SECTION 5: MATCH DAY STAFF

5.1 MATCH DAY STAFF. Game Day staffing requirements will be dictated, to some extent, by the duties of stadium staff pursuant to the stadium lease. In addition, the Home Team should have  a memorandum of understanding with its stadium outlining both the Team’s and the stadium’s  responsibilities, including which entity is ultimately responsible for in-game equipment repair  (e.g., goals), implementation of emergency medical and security procedures, spectator  misconduct and contraband items, including pirated merchandise, knives, firearms, alcohol, etc. 

5.2 MATCH DAY OPERATIONS MANAGER. ($500 Fine) The Home Team’s Match Day Operations Manager must have overall responsibility for the day of Game Operations, including coordination with the stadium, security,  TV, radio and ceremonies/entertainment. He/she may also fill the position of Field Manager and Visiting Team & Referee Liaison. The Operations Manager will serve as the main point of contact and must be available by phone to the league office, visiting team and referees on game days. This position can not be filled by the Head Coach and is recommended to not be filled by any coaching staff personnel. 

The Match Day Operations Manager shall assist with all the organization and supervision of the field and bench, and activities occurring thereon. Their responsibilities shall include:

• Providing the required lining and proper placement of equipment for the playing field including benches, goals, corner flags, game balls, sideline product, beverages, and additional team needs 
• Supervising set-up and take down of sponsor field signage and signage positions 
• Supervising pregame and halftime ceremonies to assure the game starts and resumes at the designated times 
• Supervising security forces, ball boys/girls, runners, and communications with the press box 
• Providing game officials with any assistance needed before, during, or after the game 
• Assuring compliance with the game timing sheet and match day information 
• Provide a copy of the Match Day/Competition Itinerary the opposing team’s coach 
• Give notice to the home team and visiting team to ensure they take their positions on time for pre-game ceremonies/introductions and for the second half.  

5.3 VISITING TEAM & REFEREE LIAISON (VTRL). ($500 Fine) The Home Team must designate a Visiting Team & Referee Liaison that must be responsible for the needs of the Visiting Team & Referees during their stay. The VTRL must have a cellular phone and be always reachable until the Visiting Team & Referees departs the Home Team’s city. Upon arrival, the VTRL must meet with the opposing team’s Head Coach or his/her designee and provide them a copy of the Match Day Itinerary and Information. 

The VTRL must provide the Game Officials with a Match Day Itinerary and necessary match day information, Substitution Cards and the Referee Game Report form upon their arrival at the stadium. They must receive TWO (2) complimentary tickets each. Each Game Official must also receive ONE (1) Parking Pass (if required). The VTRL must confirm security to escort Game Officials from the field to their locker room at the end of the Game and at halftime if requested by the Referee.

5.3.1 HOTEL. In the event that the Traveling Team is in need of hotels, the Home Team must make available a preferred rate for the Visiting Team for hotel room needs at a hotel that is no less than three (3) star type. Generally, the hotel should be no more than 15 miles from the stadium and/ or training grounds. Hotels are only to be requested in the event the traveling club is traveling more than 600 miles in total for the scheduled match. 

5.4 FIELD MANAGER. The Home Team must designate a Field Manager who must be wholly  responsible for all organization and supervision of the field and bench areas, and activities  occurring during pre-Game, halftime and post-Game. The Match Day Operations Manager can serve as the Field Manager.

5.5 CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER. ($500 Fine + Forfeiture Fine) All Home Teams are to provide a minimum of One (1) certified athletic trainer (CAT) that is available to both the teams before, during, and after the game to tend to players. The trainer should be available for the visiting team at least 60 minutes prior to the game. Visiting teams may travel with their own team trainer. It is highly suggested that the home team have confirmation with the scheduled CAT days in advance and in the event the scheduled CAT is unable to attend that there is an on-call protocol in place. Under no circumstances may a match be able to play without a certified athletic trainer present and/or medical personnel certified to conduct a SCAT5 test on individuals suspected of a concussion. No trainer present after 15 minutes of the scheduled kickoff will result in game abandonment, forfeiture and fines for the home team. 

5.6 BALL KIDS. ($25 Fine) The Home Team must have a minimum of Two (2) Ball Kids, ages Eight (8) and over. Ball kids should be outfitted in matching t-shirts that do not conflict with either team (including goalies) and referee jerseys; pinnies can be utilized.

5.7 SCOREBOARD OPERATOR. ($25 Fine) Each home team shall have a stats crew to keep accurate game statistics. The statisticians shall complete the official Score Sheet for each game, giving the halftime stats to a runner for duplication and distribution to the press box. The statisticians / spotters shall be supervised by the home team’s Director of Media Relations. 

5.8 FIELD AND STADIUM SECURITY. The Home Team must ensure that a sufficient number of  uniformed security officers are present in the stadium, depending on the stadium size,  estimated crowd size, and lease commitments. Field Security must ensure that only properly  credentialed individuals are on the sidelines or in the vicinity of the Teams’ benches before,  during, and after the Game. Grandstand Security must be responsible for the safety of all  Players, Game Officials, and Team Officials when entering or leaving the stadium. Unauthorized  field incursions should result in ejection and possible arrest. Consideration should also be  given by the Home Team for Visiting Spectators to safely enjoy the match either through  separate secure seating areas or additional security staff. Coordination through Ticketing  Manager and Security is critical.