League Specific Requirements

• Each team must provide, place, set, and remove one net for each game where required.

• Each team must provide, place, and retrieve two corner flags or pylons for each game.

• Each designated home team must provide 2 game balls which have been determined by the referee to be in acceptable condition.
• In the event of two teams playing with similar uniform colours, the home team is responsible for providing an alternate set of colours to clearly distinguish themselves from the opposing team. Goalkeepers must where a colour different from their own team, the opposing team, and the referees.
• Solid metallic shoe studs are not permitted to be worn, nor are baseball-type cleats. Shin guards are mandatory. Braces and casts of any type must be completely covered with a protective sleeve. The Game Official may deny participation to players for “unsafe” equipment at their discretion.

 

League Specific Rules

 

1. Rules of Play

The laws of the game shall be those adopted by the CSA through its association with FIFA.

 

2. League Divisions and Schedule

The League shall be comprised of a Division or Divisions which will be based on the number of Member Clubs for any given season.

 

Teams will receive a minimum of 14 regular season games. Points will be awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. The first place team at the end of the regular season will be declared the League Champion. In the event of a tie in the League Standings the following criteria, in priority order, will be used to determine the official League Standings: greater number of wins, head-to-head record, total goals against, total goals for, and total goal difference. Should any teams remain tied after all criteria have been applied the winner will be decided by a coin toss conducted by a team official from each team involved in the tie along with a league official.

 

All Clubs in good standing will qualify to participate in the League Cup. Each team will receive a minimum of 1 Cup game. The winner of the League Cup will be declared the Cup Champion. Round robin cup games can end in a tie. Knock-out (elimination) cup games can not end in a tie. Should a tie occur in a knock-out game after regulation time has expired, two additional 10 minute periods will be played regardless of the score within those periods. In the event of a tie after the extra periods have been completed the winner will be decided by penalty kicks as directed by the game official. Five shooters from each team who were on the field at the conclusion of play will be selected to take the penalty kicks. In the event of tie after each team has taken 5 penalty kicks, one additional penalty kick will be taken by each team until a clear winner has been decided. Each player can only take one penalty kick (In the situation where each available player has taken a penalty kick and no other players are available this rule will no longer apply). The game official directs and has final say in all penalty kick decisions.

Regular League and Cup games will be scheduled for Thursday nights from May through October.

 

3. Player/Team Eligibility

(a) All players that wish to participate in the League must complete the online Waiver Form prior to participating in any League activities. Failure to do so will result in said players being deemed ineligible and Rule 3(c) may apply.

 

(b) All players who participate in the League must be registered with the OSA a minimum of 24 hours prior to participating in any game in order to be deemed eligible. The date stamp on a player’s OSA Player Book will be used as the effective date of when that player was registered. Players in question are required to present their OSA Player Book to a League Official or the opposing Team Manager upon request. Players who do not show their OSA Player Book upon request are not allowed to play in any game until they have received approval from the League. Proceeding to play without an OSA Player Book will result in an ineligible player and Rule 3(c) may apply. Any player whose Membership has been cancelled is deemed to be an ineligible player and Rule 3(c) may apply.

 

(c) Should a League Official or opposing Team Manager find a team to be playing with an ineligible player at any time, the ineligible player will be ejected from the game. If a game has been completed in which an ineligible player has participated, the game points will be automatically awarded to the opposing team. If the League determines that an ineligible player has been involved in any previous league games, the points for each of those completed games will be awarded to the opposing teams. The score of the game is detailed in Rule 3(d). Teams found to be playing with ineligible players will be subject to discipline by both SWRSA and the League (see Rule 19).

 

(d) In all cases where an ineligible player has been found to have played in violation of the League Rules or a team has been deemed a “No-Show” as per Rule 8(b), the “goals for” of the offending team will be recorded as 0 in the game results.  The “goals for” of the opposing team will stand. The goal scorers will be recorded on the website for both teams. If the game result was a 0-0 draw or the opposing team had not scored, they will be awarded a 1-0 win and no goal scorers will be identified on the League website.

 

4. Player Age Restriction

Players must be 18 years of age or older, at any point within the same calendar year, to be eligible to play in the League.

5. Competitive Player Limitation

Each team may only register a maximum of three competitive players with the League. Competitive players must be identified on the League website. Any additional players found to play, under any circumstance, on a competitive team shall be considered ineligible by the League and Rule 3(c) and Rule 19 may apply. Competitive teams include, but are not limited to, those playing in the OYSL, KDSL, OSL, and CSL.

 

6. League Website/Team Roster Information

Prior to the start of each season all teams must submit their rosters to the League for review and upload to the League website. Teams may register a maximum of 25 players with SWRSA and the League. A team’s online roster will identify each registered player along with their shirt number and competitive status. Any player not registered on the web site before a game may be deemed illegal. It is the responsibility of each team to continually update the League with any changes to their rosters throughout the season. Failure to update the team roster via the League website may result in disciplinary action by the League as described in Rule 19.

 

7. Player Registration Deadline

The League will not accept any player registrations or transfers beyond August 1. All players registered with the OSA must also be added to their team’s online roster prior to participating in any League games.

 

8. Minimum Number of Players & No-Shows

Games will not start should there be less than seven players available to each or either team.
(a) If a team has less than seven players available before the start of the game, a 10 minute grace period is allowed to complete the minimum number of players required to play (7 players). If after the grace period, the team still has less than seven players, they will be considered a No-Show. The team in question will forfeit the game and the 3 points will be awarded to the opposing team with a score of 3-0. No goal scorers will be registered on the website.

 

(b) If a team has less than seven players available during the game, the team will be considered a No-Show and forfeit the game. Consequently, the 3 points will be awarded to the opposing team. The score of the game will be reported as detailed in Rule 3(d).

 

Whenever a game cannot be played because of a No-Show the Officials must be paid by both teams. The team with the No-Show may be subject to Rule 9(a) and therefore have to reimburse their opponents for their share of the expense.

 

Clubs with a team having two or more No-Shows in one season may be removed from the League and subject to additional disciplinary action by the League.

 

9. Payment of Game Officials

(a) The League shall assign 3 officials for all games. Each team is required to provide a $50 cash payment to the Officials prior to the start of each game. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $120, $50 of which will be forwarded to the Referee, to be taken from the Team Sportsmanship Bond. In the case of a No-Show, the offending team may be charged an additional $50 which will be forwarded to their opponents.

 

Officials are not allowed to play the 2 Referee System (2 referees in the centre). If a game is played with the 2 Referee System the teams involved may be subject to discipline by the League as per Rule 19 (h).

 

If less than 3 Officials are present for a match the fee payment is as follows: $50 to the Referee, $25 to the Linesman.

 

10. Game Sheets

Game sheets must be completed in their entirety. This includes, but is not limited to, game number, game time, date, location, home team, away team, and team manager. In addition, all players must sign the game sheet prior to playing in any game. Only players that physically take part in a game will be on the game sheet. Players whose names are on the game sheet, but did not play, shall be stricken from the sheet prior to the conclusion of the half-time break. All game sheets are final at the conclusion of the half-time break. New players may not be added after the Officials deem the break to be concluded. Any player whose name is not on the game sheet and/or has not signed the game sheet shall be deemed ineligible for play in that game.

 

11. Team Officials

Team officials will not coach within the 18 yard line. Team officials shall be responsible for the conduct of their players and spectators. Spectators are not allowed in the team area or on the team bench. Spectators are not permitted behind the goal area and must remain 5 meters back from the playing field. Team Officials are subject to discipline by SWRSA and the League.

 

12. Player Substitutions

Teams may make an unlimited number of substitutions at the discretion of the Game Official. Player substitutions from both teams shall be permitted during a stoppage of play for a goal kick, following a goal, at half-time, or at the start of extra time with the consent of the referee. Teams may also make substitutions on their own throw-ins with the consent of the referee. No substitution is allowed if a player or players are dismissed from the match with the exception of the goalkeeper. All substitutes must enter and exit the field at the halfway line or as directed by the Officials. All substituted players must leave the field without delay.

 

13. Reporting Game Scores

A team representative for BOTH teams must arrange for the game details to be reported through the League website using the “Submit Your Score” score reporting feature within 24 hours of the completion of each match. If the League website is unavailable please report the game details by e-mail to info@grandriversoccer.com within the same 24 hour time period. Any team that fails to report their score within the specified time period may be subject to discipline action by the League as specified in Rule 19.

 

14. Team Postponing/Cancelling a Game

Any team that takes it upon themselves to postpone or cancel a League game without the permission of the League shall forfeit the game and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the League. 3 points will be awarded to the opposing team and the score of the game shall be reported as 3-0, with no goal scorers recorded.

 

Any team that requires a game to be rescheduled must submit their request to the League in writing at least 45 days prior to the originally scheduled game date.

 

15. Violent Conduct

(a) Game Suspension Due to the Conduct of a Player, Team Officials, or Team: If game play is suspended in a league scheduled game by an official prior to full time due to the conduct of a player, team officials, or team, the offending team will forfeit the game. The opposing team will be awarded 3 points and their “goals for” will be recorded in full. The “goals for” of the offending team will be recorded as 0 in the game results. The goal scorers will be recorded on the website for both teams. If the game result was a 0-0 draw or the opposing team had not scored, they will be awarded a 1-0 win and no goal scorers will be identified on the League website.

 

In the case of a referee assault, the offending team will forfeit its Sportsmanship Bond in accordance with Rule 19. The bond must be repaid prior to the team’s next scheduled game. If the team has not repaid their bond by the next scheduled league game, the team will forfeit all games until the bond has been repaid in full. The scores for the forfeited games will be recorded as 1-0.

 

(b) Game Suspension Due to the Conduct of Players and/or Team Officials from Both Teams: If game play is suspended in a league scheduled game by an official prior to full time due to the conduct of the players or team officials from both teams, the score at the time of the game suspension will be recorded as the final score if more than 60 minutes has been played. If less than 60 minutes has been played the game will be recorded as 0-0. The League will contact the referee, the team managers, and other third party witnesses to help determine the cause of the game suspension and rule accordingly. The League reserves the right to award zero points to any teams involved in these situations.

 

(c) Player Misconduct Demerit Point System: Any player who receives a yellow card in a scheduled game will be awarded one demerit point (-1). Any player who receives a red card in a scheduled game will be awarded three demerit points (-3). If a player is found not guilty by SWRSA the demerit points will not be awarded. If a player receives a total of five demerit points (-5) prior to the end of the first half of the season (period between the start of the season and mid season break), they will be subject to a discipline review by the League. If a player receives a total of five demerit points (-5) in the second half of the season (period after the mid season meeting and the end the regular season), they will be subject to a discipline review by the League. If a player receives a total of five demerit points (-5) prior to the conclusion of the League Cup, they will be subject to a discipline review by the League. The demerit point count is rest to zero at the mid season break and at the conclusion of the regular season. Any player who receives a cumulative total of -8 demerit points over the course of the season may be subject to a discipline review by the League.

16. Team Sportsmanship Rating 

When reporting your game results, each team will provide a sportsmanship rating for their opponent from 1 to 5. The total ratings will be divided by the number of games played. This will form the first component of the Sportsmanship Score (S1).

 

Sportsmanship Rating = 5

The other team was a great team and we really enjoyed playing against them.  They were prepared to play and really showed terrific sportsmanship throughout the match.  During the game they played within the rules. Disputes and disruptions to the game were minimal. This was one of the best spirited teams we have played against. We are really looking forward to playing against them again.

 

Sportsmanship Rating = 4

The other team was a fun team and we really enjoyed playing against almost all of their players.  They were prepared to play and showed good sportsmanship throughout the game.  During the game they generally played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were receptive to the referee’s decision.  This is a good spirited team.

 

Sportsmanship Rating = 3

The other team was a good team and we enjoyed playing against most of their players.  They showed decent sportsmanship throughout the match.  During the game they generally played by the rules. There were a few problematic individuals but disputes were extinguished quickly. Overall, not a bad team to play against.

 

Sportsmanship Rating = 2

The other team was ok. We enjoyed playing against only a few of their players.  They arrived late and/or were unprepared. There was poor sportsmanship throughout the match.  During the game they showed disrespect for the officials and our team. This wasn’t an enjoyable game.

 

Sportsmanship Rating = 1

We did not enjoy playing against this team at all. They arrived late and/or showed up unprepared. They displayed little or no sportsmanship throughout the game.  During the match they really didn’t play by the rules. There were many disputes and disruptions to play. There was a clear lack of respect for the game officials and/or our team.

A second sportsmanship rating (S2) will be based on the cards received by each team. One yellow card is the equivalent of -1 demerit point. One red card is the equivalent of -3 demerit points. At the end of the regular season, the total of all team demerit points will be divided by the number of games played.

At the end of the season an average sportsmanship rating (ASR) will be calculated as ASR=(S1+S2)/2.

The team with the highest ASR rating will receive the League Sportsmanship Award and a $50 gift card.

 

17. Game Suspension Resulting From Other Conditions

In the event of suspension of play by the referee for “Other Conditions”; including but not limited to, weather or poor lighting, in which 60 minutes of play have been completed, the game will be considered by the league as a complete game. The score at the time the game was suspended will be considered the final score. In the event of suspension of play by the referee due to “Other Conditions” in which 60 minutes have not been completed, the game will be considered as incomplete by the league. The teams involved in the incomplete game will be responsible to notify the League. All cancelled games will be rescheduled as soon as possible based on field availability. Teams will be given a minimum of 1 weeks notice except in cases of exceptional circumstances such as time sensitive games that may impact the progression of league or cup play.

 

18. Protests

(A) All protests arising from games shall be sent to the League via e-mail with-in 48 hours of the completion of the game being protested. All protests must be accompanied by approval to charge a protest fee of $75 from the team bond together and a copy of the game sheet. Any protest that is received will be forwarded to the team being protested against. Protest requests that do not meet the previously stated criteria will be deemed to be “out of order” and shall not be heard by the League.

 

19. Team Bond

Each team shall pay a $200 bond at the beginning of the season to the League. The bond will be refunded at the end of the season minus any fines for the following infractions:

a) $200 fine for a team that assaults a referee.

b) $50 fine for each time a team representative is not present at a mandatory league meeting.

c) $50 fine if the team fails to mail its game sheets to the League within two weeks of a special request.

d) A team that plays ineligible players as defined in Rule 3 shall be fined:
1. $100 for 1st offence
2. $200 for 2nd offence
3. Out of the league

e) A team that does not provide an updated team roster for the website, fails to identify competitive players, or that plays illegal players (not registered with on the website within 24 hours prior to a game) shall be disciplined as follows:
1. Written warning for 1st offence
2. $30 for 2nd offence
3. $50 and loss of points for the 3rd offence and thereafter. The points will be awarded to the opposing team. Rule 3 will be used to establish the score of the game.
f) $10 fine for each team failing to report the game score via the web site within 24 hours after the completion of the game or midnight 1 day following the scheduled date of the game, whichever is later

g) Any team that is fined its entire $200 bond will be up for League Review at the end of the season.
h) $120 fine for each team failing to pay the referees of which $60 will be forwarded to the referees.

i) Each team that has received a minimum of 4 red cards before the mid-season break (3 yellow cards are equivalent for 1 red card) will be fined (X/4) x $50 which will be taken from the team bond. The team total will be reset to zero after the mid-season break; however, the same fine will apply from the mid-season break until the end of the regular season. X is the number of red cards (or equivalents) received and must be greater than or equal to 4 to be applicable.

j) $50 fine for each team that plays with 2 referees system.

k) Any team that has been assessed $50 or more in fines must pay the amount due before their next scheduled game. Failure to pay the fine before the next scheduled game will result in a forfeit. All subsequent games will be recorded as forfeits until fine is paid in full. In this case, the 3 points will be awarded to opponent teams and the score will determined according to Rule 3.
20.  League Review: 

A review shall be completed by the League to determine whether a team and/or a player shall be subject to a fine and/or face dismissal from the League for any of the infractions listed below:
1. Any team found guilty of a second offence for playing ineligible players
2. Any team that has forfeited their entire $200 bond

3. Any team that has a total of 4 red cards in the first half of the season
4. Any team that has a total of 4 red cards in the second half of the season

5. Any team that assaults a referee.
6. Any player who has received a total of five demerit points (-5) as defined by Rule 16 (c)

7. Any special incident not included in points 1 through 7