Club By Laws

YARMOUTH-DENNIS SOCCER CLUB BY-LAWS

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Section 1: ELIGIBILITY
In order for a player to be eligible to participate in the Yarmouth-Dennis Soccer Club, that person must be a resident of the Towns of Yarmouth or Dennis, either as a full-time or part-time resident. Any request for a waiver of this rule must be made in writing and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 2: REGISTRATION

Part A
Players shall register with YDSC and pay registration and participation fees. YDSC may set registration deadline dates for both Fall and Spring seasons. If deadlines have passed, players will be accommodated according to the Late Registration procedure.

Part B
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to fill out their player registration form completely and correctly, including age and grade. YDSC is not responsible for incorrect player registration information.

Once the recreational soccer team assignment email has been sent, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that their player's grade/team assignment is correct. If the grade/team assignment is incorrect, the parent/ guardian has seventy-two (72) hours to contact the Registrar via email ([email protected]) about the grade error. If the Registrar is not contacted within this period, there is no guarantee that the player can be switched to a different age group.

Part C
Refund Policy:

Section 3:  LATE REGISTRATION
Players who do not register before registration deadlines shall be registered and placed on a time-ordered Late Registration Waiting List maintained by the Recreation Director. Every attempt will be made to place players in the YDSC soccer program.

Section 4: UNIFORMS
Players on a team shall only wear uniforms selected by the Board of Directors. 
The issued uniform shall consist of a jersey and socks. Cutoffs, jams and visible boxer shorts are not allowed. The ordering of uniforms will be coordinated by the Uniform Coordinator.

Section 5: PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT
Player’s equipment requirements must be adhered to during all soccer activity (practices and games).

Players must wear shinguards and appropriate footwear at all times (player purchased). Socks must be worn over and must cover the entire shinguard. Soccer cleats are recommended. However, players can wear sneakers. Baseball, football and metal cleats are not allowed.

All items of jewelry (earrings, necklaces, wristbands, watches, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. They cannot be covered up with tape or bandages. “Medical Alert” jewelry is allowed provided it is properly taped down and does not pose any danger to the wearer or other players.

Casts (soft or hard) and splints are prohibited.

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is considered dangerous. The referee makes the final determination of what player equipment is safe or unsafe.

Mouths guards are encouraged for all players.

Section 6: CODES OF CONDUCT

Part A
All players; coaches; parents/guardians/spectators; and, soccer officials must follow the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Codes of Conduct at all times. Violations of the Codes of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The decisions of the referee are final and must be respected. At no time should a coach, player or parent/guardian/spectator question or argue with a soccer official.

In an effort to decrease the abuse of Soccer Officials (i.e., Referee, Assistant Referee, etc.), a zero tolerance policy has been adopted. Abusive and obscene language, violent play or conduct, fighting, and other negative or derogatory behavior (such as sarcasm or taunting) directed to or about Officials or otherwise deemed detrimental to the match will not be tolerated. Violations of the Zero Tolerance Policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Codes of Conduct and the Zero Tolerance Policy may be found at:

www.mayouthsoccer.org/codes-of-conduct

                                                             or

Part B
Parents/guardians/spectators, players and coaches are encouraged to wait 24-hours after a game or incident in practice to address a concern or a decision. This will allow for cooler heads to prevail and promotes a more productive dialog.

Section 7: CORI
All coaches, volunteers, and board members are required to complete a CORI check in accordance with Massachusetts Youth Soccer regulations and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements. No adult may have contact with non-familial children of the club without a completed CORI check. This by-law specifically excludes coaches from participating in practices, clinics or games without a CORI check completed and clearance given by Massachusetts Youth Soccer. The exact procedure for completing the CORI check is prescribed by Massachusetts Youth Soccer and must be implemented by YDSC. In general, there must be at least one CORI administrator, who is a volunteer for the club, and is responsible for reviewing and implementing the CORI procedure.

Players who are 18 or older, or turning 18 during a season are required to complete the SafeSport Abuse Prevention Core training prior to participating in any soccer activity (i.e., practices, clinics, tournaments or games). The player must submit their training certificate to the CORI administrator.

Section 8: DISCIPLINARY ACTION 

Part A 
Any player, coach, soccer official, board member or parent/guardian/spectator can be disciplined for violations of the Codes of Conduct, unbecoming behavior and/or otherwise acting in a manner detrimental to the interests of the Club. This includes, but not limited to: fighting, intimidation, bullying, disrespecting authority, and use of foul language.

Part B 
If problems between parties arise that cannot be mutually resolved, the Board of Directors will be convened to hear and hopefully, resolve the situation. 

Upon receipt of a written complaint, a hearing will be scheduled involving the complaining party and the person(s) involved in the unbecoming behavior. The President of the YDSC will preside at this hearing. In the event that the President is subject to the complaint, another member of the Executive Board will preside at the hearing. 

Part C 
The disciplinary action that can be taken include but are not limited to: 
•    Written warning
•    One week suspension from games or practice 
•    Multiple week suspension from games or practice 
•    Removal from team for balance of season
•    Permanent removal from the club 

If the party disciplined is a Board Member, said Board Member may be removed from their position using the procedures stated in Article 11, Section B of the YDSC Constitution. 

Part D 
The Board of Directors shall determine, by simple majority vote, the disciplinary action to be taken. 

Part E
In the case of suspension or removal, said individual will not be refunded any incurred registration or uniform costs. 
In case of removal, said individual must immediately surrender any credentials/licenses and return any YDSC-owned equipment to the club within ten calendar days.

Section 8: FIELD POLICIES

Part A 
Players and coaches are prohibited from using the fields if they are deemed closed by the Town of Yarmouth, Town of Dennis, D-Y Regional School District, and/or by the Board of Directors.

Part B
Pets are not allowed on the fields at any time. Service animals are welcome.

Part C
Smoking and vaping is not allowed on the fields or parking lots at any time.

Amended on:
June 28, 2021
February 28, 2022
April 18, 2022
February 27, 2023