Pleasanton Adult Sunday Soccer (PASS) is a co-ed, recreational soccer league. Players of all abilities are welcome, and the emphasis is on enjoying the game and meeting new people. PASS plays two, twelve-game seasons a year–Spring (March – June) and Fall (Sept – Dec).

Traditionally PASS has used 5-6 fields, playing games at 9:00 and 11:00 on Sundays, though 1 pm games occasionally occur if field availability shifts due to decisions made at the city level.

Mixers are held during the off seasons for 2 main purposes: One being to help new players find a team to play on, and Two to help mix up the players from different teams to get to know one another and build up comradery between players.

PASS has fielded approximately 16-20 teams per season.

Players register for a team or as a free agent. The team selected must be agreed with Team Rep beforehand. Mixers/Pick up games have been created during the off season to help free agent’s find a team. Registering as a free agent will enable you to receive emails from the league regarding any mixers or events coming up. Registration is “open” around a month before the season starts. As 90% or more of the teams are returning players, the process is pretty smooth. An email is sent along with a posting on the BUSC website (https://www.busc.org), and a mention on the BUSC Facebook page. Players will register using the link on the BUSC website under the adult division. The player will need to fill out their info and upload an ID (e.g. Driver’s license) if a new player. The Administrator will verify the player’s ID and details, then submit it to US Club Soccer. The player will then receive an email from US Club Soccer asking to accept their account, which they will need to log on and verify their info. While in the account, click on the profile button in the top right of the screen and then click on "My SportsEngine." Then choose "Household" and click on their profile. You will see a US Club membership and a place to VIEW DETAILS in that box. This will show the requirements and links to complete your registration/medical waiver. This waiver is different from the one done on the BUSC registration and is crucial to be allowed to play. Add a headshot (shoulders and head only, no hats or sunglasses), by clicking on the blue dot with the camera in your profile and uploading a photo. A player can only play once they are on the official roster, so please make sure with your team rep that your name is on the roster with a headshot. 

There is a preseason, mandatory Team Rep meeting held approx three weeks before the start of a season. This meeting will most likely take place at the BUSC offices located at 275 Rose Avenue, Suite 209. Any rules changes, discussions, etc take place at this meeting. Once registration is complete, the league administrator will schedule the games, in consultation with Tami Shadle of RAGE (BUSC’s field assignor), and will work on putting out the season-long schedule.

All Players that do not have a team and wish to be a Free Agents are required to fill out the form.
Free Agent Form Link

The PASS fees cover the league being sanctioned under US Club, PSRA (referee) assigning, city field use fees and League Apps technology. Referees will now be paid directly by the PSRA with payments from BUSC. The referee fees will be collected in advance as part of the team registration fee. Currently teams pay $1500 per season. The fee is paid via credit card during the team registration process or sent by check to the League Administrator. It is the responsibility of the team managers to collect player fees to cover the costs of the team registration. If the PASS league generates a profit/reserve, the post-season recap meeting will determine how to use, donate, or distribute this. Money is also collected from Mixers to help pay for the League.

We have been playing on four fields at the Pleasanton Sports Park, with an occasional week or two at the Val Vista Soccer Complex. BUSC will handle field assignments as needed. BUSC’s field set up contractors will handle all of the field preparation (lines and goals). The contractors are given the schedule and the rest is taken care of. Note: The City of Pleasanton had been charging PASS an hourly rate for field usage, as opposed to the $25/participant fee but this has changed and is budgeted for since PASS is now part of BUSC organization.

The Tournament has been successful for over 25 years. Running under the umbrella of BUSC, the club is rebranding the event as the "Ballistic Brew Cup"! The event is sanctioned and operates in partnership with Cal North Soccer.  The tournament director is Tevin Jones, the clubs Director of Operations.  The club's profits from the event will increase the club's financial aid program, its TOPS social needs program, and the club's Title 1 school program called "Get on the Bus"!

FALL 2024 SCHEDULE

In order to guide existing teams, as well as future teams, the following policies have been discussed and approved. It is recognized that while these regulations and guidelines should help to maintain the type of league desired, the cooperation and attitude of every participant will determine the success of the League.

I. LEAGUE CONCEPT

1. This League was designed as an adult recreational league for fun and exercise.
2. Players agree to read and abide by the BUSC Bylaws and Rules which are available on the BUSC website (https://www.busc.org).
3. Every attempt should be made to train, play, and involve all players equally, regardless of sex or previous experience.
4. No awards shall be given at the end of the season.

II. LEAGUE COMMITTEE

1. The League Committee shall consist of one representative from each team, plus the League Director and the BUSC executive director. The committee will report directly to the BUSC Board of Directors as needed.
2. Ideally, each team should have an alternate representative designated to act on the behalf of an absent representative.
3. The BUSC Executive Director shall advise the Committee and, in the case of a deadlock on an issue before the Committee, cast one vote.
4. The League Committee shall meet at least twice each year (normally, early in the months of February and August).
5. Each team must have a representative at each meeting.
6. A team that is not represented must pay a $50 fine before the start of the season. If this fine is not paid before the start of the season, the team will not be allowed to play soccer for the entire season following the missed meeting.
7. Each team representative should be aware of League policies and regulations.
8. Upon notification to the League Director, a team may change the identity of either or both of its representatives.
9. A revision that affects only one division may be enacted by a vote of the representatives of the teams in that division only, unless any member of the League Committee objects, in which case representatives from all divisions vote.
10. Representatives of prospective teams must attend the League Committee Meeting but may not vote until the team registration deposit is paid.
11. A simple majority vote is necessary in order to enact any revisions.
12. The League Committee has final approval of all changes in the Rules.

III. APPOINTED POSITIONS

The Committee shall appoint for each calendar year persons to fill the following positions:

1. Tournament Organizer
2. Disciplinary Chairperson
3. Advisory Committee

IV. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

1. The Disciplinary Committee consists of: the Disciplinary Chairperson; the clubs Executive Director; and a representative from the Referee community (assigned by the Executor Director), the Advisory Committee and the League Director.
2. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and shall be upheld by all teams-there is no appeal process.

V. RECRUITMENT, REGISTRATION, AND AFFILIATION

Team registration must be in to the Treasurer by the registration deadline established by the committee. Registration will consist of the following:

1. Managers will turn in the team deposit at the time of the League meeting.
2. Team managers are responsible for collecting team dues from their players.
3. Individual registration is done through the BUSC website where players will register as a free agent and put their specific team when asked.
   1. Upon initial registration with the League, each new player must upload a driver’s license for proof of age.
   2. Team representatives are responsible for ensuring that every active player has registered appropriately.
   3. Once the League Director has approved your registration and ID, they will transfer you to the team provided. A head shot is needed, which will go on the roster.
4. Maximum number on the game day team roster is 29.

VI. DIVISIONS/AGE GROUPS

1. In the Coed Open Division, teams shall consist of men 30 years of age or older, women 21 years of age or older. Each roster may have three men aged 25 years of age or older and two men aged 21 years or older. Women are allowed two players aged 18 years or older.
2. In the Masters Division, teams shall consist of men 40 years age or older and women 35 years of age or older.
3. A person registered in the Coed Open is also eligible to register and play in the Masters (age permitting).
4. A player may transfer from one team to another within a Division of the League during the season by contacting the League Director.

VII. PLAYING

1. There is a limit of 29 players eligible per team for any given League game.
2. In the Coed Open, Coed Masters Divisions, the team mix is regulated as follows.
   1. Goalie may be either sex.
   2. There can be more women players than men players.
   3. No more than five of the field players can be men.
3. If playing conditions are good, teams must play on the scheduled date or forfeit.
4. A game that is canceled or terminated due to rain or a wet field is not rescheduled.
5. Two 45-minute halves per game with no overtime periods or penalty kicks to break ties.
6. In the Coed Open, and Coed Masters, unlimited substitutions are allowed at any stoppage time at the ref’s discretion.
7. At an injury stoppage, only the injured player may be substituted.
8. Women may use arms to protect their chest provided they keep their arms close to their bodies and do not direct the ball.
9. The Goalkeeper may not be charged at any time.
10. When a goalkeeper has possession of the ball, obstruction of the goalie is not permitted (Opposing player must stand aside.)
11. In the Coed Open and Masters Divisions, women take all drop balls and penalty kicks.
12. Intentional or aggressive sliding within playing distance of other players will be considered a cautionable offense.
13. A cautioned player must take an automatic 10-minute “cooling off” period. A substitute, if available, may replace the cautioned player.
14. Suspended players may play during off-season and practice games.
15. Except for the goalkeeper, all players on a team should wear shirts of the same color. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable, but sport bras worn alone are not. Each shirt should have a number. Referees have the authority to enforce this requirement in order to identify individual players in the event of a cautionable offense or sending off.
16. Any team that knows in advance it will be unable to field a team for a scheduled match must notify the League Director by 9pm on Thursday. Failure to give sufficient notice will result in a $50 fine payable to BUSC before their next scheduled match.
17. If a team cannot field 7 players within 10 minutes after the scheduled game starting time, that team forfeits the game. If agreeable to both teams, the team short players can pick up registered players from another team, so long as the total number of available players does not exceed two male and two female substitutes. The game may then be played under friendly scrimmage rules but no refs will be supplied to officiate this scrimmage.
18. The Referees will check players headshots on the League Apps roster, which is provided to the refs. Players arriving late must check-in with the Referee.

VIII. PLAYING FACILITIES

1. Use of City of Pleasanton and/or school district fields is to be determined by BUSC in conjunction with the City of Pleasanton.
2. In case of inclement weather, call the Sports Field Weather Line at 925-931-5360. Playing on wet fields is forbidden.
3. Responsibility for determining playability of fields belongs to the City of Pleasanton.
4. Teams must obtain league permission for practices and/or games. Get approval from the League Administrator.
5. Goal usage is controlled by BUSC, which will coordinate such use with outside entities.

IX. REFEREES AND LINESMEN

• Referees and linesmen shall be furnished for all League games in the manner chosen by the league and BUSC. The league reserves the right to manage this with as minimal impact as possible to other teams affected.
• A certified center referee shall be assigned to each game in the Coed Open and Masters.
• All officials are to be 18 years of age, or older, unless otherwise approved by the League Director.
• Referees shall be competent and capable of controlling a “low-key” game. The method available to qualify for referee assignment in the P.A.S.S. League is below:
• Certification by CYSA or other recognized soccer organization.

X. DISCIPLINARY RULES

1. The league/BUSC will decide upon and implement any needed actions against a player, team, team rep, referee or any contributor to the league not specifically outlined in the rules in order to keep the concept of the League.
2. Any fine imposed in these rules or any compensation owed must be paid within 72 hours. Failure to pay will result in cancellation of that team’s games until payment is made.
3. Unless specifically noted otherwise, the FIFA standards for discipline and penalties shall prevail, whether stipulated in our literature or not.
4. To protect the concept of the League, the Disciplinary Committee will be STRICT AND FIRM.
5. The Disciplinary Chairperson will respond to any complaint of a reported rule infraction.
   1. Complaints must be submitted to the Chairperson or the League Director.
   2. A formal report or protest is not necessary. However, a written report should be submitted for serious or recurring misconduct. No appeals are granted. Decisions are final.
   3. In consultation with the Referee Coordinator, the Disciplinary Committee shall interpret the rules when necessary.
6. If a team fields a player not conforming to age or registration regulations, then that game must be halted/abandoned immediately. The team that fielded a non-registered player will be fined $250 (payable within 72 hours) and forfeit their next scheduled game. In addition, the team representative from that team will be suspended for five League games. If a manager plays a player that is registered yet not on the roster, then the manager and the player will be suspended for one game.
7. If a team fields a player that was suspended and not approved from the Disciplinary Chair to be put back on the roster, then the team manager will receive a one game suspension.
8. Any player found to be under age shall be prohibited from play for two years.
9. COMPLAINTS: When an individual or team is reported to be playing in a manner that is rough, unsportsmanlike, and/or contradictory to the concept of the League, the following actions will be taken.
   1. For the first complaint, the Disciplinary Chairperson shall warn the team (and/or the individual named) that a complaint has been made and that corrective action by the team management should be taken.
   2. On the second complaint, the team and/or individual shall be placed on probation and notified by the Disciplinary Chairperson that subsequent complaints could result in future suspension.
   3. The third complaint shall be the basis for a Disciplinary Committee action that may result in the player and/or Team Representative being suspended.
10. PROTESTS:
    1. Only protests for a misapplication of the laws of the game will be considered.
    2. The protest must be in writing and received by the Disciplinary Chairperson within 72 hours after the game being protested.
    3. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee will be final. The decision will be forwarded to the team representatives within 48 hours.
11. YELLOW CARDS:
    1. Accumulation of three yellow cards throughout a season will result in an automatic one game suspension and probation for a 12-month period beginning from the date of the third yellow card.
    2. Any additional yellow card in the 12-month probation period will result in an automatic three game suspension each time.
12. RED CARDS:
    1. Any individual receiving a “red card” may not play the remainder of that game and result in an automatic three game suspension (weeks with byes or game rain-outs do not count). The incident shall be reviewed by the Disciplinary Chairperson for possible further penalties.
    2. An ejected player must leave the playing area.
    3. Red cards, as with FIFA rules, are subject to appeal.
    4. More severe penalties shall be imposed for the following misconduct:
       • Fighting — minimum suspension of five League games.
       • Threatening Behavior towards an Official — minimum of one-year suspension.
       • Pushing or Striking an Official — minimum of one year suspension and possible expulsion from the League
    5. Less severe penalties shall be imposed for any red card resulting from the following non-violent misconduct:
       • Hand-ball denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity — one game suspension
       • Accumulation of two yellow cards in one game, where neither card was awarded for a reckless or excessive tackling – one game suspension
    6. Multi-game or multi-week suspensions specified throughout these rules shall carry over to League weeks in the following season, if necessary.
    7. At League games, even those that are forfeited, a suspended individual may neither play, nor coach, nor disturb players or officials by words or actions.
    8. Although the referees have a primary responsibility to monitor and ensure proper conduct on the field, it is every player’s personal responsibility to conduct himself or herself in accordance with the rules.
    9. Field Use:
       • There shall be a three-game suspension for any team abusing the fields in violation of League rules, e.g., playing on wet fields.
       • The penalty shall be applied to the two teams organizing the game in violation.

    GAME DAY PROCEDURES

    1. If playing conditions are good, teams must play on a scheduled date and time or forfeit.
    2. Field status is determined by the City of Pleasanton’s weather line (925)931-5360 and the field status website.
       1. No game shall be played on grass fields if the city has closed the fields prior to the scheduled kickoff time.
       2. Games scheduled at all weather fields (Patelco) shall be played rain or shine.
       3. Games canceled due to weather conditions shall not be rescheduled.
    3. Players and officials shall arrive at matches 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
    4. Referees will verify the headshots that are on the rosters.
    5. If a team cannot field 7 players within 10 minutes after the scheduled game starting time, that team forfeits the game and referees are released from the match.
       1. If agreeable to both teams, the team short players can pick up registered players from another team, so long as the total number of available players does not exceed two male and two female substitutes.
       2. The game may then be played under friendly scrimmage rules.
    6. Players shall have matching team jerseys, with the exception of goalkeepers.
       1. Each jersey must have a unique number.
       2. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable.
       3. Sports bras worn alone are not acceptable.

    MATCH RULES

    IFAB 2017-2018 laws of the game shall govern all play with the following additions and clarifications.

    1. Game Length shall be two 45-minute halves:
       1. No overtime periods or tiebreakers shall apply
       2. If the match kickoff is late due to teams not arriving on time, the referee may reduce play time to two shorter, equal halves and shall communicate the length of shorter halves to team captains prior to kickoff.
    2. In coed matches, the following rules shall apply:
       1. Goalie may be either sex
       2. No more than five of the field players can be men
       3. There can be more women players than men players on the field
       4. Women take all drop balls and penalty kicks
       5. Women may use arms to protect their chest provided they keep their arms close to their bodies and do not direct the ball
    3. Unlimited substitutions are allowed for either team at the discretion of the referee during:
       1. Any goal kick
       2. Any kickoff
       3. On throw-in or corner kick when initiated by team in possession of the ball
    4. At an injury stoppage, only the injured player(s) may be substituted.
    5. Goalkeepers may not be charged at any time and doing so will be considered a cautionable offense.
    6. When a goalkeeper has possession of the ball, obstruction of the goalkeeper will be considered a cautionable offense (Opposing player must stand aside).
    7. Intentional or aggressive sliding within playing distance of other players will be considered a cautionable offense.
    8. Any cautioned player must take an automatic 10-minute “cooling off” period (a.k.a. “Sin Bin”). A substitute, if available, may replace the cautioned player.

    POST GAME PROCEDURES

    1. Referees shall fill out the printed game card:
       • Note the final score
       • Note any cautions or send offs
    2. Referees shall submit an after match report via Arbiter Sports within 24 hours of the match.
    3. An incident report must be filed for EACH misconduct incident that occurs during the match so that the league may track cumulative incidents for players and teams:
       • All cautions shall be logged including player name, jersey number, and cautionable offense via the “Incident Report”.
       • All send offs shall be logged including player name, jersey number, send off offense, and details of the incident(s) and player(s) involved with the send off via the “Incident Report”.
    4. Any unusual incident occurring at a match involving players, substitutes or spectators shall be logged by the officials by submitting an Incident Report by emailing details of the incident to the Assignor.

Angela Woodward

angwoodward@comcast.net