Washington Youth Soccer Governing Board. The PDL-Leadership Committee’s members were selected by the members to take similar positions on the subcommittee and begin work on defining the operating procedures for the committee and league. Washington Youth Soccer appointed board member Tom Ament and Technical Director Gary White as members of the subcommittee.
The Regional Club Subcommittee has held over 15 hours of meetings and conference calls since March 30, 2010. As part of the initial work, Timothy Sekerak, President Blackhills FC was selected by the group to Chair the meetings. Tom Ament, Washington Youth Soccer Board Member was selected by the group as Co-Chair, and the subcommittee’s third delegate to the Soccer Oversight Committee is Tom Bialek, Coaching Director Eastside FC. Other members of the committee are:
Bernie James, Crossfire Premier
Greg Ion, Washington Premier FC
Dave Schumacher, FC Alliance
Rob Walker, Federal Way United
Todd Johnson, Greater Renton FC
John Stanley, Northwest Nationals SC
David Hughes, Vancouver United/Columbia Timbers
Gary White, Washington Youth Soccer Technical Director
Several organizational documents have been developed in the course of these meetings:
• Regional Club Subcommittee Roles and Responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities of this subcommittee of Washington Youth Soccer are covered in this document. It includes a description of the RCS’s purpose, structure and operating procedures. Also you will find a detailed description of its responsibilities for club charters, league operations, and soccer calendar management across the whole range of soccer activities at the regional level. This has been approved by the Soccer Oversight Committee.
• Regional Club Charter. The charter document identifies the nature of the commitment between Washington Youth Soccer, an Association and a chartered club to work together to serve the highest level of development and play. It contains three fundamental elements describing the commitments of Washington Youth Soccer, commitments of the Association, and commitments of the club in both technical and organizational terms. It also incorporates a
Regional Club Code of Conduct. The charter has been approved by the Soccer Oversight Committee.
• Regional Club Application. The application process will consist of an evaluation of the club’s practices and performance in key areas that are considered fundamental to driving a quality, club-based developmental experience. This review will be performed by coaching and administrative leaders from Washington Youth Soccer and the chartered Regional Clubs. The application document is complete, and the application process and criteria will be rolled out within the next two weeks in order for applications to be accepted and reviewed.
• Regional Club League Operating Rules. Describes the operating rules for the Regional Club League.
Over the next two months, the PDL clubs that have been grandfathered as the founding Regional Clubs will execute their charters with Washington Youth Soccer and their associations.
Additionally, the Regional Club Subcommittee has voted to move forward with the launch of the Regional Club League for the 2010-2011 seasonal year. Details of this first phase of implementation are still being completed, although changes from the PDL to the RCL are expected to be minimal in the first year, focusing on moving under the Regional Club Subcommittee and administrative support from Washington Youth Soccer. In particular, team placement and team eligibility will not change for the current PDL clubs/ teams for the 2010/2011 seasonal year. As the Select/Developmental Subcommittee moves into operation and the groups work together to improve the overall Washington Youth Soccer league system, additional changes will be phased in.
The launch of the Regional Club Subcommittee is the culmination of nine months of intense work by members of the Washington Youth Soccer Governing Board, the Washington Youth Soccer staff, our member associations, and the leaders of the PDL clubs. The PDL Leadership Committee has been instrumental in our ability to move forward with this critical element of Seamless Soccer and the Washington Youth Soccer strategic plan.
Questions can be directed to Tim Sekerak at timsekerak@hotmail.com and Tom Ament at tom_ament@msn.com of the Regional Club Subcommittee.


Washington Youth Soccer
Regional Club Subcommittee
Regional Club League
Operating Procedures and Rules of Competition
1.1 Introduction
In order to provide an environment under which the development of youth soccer players is maximized, a Regional Club league (hereafter known as the RCL) has been formed for qualified Clubs with youth Academies and teams in ages U11 through U18. It is administered by the Regional Club Subcommittee of Washington Youth Soccer.
(a) The Washington Youth Soccer Bylaws and Operating Procedures are the governing documents. Modifications to the Operating Procedures and Rules of Competition have been made expressly for RCL competition. The Operating Procedures and Rules of Competition contained herein shall govern the conduct of the RCL.
(b) The RCL shall be for chartered Regional Clubs qualified by the specified criterion and comprised of properly registered youth players affiliated with Washington Youth Soccer Member Associations or Districts, provided such Clubs entering and their teams, Academies, Associations or Districts are in good standing with Washington Youth Soccer and that the team is in compliance with and has not violated any of the rules of Washington Youth Soccer.
1.2 Administration
(a) The Regional Club Subcommittee has been established by Washington Youth Soccer. This committee manages soccer operations of the regional club league and issues directly related to the Regional level of play as specified in the Regional Club Subcommittee Charter.
(b) The Coaching Directors of Regional Clubs may create subcommittees to formulate best league structures and best developmental practices to maximize the potential of youth development on a player by player basis.
1.3 League Structure
(a) The league size for each age and gender division is based on the number of qualified teams.
(b) The RCL Fall season will be September through November. No games will be scheduled on the weekend after Thanksgiving Day unless necessary for final league evaluation. The RCL Spring season will be February through May. Todd – change based on calendar work?
(c) If teams drop, fold, or forfeit their right to play, the league will be played as scheduled with a ‘bye’ inserted where games were previously scheduled, unless a new team is
inserted by the Subcommittee approval. Multiple drops by clubs in consecutive years will be subject to fines.
(d) All league games will be scheduled on the most appropriately sized and conditioned fields available, properly marked, equipped and netted.
1.41 Team Eligibility
(a) Teams must be current with all Club, League, Association, and District fees and fines from the prior season before their participation will be allowed.
(b) All team seeding in the league must meet the following “team roster” criterion for returning players: eight returning players from the prior season’s final league roster.
(c) Clubs provide data towards the league criterion based on the last full seasonal year, state cup play and league placement tournament play for established teams meeting the roster requirement. For new teams, or teams not meeting the roster criterion, clubs provide data towards the league criterion based on current year and limited applicability of results of prior seasonal year or state cup play.
1.42 Staff Eligibility
Membership in the league requires adherence to the highest ethical standards of competition. Coaches, administrators and club officials that demonstrate a lack of integrity or consistent inappropriate behavior will be removed from participation for a period of time as decided by the Committee, not to exceed State or USSF limitations on suspensions.
1.50 Fee and Fine Structure
(a) All league fees for the RCL will be determined by management need as assessed by the RCL Committee. Please see the attached schedule.
(b) During league play, any team having an unexcused forfeiture, as determined by the RCL Committee, will be fined $1000 for the first occurrence. A second unexcused forfeiture will constitute a withdrawal from the RCL, and the team’s Member Association will be fined an additional $500.
(c) During league and Cup play, any coach receiving a red card or composite yellow card send off will be fined $200 for the first offense, $400 for the second offense and a Disciplinary Committee review, and suspension from the league for a third offense.
1.6 League Standings/Tie Breaker
(a) A scoring system to be determined by the recommendations of the Coaching Director subcommittee on competition and the RCS, using either an RPI based on strength of opponents played and results, or W/T/L point formats, or some combination, will be adopted according to the needs of the league.
(b) If any ties exist in Division standings, the following criteria will be used for ranking those ties (except as qualified elsewhere in this document):
(1) Head to Head
(2) Best Goal Differential.
(3) Fewest Goals allowed.
1.7 Recognition Awards
Recognition of winning teams will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Coaching Director’s Committee and RCS. Awards for developmental leagues are not consistent with the mission statement.
1.8 Rules of Play
(a) All league play, tournaments, and special competition under the jurisdiction of the RCS shall be conducted in accordance with current Washington Youth Soccer Rules of Competition, except as modified herein.
(b) Field of Play - If a field is not properly marked, equipped and netted, the referee will have the option to NOT allow the game to be played
1.9 Player’s Equipment
Each player shall have a number on the player’s jersey. The number shall be affixed to the back of the jersey, clearly visible and a minimum of six (6) inches high. Each player on a team must wear a number different from the number of every other player on the team. Numbered jerseys for goalkeepers are optional. Home team must change if colors conflict with visiting team.
1.10 Game Sheets and Club/Player Passes
(a) Prior to a league game, coaches must provide the referee with a roster/game sheet (on the approved form) and valid player passes for all players. A valid player pass is a US Youth Soccer / Washington Youth Soccer, or Bonzi generated player pass for the player’s current team that is signed by the player, has a recent identifiable photo of the player, and is laminated. Players must be listed on the game sheet and have a valid player pass to be eligible to play in the game.
(b) Any player that exceeds the weekly game allotment to a Club Player Pass will not be permitted to participate in that match.
(c) Teams that routinely appear at matches with incomplete sets of player cards or rosters that are not complete will put the club at risk of disciplinary sanctions.
(d) All misconduct incident reports must be reported through the RCS Disciplinary Committee.
1.11 Coaching/Sideline Conduct
(a) Coaching from the sidelines – giving direction to one’s own team on points of strategy and position – is permitted, provided:
(1) Neither mechanical nor electronic devices are used;
(2) The tone of voice is informative and not a harangue.
(b) All coaches, substitute players and other bench personnel are to remain within the “coaching area” (two yards behind the touch line and not within eighteen yards of the goal line).
(c) No player, coach, substitute player or other bench personnel are to make derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other players, substitutes, or spectators.
(d) No player, coach, substitute player or other bench person is to use profanity.
(e) No player, coach, substitute player or other bench person is to incite, in any manner, or engage in any kind of disruptive behavior.
(f) If the above rules are violated, the referee shall ask the offending party for compliance with the rules. The referee may file a written incident report to the Washington Youth Soccer office, attn: League Disciplinary Committee.
(g) In the event that compliance is not received from the offending party, the referee shall ask the offending party to leave the playing area. If this request is made, the referee must file a written incident report to the League Disciplinary Committee.
(h) If the offending party refuses to leave the playing area, or returns after leaving, the referee shall abandon the match and file a written incident report of the game abandonment with the League Disciplinary Committee
(i) It shall be the responsibility of each team to maintain proper spectator conduct. Each coach, manager and team, club, or league official shall be held primarily accountable for the conduct of the spectators for or from their respective teams. At no time shall foul or abusive language be permitted at any field.
1.12 Player Release and Transfer/Player Identification
(a) All teams participating in RCL competition are eligible in US Youth Soccer sponsored events. Therefore, the player release and transfer rules applicable to US Youth Soccer competition shall prevail with the exception noted below:
i) Players with outstanding club balances will not be allowed to move between clubs, nor return to competition until all balances are resolved. Proof of resolution must be provided for the Committee to review on request in case of dispute between clubs.
ii) Clubs may not add fees to the players balance after the player submits to leave the club.
iii) Club/Player Passes utilized for player development cannot violate the State roster limits for team play.
(b) Both US Youth Soccer and Washington Youth Soccer have a seasonal year defined as September 1st through August 31st. The RCS reserves the right to adjust league play according to the needs of the players.
(c) Team rosters must be completed by August 31st.
(d) Roster limits for minimum and maximum players will adhere to the State guidelines.
(e) A team shall be limited to a total of three (3) players from outside the club received by transfer per seasonal year.
(f) Team rosters are frozen in accord with State regulations prior to any competitive Cup format. No additions or transfers, except for utilization of the Club Pass during league play, will be allowed after the State mandated cutoff date.
(g) Players being transferred or added to a team may not play until they have a player pass for their new team. The completed transfer or add form is not a replacement for the player pass.
1.13 Scheduling of Games
(a) Regularly scheduled league games shall have priority over any and all competition entered into by Regional Club teams.
(b) The RCS is responsible for the league. The RCS has final authority to determine seeding and league structure, however tasks may be delegated to administrators for operations and follow through.
(c) The Home team determines field location, sideline policy and kick-off time. Teams must provide their Member Association Representatives with home game and requested kick-off time information:
(1) League games should be scheduled to begin no earlier than 9:00 AM and no later than 5:00 PM, unless agreed to by the visiting team in writing (includes fax and E-mail) at least two (2) weeks prior to the game.
(2) Double header weekends: Saturday games should not be scheduled to start before 2:00 PM and Sunday games should start no later than noon, unless agreed to by
the visiting team in writing (including fax and E-mail) at least two (2) weeks prior to the game.
(3) Teams traveling more than 2.5 hours for one game need to have time to travel in the same day. These games should not start before noon or after 3:00 PM. The Association address of the traveling team to the scheduled game field determines travel time.
(4) Failure to schedule game start times within the prescribed guidelines may result in a mandatory game reschedule at the discretion of the Hosting Administrator.
(e) The Administrator must approve all schedule changes. A schedule change request must be agreed to by both teams and must be submitted to their Administrator prior to the scheduled game date on the “Game Reschedule Request” form. If the request is approved, the home team is responsible for rescheduling the field and the officials. If a team fails to show, on this date, that team will receive a loss for that game. If both teams fail to show, both teams will receive a loss for that game, zero points for both teams.
(f) If a referee declares a field unplayable at kick-off time or the field is closed by the field administrator, both coaches must report the postponement to their Hosting Administrator. The home team is responsible for rescheduling the game with the approval of the visiting team. If the teams cannot agree on a reschedule date, their Hosting Administrator will determine the reschedule date and location. The designated home team will be responsible for any field rental and referee expenses. If a team fails to show, on this date, that team will receive a loss for that game. If both teams fail to show, both teams will receive a loss for that game, zero points for both teams.
(g) If a game is not played because there was no referee and a substitute could not be agreed upon, subject to the approval of the respective Host Administrator, the visiting team may have the choice of rematch date and location. If there is no referee at the rescheduled game and a substitute cannot be agreed upon, the respective Hosting District Administrator will reschedule the game at the expense of both teams.
(h) If both teams have been notified of the game location and kick-off time, and one team fails to show up for the game, following a fifteen (15) minute grace period, the game will be forfeited to the showing team with a score of 1-0.
(i) If both teams have been notified of the game location and kick-off time, and both teams fail to show up for the game, both teams will receive a loss for that game, zero points for both teams.
(j) All league games must be played by the final weekend of the league season unless approved in advance by the respective Hosting District Administrator.
1.14 Responsibilities of Coaches/Managers
(a) The following are the responsibilities of the assigned “home team”:
(1) Marking the field-of play;
(2) Providing a proper game ball;
(3) Providing nets and corner flags;
(4) Providing adequate directions to the opposing team to the “home team’s” venue as soon as game time and location are scheduled by the local scheduler, and at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the game.
(5) Communicating the sideline policy to the opposing team, and the match referees.
(b) Visiting teams must confirm receipt of the above “directions” by no later 48 hours prior to the game.
(c) Failure of the “home team” to properly notify the visiting team of game time and location or failure of the “visiting team” to acknowledge receipt of the game time and location information will result in a fined forfeiture of $100.
(d) Weather conditions and field closures are the exception to the aforementioned game notification and confirmation rules.
(e) The Coach or Manager of both teams (regardless of win, loss, or tie) must report the final game score to the Hosting District Administrator by Monday following the game. Teams that do not report their score may be fined $25 for each occurrence.
(f) Any coach, assistant coach, team manager, or other party having direct contact with players must be in compliance with Washington Youth Soccer’s Risk Management Policy.
1.15 Reporting Scores
(a) Teams must report the game score as directed by the RCL web administrator.
(b) If a game was not played as scheduled for any reason, this information must be reported to the Hosting District Administrator.
(c) If a game is rescheduled, the score must be reported to the RCL web Administrator following the actual game.
(d) If a game was abandoned, this information must be reported to the RCL web Administrator.
1.16 Officiating
(a) A referee shall be assigned to officiate each game with the authority assigned as specified in the “Laws of the Game” (FIFA).
(b) If possible, the Referee Assignor will be responsible for scheduling properly registered and qualified referees and assistant referees.
(c) If assistant referees cannot be scheduled, each team must provide one (1) person to act as club linemen, if the referee wishes.
(d) Referees who are also coaches, team managers, or relatives of players-of-record in a given age group of the RCL shall not be assigned matches in that age and gender group. Other individuals should disqualify themselves if there is a conflict of interest in that age and gender group.
(e) Failure of a referee to show up within fifteen (15) minutes of a scheduled game time will constitute grounds for a rematch. A substitute official may be chosen upon agreement by both coaches and the substitute’s decisions will be final.
(f) Coaches may file a letter of concern on a referee to the Washington Youth Soccer Youth Referee Administrator.
(g) It is the responsibility of the Member Association or Club to send a complete RCL game schedule to the Referee Coordinator responsible for scheduling referees for their RCL games at the earliest opportunity.
(h) Before the start of each game, the referee will ensure the home team’s sideline policy is followed.
(i) If any player has been sent off the field of play by the referee for violating the “Laws of the game”, the referee must file a written report following the completion of the game to the Hosting District Disciplinary Committee. (Contact information will be available on the RCL and Host District websites.)
(j) Before the start of each game, the referee will obtain a game sheet and collect the player passes from each team. Players not listed on the game sheet and not possessing a valid player pass will not be allowed to participate in the game. At the end of the game, the referee
will note on the game sheet: the final score, misconducts issued, and any other information deemed appropriate. The referee will return one copy of each game sheet to each team, and if misconducts were issued or other problems noted, return or fax the white copy to the Hosting District Disciplinary Committee office. (Contact information will be available on the RCL and Host District websites.)
(k) Player passes are to be surrendered to the referee prior to each game. The referee will return ALL passes to the coach at the conclusion of the game. The passes will be used to copy accurate information to the referee’s misconduct report.
1.17 Game Abandonment
(a) If it has been determined that a league game is abandoned by the referee due to actions of the coach, players, spectators or any combination thereof, NO REPLAY WILL BE GRANTED.
(b) Furthermore, if at the time of the abandonment:
(1) The opposing team is ahead, the score will be the final score.
(2) The team causing the abandonment is ahead, the game shall be considered forfeited and a score of 1-0 in favor of the opposing team will be awarded.
(3) If the score is tied, the game shall be considered forfeited and a score of 1-0 in favor of the opposing team will be awarded.
(4) If it has been determined that both teams caused the abandonment, then both teams will be given a loss, zero points for both teams.
1.18 Disciplinary
(a) Clubs participating in the league shall approve a Coaching Director who together shall form the Disciplinary Committee. This Committee shall be staffed by Coaches and Administrators from regional clubs.
(b) This Committee will review only challenged disciplinary cards each week on Thursday evenings (unless otherwise notified), written reports submitted by referees, and forwarded to them for processing, any misconduct at league games played the weekend previous to the meeting. It shall be the responsibility of the coach, or listed alternate, to contact their District office or Disciplinary Committee Director to obtain notification of action taken.
(c) The Disciplinary Code is covered in the Washington Youth Soccer Governing Document titled “Disciplinary Penalty Code.”
(d) Players that accumulate three yellow cards during the league season will be ineligible to compete in their next scheduled league game. Yellow card totals will be carried over from the league season to other events.
(e) Players receiving a red card will be ineligible to compete in their next regularly scheduled game after the next regularly scheduled Disciplinary Committee hearing. A more severe penalty may be applied by the Disciplinary Committee under established guidelines.
(f) Penalty points will be accumulated over the seasonal year. Yellow cards will be accumulated at one (1) point each, red cards at three (3) points each.
(g) Players that accumulate seven (7) points from red and/or yellow card accumulation during the seasonal year will be suspended and be required to petition the Disciplinary Committee for reinstatement of eligibility to compete on any Washington Youth Soccer team. Upon reinstatement, the Disciplinary Committee will set the terms and conditions of probation. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of probation may cause those player(s) to be suspended for the remainder of the seasonal year.
(h) A coach of a team receiving a red card will be required to appear before the Disciplinary Committee, which will determine appropriate action. Failure of the coach to appear after notification will cause the coach to be suspended, and require written petition to the Disciplinary Committee for reinstatement of eligibility to coach this or any Washington Youth Soccer team.
1.19 Disputing Misconduct Reports
(a) All protests must be handled according to the published Washington Youth Soccer Rules of Competition.
1.21 Ethics
(a)The purpose of this league is to set the highest standards to develop youth players to their fullest potential – both physically and emotionally. As such, participants must conduct themselves to that same highest standard. At all times, adult participants are expected to be role models for the youth involved in this league - exhibiting good sporting behavior in both victory and defeat.
(b) All participants in the Regional Club League (RCL) are members of Washington Youth Soccer and therefore must adhere faithfully to its stated bylaws, rules and policies as well as to their intent. All coaches, managers, players and spectators will adhere to the RCL Code of Conduct and the Washington Youth Soccer Code of Ethics (Rule 608).
Notification of Receipt of Rules
I, ___________________, have read completely and understand the rules of the RCL as presented and will adhere to them as instructed by the Director of Coaching.
Coach Signature: _______________________ Date ____________
DOC/Technical Director Signature: _______________________ Date _________________



WPS & SQUASH CONTINUE TO MAKE HEADLINES IN 5 DIFFERENT COUNTRYS!

First Dragon would like to give SounderFan (from the good ol' U.S. of A.) a big shout out for his great article and interview with Squash about our beloved site here; WPS!!!  If you have not had a chance to check it out yet, here is the link:
Regional youth soccer talk stays hot at WPS-Soccer.com

Dragon had links to the articles recently published in Greenland, Botswana, Peru, and Bahrain but he must of misplaced them ;)  Guess we'll have to just read the USA one again ;D ;D ;D



STRAIGHT FROM THE WHISTLES MOUTH!


The 10 Directives 100% Misconduct   
When I heard the Pulse was coming back, the new way of referee thinking needed to be shared with the masses.  I’ve spoken with plenty of people on both sides of the fence; those who play and coach along with those of us who arbitrate the game as well.  The common thought is those who coach and or play are not doing so with respect to how referees are being taught to referee the game. 
   When fouls occur we often hear: “I got the ball”, “it was shoulder to shoulder” or “was that on me?”  When we call fouls there are some key components: was the ball in play, was there contact with a player and an opponent and was the offense a trifling or not?  We are also looking to see if the contact was careless (simple foul), reckless (yellow card) or excessive force (red card); when deciding when to blow our whistle and issue cards if necessary.
   That brings me back to the title of this entry.  I’d like to focus on the first of the 10 Directives, 100% Misconduct.  When first introduced it was a way in my opinion to take away to soft touch to what some referees were conducting business on the field.  Some referees just don’t issue cards at all.  How many of you have been to a game and made the comment, “give him a yellow card ref” or “that’s a red card ref”.  I have to admit it but more often than not you fans have a good idea when a card needs to be issued (about 60% of the time).   The idea being that if a foul was 100% misconduct, a card needed to be issued, period……  Within that thought process you have to look at misconduct from two perspectives; fouls that are contact based (the heavy blows or wild tackles) and fouls that are of a tactical nature (the tugging on a shirt to stop a breakaway or the player who steps in front of a player stops an attacking player).  These types of fouls should receive yellow cards.  Fouls of a more serious nature, excessive force or violent conduct would result in the issuing of red cards.
   This year I would say that the thought process has backed off just a little.  Giving some wiggle room back to the referee to determine if a yellow card should be issued based on the atmosphere of the game.  Some games need yellow cards to be issued while other games don’t.  With more experience, referees get a feel for when the use of a yellow card is necessary.  Thus when a foul occurs and a yellow card might be warranted a referee might have that quiet discussion with said player to see if the behavior can be altered.   Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t work.  The referee is relying on his/her judgment that they’ve pick the right player to work with as an example.   Using that person to speak loud enough with so everyone else knows what just happened (foul that might be yellow card worthy) is unwanted in today’s contest.  If the other players get the message, the game should run smoothly.  My rule of thumb is to “try” and give each team “one talking to” per game if I can.  Sometimes a player will tie my hands and the foul will be such that I have no choice but to issue the yellow card.  When it comes to red card offenses there are now freebies!
   When trying to share this information with a crew (with both AR’s) during a pregame conference, I approach it this way.  If a foul occurs that they feel deserves a yellow card out of my (referee) view, let me know at the next dead ball and we will go back and issue the yellow card.  If a foul occurs that deserves a red card play must be stopped (except when a goal is about to be scored) and dealt with immediately. 
   100% misconduct has simplified how referees should deal with the issuing of yellow and red cards.  I believe most people understand the fouls of the physical nature.  It’s the tactical ones that are now confusing.  However, if we can all agree that the game is improving from a coaching and playing standpoint on the technical and tactical ability of all the players.  We must accept the fact that referees are now aware of the tactical ways players are being taught to stop their opponents (professional fouls) and are prepared to deal with that as well.
   
Ray Moffatte, Jr. (RedKard)
Referee Grade 5




WPS' ~ IRON CHEF!



everybody LOVES pizza ! Here is a version of pizza many kids prefer;

Chicken and Vegetable Calzone
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onions or shallots (substitute broccoli, green onions or whatever you prefer here if the onions are too much)
1/4 cup (or to taste) of pre-made spaghetti sauce. Marinara or low fat fettucini sauce, optional. 
1/2 cup chopped green, red, or yellow bell pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)
4 oz. cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
Flour for dusting kneading surface
10 oz package refrigerated pizza dough
2/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, (or use Healthy Choice fat free)
1 tablespoon fat-free milk
Spray a large skillet with vegetable oil spray.  Add mushrooms, vegetables if using, onions, bell pepper, oregano, garlic, fennel seed, and crushed red pepper.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Stir chopped chicken into the mixture, set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly flour a fat surface and unroll pizza dough onto it, roll pizza dough into a 13 inch circle. (Fold corners of dough before rolling.  Transfer to baking sheet.
Spoon chicken mixture on half of the dough circle to within 1-inch of the edge. Top with sauce if using. Sprinkle cheese over chicken.  Moisten edges of dough with water.  Fold dough in half over filling.  Seal edge by pressing with the tines of a fork.  Brush the top with milk. (or spray with vegetable oil.)
Bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until crust is light brown and filling is heated through.  Let stand for 5 minutes. Good with a dollop of sauce on top and a squeeze of lemon.
Makes 4 servings.
Per serving:  (4) 314 calories, 20g protein, 42g carbohydrate, 3g fat.



FROM STATE HQ'S TO YOUR PC!



As in the past, People have sent in questions for me to send to Doug.  Dragon recieved a couple of questions since the last Pulse and sent the one to Doug that I thought would be most interesting for you all to read.  Thank you to Doug for always being willing to answer questions. Here is the question and response from Doug below:


"Please forward this question to the state president. I know he must or I have heard he has children that played or are playing select soccer.  I would like to know what he thinks of the PDL, NOT as the president, but as a PARENT, and how if any has it effected his family"
 



This is extremely difficult question to answer in my position as President of Washington Youth Soccer, yet I am a parent with two kids who play recreation ball and one who plays PDL/RCL. The PDL of days gone by was not my favorite program in Washington Youth Soccer. This was mainly due to the disparity of programming in the clubs. Many of the PDL decisions are so tailored to each family and their individual needs, such as financial capabilities, car pool benefits, travel, playing multiple sports, coaching skills and the overall program of the club. You have to make sure it is a good fit for your family from all aspects, for many families it created very difficult situations in the way of choices of activities. It has had a dramatic effect on my family in all of these areas.
 
The landscape of Youth Soccer is rapidly changing. With the implementation of the USSF Academy program being just one of many examples. US Soccer continues to push out best practices for development of our youth. These development elements surround the element of less games and more development. The coach of today is as much of a educator as they are coaches. The MLS continues to impact the youth games at all levels, and we are fortunate to have the close relationship with the Sounders FC. With the adoption of the Regional Club Leagues, these best practices will be implemented across the board, in addition to the need for our outreach programs that reach out to the under-served areas of our state. This program is our "Soccer Across Washington" program that comes under the National program "Soccer Across America". The growth in our state is now a result of our efforts in this area are becoming more relevant every day.
 
At the end of this discussion it comes down to what is best for your family. The players that are in the PDL/RCL are those that carry a soccer ball with them, they watch both MLS Games and European games, they have favorite players that they follow and participate in pick up games on a daily basis,etc, and they love the game. These are great candidates for the RCL clubs. We as a family make these same decisions, we are well aware of all of the factors that every family has to make, we see it, we breathe it and we live it, yet the proper development of our youth is now paramount to us and the game, the RCL will now provide these standards to all of our players.
 
 
Yours in Soccer,
Doug Andreassen
President, Washington Youth Soccer



THE WPS YARD SALE!



Wow, not one person has something to sell?  will have to cancel this section if no response by next issue :-[



WPS' PAPARAZZI!

This Youtube was sent by one of our CP's.  Its a video of the G96 Sounders FC in the ODP NW Territories invite ;D




Here is some pix's of the "much talked about" Dolphins at their Carwash ;D











COW CHIPS!




Don't give up hope, this section coming soon ;D



WPS' TOP TEN LISTS!

Top10 reasons WPS POSTERS ROCK!

1. Bart Jr. has a set of balls so big that members can sign them.
2.Duffer often gives at out free gifts that range from red foam noses to corndogs
3.Tripleplay can riddle you this so well even the Riddler has no clue what he's saying
4.Our Dragon doesn't breathe fire but sometimes flames do come shooting out of his butt.
5.WPS has a resident sissy that even the meanest poster wants to hug and kiss instead of beat up.
6.Sometimes our Old Dog makes a posts and people line up to put him to sleep
7.EW64 is similar to Hanford and can post topics that rival nuclear waste…at least to the 3Rivers folks
8.We used to have a Doc who would diagnose the PDL and ECFC, but in the end under his care they died suffered miserably and are on life support now
9.Our sounders have fans but hey we have sounderfan
10.The farmers around here have cow chips but they have nothing on us because we have Blue Chips rankings.





THE FAST LANE!



I don't get back til June 2nd. June 3rd (today) I take a high performance driving class and June 4th is an all-day track day at PIR so I'll be toast for this issue. I will come up with a fast lane article next pulse though.  But I do have CP car showcase for this issue, enjoy.
Ken (kennard04)


CP Car Showcase!




Hula Girls 07 Daytona Charger

#0050 of #1500
added flowmaster pipes
gps nav
center counsol hidden entertainment system
functioning shaker hood



WPS FAMILY CIRCLE FOUNDATION!



CURRENT PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS NEEDED!


JAZZY

Jazzy and her parents (Brooke and Richard) could use some good thoughts and prayers.
In April, Jazzy was hurt by their dog.
"Our family Doberman of 5 years bit her on the face and head totalling 100 stitches. She will have 1 surgery in about a year and possibly one more after that. We still have the dog and have a doberman expert working with us and the dog once a week to put the hierarchy back in place (mainly me who needs the work!!). She is doing awesome and we are recovering slowly but doin well!!
Guess I should mention we were playing fetch when this bite happened and she fell down when he retrieved the toy and was about to go running. He gave her a warning snap to back off his toy."


WPS beloved Poster

An unsung hero on the Pulse staff is going through a tough battle with a form of Cancer.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and hope it is a battle he can over come!


WPS-FCF UPDATES!

Cha-Chee ( Ashley ) UPDATED from her Care pages site!!

IT'S BEEN 1 YEAR!!!!

Today is the 1 year anniversary for Ashley. She has been cancer free!!! She is very excited to celebrate today and now refers to herself as a survivior. Since we don't get to see many of you I thought I would touch base and let you know how things have been going. She has been having scans about every 2 months and everything looks great. She is still healing in her abdomen but the doctors are not surprised given what she went though and there have been no signs of cancer!

She is of course back on track in her school work and soccer. Ashley has signed up to do the Leukemia Lymphoma Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon on June 26, 2010 in Seattle and has been looking forward to crossing the finish line. In March she broke her ankle and has healed from that. So she had to take about a month off from training but she has been pushing herself very hard to be ready for the run. If you would like, here is the link to her team in training website.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/rnrseatl10/limjor

So far her plans for the summer will be to play soccer and enjoy the time off school with her friends. Once again thank you to you all for everything you have done for our family and you will always be a part of our lives and wish you all the best.



Luke B...... doing good, gaining his weight back and looking forward to college and playing again.




Autumn Fairall from her Caring Bridge page March 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010 12:07 AM, PDT
From Tiffany:
Yesterday Autumn and Erinn stopped by to pick some things up at our house.  Our youngest daughter ended up going home with them for awhile and then I picked up the two girls later and took them to church.  While we road in the car there was laughter, giggles and generally pleasant conversation. 

Tonight I can't help but sit and think about this same night two years ago.  Erinn had called me because Autumn was still having pain and things were getting worse.  She was taking her back to the hospital and this time the hospital staff chose to transfer Autumn to Children's.  I drove to the hospital to be with them both as they began this long journey we now know as leukemia.

I can't help but thank God for that smiling girl in my back seat last night.  She is more "Autumn" these days than I have probably seen in two years - even with a walking cast on one foot.  Our God is good.  Life is looking up for this sweet girl.

Thank you for following along these past two years.  Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.  Thank you for loving Autumn enough to be able to smile along with me tonight just with the joy of knowing she is with us.

Autumns mom Erinn wrote this October 2009
<snip>
I want to say, thank you for all of you for being so faithful in your thoughts,  taking the time to write in the journal and most importantly for your continuous and abundance of prayers and support for Autumn and for us her family.   These have sustained us and given us hope.  Especially, during the times when our energy was so low and Autumn was so sick.  It is a great way to stay connected with all of you.  The encouragement that you and the letters that you sent, have helped us so much.  Now that we are able to start doing more I hope that we can see and do more with all of you.


A Special Thank You to BratJr for researching and putting together these updates for us ;D




I WOULD LOVE TO GUEST PLAY FOR YOUR TEAM!


...3 local gals got to play up in the U17 bracket for a team all the way from Idaho!!


Here are a list of potiential guest players for your team!  If you have any interest shoot Dragon a PM/email about which player you would like to contact.  Good luck players ;D

PLAYERS NAME:  Shira
AGE GROUP:  G-U14
CURRENT TEAM:  Cascade Select
POSITIONS:  Defender or Forward
WHEN AVAILABLE:  "Wants to guest play for any team that will be playing in the Skagit Firecracker tournament"

PLAYERS NAME:  Becca
AGE GROUP:  G-U14
CURRENT TEAM:  Cascade Select
POSTIONS:  Midfield and Forward
WHEN AVAILABLE:  "Wants to guest play for any team that will be playing in the Skagit Firecracker tournament"


PLAYERS NAME:  Beautiful
AGE GROUP:  G-U16
CURRENT TEAM:  None at the time due to finances (but have played for WPFC, Crush, and many others)
POSITIONS:  Usually play forward but will and has played all positions
WHEN AVAILABLE:  "I am available for any tourament for U16 and up all summer long"

PLAYERS NAME:  Tanner
AGE GROUP:  B-U18
CURRENT TEAM:  None. Had played for last 7 years with SnoHo Black. Starting Keeper for Lake Stevens HS.
POSITION:  Goalie
WHEN AVAILABLE:  "Available all through the summer until College starts in the fall".
*you can contact Tanner directly at #425-367-8021*


PLAYERS NAME:  Madeline
AGE GROUP:  G-U14
CURRENT TEAM:  PDL-1 team
POSITION: Forward or center mid
WHEN AVAILABLE: "interested in guest playing in the month of June"


PLAYERS NAME:  Emily
AGE GROUP:  G-U15
CURRENT TEAM:  PDL-1 team
POSITION:  Mostly center mid, but has played wing
WHEN AVAILABLE:  "interested in guest playing in the month of June"






BRAT JR'S CORNER!

Great Showing by WA ODP 97 A team girls this weekend at the Nike Friendship Cup

Southern Cal 3
WA 2

Northern Cal 1
WA 2

Colorado 1
WA 5

Oregon 0
WA 2












Great job to Harbor 94 winning the SF Memorial Day Cup!


Harbor Premier G94  defeats Kelowna United  3-0 for the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Coach Sue Waters club out scored the opponents 6-0 over 4 games




DRAGON'S BREATH ~ THE PULSE WRAP UP!

Another issue in da books!  The two week span between each issue is easier for me fo sho!!  Thank you of course to all the contributors as always.  We cannot do a Pulse without a lot of people's contributions.  The cover story this time may start some "tit for tats" among our posters, but as always D is willing to print the "other side of the story" and if anyone wants to submit a rebuttal sort of speaking, feel free.  Look forward to bringing you Pulse #78 in a couple of weeks, and for all the staff members or people who want to submit articles, pix's, etc Please do so by the next deadline which will be June 17th at 3pm.  Until next time...
Thats all for now, Play with Heart & Fire Always!!!

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