BASICS

Knowledge of the Rules

• Every participant in Charm City Soccer League (the “League”) is deemed to know all of the League’s rules, policies, and procedures as set forth on the League’s website (as amended from time to time) and shall be bound by them.  All participants are responsible for abiding by all such rules, policies, and procedures.
  • By playing with a team where the team’s Captain has agreed to the Leagues’s rules, policies, and procedures, all Players who play with that team are deemed to have agreed to the same.
• Definitions.
  • League participant.  Any player, spectator, or other individual who takes part in the League.
  • Player.  Any individual who plays in the League.
    • Roster Player.  Any Player who is listed on the team’s formal roster in accordance with League rules.
    • Non-roster Player.  Any Player not considered a valid Roster Player.
  • Age requirement.  Unless an exception is made by the League, all League Players must be at least 21 years of age as of the beginning of the session in which that individual plays.  Any team found violating this rule will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the League.  The League and its agents, including referees, will have the right to request identification from any Player at any time.

Food/Beverages/Trash

• NO FOOD AND NO BEVERAGES OTHER THAN WATER ARE PERMITTED AT ANY VENUE WITH TURF FIELDS.  This includes any areas of turf or any areas immediately surrounding a turf field.
  • It is not the responsibility of the League to police Players who do not follow this rule.  However, because many Players have ignored this rule, any player found eating or drinking a beverage other than water on or immediately surrounding the turf field will receive an automatic yellow card as well as any sanctions by any field managers.  Persistent violations will result in further disciplinary action at the discretion of the League.
• Teams and their players are responsible for removal of any trash or other personal belongings before leaving the fields.  It is the responsibility of the League and its members to leave all soccer venues in a clean and trash free condition.
• The League is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

TEAM MANAGEMENT/ROSTERS

Team Representatives

• Team Captain.  Each team shall designate one (1) player to be the Team Captain.  The Team Captain’s responsibilities include the following:
  • To be the point of contact for communications between the League and their team; and
  • To make sure that all players on his or her team are aware of all of the League rules, policies, and procedures and that their team’s Players are following them.
• Assistant.  Each team shall designate one (1) player to be the Assistant Team Captain.  It is the responsibility of the Assistant to carry out the duties of the Team Captain in the event the Team Captain is unavailable or unable to do so.
• For the purposes of these rules, any references to “Captain” will include “Team Captain”, “Assistant Team Captain”, and team representative, if applicable.

Waivers

• Each Player must sign (or have signed) a League waiver form before participating in any League game.
• Players must comply with the Documentation Policy regarding waivers.

SEASON/GAME FORMAT

Season Format

• Each team is guaranteed to play eight (8) games over the course of the season.
• Regular Season.  The regular season will resemble a round-robin as closely as possible.
  • The length of the Regular Season will be determined by the number of teams in the league and the number of weeks in the particular session.  One or more bye weeks may be necessary depending on the league schedule.
  • In the event of a draw at the end of a Regular Season game, the game will end as a tie; no additional time or shootout will be granted.
• Playoffs.  The playoffs will follow the Regular Season and will be determined based on standings at the end of the Regular Season.  The format and length of the playoffs will be determined by the number of teams in the league and the number of weeks in the session.
  • In the event of a draw at the end of a playoff game, two (2) five-minute periods of additional time will be added (no golden goal) and teams will switch sides between periods.  If, at the end of both periods of additional time, the score is still tied, the teams will determine a winner by penalty kicks (discussed below).

Standings/Points

• Teams will be ranked during the regular season based on the number of points their team has earned.  Points will be awarded during the regular season as follows:
  • Three (3) points will be awarded for a win;
  • One (1) point will be awarded for a tie;
  • Zero (0) points will be awarded for a loss.
• In the event teams are tied in their total number of points at the end of the regular season, tie-breakers will be determined, in order, as follows:
  • Head-to-head competition
  • Goal differential
  • Goals scored
  • Number of wins
  • Wins against common opponents
  • Coin toss

Game Times

• Games times will be determined based on the number of teams in the league and the number of weeks in the session.  The League will make best efforts to post the Regular Season schedule no later than a week before the season begins.
  • The League makes every effort to be consistent with the schedule and hopes to avoid any/all changes to the schedule.  However, changes arise from time to time for reasons outside the League’s control.  The League appreciates the flexibility of teams and players in case any adjustments need to be made.
• Games will start on time.  Players should be ready to start play at the scheduled start time for their game.
  • The referees, in their discretion, may allow for up to a five (5) minute grace period at the beginning of the game.  This grace period will be subtracted from the allotted game time.
  • There may be a slight delay in the scheduled start time of games during the playoffs if additional time or a shootout is required.

Game Clock

• Running Clock.  Except in the case of unusual delay as determined by a League Referee or a League official, the Game Clock counts down continuously through each half and any period of additional time.
  • Every regular season game will consist of two twenty-nine (29) minute halves and a two (2) minute halftime.
  • Every playoff game will consist of two twenty-nine (29) minute halves and a two (2) minute halftime.  If time allows, only the finals (for each division) will be thirty (30) minute halves.
  • Summer session only.  If one of the two teams would like a water break, the referees (in their discretion) will allow a water break.  The team(s) should advise the referees of their request for a water break either prior to (1) the beginning of the game, or (2) the beginning of the second half.
• The game clock will be managed by a referee or League representative.
• Additional Time.  In the event of a draw at the end of a playoff game, two (2) five-minute periods of additional time will be added (no golden goal).  If, at the end of additional time, the score is still tied, the teams will determine a winner by penalty kicks.
• Stoppage Time.  There is no guaranteed stoppage time.  When the official timekeeper determines that the period of play is over, the period is over.  The referees are not required to allow extra time to any team for any reason but may, in their sole discretion, allow a reasonable amount of extra time if the circumstances warrant.

Time Outs

• There will be no time outs.

Referees

• Barring unforeseen circumstances, there will be no fewer than two (2) referees at each game.
• Referees are responsible for making all calls during the game.  The calls by the referees are final and are to be honored by the players.

Number of Players

• Each team will have no more than eleven (11) players on the field at one time, at least three (3) of which shall be women.
  • A minimum of eight (8) players will be required to begin a game.
  • A team may start a game with two (2) women players on the field, but the team must play down a player.  A team that does not have two (2) women players on the field to start the game is subject to a forfeit.
    • EXCEPTION:  During the playoffs, a team may start a game with one (1) woman player on the field, but the team must play down two players.  A team that does not have at least one (1) woman on the field at any time during their game – except for a brief water break – will be subject to a forfeit.
  • No team may have more than eight (8) men on the field at one time.

Game Ball

• Game ball must be a size 5 ball
• Each team must provide a suitable game ball for each game.  Failure of a team to provide a suitable game ball may result in a forfeit by the team(s) that fails to do so.

Uniforms

• Regular Season/Guaranteed Games.  In accordance with the Shirt Policy, generally, players are required to wear the League shirt for all games in order to be eligible to play.  Roster Players not wearing the League shirt will be considered non-roster Players and subject to the rules governing such players (see Roster Policy – Non-Roster Players and Documentation Policy)
  • The numbers on the uniforms will be used to track goals scored and cards received by the players.
• Playoffs/Non-Guaranteed Games.  Every player must wear their team’s League shirt in order to be eligible to play.  Failure of a player to wear the League shirt will result in that player’s classification as a non-roster player (see Non-Roster Player Policy).  It does not matter if the player is on the roster and has played all season.  No League shirt means they can NOT play, without exception.
• League shirts are not permitted to be modified.
• Goalkeepers shall wear a jersey color distinguished from all other field players and from the Referees.  Effective Fall 2023, a team’s designated goalkeeper is expected to wear a League shirt, in line with other players.
• Players must wear appropriate footwear.  Metal spikes are NOT permitted; only plastic and rubber cleats or turfs are allowed.
• Shin guards are required to be worn for all outdoor games.
• No jewelry is allowed to be worn during games.  Non-dangling earrings may be worn provided tape is used to cover them.
• Glasses should not be worn while playing.  If a player is required to wear prescription glasses to play, that player may wear such glasses at his or her own risk.

Home Team v. Visiting Team

• The home team for each game is listed second on the schedule.  In any case where two teams with the same (or substantially similar) shirts or jerseys are playing one another, the visiting team must wear pennies (provided by the League).
• The visiting team will call the coin toss at the beginning of the game.  The team that wins the coin toss will get to choose either (1) which goal to defend or (2) to start the game with the ball.  The team that does not start off the game with possession of the ball will begin the second half with possession of the ball.
• If necessary, a coin toss will determine who starts with the ball in any period of extra time (playoffs only).

GAME PLAY

Substitutions

• Before any substitution is made, the referee must be informed and grant the substitution request.
• Pursuant to the above, unlimited substitutions are permitted during a game, and such substitutions may be made at any stoppage in play, subject to the referee’s discretion; however, substitutions will generally not be permitted on corner kicks, subject to the referee’s discretion.
• No substitution will be allowed for a player ejected from the game by the referee.

Scoring

• A team scores a goal when the whole of the ball legally passes over the Goal Line.
• No female touch is required before scoring.

Direct/Indirect Kicks

• Direct Kick.  Unless otherwise stated in these rules, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a penalty foul, for example, pushing or tripping an opponent; however, if the offense was committed by the defending team within their own penalty area, the kick becomes a penalty kick.
• Indirect Kick.  An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a foul other than a penalty foul (e.g., dangerous play) or infringes certain technical requirements of the laws (e.g., touching the ball a second time following a restart, or the keeper touching the ball with his hands when a teammate has used his foot to pass it back to the keeper).  An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team when play is stopped to caution or send-off a player when no specific foul has occurred (e.g. when play is stopped to caution a player for dissenting the decision of the referee).

Throw-Ins

• A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in, although if any player makes slight contact with the ball before it enters the goal, the resulting goal may be credited to the thrower. If a player throws the ball directly into his opponent’s goal without any other player touching it the result is a goal kick to the defending side.
• An own goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.  If a player throws the ball directly into his own goal without any other player touching it the result is a corner kick to the opposing side.
• A player may not be penalized for being in an offside position on a throw-in.
• If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area with the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

Penalty Kicks (Playoffs Only)

Sportsmanship

• The League expects its participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner on and off the field.  See the League’s Sportsmanship Policy.

Penalty Cards

• A yellow or red card will be shown by the referee to a Player who has committed an infraction of the rules.  The reasons for being cautioned and the treatment of such cautions are set out in the Penalty Card Policy.
• Note that penalty cards can be imputed or transferred depending on whether a non-roster Player is on any roster in the League.  See the Penalty Card Policy for further details.

Slide Tackling/Sliding

• In the opinion of the League, slide tackling by field players is inherently risky and may cause injury to one or more players. As such, for the purposes of this League, slide tackling has been deemed a dangerous play and is NOT ALLOWED!
• Slide tackle defined.  Slide tackling is defined as a player’s taking (or attempting to take) the ball from an opponent by deliberately leaving that player’s feet and sliding along the ground with one or both legs extended within ten (10) feet of an opposing player.
  • A Player’s intent (e.g., slide tackle v. slip or “stab”) will be solely determined in the discretion of the referees.  Persistently contesting a referee’s determination of this ruling may result in a caution for dissent.
• Any Player who commits a slide tackle shall be cautioned by the referee and will receive a yellow card or, in the case of a more severe slide tackle, a red card.
  • When a slide tackle occurs by a defensive Player, the referee may, in the referee’s discretion, delay the caution and permit play to continue until there is a stoppage of play.
  • While uncommon, it is possible for an offensive Player to be cautioned for a slide tackle, at which point the referee will stop play and caution the Player.
• A slide tackle will result in an indirect free kick, generally.  If a slide tackle occurs in the penalty area, a penalty kick will be awarded only if the player being tackled had a goal scoring opportunity as determined by the discretion of the referee.
• Sliding to keep a ball in play, so long as it does not meet the definition of a slide tackle, above, is permitted.
• Goal keepers may use diving techniques to stop goals and will be given some latitude when it comes to slide tackling.

Pregnancy/Blood

• Under no circumstances is a pregnant player eligible to play in the League.  If the League discovers that a pregnant player is playing, that player will be removed from the League and will only be allowed to return with League approval.
• If an injury results in a player bleeding, the player shall be removed from the game and may be replaced by another player.  The bleeding player shall receive medical attention and shall not be allowed to return to the game until the wound has been bandaged and the bleeding has stopped.

Forfeits, Forfeit Fines and Forfeit Notice

• The League’s policies are such that forfeits seek to be avoided as much as possible.  The ultimate responsibility to prevent a forfeit rests on each team.  Nevertheless, forfeits do occur from time to time.  Review the Forfeit Policy for detailed information on forfeits, forfeit fines, and avoiding forfeits.

Inclement Weather

• In case of inclement weather, the League will use the following means to communicate cancellations to its members to the extent possible:
  • A notification on the home page of the website;
  • A status update on the Facebook page; and
  • An email to coaches and league participants.
• If cancellation is not made through one of these means, all games are on as scheduled.  In the event inclement weather occurs after the first game has started, a cancellation message will be posted on the website as soon as possible.
• For outdoor leagues played on turf fields, there is less likelihood of inclement weather, but it is still possible.  Games will be played unless, in the League’s discretion, (1) it is raining too hard to play or (2) lightning.
  • Generally, rain alone (even if it is raining hard) will not result in a postponed or canceled game.
• Lightning.  A flash-to-bang count of 30 seconds or less should be used as a minimal determinant of when to suspend activities. Waiting 30 minutes or longer after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder is recommended before athletic or recreational activities are resumed. Lightning safety strategies include avoiding shelter under trees, avoiding open fields and spaces, and suspending the use of land-line telephones during thunderstorms.
• The League wants to ensure that league participants are not placed in dangerous situations and may cancel games if conditions become dangerous.
• Games postponed due to inclement weather will be rescheduled by the League as quickly as possible.  In such an instance, your patience and flexibility are greatly appreciated.

ADDITIONAL RULES

• To the extent not addressed by the League rules above, any rulings will be governed by FIFA rules, unless otherwise indicated.
• The League reserves the right to make changes to existing League rules as necessary.

LEAGUE SPONSORS

Sponsor(s)

• League Official Sponsor:  There is currently no bar sponsor at this time.

• League Official Sponsor:  National Bohemian Beer is the official beer of the League.  Natty Boh has been kind enough to provide us with graphics used on League shirts and the League’s website.

• Other Sponsors.  The League encourages teams to find additional sponsors in an effort to further reduce costs to each player on the team; provided, however, such team sponsors may NOT be another bar (or the like) if the League has a bar sponsor.  Teams being sponsored by another bar (or the like) will ultimately impact the entire League’s existing sponsorship which, in turn, would impact the ability of all of the players in the League to continue to receive existing specials graciously offered by the League’s bar sponsor.