NOTE: The Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act (ONCA) Requirements were required to be adopted by Ontario Soccer Clubs for October 2024. Kemptville District Soccer Club has put in place By-Law No.1 for compliance to the new ONCA requirements and By-Law No.2 for supplemental information.

BY-LAW 3 - COPIES OF THE CONSTITUTION :

Every member shall receive, upon request, a copy of the Kemptville District Soccer Club (KDSC) Constitution and/or Bylaws. A copy of these shall be made available on the Club website for membership. 

BY-LAW 4 - PLAYING RULES: 

All games will be played under alignment to the current version of the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Standards (5v5, 7v7 or 9v9 formats) and FIFA laws (11v11 format), except where modified by the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA), the Eastern Ontario Soccer (EOS), the Club Board or the Leagues in which our teams are affiliated. 

1. KDSC House League (Recreational) Program: 

A) Team Size :

• Ideal standard is for 8 players to a maximum of 10 players for age groups of Mixed U3, Mixed U4, Mixed U5, Female/Male U6 and Female/Male U8
  
• Ideal standard is for 10 players to a maximum of 12 players for age group of Female/Male U10
• Ideal standard is for 12 players to a maximum of 16 players for age group of Female/Male U12
• Maximum of 20 players for age group Female/Male U13-U18
• Each team requires a dedicated Team Leader/Coach/Volunteer to run. A team will not be formed until a volunteer is in place.
  

B) Team Regulations:

1. All players must be formally registered within the KDSC registration system, electronically signed by a parent or guardian for under age of majority players.
   
2. All players must be formally registered by the Club within the approved OSA registration system (currently OSCAR).
   
3. Altering teams in any manner at the start of the program will only be allowed with the permission of the Club Board, or their designated Convener for that division. Permission will only be given after consideration has been given to the strengths and weaknesses of the other teams in the division. Under no circumstances will a new player be allowed to a team just to strengthen the team.
   
4. Coaches, with the permission of the coach of the team being drawn from and with the permission of the parent or guardian where applicable, will be allowed to use players from another team of the same division level or the next lower age division to bring their team to strength for a game. Every effort must be made to get your own players out to a scheduled game week.
5. Development and Competitive teams will also be allowed to draw players from the age-equivalent House League program. Discussion with the impacted team Coaches and permission from the parent or guardian, where applicable is required.

(C) Game Length:

 
All House League games will have a minimum of a five minute half time break or longer as indicated by the referee (for U10+ age groups) . 

• U3, U4 and U5 Mixed Division: 45 minutes maximum of unstructured soccer activities. No formal game structure.
  
• U6 Female/Male Division: 45 minutes maximum (15 minutes practice, 10 minute break, 2 X 15 minute halves with 5 minute break at half)
  
• U8 Female/Male Division: 65 minutes maximum (25 minutes practice, 10 minute break, 2 X 20 minute halves with 5 minute break at half)
  
• U10 Female/Male Division: 90 minutes maximum (25 minutes practice, 5 minute break, 2 X 25 minute halves with 5 minute break at half)
• U12 Female/Male Division: 100 minutes maximum (25 minutes practice, 5 minute break, 2 X 30 minute halves with 5 minute break at half)
  
• Adult House League Division: 45 minute halves (5-10 minute break at half)
  

All other games in the Development/Competitive programs will be governed by the League in which the team is registered to play in.

D) Irregular Conditions :

1. For (9v9 and 11v11 configuration games), if a team cannot field at least seven (7) players within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled kick -off time that team will forfeit the game to the opposing team. The game will be recorded as a 2 to 0 win for the opposing team. The exception to this rule will be in the U10 Division where a minimum of five (5) players is required.
2. If neither team can field the minimum number of players within ten (10) minutes of kick - off time the game will be cancelled/rescheduled.
   
3. For games shortened by late starts where remaining daylight will become a factor in game completion, five (5) minutes will be allotted for the half time break and the remaining time divided fifty (50%) percent to each half of play.
4. Under no circumstances will late starts be allowed to interfere with the starting time of the next game in a double header game format, unless permission is obtained by the coaches involved in the next game.
5. In the event of inclement weather the Match Official has the authority in consultation with the team Coaches and will decide if the game is to be played, delayed or cancelled/rescheduled. Games should only be postponed in the case of a heavy downpour which makes the field unsafe or unplayable. However, if there is thunder heard and/or lightning seen in the area the game will be abandoned immediately and the players are to be sent home. If the second half of the game has started, the game will be entered as complete and the score stands. If the game is still in the first half or at break, the game will cancelled/rescheduled.
   
6. The Club will make every effort to ensure that all teams of players get to play at least 10 games per outdoor house league season. Generally more games will be scheduled to allow for inclement weather and field situations beyond Club control. Games will only be rescheduled at the house league level when it means that teams will have played less than 10 games for the season.

(E) Important Notes:

1. House League programming is designed to be used by all players who register with the Club to participate, regardless of ability, playing experiences and skill level.
2. House league programming is to be about the spirit of the game for fun and enjoyment by all players who have registered to play.
3. Teams will be made as fairly as possible by the appropriate convener to ensure teams are of equal parity. Teams may be altered early in the season if the convener or Club Board determine that teams would be more fair.
4. Players may not request to play up to a higher age group as it is contrary to Ontario Soccer Grassroots Standards and it displaces someone from the correct age from a team. Players of higher skill, should be considering at playing on the youth Development/Competitive teams.
5. All players will be given an equal amount of playing time within the guidelines of common sense.
6. All players are to arrive on time; but, those who arrive late to a game (with just reason) must be given the opportunity to play an equal share of the remaining game time.
7. Teams that are winning a game by more than five (5) goals are asked to play a more defensive style of game and refrain from further scoring to simply drive up the score of the game.
   
8. Spectators are to sit on the opposite side of the field to the teams/coaches. Coaches, assistants and players are permitted in the bench area.
9. Coaches and spectators are not permitted on the field of play without the consent of the Match Official.
   
10. Player substitutions are permitted:

a) on any natural stoppage in play at the U10 and U12 youth divisions; while FIFA laws will apply for the U13-U18 and adult house league divisions.
b) The Match Official must be notified of all substitution changes.
c) The player must be off the field of play before the named substitute can enter the field of play after receiving permission from the Match Official.
d) Goal keeper changes may be allowed at any time.

2. Youth Development and Competitive Teams and Adult Competitive Teams:

Most of the House League rules apply to development and competitive players as well. Exceptions are noted in this section.:

1. Assessments for the youth development and competitive teams will be held in the late winter/early spring (run for 4-6 weeks) which will be determined after registration is for assessments is completed. Players are to attend as many assessment dates offered; but at least 50% of the assessment dates for their age category being offered. Returning players are not guaranteed a roster spot on their appropriate age level team. Adult teams will hold their own player assessment process for new players wishing to join established adult teams and rosters to be attempted to be filled to capacity.
   
2. For youth development teams, the Director of Development/Club will provide the team Head Coaches with a list of chosen players to the team and proceed to issue player letter of offers. For the youth competitive teams the Director of Competitive will provide the results of the assessment to the team Head Coaches. The team Head Coaches will review and provide a list of chosen players to the Director of Competitive/Club by the date determined at the commencement of assessments. The team Head Coaches will proceed to issue player letter of offers.
   
3. Players should be notified if they have made a team in private. For players not chosen, if requested provide an explanation as to why they have not been chosen for the team. Recommend to provide an explanation of the positive attributes and the areas for improvement to the player and recommend they work on the improvements within the Club house league program.
   
4.  Coaches and players agree to abide by not only the constitution, by-laws, codes of conduct of the Kemptville District Soccer Club; but, also the rules of the league in which they are playing (Eastern Ontario Soccer League, Ottawa Carleton Soccer League)
5. It is highly recommended that when games where no Match Official as assigned is available, teams are to work with opponent on a reschedule. Having a qualified Match Official present, presides over playing an unsanctioned game. The only exception to this would be if a qualified Match Official was available to step in to officiate the game.
6. While equal play time is still encouraged in development and competitive soccer, the Club recognizes that it is a different environment than the house league program. Coaches are encouraged to use caution when not using equal playing time, as the Club wishes that all registered players to feel part of a the KDSC team. Players and parents should be a made aware at assessments that there is the possibility of unequal play time and that playing time is at the discretion of the coaching staff (Head Coach and/or Assistant Coaches only, not the Trainers or Team Managers).

1. Only equipment provided by the Club will be allowed on the playing area during a game or practice. The Club provides all available fields, nets, netting, corner flags and team training equipment; including ball bags/balls/cones required for programming.
   
2. Size 3 balls will be used in U3, U4, U5, U6 and U8 divisions, size 4 balls will be used in U10, and U12 divisions, and size 5 balls will be used for the U13-U18 and Adult divisions.
3. Players' Equipment for U10 and up is overseen by Match Officials as covered by FIFA Law#4.
   
4. Jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather and rubber bands) are to be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
5.  Soccer cleats are recommended at all levels of play. Shin pads are mandatory at all levels of play.

1. Slide tackles will be called as per FIFA Laws with the exception of women's house league where they will not be permitted. They will also not be permitted in any house league divisions (U3 - U12).
2. The FIFA Law#11 Offside will be called at all age groups U12 and up; however, at the U10 age level the offside calls will be restricted to "obvious cherry- picking" so as not to disrupt the flow of play.

BY-LAW 8 -COACH GUIDELINES:

 
A) Coaches and Assistants are expected to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of all players.

B) Coaches and Assistants are expected to adhere to all League rules and to conduct themselves in a manner which is a good example to the players and spectators. 

C) Coaches and Assistants are confined to the sidelines within their teams technical area and may not coach from behind the goal or in the other teams technical area as it is a distraction to the Goal Keeper and the opposing team. 

D) In the U3, U4, U5, U6 and U8 Division, each coach will be allowed on the field for the one half of the game. 

BY- LAW 9 - GUEST TEAMS :

A) All teams within a reasonable traveling distance of the Club will be given consideration for entry into our Club. They will be subject to the rules and regulations of this Club. An entry fee will be levied by the Club. 

B) A list of eligible players, along with their date of birth, must be provided before the start of the season. 

C) Adequate Match Officials will be provided for all guest team home games. Match Officials will be provided by the Club Board at the expense of the guest team. 

BY-LAW 10 - GENERAL RULES OF ETIQUETTE:

  
A) Have your team at the field at least ten (10) minutes before assigned session (at least thirty (30) minutes for development and competitive teams).

B) Match Official decisions are to be accepted without challenge before, during and after the game. 

C) The Club does work to provide the best Match Officiating possible. All Match Officials have the formal training and requirements as set by Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer Association. It is important that all coaches and spectators show the proper due respect to the Match Officials assigned to games to ensure our program of Match Official Training is not adversely affected by discouraging incidents.  KDSC will not tolerate harassment or abuse of Match Officials for any reason. Without Match Officials, your child will not be able to play.  Many of our Club Match Officials are children and are learning to Match Officiate just like your child is learning to play.

D) In soccer it is normal practice, no matter the outcome to the game for the Coach staff to thank the Match Official after each match. It is also customary for players from the teams to shake hands and to wish each other a "good game". 

E) Team uniforms provide a great deal of style and enthusiasm to the game, as well as being a tremendous help to the Match Official. We must insist that each player be made to wear their uniform to every game. Consistently ignoring this policy will result in the player not being able to play until they have their uniform. 

F) Accentuate the positive at all times. Continuous criticism is very discouraging for players of any age trying to learn and enjoy the game. 

G) Encourage team supporters to cheer good play and ignore mistakes by both teams. Your example will go a long way in achieving this goal. 

H) Spectators are to watch the game from the opposite side of the field as their team in all age divisions. If two games are happening side by side coaches will set up in the middle and the spectators will sit on the opposite side. 

BY-LAW 11 - AWARDS: 

Subject to the approval of the Club Board, awards may be given to members. The Timbit™ program (U3-U8) provides participation medals. 

BY-LAW 12- PROTESTS: 

Protests should be first addressed to the Director of House League. Should their decision not be satisfactory, a written protest may be submitted to the Club Board within forty-eight (48) hours of the game. Under no circumstance will arguing with the Match Official be tolerated. It could result in the suspension of the Coach or Assistant responsible. 

BY-LAW 13 - FEES AND CHARGES: 

Registration fees for the upcoming seasons will be established, approved and published by the Club Board in advance of registration by way of the KDSC website or other means as determined by Club Board. 

Other fees may be levied by the Club Board as deemed necessary. 

Any refund of fees or charges shall be at the discretion of the Club Board under the Refunds policy.