As adults, the League expects its participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner on and off the field. The League understands that players and teams can become quite intense as the level of competition rises; nevertheless, the League expects that players will be able to exercise sufficient self-control. This sportsmanlike manner applies to all Players (whether on or off the field), spectators, and League staff alike.
Unsportsmanlike behavior will NOT be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action to the Player or team in the discretion of the League. Behavior that is not sportsmanlike includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Antagonistic behavior directed toward another player or a referee;
- Deliberate fouls off the ball;
- Excessive arguing with referees or the League;
- Persistent fouls on a particular player on the opposing team;
- Taunting (distinguished from good-natured “trash talking”);
- Violent Conduct.
Penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct:
- A referee, in the referee’s discretion, has the right to give any player(s) a card commensurate with the nature and degree of the unsportsmanlike conduct.
- League staff has the right to impose any disciplinary action on any player in the League, which disciplinary action shall be commensurate with the nature and degree of the unsportsmanlike conduct as determined in the sole discretion of the League.
If any issues arise with players, referees, League staff or others, it is the responsibility of the Team Captain (or acting Team Captain, generally the Assistant Captain if the Captain is not present) to address the issue with the referee or, if appropriate, the League. It is not appropriate for any other persons (e.g., teammates or spectators) to get involved with addressing any such issue. Issues or complaints from players on the team other than the Team Captain may not be addressed.
All players must, at the time they play, be at least 21 years old.
Team Penalty
A team that permits someone who is under 21 years old to play, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in their team’s game is inherently in violation of this Policy. A penalty for a team violating the age requirement will be made in the discretion of the League; however, reasonable penalties include, but are not limited to:
- Multiple game suspensions to the Captain and the Assistant Captain; and
- A forfeit of the game by the team which played with a player not yet 21 years old (NOTE: this forfeit would not trigger the team’s forfeit fine).
- Forfeiture of the team’s Forfeit Fine held on account (typically only if a team, or one or more of its players, attempt to mislead the League)
Player Penalty
A player who is under 21 years old who plays in a League game will be subject to the following penalties, as applicable, if/when that player joins a team as a roster player:
- If that player filled in for a team as a non-roster player, that player will be suspended for up to two (2) games.
- If that player was a roster player in a prior season, that player will be suspended for up to four (4) games.
A player who is not yet 21 and plays in a League game knowing the age restriction, or any player who knowing allows a player who is under 21 years old to play in a League game knowing the age restriction, may be subject to these or more severe sanctions.
Non-Roster Players/Playoffs
Playoffs are limited to roster players only (each of whom must be wearing a League shirt of their team’s color). A non-roster player who plays (or attempts to play) in a playoff game not only violates the rule for non-roster players, but also serves, along with the team, to undermine the integrity of the League. As such, the team will be penalized in the discretion of the League. While not limited to the following, a violation of this rule should reasonably be expected to include:
- Multiple game suspensions to the Captain and/or the Assistant (or acting) Captain;
- A forfeit of the game by the team which played with the non-roster player; and
- Forfeiture of the team’s Forfeit Fine held on account.
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