GROUP STAGE LEAGUE RULES AND BYLAWS

 

League matches are played in a fun and sporting environment. All participants are expected to exhibit both a good attitude and sportspersonship.

Team captains are responsible for ensuring all players on their team are aware of the league rules and abide by them.

 

All participants must complete the team roster and League Waiver.

• Players cannot participate until the team roster / waiver form is completed.
• Captains are responsible for making sure their players are registered and the team roster is up-to-date.
• Teams should be ready to start at the designated match time. Matches will not be delayed for late arrivals.

 

LEAGUE MATCH RULES

 

• Small sided (5v5, 7v7) league matches are 50-55 minutes in duration.
• Large sided 9v9 (50-60 mins),11v11 (75-90min). depending on competition format.
• Failure to field a team results in a forfeit loss. A 4-0* win is recorded for the opposing team.
• Players retreat 5 yards for opposition free kicks (5v5, 7v7) and 8 yards (9v9).
• Substitutions are unlimited and can be made at any dead ball. Players must enter from the same sideline location.
• Under no circumstance can subs or spectators from either team enter the field while a game is underway.
• No slide tackles in any league format. An indirect free kick is awarded from where the offense occurred. A slide tackle that makes contact is an automatic penalty.
• No offsides. Playoff games tied after regular time, plus extra time are decided on penalties.
• Help us keep NYC parks clean and tidy. Carry out your empty drink bottles, trash or other items.

The “back-pass rule” prohibits goalkeepers from handling the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate, or after receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate. The penalty for this offense is an “indirect free kick” from the position where the handling occurred.

 

The “Laws of the Game” are set by the International Football Association. Small sided rules are as outlined by the FA view. Exceptions include: No offside rule, No slide tackles and unlimited substitutions throughout the game. Designated coed leagues must have at least (1) female player participating during matches.

5v5 – A minimum of four (4) players are required to start a match.

7v7 – A minimum of five (5) players are required to start a match.

9v9 – A minimum of seven (7) players are required to start a match.

11v11 – A minimum of nine (9) players are required to start a match.

 

Substitutions and Non-Roster Players

 

Substitutions are made on a rolling basis and are unlimited. When subbing on and off players must enter from the same sideline location. We understand it’s sometimes hard to muster up the requisite number of players on a given day, and would rather a game proceed than forfeit. During the regular season teams are allowed 1 non-roster player, with advance agreement from the referee. i.e before the match starts. A team cannot have subs in addition to non-roster players. (i.e 7v7; 6 players + 1 non-roster player. 9v9; 8 players + 1 non-roster player). A team short by 3 players or more at kick-off; in any format, automatically forfeit the match. Players may only play for one team per league.

During playoffs and finals only players listed on the team roster are eligible, no ringers! If a team are thought to be in breach of the roster rules, it is up to the opposing team captain to alert the referee and/or organizers before the match starts – or as soon as it becomes apparent. Any player(s) not on the team roster must immediately leave the field of play. Teams forfeit a match if ineligible (non rostered) players are fielded without prior clearance from the referee and/or organizers.

 

EQUIPMENT AND ATTIRE

 

• All players MUST be in proper soccer attire and matching team jerseys to participate.
• Shin guards are recommended for all matches, including pickup games.
• Absolutely no metal cleats or spikes are allowed, appropriate soccer footwear must be worn.
• Knee braces or other support devices must be padded (neoprene or similar) to the satisfaction of our officials, who reserve the right to refuse participation of any player not in compliance. Eyeglasses are not allowed, unless they are soccer specific Rec specs.
• Goalkeepers are required to wear a different colored jersey from team mates.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on fields. We host post-game drink specials with neighborhood bars.

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

 

Matches are officiated by qualified referees who have full authority to enforce the laws of the game. The referee’s jurisdiction starts from the moment they enter the locality of the field, until the time they leave. The referee’s decisions in connection with the match are final. A yellow card results in a 2 minute “sin-bin.” The offending player may only return to the field of play once instructed to do so by the referee. A second yellow card results in a red card. Any player receiving a red card must immediately leave the field of play and automatically serves a minimum 1 match suspension (depending on the severity of the violation). The player is required to explain their actions and petition the league for reinstatement before being allowed to play again.

• Reckless play, offensive language and/or gestures are not tolerated.
• A red card (first offense) results in an automatic 1 match suspension.
• Depending on the level of misconduct, the league reserves the right to eject the offending player and team from the league without compensation.
• Only in smaller format matches (7v7, 5v5) can a red carded player be replaced after 5 minutes. In 9v9 and 11v11 matches a red carded player cannot be replaced, and the team must complete the remainder of the game a player short.
• Any player who receives 2 red cards during a season is automatically banned, and needs to petition the league for future reinstatement.
• Any player who initiates intentional physical contact, or verbally threatens a league official or participant, will be permanently banned.

 

MATCH FORFEITS AND SEASON ABANDONMENT

 

A team unable to field the required number of players, should notify the league as soon as possible, at least the day before. This provides league organizers with time to contact referees and opponents. Failure to notify the league in advance is considered a “no show” forfeit and the result recorded as a 6-0 loss.

Teams that “no show,” or miss two weeks of matches are considered to have abandoned their place in the league. They are required to petition the league for reinstatement and explain their lack of attendance. Teams failing to respond within three business days will be removed from the schedule and forfeit registration fees. Season abandonment and reactivation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the league. Any “no-show” and forfeit issues must be resolved before a team returns to play in the current season, or in subsequent seasons.

Players and teams already registered for league or tournament competition – who subsequently wish to cancel their registration, are required to advise the organizers in writing at least 10 days before the event start. This is so potential replacements can be found. Refunds can only be made if a replacement team / player are found 7 days or more before the event starts.

 

TEAM REGISTRATION

 

Teams should register with full payment to be guaranteed a league place. League spaces are temporarily held on receipt of a team deposit. All dues should be completed before the season starts. Any teams with outstanding dues after week 1, are considered to have forfeit their league spot.Teams on the league waitlist will be invited to participate. Team deposits are non-refundable or transferable. If you forfeit a game you also forfeit dues, as no-shows spoil the league for all involved.

 

PICKUP GAMES

 

Pickup games are regular organized events that do not require a season long commitment. The same rules apply. Aggressive or offensive actions / language are not tolerated. We appreciate a good attitude and sportspersonship. We aim to provide fun, social games, that are a good workout – we don’t allow poor behavior by an individual to impact this. The organizers reserve the right to eject an offending player from a game, that player is then barred from all future events.

 

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

 

We play rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather conditions matches are postponed. Captains are notified by email / WhatsApp. The league strives to anticipate weather conditions in advance, however, this is not always possible. A match that has commenced will be postponed if conditions worsen and rearranged for a future date. If a match has reached half time the score at the time of cancellation serves as the match result.

 

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN

 

Any person with a positive COVID-19 test, and/or in close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 individual in the past 5 days should stay home. Any person feeling unwell, or with elevated temperature should not attend games. Covid-19 Safety plan here.

 

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

 

All participants agree to adhere to the League rules. Players are reminded that risks and hazards are connected with playing competitive sports. Players voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of property damage, and any personal injury that may be sustained. By participating in Group Stage activities you agree to the Waiver of Liability.

Group Stage Soccer events are played in a friendly spirit, help us to keep a positive sporting vibe on and off the field.