Rules Mid-Atlantic Soccer League
The rules of the game are basically those set out by USYS. MASL follows the
rules for U9 and U10 teams playing on small fields, 8 v 8. The league
offers U11and U12 teams the option of playing 8 v 8 on small fields or 11 v 11
on full size fields. Games for all other teams are on full fields, 11 v
11.
Rosters
Each team must be USYS registered through
its home state Youth Soccer Association and a copy of its official, stamped USYS
roster must be on file in the league office. All players must be registered with USYS and have stamped player
passes.
Adding Players
Generally, a team may add players to its
roster until the end of the first week of the season. The last day to add
players for the regular spring season is April 6, 2008 . After that date a team
must get permission from the league before adding a player to its roster for
league play.
Expanded Rosters and Guest Players
Teams U17 and older are permitted to use the USYS expanded roster of 22
players. In all games the maximum number of players that can participate
is 18 (14 for teams playing 8 v 8). For each game, the players who are not playing must be crossed off
the copies of the rosters that are given to the referee and the opposing coach.
Teams U16 and younger, or older teams not using the expanded roster, are
permitted to use guest players. Teams playing 11 v 11 may use 3 guest
players; teams playing 8 v 8 may use 2 guest players. Guest players must
be registered with USYS (DYSA, EPYSA, MSYSA, NJYSA, etc) and have current player
passes. Teams using guest players must complete a guest
player form for each game in which they use one or more guest
players. This form must be submitted to the league office from the web
site no later than 5pm two days before the day of the game, and also printed and
attached to the copies of the team's rosters that are given to the referee and
the opposing team prior to the start of the game. Guest players must have
their player passes with them and have them checked, along with the rest of the
team, by the referee prior to he start of the game.
NOTE: TEAMS THAT ARE USING MASL TO QUALIFY FOR STATE
CUP ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE GUEST PLAYERS. DOING SO COULD DISQUALIFY THEM FROM
STATE CUP ELIGIBILITY.
Up
Game times
Novice divisions (U9s, U10s, U11sand U12s) play
25 minute halves; Junior divisions (U11s and U12s) play 30 minute halves; Junior
divisions (U13s and U14s) play 35 minute halves; Senior Divisions all teams play
40
minute halves. The age designation is for the division, not for the
individual team (some teams may be playing "up" in age).
Referees
The league employs several referee
assignors, usually one for each site. These assignors are asked to provide three
referees for every game. Referees are paid on the field, prior to the game. The
fees are listed on the WEB site. Referees are expected to submit game reports
for each game.
Game Day Rosters and Card Checking
Referees are asked to check player passes
and rosters of both teams prior to the start of each game. Each team must
give a copy of the team roster to the referee and the opposing team prior to the
start of the game.
Schedule Changes
The league makes every effort to limit schedule changes once the schedule
has been posted. If a team has an unavoidable problem and must request a
schedule change, the request should be made by email at least 7 days
before the game in question. There is no charge for one schedule change.
If a second change is requested and approved the charge is $25. The league
reserves the right to refuse any request for a change to the schedule. The
coach being away or unable to attend a game IS NOT a reason to change a
scheduled game. NOTE: there is no charge for games that must be changed due
to a conflict with a state cup game.
Weather Related Cancellations
The league makes every effort to play games. However, when there is
significant rain or other severe weather, games will be postponed and
rescheduled. If fields are closed due to wet conditions, or weather is too
severe to play, notice is posted on the web site as early as possible. The
decision to postpone games is usually made by 9am on Sunday mornings. Once
the league determines that games can be played at a given site, teams must come
prepared to play. If conditions at game time are deemed unplayable by the
referee, in consultation with the two coaches, the match will be postponed.
Up
Cautions and Ejections
If the referee cautions or ejects any
player, it is the responsibility of that player’s coach to provide the referee
with the player’s name, shirt number and pass number. The referee does not
take the player’s pass. The information concerning the caution or ejection
must also be reported on the team’s game report. A player who is ejected from
a game outright (red card) is suspended for the next league game. A player who
receives two cautions (yellow cards) in a game is ejected from that game and
suspended for the next league game. A player who receives a second ejection in
the season is suspended for the next two league games. Suspensions earned but
not served in one league season may carry over into the next league season.
Please note that the league board reserves the right to impose or increase the
penalties for players, coaches or spectators involved in any fights or other
acts of violence during any league sponsored activities.
Score reporting and Game Reports
Scores are reported on game reports
submitted through the WEB only. It is important that each team submit game
reports that include the names of the referees. The reports must be received by
5PM on the Monday following game. Every
team must submit a game report for every game played. If the
report is not received on time the following happens:
1st
late report: There is no fine. The report must be received by
5PM on the following Monday.
2nd
late report, and all subsequent occurrences: A $25 per report fine is
imposed immediately and the report must be received by 5PM the following Monday.
An additional $5 fine is assessed for each week the report is late. If the report is not received at all the fine is $50.
Forfeits
If a team forfeits a game for any reason
it incurs a $100 fine plus full referee fees. The fine will be levied against
the team's (or the club's) performance bond. The coach will be notified of
the forfeit. The league makes the determination as to whether a game is
forfeited. Coaches are not
permitted to cancel or change a scheduled game for any reason without the
express permission of the league. Doing so will be considered a forfeit.
Fines
Fines are deducted from a team or club
performance bond. If the total of fines exceeds half of the bond paid, the team
or club will be required to replenish the bond. Failure to pay a fine or
replenish the bond is grounds for suspension or ejection from the league.
Refunds
Fees are due by February 1, 2008
If a team withdraws before February 15,
2008 a
full refund will be given.
If a team withdraws before March 1,
2008 a refund of $125 (regular season) or $75 (State Cup Weekend) will be given.
AFTER MARCH 1, 2008 THERE ARE NO REFUNDS
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