CORNER BROOK MEN'S SENIOR SOCCER

 

Rules and Regulations

Amended:  2017

 

 

1) PROVISIONAL RULES

 

1.1 All League games are subject to the Laws of the Games (FIFA), unless otherwise noted in the Corner Brook Senior Soccer Rules and Regulations, which supersedes all other Rules governing the League.

1.2 The League may, from time to time without prejudice, through the Executive, make temporary rules or regulations governing specific cases or occasions not provided for in these regulations, but which may be necessary for the carrying out of the objectives of the League and in the interests of fair play. Such temporary rules must be approved at the next General Meeting.

1.3 All decisions made in accordance with the previous Rules and Regulations, or through the previous Executive, will be honored and adhered to in the current season if deemed to affect the current season.

2) PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

2.1 Only players registered within the League, through one if its sanctioned teams will be eligible to compete in the League.

2.2 All registration of players must be made at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to participation.

2.3 Any team which includes an ineligible player (non-registered, under suspension, etc.) shall forfeit the games in which the player appears on the line-up and either the player in question and/or the coach(s) of the team may be subject to disciplinary action by the League.

2.4 A player may not register or play for more than one team in the League.

2.5. For players to be playoff eligible, he/she must enter the playing field in at least 25% of regular season games.  To be listed on the score sheet is not considered entering the playing field. Extenuating circumstances may allow exceptions to be voted on by executive members at any special executive meeting.

2.6 Each team must submit their final rosters at the halfway mark of the Regular Season schedule.

2.7 Each team must submit their preliminary rosters two weeks prior to the start date of the Regular Season schedule.

 

 

3) TEAM ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Only teams affiliated, and in good standing, with the League are Teams within the League.

3.2 To affiliate a new team, the Team’s entry into the League must be approved by members of the League, in a general meeting, with a vote of 50 per cent plus one (majority).

3.3 All Teams accepted into the League, as per criteria above, must pay the full League registration, as determined by the executive, before the first game of the current season.

3.4 Any team not having their registration amounts paid in full by the end of the regular season will automatically be forfeit from the playoff schedule.

3.5 Teams failing to pay registration, or which do not meet other league standards, as determined the executive, can be removed from the League and playoffs, in a general membership meeting, by a 50 per cent plus one vote.

 

 

 

4) TEAM ROSTERS

4.1 A maximum of twenty-four (24) registered players will be allowed on a game sheet during League play.

4.2 No team is permitted to register more than two (2) players from another Team's previous season unless the other Team is no longer a member of the League, or if the Executive first approves the transfer due to outstanding circumstances.

4.3 Teams must have a list of all potential players for the current season two weeks prior to the first game of that season. Upon cross-reference by the Executive, Players will be contacted to resolve any duplication and then asked which team he/she will be playing for. The said Executive member shall not be a member of either team in contention for aforementioned player.

4.4 Teams must have a minimum of seven (7) Players to start a game.

4.5 Only players listed on the game sheet will be deemed eligible to play in any given game.

4.6 Teams must have a minimum of seven (7) Players on the field of play or the game will cease.

4.7 Only team staff and players listed on the official Game Sheet shall be allowed to sit on the players’ bench during competition.

4.8 The Executive must be informed of new players added to a Team roster before the said Player(s) is added to a game sheet.

4.9 Each Team must have its Captain identified with a distinguishable arm band during each League games. This player is designated as the voice of the team when dealing with the referee or assistant referees. Upon his/her discretion, the referee may give team fouls, which are to be served by the captain. If the Captain is not on the field, an alternate captain, who is on the field, must be wearing the arm band.

4.10 Team registration will not exceed thirty (30) players per team. In addition to team registration, all teams will be charged the pre-determined NLSA fees for each player than exceeds twenty-four (24) on the roster. For example, if a Team has 26 register players, the Team will pay the League’s Team registration plus the NLSA fees for two additional players.

4.11 Any protected player who is selected for the Western Challenge Cup team, will not be allowed to play in the Corner Brook Senior Men’s League as long as the Western team is playing in the challenge cup league. Once the team is eliminated from the playoffs (or if they do not make the playoffs at the end of their regular season) they are allowed to play in the Corner Brook Senior Men’s League. Their name has to be on the final roster list of a team to be eligible to play. Unprotected challenge cup players are allowed to play in the Corner Brook Senior Men’s League.

 

5) TRANSFER OF PLAYERS

5.1 A Player who has registered with a given Team, shall not be allowed to transfer his/her services to another Team within the League, unless s/he shall first have informed his/her intentions to the Coach and/or Team Representative of the previous club of his/her intentions to leave.

5.2 A player can make written application to the Executive for transfer to a new Team mid-season. A decision will be made by an Executive vote.

5.3 A player must sit out one League game prior to participation with a new Team in the League.

5.4 A player shall be entitled to two (2) transfers during the current playing season within the jurisdiction of the League. A player, once transferred, cannot be transferred to the team for which s/he originally registered until a period of thirty (30) days has elapsed.

 

 

6) SUBSTITUTIONS

6.1 Teams will be permitted a stoppage of play twice per half, with unlimited substitutions per stoppage.

6.2 There will be unlimited substitutions permitted during halftime.

6.3 Each team is permitted one (1) injury substitution per half.

6.4 No substitutions will be allowed for a player who has been ordered from the field for misconduct.

6.5 There are unlimited substitutions permitted at the end of Regulation Time and in the middle of the two Extra Time periods.

 

7) GAME DURATION/POINTS

7.1 Games will consist of two (2), 45-minutes halves, called Regulation Time. Start time is to be determined by the Executive.

7.2 The point system will be as follows: three (3) points for a win; one (1) point each for a tie.

7.3 If a team plays a reduced schedule, then the point allocation will have to be altered.

 

8) REGULAR SEASON TIE-BREAKING

8.1 If two (2) or more teams have an equal number of points on completion of Regular Season play, the following criteria shall be used, in order, to determine the final standings:

a) Previous Match Results: the winner of the match between two teams tied in points shall be awarded the higher position (not applicable if three (3) or more are tied).

b) Goal Difference: goal difference shall be calculated by subtracting goals conceded from goals scored. A maximum difference of five (5) goals shall be awarded in each game. The team having the greater goal difference will be awarded the higher position.

c) Goal Average: goals for, divided by goals against. A maximum difference of five (5) goals per match will be used for purposed of this rule (e.g. a 7-1 result will be counted as 6-1). The team having the greater goal average will be awarded the higher position.

d) Least Goals Against: the Team having the fewer goals against will be awarded the higher position.

e) Most Goals Scored: the Team having scored the most goals will be awarded the higher  position.

f) Penalty Kicks: If two or more teams are still tied under criteria (a) – (e), then the higher standings shall be decided by kicks from the penalty spot, as follows:

            1. Two teams tied: as per FIFA Laws of the Game, at a time and place decided by the   Executive.

2. Three teams tied: each team is designated A, B, or C. Three mini-games shall be played (A vs. B, B vs. C, C vs. A) consisting of five (5) penalty kicks at a time and place to be decided by the Executive. The standings after these three mini-games shall be ranked according to the criteria (a) – (e) above.

3. Four teams tied: each team is designated A, B, C or D. Six mini-games shall be played (A vs. B, C vs. D, A vs. C, B vs. D, D vs. A and C vs. B), to decide the final ranking as in the three-Team case.

 

9) PLAYOFFS

9.1 The playoff format of the League is to be determined by the Executive at the beginning of the Season, taking into consideration length of season and number of Teams in good standing in the League.

9.2 Playoff games will consist of two (2), 45-minutes halves, called Regulation Time. Start time is to be determined by the Executive.

9.3 If the score is tied following Regulation Time, two (2) 10-minute halves will be played if conditions allow.

9.4 If the score remains tied following Extra Time, a penalty Shootout will take place to determine the winner.

 

10) OFFICIATING

10. 1 All referees must be registered with the NLSA for the current year in order to officiate at all games under the jurisdiction of the League.

10.2 Referees and Assistant referees are to be paid at a rate deemed appropriate by the Executive.

10.3 The Executive shall appoint a Referee-in-chief for the League who is not a registered Player with any of the Teams in good standing.

10.4 The Referee-in-chief will act as a liaison with the Executive and the other referees in the League.

10.5 Each Referee is expected to fill out Game Reports immediately following the game.

10.6 Referee may recommend a temporary suspension, pending disciplinary decision, for violent conduct. It must be noted on the game report.

 

11) DISCIPLINE (see Table 2 and Table 3)

11.1 All Players, Team officials and other persons involved in the playing of games under League jurisdiction are required to conduct themselves in a manner which will bring credit to themselves, their teams, and the League.

11.2 Every Team is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent its Players, Team staff and spectators from threatening or assaulting anyone present at games, especially the Referee/Assistant Referees.

11.3 Any Team that is found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, for whatever reason, shall forfeit the game. Victory and the resulting three (3) points will be awarded to the opposing Team.

11.4 A Disciplinary Director/Committee shall be appointed prior to the start of each Season.

11.5 In League play, any player receiving two cautions (two yellow cards) during the course of a game will receive an automatic one-game suspension for the next game in the Season.

11.6 Any player ejected from a game (red card) will automatically be suspended for at least the next game.

11.7 Referees must provide a written report for all yellow cards and ejections. At the discretion of the Referee, that report may go to Disciplinary Director/Committee, in a time frame no later than two days.

11.8 The Disciplinary Director/Committee will render a decision no later than seven days.

11.9 The President of the League (or, in his/her absence, an Executive member) will inform all Executive members of that decision the same day.

11.10 If a suspension is given by the Disciplinary Director/Committee, it will be effective the day of the decision.

11.11 For any misconduct by a player or team official in a team’s final game in any competition, discipline may be delegated to the following Season.

11.12 The League reserves the right to take disciplinary action in any case of criminal misconduct or human right abuse not covered specifically in Rules and Regulations.

11.13 The Discipline Director/Committee shall have the right and power to take such disciplinary action, including suspension of players and team officials for a designated number of matches, or a designated period of time, as an offence may warrant. This disciplinary action may be appealed to the League but whatever disciplinary action has been imposed shall remain in effect during the hearing of an appeal.

11.14 If the person(s) accused in the incident requests a chance to be heard, the format of the meeting shall be as follows:

1. The Disciplinary Director/Committee will conduct the meeting and shall appoint a member to act as secretary to record the proceedings.

2. The Disciplinary Director/Committee shall then ask the Referee or Assistant Referee (upon whose report the charge has been laid) to enter the meeting.

3. The Disciplinary Director/Committee shall then ask the Referee or the Assistant Referee if s/he would like to further qualify the report.

4. When the Referee or Assistant Referee has left the meeting the Disciplinary Director/Committee shall ask the person(s) alleged to have committed the offence to enter the meeting. The accused must be accompanied by a Team representative.

5. The Disciplinary Director/Committee shall then read the report containing the details of the incident and provide any additional information from the Referee or Assistant Referee meeting.

6. Following this the Disciplinary Director/Committee shall then ensure the person(s), the      Team Representative has the opportunity to respond or clear up any doubts which may exist.

7. Upon completion of this phase of the hearing, the Disciplinary Director/Committee will meet in private to consider the evidence given and to decide whether the charge is proven or not. If the charge is proven, the committee shall also determine the appropriate disciplinary action. The Discipline Director/Committee shall reach its decision by a simple majority vote.

8. When a decision has been reached, the Disciplinary Director/Committee shall inform all parties of the decision.

11.15 If an opportunity to be heard is not requested, the Committee shall base its decision on the Referee or Assistant Referee’s report.

11.16 Disciplinary Director/Committee, may, at its discretion, take action against any club whose players, team staff or spectators have been found guilty of misconduct and/or violence towards any person present at a game and especially towards game officials.

 

 

12) SUSPENSIONS AND CARDS (see Table 1: Misconduct By A Player)

12.1 Red Cards: First Red: Automatic minimum one game. Second Red: Automatic minimum three games.

12.2 Automatic one game on the first red is a decision that cannot be appealed. It is an automatic suspension. The second red card can be appealed.

12.3 Yellow Cards     

1. Two yellow cards in one game will count as a red and not two separate yellows.

2. Players will be suspended for one (1) game after receiving four (4) yellow cards, two (2) games after seven (7) yellow cards, three (3) games after ten (10) yellow cards and four (4) games after twelve (12) yellow cards. Any subsequent yellow cards will be referred to the league.

12.4 Yellow and red card in one game

1. If the red card is a second caution-able offence ‑‑ in this case the red card only will be placed in the player's record.

2. If the red card is for violent conduct, serious foul play, or foul and abusive language, then the yellow and red cards will be placed in the player's record.

12.5 Coaches/Team Representatives are expected to keep track of all cards and suspensions of their players. Playing a player who should be under suspension will result in disciplinary action against the player and/or coach.

12.6 Coaches/Team Representatives should check with the Executive of the League for an official ruling.

12.7 All one year suspensions will be one calendar year from the date of the misconduct

12.8 Playoff Infractions: The table below describes action taken towards infractions entering the playoffs. Once playoffs begin, Table 1: Misconduct By A Player will be still be used.

 

END OF REGULAR SEASON ACTION TAKEN ENTERING PLAYOFFS

One Caution

Player keeps one caution on record

Two Cautions

Player keeps two cautions on record

Three Cautions

Player’s cautions are reduced to two on record

Four or More Cautions

All player’s cautions are kept on record

Any Red Cards

All player’s red cards are kept on record

 

 

13) PROTESTS

13.1 Any protest arising out of any League game shall be in writing to the Executive within twenty-four (24) hours of the completion of the game, accompanied by a protest fee of $50 in cash or cheque payable to the Corner Brook Senior Soccer League. This money will be refunded if the protest is successful.

13.2 In the case of a protest, the Discipline Director/Committee shall rule on the protest.

13.3 Any decision taken by the Discipline Director/Committee on a protest shall be final and binding.

13.4 Protests may be lodged with the Executive on alleged deviation from these published rules or FIFA Laws of the Game.

13.5 Protests regarding a referee’s judgment call will not be considered.

 

14) APPEALS

14.1 Any club/team/individual participating in soccer affiliated with the League has the right to appeal decisions affecting their status, with the exception of mandatory yellow and red card decisions.

14.2 The appeal process shall be to made the Executive first, and then to an appointed Appealer.

14.3 All appeals must be in writing or sent via email.

14.4 In the case of Appeals or Protests made to the League, a certified cheque, money order or cash in the amount of $50 must accompany the written appeal. Should the appeal be successful, $25 will be refunded to the applicant.

14.5 The letter of appeal and accompanying appeal fee must be given to the President or Vice-President of the League no more than two (2) days from the receipt of the decision being appealed.

14.6 Suspensions will remain in effect until the decision of the Appealer is made.

14.7 The decision shall be sent to the Team representative.

 

15) EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

15.1 When the colors of the competing teams are similar, home teams (the team listed first on the schedule) shall use alternate colors.

15.2 Goalkeepers shall wear colors that distinguish them from all other players and game officials.

15.3 All jerseys must be clearly numbered as per FIFA Rules. The number of the player’s jersey must correspond to the number listed with the player’s name on the game sheet.

15.4 Visible undergarments, such as cycling shorts or underarmour shirts, are authorized. They should, however, be of the same color as the primary color of the uniform of the player wearing them but can be a different color on the approval of the referee.

15.5 The wearing of shin guards is mandatory for all players, including goalkeepers, in all competitions governed by the League.

15.6 Appropriate soccer socks, which completely cover the shin guards, are mandatory.

15.7 All shirts must have sleeves and should be tucked in during game play.

15.8 No player will be permitted to play while wearing a cast.

15.9 Players wearing braces and other such equipment must have the approval of the Referee to enter the field of play.

15.10 A final decision on whether or not a Player swaying from these standards is permitted to play will be made by the game’s Referee.

 

16) AWARDS/TROPHIES

16.1 The Executive will determine, each season, which awards will be given out and conduct the Award selection with fairness and integrity.

 

17) GAME CANCELLATION, CHANGES, AND RESCHEDULING

17.1 Inclement Weather Guidelines

1. In the case of inclement weather, the Team Representatives must contact members of the Facilities Committee of the WRSA for permission to play. The Facilities Committee is expected to have a decision on each game by 4 p.m. on the day of the game.

2. If the game is approved by the Facilities Committee, and conditions are not deemed appropriate any time during the game, the Referee of the game will decided if the game will be played or not

3. All games cancelled due to weather or abandoned will be rescheduled or decided on by the Executive.

 

 

17.2 Default Games

1. In the event of a club defaulting a game, (no show) the game shall be awarded to their opponents and the defaulting club shall pay the whole of the official’s fees. If the game was defaulted due to mitigating circumstances, League Executive may order the game rescheduled.

2. A no show team is any team that does not fulfill its Scheduled or Rescheduled games without the express permission of the League Executive

3. In the event of a team defaulting three games during the season, the defaulting club will be expelled from the League. There will be no refund of league fees.

 

17.3 Changes and Rescheduled Games

1. Unless for conditions stated in Article 17.1 or 17.2, no game will be rescheduled unless  otherwise approved by the League Executive.

2. If a club requests a game to be re-scheduled it must notify their opponent and the League Executive three (3) days before the scheduled game is to occur. The League Executive will then make a decision to either change the date, time, and/or field of the game or keep the schedules game as is.

3. The league will not schedule or reschedule a game twenty-four (24) hours prior to or after an already scheduled game concerning either club.

4. The League Executive shall notify the team and receive acknowledgment (phone, email, etc...). Notification will be deemed to have occurred after acknowledgment of the change by the team. If the team does not confirm, a final notice will be sent to the club and the team will be considered notified.

5. If a change of the date, time or field of a game is necessary the League Executive must, whenever possible, advise the teams involved (phone, email, etc...) at least within 48 hours notice to the clubs concerned. Games scheduled to take place within a 48 hour period must have the consent of both teams.

 

18) EXPANSION

18.1 Should the League consider expansion to include inter-League play, or alternate arrangements to enhance the play of affiliated groups, such as the Challenge Cup team, a decision on scheduling and the points system shall be determined by the Executive.

 

19) INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDELINES

19.1 The following procedure will take place when there is any bleeding on the field of play:

1. If the bleeding occurs where other participants may be exposed to blood, the individual’s participation must be interrupted until the bleeding has stopped. The wound must be cleaned and securely covered.

2. All clothing soiled with blood should be replaced prior to the athlete resuming training or competition.

3. If an athlete leaves the field, has his/her injury treated and covered and wishes to re-enter the game in another, differently numbered jersey that replaces a blood-stained jersey, s/he may re-enter only after the Referee has been advised of the change of the number.

4. All equipment and surfaces contaminated with blood and other body fluids should be  cleaned.

5. While cleaning blood or other body fluid spills, the following must be done:

   • wear rubber gloves;

   • wipe up fluids with paper towels or disposable clothes;

   • disinfect the area if necessary;

   • place all soiled waste in a plastic bag for disposal;

   • remove gloves and wash hands with soap and water.

 

20) AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES and REGULATIONS

20.1 Amendments to the Rules and Regulations may be made at any general or special meeting of the League by a majority vote of members present.