RULES & REGULATIONS
Revision 3.0 – 04/23/2009
PA West ADULT SOCCER LEAGUES
For the Good of the Game Always...
A. Play to win.
B. Play fair.
C. Observe the Laws of the Game.
D. Respect opponents, teammates, referees, officials and spectators.
E. Accept defeat with dignity
F. Promote the interests of soccer.
G. Reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence and other dangers to our sport.
H. Help others to resist corrupting pressures.
I. Denounce those who attempt to discredit our sport.
J. Honor those who defend soccer's good reputation.
Links to current FIFA rules pages
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/lawsofthegame.html
http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/federation/81/42/36/lotg%5fen.pdf
Revisions
12/08/2008 – Issued for comments
03/31/2009 – Issued for review by WPASA
04/23/2009 – Updated to publish for Spring 2009. Approved for PMSL and WPASA
Introduction
The Adult Association will comprise the following leagues: Men’s Open (Over-19), Men’s Over 30, Men’s Over 40, Men’s Over 50, Women’s Open, Women’s Over 23 and Coed.
The main goal of these leagues is for the players to enjoy the game of soccer. Common sense should play a major role in each player’s attitude towards officials, opponents, and their teammates. In short this is a competitive but recreational league, "PLEASE TAKE IT EASY."
As adults we will hold each individual personally accountable for their actions within the league. Furthermore a recreational league allows for competitive play but cannot sanction combative play.
Administration
The Adult Association Executive Committee officers will consist of the Adult Vice President, Secretary and the commissioners of each of the leagues.
League Administration: Each league within the Adult Association will have its own Commissioner.
The Executive Committee reserves the power to enforce any and all rules. Fines, suspensions, forfeitures, etc. where not defined in the Rules and Regulations, may be levied by a two-thirds majority of members present at any regular or special meeting.
Registration/Rosters/Passes/Transfers
All teams and players must be officially registered with PAWest and paid in full before playing in any league. Registration is performed through the PAWest Adult online registration system. (www.pawest-adult.org)
Once players are entered in the online system and current year registration fee is paid in full the registration system will allow generation of player cards and a current team roster which are required for all games. The registration system will allow players on teams in different leagues to have multiple cards issued indicating the team and league for which that card is applicable.
Each team shall be insured for liability through PA West Soccer by the payment of all team and player registration fees.
Team must have a current stamped and stickered roster. Every player will have a current stickered player pass and must present his pass to the referee at game NO ROSTER OR NO PLAYER PASS NO PLAY!!! NO EXCEPTIONS.
Players found guilty of being registered with more than one sanctioned team within a league at a time shall be suspended a minimum of two (2) games in that league. Offending teams shall be subject to one $15.00 fine per illegal player and forfeiture of every match in which an illegal player participated. (Rostering a player implies intent.)
A player may transfer from one team to another by his own choice but team managers must enable the transfer by removing the player from their roster (one transfer per player per calendar year).
Over 30 and Over 40 leagues do not allow transfers solely for playoffs, the team that you are on in the preceding season is the one you are allowed to participate in playoffs with. Other leagues may require the same or similar restrictions.
Rules
Field of Play: Fields must comply with standard size i.e Length between 100 and 130 yards and Width between 50 and100 yards. Field must be in condition suitable for safe play. The home team must prepare the field according to FIFA Law i.e. dimensions, markings, goals, and corner flags.
All equipment for fields and players must comply with FIFA laws.
Standard FIFA rules as documented in Laws of the Game will be followed with the exception of the following permitted rule adjustments.
Periods of Play:
All regularly scheduled league games shall be played in two forty-five minute halves with a ten (10) minute half time. There will be no overtime. O-40 and O-50 leagues may optionally play games using four twenty minute periods except where referees are being assessed which requires games be played in two halves.
Unlimited substitutions will be permitted in all league games. Two (2) substitutions are permitted per team following a goal and at goal kicks. Two (2) substitutions are permitted by a team at their throw-in. At half-time, unlimited substitutions are permitted. In the event play is stopped to attend to an injury, either team may substitute two (2) players. O-40 and O-50 may have unlimited substitutions at the defined stoppages. All substitutions must have permission of referee and are allowed at his discretion.
Slide tackles are not allowed in the O-30, O-40 and O-50 leagues. A slide tackle is by definition a “tackle” where a player leaves both feet to challenge an opponent. Sliding to prevent a ball going in the goal or going into touch is allowed as long as there is no opponent involved as is sliding when no other player is within 6 feet. Slide tackle calls are to be enforced by referees for the safety of all players and the referee’s decision as to whether a player slides or not is final.
Referees
Referees must enforce the FIFA, Association, league and division laws. They must maintain control of the match, the players and the officials and spectators. They must verify that all players are authorized. Their responsibility includes activity before and after the game.
Referees must have a current PAWest Grade 8 certification level and have had the required training in order to officiate at adult league games.
Three referees should be scheduled for all games although a game may be officiated with two referees.
In the event that the scheduled referee does not show, an acting referee may be used, but must be approved by both team captains and must be a certified USSF referee. Outcome of the game is final.
Referee reports for all games must be submitted to PAWest with complete details within 4 days of the match where any incidents are reported. Any red cards must be submitted to PA West along with the referee report. Failure to provide required report will result in referee being ineligible for future adult matches.
Referees are expected whenever possible to advise captains and coaches of any unacceptable conduct and to give them an opportunity to correct the situation before taking other corrective action.
The referee assignors must ensure that appropriate referee crews are assigned to games and that referees properly perform their responsibilities in officiating and reporting.
Matches
The home team must contact the visiting team to confirm game time & location, and uniform colors. When there is a color conflict, the home team shall change.
No team is permitted to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any league match unless the opposing team is notified and agrees and League Commissioner is notified. Violations shall result in a $15.00 fine and a forfeit against the offending team. THE OFFENDING TEAM SHALL PAY ALL REFEREE FEES FOR THE MATCH AND ASSIGNOR FEES. Both teams involved in the rescheduled game must notify the League Commissioner and Referee Coordinator. No league match shall be postponed indefinitely. Both teams agreeing to a postponement must submit a make-up schedule at the time the postponement is requested, at least 48 hours prior to the original scheduled match or as soon as possible if due to conditions beyond the control of the home team, the field is not available or in playable condition. If a team requests postponement and the opponents do not agree, the Executive Committee may award postponements but only in emergencies. The Executive Committee may also rule on fines to be levied.
If a team fails to complete a league game, that team shall be fined $20.00. The team shall also be subject to additional penalties by the league. The game shall be ruled a forfeit. The score for all forfeited games shall be 3 – 0 in O-30 and O-40 leagues.
The referee may postpone a match due to unsafe field conditions in his judgment. In that case the match will be rescheduled. The referee may suspend a match due to inclement weather; however, if the game has progressed past the half time interval mark, the score will stand as final. The referee may, at his discretion, suspend a match due to team misconduct which would result in a forfeit (violation by one team) or voiding of the match (violation by both teams - match to be replayed). Violators will be subject to a fine of $20.00 minimum per team.
All games shall start promptly as scheduled. Failure of a team to start within 20 minutes from the scheduled time results in a fine of $20.00 and forfeiture. The game can be played if the teams and referees agree. If both teams have the required seven players, the referee will start play. Executive Committee decides if the above penalties shall be waived.
The home team shall furnish two (2) game balls subject to the approval of the referee.
A minimum of seven players constitutes a team for a regularly scheduled match to begin. No exchange of opposing team players or non league players is permitted in any league match. If a team drops below seven players during the match due to injury or player ejection, the match ends and a forfeit is charged against that team. The exchange of players is allowed in O-50 subject to condition that all players are properly registered with PAWest Adult Association.
The managers of each team will submit their official Roster for a game to the referee prior to the commencement of the game. All players must be listed on the official 25 man Roster. Player passes are to be given to the referee at this time, also. All player passes must be in standard Association format and indicate league and team. Rosters and Player passes must contain a current PAWest sticker.
GPSL League requires a Lineup card which may contain a maximum of 18 players each of which must also be listed on the official team roster.
NO PLAYER PASS - NO PLAY. Failure to do so results in a game forfeit.
Misconduct / Injury Reports are to be submitted to PaWEST by the referee within 4 days. The remaining cards are returned to the respective teams before leaving the game location.
Only the team captain should speak to the referee during the game. Captains and coaches are responsible for their own conducts as well as the conduct of their players, assistant coaches and spectators.
All players must wear shin guards. All players must have matching color jerseys. Goalkeepers must wear contrasting shirt from standard team shirt color. Only Goalkeepers may wear long pants. Each player should have his own number on the Certified Roster and Lineup Card which shall correspond to the number on the player's jersey. Failure to comply with this rule makes the game subject to forfeit.
No jewelry including earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, and bracelets, is allowed and will be strictly enforced by the referee's.
Braces or supports must either be soft or covered with soft material so there are no exposed hard surfaces that could injure players. The referee will have the final decision regarding what may be worn by any player before he may participate in the game.
No non-participating player or spectator is permitted behind the goal line.
Discipline
The PAWest Adults soccer Association supports soccer activity that is governed by a strong sense of individual and team sportsmanship.
Player offences will be tracked across all leagues in the Adult Association and sanctions/fines may accumulate from offences in different leagues. The suggested punishments and fines may be altered by the Executive Board as circumstances warrant.
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following offences:
If a player receives a yellow card in the Over 30, Over 40 and Over 50 the referee may require that player to be immediately substituted and remain off the field until the next substitution opportunity.
FIGHTING / VIOLENCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AT ANY ADULT ASSOCIATION MATCH. THE ADULT ASSOCIATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BAR ANY PLAYER OR COACH FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY OR ALL LEAGUE MATCHES.
A. PLAYERS SHALL BE SHOWN THE RED CARD AND EJECTED FROM ADULT ASSOCIATION MATCHES FOR THE FOLLOWING (per FIFA law):
· serious foul play
· violent conduct
· spitting at an opponent or any other person
· denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
· denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
· using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
· receiving a second caution in the same match
· persistent protests against decisions by the referee and assistant referees
· leaving the field of play without notifying the referee
· extremely unethical (ungentlemanly) conduct
· repeated gamesmanship
· insulting players, team officials or any other person present at the match
· other serious acts of unsporting behavior
PLAYERS EJECTED FOR THE ABOVE REASONS (except violent conduct and spitting) SHALL BE SUSPENDED FOR ONE (1) SUBSEQUENT GAME.
REPETITION: (even if it is not the same type of infringement): suspension for at least two matches and FINED $50.00
B. A PLAYER SHALL BE SHOWN THE RED CARD AND EJECTED FROM AN ADULT ASSOCIATION MATCH FOR INSULTING THE REFEREE AND / OR ASSISTANT REFEREE(S) AND SHALL BE SUSPENDED FOR TWO (2) SUBSEQUENT GAMES AND FINED $25.00
REPETITION: suspension for at least four matches and FINED $50.00
C. A PLAYER SHALL BE SHOWN THE RED CARD AND EJECTED FROM AN ADULT ASSOCIATION MATCH FOR VIOLENT CONDUCT OR SPITTING AGAINST ANOTHER PLAYER, TEAM OFFICIAL OR ANY OTHER PERSON AT THE MATCH AND SHALL BE SUSPENDED FOR FOUR (4) SUBSEQUENT GAMES AND FINED $100.00
REPETITION: Disciplinary hearing, suspension for at least four matches and FINED $200.00
D. A PLAYER SHALL BE SHOWN THE RED CARD AND EJECTED FROM AN ADULT ASSOCIATION MATCH FOR SERIOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE REFEREE AND / OR ASSISTANT REFEREE(S) AND SHALL BE SUSPENDED FOR FOUR (4) GAMES AND FINED $100.00 WHICH MUST BE PAID BY THE PLAYER DIRECTLY TO THE ADULT ASSOCIATION BEFORE THE PLAYER MAY BE RE-INSTATED. (The player pass will not be returned until the fine is paid.)
REPETITION: lifelong ban
Protests will be submitted in writing to Adult Vice President with appropriate fee ($150.00) within 7 days of the suspension (U.S. Postal Service postmark shall determine the timeliness of the protest). A copy of the protest must also be submitted to the League Commissioner.
Appeals committee guarantees prompt and impartial hearings within 28 days of the appeal
All disciplinary procedures carry on to consecutive League Seasons
Any player receiving two red cards or four cards (yellow or red) during a league season (Spring or Fall), shall not play again in that season (including playoffs) until reviewed by the Disciplinary Board.
Team managers and captains should make every effort to controls their players and ensure they comply with the rules and referee instructions. Spectators must not interfere with matches, players or officials and teams and their managers must ensure that their spectators in attendance comply or the Executive Board will impose sanctions against the offending team.
Standings
The competitive league standings of teams shall be determined through accumulation of points earned in all scheduled games during the season. Points shall be awarded as follows:
Men’s Open League
3 points for each game won or decision won (protest)
1 point for each tie
0 points for each game lost
1 point for each game played
Over 30 League
3 points for each game won or decision won (protest)
1 point for each tie
0 points for each game lost
Over 40 League
6 points for each game won or decision won (protest)
3 point for each tie
0 points for each game lost
1 point for each goal scored (up to 3 max)
1 point for a shutout
In the event that a tie develops in accumulated points at the end of the season, the tie breakers shall be:
A. Head - to - Head (in a two-way tie, the team that won the match between the two teams shall be the winner) (In a three-way tie, Head-to-Head competition shall not be used.)
B. Goal Difference (goals-for minus goals-against) or Adjusted Goal Difference for O-40 (max 3 goal difference per game)
C. Least Goals Allowed (accumulated goals allowed in regular league matches)
D. Total goals scored (accumulated goals scored in regular league matches)
Playoff/League Formats
Any additional rules for leagues/playoffs
Tournaments/Competitions
Any additional rules for tournaments