1. Introduction and Agreement
By purchasing a registration through the league website or through a team leader, participants agree to abide by all league rules and regulations. No refunds will be provided for any reason, including injuries, bans, or voluntary withdrawal from the league.
2. Match Rules
2.1. Basic Rules:
Duration: Matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a 10 to 15 minute halftime interval.
Field Equipment: Players must wear firm ground cleats, shinguards, and team-issued uniforms.
Match Conduct: All FIFA Laws of the Game apply, including corner kicks, offsides, throw-ins, direct and indirect free kicks, and slide tackles.
2.2. Substitutions:
Substitution Limit: Each team is allowed a maximum of 9 substitutions per match.
Substitution Windows: Substitutions can only be made during four designated substitution windows throughout the match, excluding halftime. No re-entry is allowed once a player is substituted out.
Referee Discretion: Substitution decisions are at the referee’s discretion.
Substitution Pass: Team’s are not allowed to make a substitution without a pass.
2.3. Number of Players:
A match is played with 11 players per team, including one goalkeeper. A minimum of 7 players is required to start or continue a match.
2.4. Failure to Show Up:
Teams must have at least 7 players present to start a match. If a team fails to field 7 players within the first 10 minutes, a 1-0 sanction will be applied, increasing to 2-0 after 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, the match is forfeited 3-0, and a $250 fine is applied. Failure to pay the fine will result in a 3-point deduction and a potential league ban.
2.5. Forfeiture and Penalties:
A 3-0 game loss will be recorded for teams that forfeit. Teams must provide at least 24-hour notice to avoid penalties. Forfeits without proper notice will result in a $100 fine and possible point deductions. Teams that fail to pay the fine before their next game will incur an additional
3. ID/Credentials Requirement
3.1. Credential Requirement:
All players must have their league-issued credentials in order to play the game. Referees will collect all credentials before the match and will hold them until the match referee report is completed.
3.2. Credential Issues:
Players who have a report filed against them during a match will not be able to retrieve their credentials until the investigation is completed.
Players receiving yellow or red cards will only be able to get their credentials back after they have paid their fines and served any required suspensions.
3.3. Replacement of Credentials:
In the event of lost, misplaced, or forgotten credentials, players must pay a $30 fee to receive a new credential. No exceptions will be made for players without credentials on match day.
4. Match Conduct and Administration
4.1. Referee Authority:
The referee has full authority to enforce the rules and manage the match. All decisions made by the referee are final.
4.2. League Staff Authority:
League staff will enforce off-field rules and ensure teams comply with pre-match requirements, such as referee fees and fines.
4.3. Referee Payment Requirement:
Both teams must submit their referee payment of $150 each at least 15 minutes before the game. If a team fails to make this payment on time, the game will be canceled, and the team that failed to pay will be considered to have forfeited. This will result in a 3-0 loss and a $100 fine.
4.4. Player Check-In and Lineup Submission:
Check-In: All players must check in with the referee before the match. The check-in window closes 15 minutes before the scheduled match start time. Players who arrive late will not be allowed to start the match and may only be used as substitutes if they check in after the window closes.
Pre-Match Arrival: Teams are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the match to ensure timely check-in and avoid delays.
Lineup Submission: Teams must submit a preliminary lineup sheet, listing starters and substitutes, 15 minutes before the match. To facilitate the process, teams are encouraged to submit their lineups 24 hours prior to the game. If time constraints require a rushed check-in, lineups submitted in advance will be used to expedite the process.
4.5. Conduct and Discipline:
4.5.1. Yellow and Red Cards:
Single Yellow Card: $5 fine. Players are fined for each yellow card received during a match.
Accumulation of Five (6) Yellow Cards: results in a one-game suspension. (In case of a double yellow in the same match, only the first yellow card will count) Yellow cards accumulation are cleared the last match of the regular season.
Two Yellow Cards in a Single Game (Resulting in a Red Card): the player can either pay $30 fine to play or sit out a one-game suspension to not pay the fine. ($5 yellow card fine will stand regardless of the players choice, the $30 fine does not include the $5 yellow card fine)
Direct Red Card: $30 fine and a two-game suspension.
4.5.2. Foul Play and Violence:
Physical altercations or threats will lead to investigation, fines, suspensions, or permanent bans based on severity.
4.5.3. Racism and Hate Speech:
Any form of racism or hate speech will result in a permanent ban. Social media violations may lead to fines or bans. Insults directed at staff or officials carry a $75 fine and potential bans.
5. Post-Match Disputes
5.1. Reporting Disputes:
If a team suspects an illegal player was used by the opposing team, they must file a formal complaint within 24 hours after the match. The league will investigate, and if the claim is substantiated, the following penalties will apply:
The offending team will be fined $100.
The team will be deducted 3 points from their league standing.
The opposing team will be awarded 3 points.
6. Player Equipment and Safety
6.1. Safety Requirements:
Players must not wear items that could endanger themselves or others, including jewelry and watches. Digital watches or any kind of watch are prohibited.
6.2. Mandatory Equipment:
Jersey: Players must wear team-issued jerseys for the current season. All jerseys must have unique numbers, and no two players on the same team can wear the same number.
Shorts: If undershorts or tights are worn, they must match the main color of the issued shorts.
Stockings: Stockings must match the color of the tape or similar material applied externally. Any visible branding must be covered unless the brand is Adidas.
Socks: If a player cuts the bottom of the issued socks, they must wear them over regular ankle socks.
Shinguards: Shinguards are mandatory.
6.3. Color Distinctions:
Teams must wear colors that distinguish them from each other, referees, and goalkeepers.
6.4. Equipment Violations:
Players with incorrect equipment must leave the field to correct it and may only re-enter with the referee's permission when the ball is out of play.
7. VAR Rule
7.1. VAR Availability:
VAR will be available for selected matches only. Teams will be informed prior to the game if VAR will be used. If no prior notice is given, the match will proceed without VAR.
7.2. VAR Challenge Pass:
Each team will be issued a physical VAR Challenge Pass before the game. This pass allows each team to review or challenge one play per match.
Teams must present the VAR Challenge Pass to the referee to initiate a review. If the pass is not used, the team forfeits its right to a challenge for that game.
7.3. Referee Discretion:
Referees have the authority to review a play at their own discretion, regardless of whether a VAR Challenge Pass has been used.
The decisions made by the referee after checking the play are final, even if a mistake is acknowledged later.
7.4. VAR Review Criteria:
When a play is reviewed, the initial call made on the field before the game stoppage will stand if the play cannot be reviewed due to the challenged action not being on frame or clearly visible. No speculations will be made.
7.5. VAR Outcome:
If the review shows clear evidence that the call should be overturned, the referee will change the decision accordingly. If the evidence is inconclusive, the original call will stand.
8. Match Ball Responsibility
8.1. Home Team Responsibility:
The home team is responsible for providing and taking care of the match ball throughout the game. They must assign one or more bench players to ensure that the match ball is retrieved and available at all times.
8.2. Loss of Match Ball:
If the home team loses the match ball, they will not receive their credentials back after the game until they return the match ball or compensate for the lost ball at its retail cost.
8.3. Match Day Compliance:
It is the home team's duty to ensure match day compliance, including the management of the match ball. Failure to comply may result in additional fines or penalties as determined by the league.
9. Team Management
9.1. Roster Size:
Teams may have up to 35 players on their roster. Only 22 Players can be called up for a match day.
9.2. Team Bench:
Up to 25 Players and Staff combined can be on the team’s, staff and coaches must have their credentials to be part of the team’s bench.
10. Additional Rules
10.1 Players Who Stop Showing Up:
Players missing more than four games without valid reasons may be replaced, risking league bans. Injured players must turn in their kit to avoid affecting their absence record.
10.2 During Season Registrations
Teams may registered players throughout that season, in order to replace or add players in their roster.
10.3 Player Registration during Playoffs.
Teams can not register players during playoffs.
Only registered players before February 1st, 2025 can play during playoffs without having played a single match.
Teams that register players after February 1st must complete at least 2 matches before the end of the regular season.
11. Live Games Protocol
International walk-out
Captains and Officials photo
Starting XI Photo
Post Game Interview
12. Social Media Managers / Photographers / Video Graphers
All media members must request permission from the league to avoid copyright violations.
All media members must have their credentials on field.
13. No Refunds Policy
Refunds will not be provided for any reason, including injuries, bans, or voluntary withdrawal from the league.
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