The following
definitions are supplied to assist in interpreting the GSSL Operating
Procedures.
1.1.
Board/Board Members: Means the
GSSL Board, consisting of the elected officials of the GSSL.
1.2.
Bylaws: The general rules for
the internal regulation of the affairs of the GSSL, a Washington
State non-profit corporation.
1.3.
Club: An affiliated group of
two or more teams which have indicated on their team Application form the club
affiliation. The club is a valid entity within the GSSL and the benefits of
operating as a club shall exist only at such times as all of the obligations
imposed on clubs by the GSSL as expressed in these Operating Procedures, as
amended compliance with the obligations imposed on it.
1.4.
Delivered: Means delivered in
person to authorized personnel staffing the GSSL office at the GSSL office
during regular business hours and date stamped by said GSSL personnel.
1.5.
Division: Refers to the
five (5) current playing groups (Open, Over-30, Over-40, Over-50 and
Over-55) and to the divisions within those groups (1st, 2nd, etc; A, B,
etc; SA, SB, etc; E1, E2, etc and TE).
Open Division: This is a playing group open
to players of all ages
Over-30 Division: This is a playing group
open to players who are thirty (30) years of age or older at the time of their
participation in any over-30 division game.
Over-40 Division: This is a playing group
open to players who are forty (40) years of age or older at the time of their
participation in any over-40 division game.
Over-50 Division: This is a playing group
open to players who are fifty (50) years of age or older at the time of their
participation in any over-50 division game.
Over-55 Division: This is a playing group
open to players who are fifty-five (55) years of age or older at the time of
their participation in any over-55 division game.
The highest player skill level in the open
division is Division 1, in the over-30 division it is ‘A’ or ‘AA,’ in the
over-40 division it is ‘SA’, in the over-50 division it is ‘E1’, and in the
over-55 division it is ‘TE’.
1.6.
Forfeit: If a game is
forfeited, then the team responsible for the forfeiture (in the final
determination of the Judiciary Director of the GSSL Board) shall be awarded
zero goals for the game. The opposing team shall be awarded the greater of the
number of goals scored by it, or one goal. If both teams are determined to be
responsible, then both will receive zero goals and be treated for standings
purposes as having both sustained a loss. When a team drops out of a
division, all games played and those scheduled to be played will be counted as
a win by one goal to nil.
1.7.
Game Sheet: The list of all
players of a team participating in a given game, which must include the full
name of each player, the player’s GSSL identification number, the players
jersey number, and such other information as the GSSL board determines
appropriate. The game sheet must be signed by the manager or team official
and handed to the referee before the game begins. A player listed on the game
sheet will be presumed to have participated in the game. A maximum of
eighteen players may be listed on the game sheet.
1.8.
Ineligible Player: A player
who has not complied with all of the requirements for eligibility or who has
lost his/her eligibility, permanently or temporarily. A team playing a person
in a game who is ineligible at the time of play may be required to forfeit
said game. It is the responsibility of each team manager and team official to
monitor the eligibility of said team’s players.
1.9.
Player/Eligible Player: A
person who (1) possesses a current GSSL Player Membership Card; and (2) is not
currently under suspension by the GSSL.
1.10.
Seasonal Week: One week of
regularly scheduled league play.
1.11.
Team: A group of players which
is in compliance with all rules and regulations of the GSSL, including rules
regarding application to the GSSL.
1.12.
Team Manager: The person
listed as a team manager on a team’s entry form. The manager is primarily
responsible for the compliance of the team and its players with the rules and
procedures of the GSSL, and the directions of the members of the GSSL Board.
1.13.
Team Official: The person
assigned by the manager to perform any of the duties of the manager, or a team
coach or captain.
1.14.
Tournament/Cup Play: Shall
mean GSSL sanctioned competition outside of regular session play,
participation in which may be open or by invitation.
1.15.
GSSL Membership Card/Player
Identification: The official player registration card issued by the GSSL to
every player member.
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Rule 2-AUTHORITY
2.1
The rules contained herein
shall govern members of the GSSL in all cases to which they are applicable,
and also in which they are consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the
GSSL. All competition shall be governed by the rules stated herein unless the
rules of a specific competition approved by the majority of the GSSL
membership determine otherwise.
2.2
Teams, clubs and other member
organizations or associations may deem fit to include rules more stringent
than those included herein, but in no case may their rules be less stringent.
2.3
Each team, club, and other
member organizations or associations shall be responsible for the conduct of
its players, coaches, managers, and supporters to ensure that their actions on
or off the field do not bring disrespect upon the GSSL.
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Rule 3-FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
3.1
The GSSL specifically
disclaims financial responsibility for, and shall not assume nor be held
liable for , the debts or the financial obligations either expressed or
implied of any member organization, association, club or team, or any of the
coachers, managers, officers, officials, or member organization, association
club or team.
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Rule 4-SEASONAL YEAR AND PLAYING SESSIONS
4.1
The GSSL playing season shall
be approximately September 1st through August 31 of each year.
4.2
A Fall session, a Winter
session, a Spring and a Summer session shall be played, and such additional
sessions as the GSSL Board shall establish. The Spring and Summer sessions
may be combined.
4.3
The start of each of the
playing sessions shall be determined by the GSSL staff and will be for fixed
number of seasonal weeks.
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Rule 5-DIVISIONS OF PLAY
5.1
The GSSL may establish Open,
Over-30, Over-40, Over-50, and Over-55 adult soccer divisions, Open and
Over-30 mixed soccer divisions, and other such combinations as it deems
appropriate.
5.2
The Open division shall be
designated by numbers, (1st Division), the over-30 division divisions shall be
designated by letters (AA Division), and over-40 divisions shall be designated
by letters preceded by the letter ‘S’ (SA Division). Over-50 divisions will
be indicated by a number preceded by the letter ‘E’ and over-55 divisions
will be designated by the number ‘TE.’ Mixed soccer divisions shall be
designated by preceding the above with the letter ‘C’ (C1 Division, CA
Division).
5.3
Subsequent divisions may be
added at the discretion and approval of the GSSL staff.
5.4
In general, Open Adult
Division games will be scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays, Over-30 soccer
division games will be scheduled on Monday evenings, Over-40 division games
will be scheduled on Wednesday evenings, Over-50 division games will be
scheduled on Monday nights, and Over-55 division games will be scheduled on
Thursday nights. Said schedule is subject to availability of playing times
and fields.
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Rule 6-TEAM REGISTRATION
6.1
Teams shall apply to join the
GSSL on official entry forms which may be obtained form the GSSL office.
Application forms and information on each session will be mailed to the
managers of all teams which played in either of the previous two sessions at
least two weeks prior to the closing date for entries.
6.2
The application shall consist
of the entry form which includes team contact and address plus an alternate
phone contact and a check or money order for the full amount of the fees
stated. It must be delivered to the GSSL office during normal office hours or
mailed and postmarked prior to the midnight of the closing date specified. If postmarked or delivered after the
closing date, the applicant may be charged a late fee in order to be
considered, such late fee to be established annually by the Board.
6.3
All teams must designate an
alternate phone number contact person on their team entry form.
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Rule 7-PLAYER
REGISTRATION
7.1
Players may register and play
on as many GSSL teams as they are otherwise qualified for provided they are in
good financial standing with the manages of all teams on which they play.
7.2
All players must have a
currently valid GSSL Player Membership card prior to registration on a team,
and the player number on that card must be shown on the game sheet for any
match in which the player participates.
7.3
A team listing an ineligible
player on a game sheet may forfeit that game.
7.4
The intent of Rule 7 is to
expand enjoyment of the sport of soccer. Should this rule be abused or should
the level of play be seriously disrupted by use of this rule, then the GSSL
staff may act in its discretion to limit any play, combination of players, or
teams in their use of this rule.
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Rule 8-PLAYING FIELDS
8.1
The GSSL will endeavor to
lease or rent its own playing fields.
8.2
To be acceptable for GSSL
play, the field must be a minimum of 100 yards by 50 yards, have regulation
goal posts installed, and be in a fit condition for play for a fully scheduled
GSSL playing session and/or tournament. Note: The final decision regarding
acceptability of the field for play rest under the authority of the referee.
Parks and Recreation departments maintain the facilities over which the
GSSL has no control (thus some dirt fields are not always well lined).
8.3
Teams are encouraged to
propose the use of any acceptable (see Rule 8.2) home field. Full details of
location, address and access, including who must be contacted for use, must be
provided to the GSSL in a timely manner.
8.4
The GSSL will endeavor to
utilize the best fields available considering acceptability, cost, location,
time slot, and playing condition. The GSSL will try to locate ‘home’ fields
closest to each team’s vicinity.
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Rule 9-JUDICIAL AUTHORITY
9.1
The GSSL Board shall have the
power to penalize any member organization, association, club, manager, coach,
or player willfully violating the Constitution, Bylaws, or Operating
Procedures of the GSSL who act in a manner detrimental to the objectives of
the GSSL. Penalties may consist of fines, warnings, or temporary or permanent
exclusion from the activities of the GSSL.
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Rule 10-RULES OF PLAY
10.1
All games and competitions
under the jurisdiction of the GSSL shall be conducted subject to the “Laws of
the Game” as published or authorized by FIFA (Federation Internationale de
Football Association), with those modifications published by the GSSL.
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Rule 11-REFEREE
AUTHORITY
11.1
The referee shall determine
the fitness of the playing field and equipment.
11.2
The referee shall decide if a
player’s attire is acceptable for play in a match.
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Rule 12-REFEREES AS
PLAYERS
12.1
A referee, when employed as
such, shall not be eligible as a player in the same division or level of
competition in which he is a game official.
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Rule 13-NO REFEREE
13.1
If because of unforeseen
circumstances, a GSSL referee is unable to officiate, the two teams present
may agree on some other person(s) to officiate and play the scheduled match
or play without a referee if they both agree. The game sheets must be
signed as agreed to by both team officials prior to the match. Redemption of
the referee fees must be requested in writing within 7 days of the occurrence.
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Rule 14-GAME SHEETS
14.1
Each team shall prepare and
present to the referee before kickoff time, a game sheet listing the names and
jersey numbers of each player eligible to participate in the match.
14.2
A player listed on a game
sheet shall be deemed to have played in the match, whether or not he/she
actually took the field.
14.3
The referee must record the
score on the game sheet of each team, and return a copy of the sheet to the
league office within 72 hours of the game.
14.4
Protests with regard to player
eligibility or team equipment must be noted on the game sheet and signed by
officials of the protesting team. The referee must make the game sheet
available for noting such protest.
14.5
Officials of either team may
examine the game sheet of the other team prior to play. But the start of the
game may not be delayed by such examination.
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Rule 15-PLAYER CARDS
15.1
All players participating in a
match shall give the referee his/her GSSL player membership card prior to
participation. No player shall be allowed to play without the player card,
and the referee is not authorized to waive this requirement.
15.2
Officials of either team, or
any player on either team, may request from the referee that he/she be shown
the player card of any participant. The referee shall comply with the request
at the earliest point in the match which does not interfere with the play
(halftime).
15.3
No player, referee, or
official can be compelled to participate in a match in which players without
player cards are permitted to play. The decision to not play must be noted on
the game sheet, with a specific citation of the situation.
15.4
The referee shall retain after
the match the player card of any player ejected form the match or of any
player for which the retention of the card has been ordered by the GSSL staff
or Board member. Player cards retained must be mailed to the GSSL office with
a postmark not later than the first business day after the match in which the
card was retained. If a referee holds a player card longer than this period,
or holds a player card without cause, the GSSL may sanction the referee.
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Rule 16-PROTESTS
16.1
Grounds for protest: A team
may protest the play or the outcome of a match on the following grounds:
Play of an ineligible player, as revealed by the game sheet; inappropriate
player attire or equipment by the opposing team (under the specifications of
rule match or one to nothing for their opponents. In the case where protests
are filed by both teams in a match, and both are upheld, the match shall be
deemed a loss with no goals for both teams.
16.2
Method of protest: Protests on
grounds 2 or 3 above must be noted on the game sheet. All protests, including
those on grounds 1 above, must be made in writing to the GSSL office
postmarked not later than three business days after the game in which the
protest occurred.
16.3
Protest decisions: The
Judicial Director shall rule on each protest within 21 days of the filing of
same. Parties shall be notified of the decision within 10 days, and in
writing. Teams successfully protesting a match shall be awarded the win with
a score of the greater of the number of goals they scored in the match or one
to nothing for their opponents. In the case where protests are filed by both
teams in a match, and both are upheld, the match shall be deemed a loss with
no goals for both teams.
16.4
Appeals of protest decisions.
The decision of the Judicial Director can be appealed to the full Board of the
GSSL using the procedures of Rule 18 below. The decision of the Judicial
Director shall remain in effect during the pendancy of the appeal. Consistent
and flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct by a team or it’s supporters may result
in suspension of that team.
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Rule 17-PENALTIES FOR
MISCONDUCT
17.1
The GSSL reserves the right to
refuse the opportunity for participation in its matches to any person or team
who shows by continued behavior a lack of consideration for his/her opponents,
the officials, or the spirit of the game. Upon decision by the GSSL Board,
such players and/or teams will first be notified that their behavior must be
corrected, or a specific action (e.g. expulsion from the league) will be
forthcoming at a specific time. Such notification must precede the action by
at least 14 days.
17.2
Penalties for game misconduct
(‘red’ and ‘yellow’ cards): The following penalties shall be imposed on those
players or team officials who have received cautions or ejections by referees
during league matches.
Caution (yellow card): No penalty for the
first three cautions in a playing session. The fourth caution in a playing
session, and everyone thereafter in that session, shall cause a one seasonal
week suspension. Both the individual and his team will be notified of this
penalty when it is imposed.
Ejection (red card) for persistent
infraction of the law (the second yellow card) shall be penalized a one
seasonal week suspension.
Ejection (red card) for foul and abusive
language shall be penalized by a one seasonal week suspension.
Ejection (red card) for violent conduct
(other than that described in 5 below) shall be penalized a three seasonal
week suspension and a fine of $40.00.
Ejection (red card) for intentionally
stopping a goal or clear goal opportunity by means of one of the nine major
fouls shall have no additional penalty other than expulsion from the match.
17.3
Suspensions: Any suspension
for these violations shall be of either one or three week’s duration (or until
such required fines are collected). During the suspension, the GSSL shall
retain the player’s player I.D. card, and the player may not participate in
any other GSSL sanctioned matches. In the case where the suspension cannot be
completed in one playing session, it shall carry on to the next session.
17.4
Appeals of suspensions. A
suspension of three weeks duration and $40.00 fine can be appealed to the
Judicial Director of the GSSL according to the procedures of Rule 18 below.
The first week of the penalty shall stand and is not appeal able.
17.5
Assault on a referee. If a
player assaults or attempts to assault a game referee or assistant referee,
the player shall be immediately suspended. The penalty for such offense shall
be suspension for not less than one year and a fine of not less than $250.00.
17.6
Player assault. A player who
intentionally commits physical assault, or threatens physical assault,
or verbal abuse and violent conduct leading to physical assault, shall be
penalized a fine of $250.00 and suspended from play for a minimum of one year.
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Rule 18-APPEALS
18.1
Decisions of the GSSL staff
and of the Judiciary director on protests and penalties imposed for cautions
and ejections may be appealed to the judicial committee and then to the
full Board. The GSSL Board reserves the right to determine the
suitability of an appeal and whether and at what time it shall be heard.
18.2
Both rule 17.5 and 17.6 can be
appealed to the Judicial committee as per rule 18.1 and then to the full
Board.
18.3
Appeals on all matters must be
made in writing, stating the reason for the appeal and must be submitted
within 21 days of the incident on which the appeal is based.
18.4
Decisions of the GSSL Board
will be rendered within 90 days of the date of the appeal, and be stipulated
in writing to all parties involved. The GSSL Board will exercise due process
in its hearing of an appeal.
18.5
Appeals of decisions of the
Board: If a member of the GSSL feels they have been unfairly treated in any
action by the Board, that action may be appealed to the full membership of the
GSSL. Such appeal must be in writing and received 30 days before the
membership meeting at which such appeal is scheduled to be heard, and must
specifically state in what fashion the appellant feels they have been unfairly
treated. Any such appeal will be heard at the next scheduled meeting to the
membership after its filing is received. During the pendancy of the appeal,
the decision of the Board of Directors shall be in force. The general
membership shall first judge if the appeal is on grounds of unfairness, and
then, if so, in a separate motion judge whether the alleged unfairness, in
fact, occurred. The decision on the appeal shall be by majority vote of
eligible members present at the meeting at which the appeal is heard. That
decision shall be final.
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Rule 19-TEAM UNIFORMS AND
EQUIPMENT
19.1
All teams in the GSSL shall
wear attire appropriate to the game of soccer, including shirt, socks, shorts
and appropriate footwear. Shirts of members of a team will be of like
style and color with a unique number identifying player on roster.
Goalkeepers must wear shirts different in color from those of either team or
the other goalkeeper.
19.2
The shirts of all players
shall have numbers on the back, between six and ten inches high, of
contrasting color and clearly visible. No two players shall have the same
shirt number on the same team. The shirt number shall be recorded on the game
sheet and the shirt shall not be changed during the match without specific
approval of the referee (specifically with regard to goalkeeper changes).
19.3
In case of a color conflict,
the home team (that listed as such in the schedule) shall change. Any method
deemed appropriate by the referee can be used (such as white shirts on over
regular jerseys, etc.).
19.4
The referee may determine the
appropriateness of any attire on the field, consonant with the safety of the
players, game control requirements and the spirit of the game, and may suspend
the application of any of portion of rules 19.1 to 19.3 if needed.
19.5
Other Equipment: Each team
will supply at least one ball suitable as a game ball. Normally, the home
team will supply the game ball for a match. Both teams will supply and
install if needed a net before the start of each match. A team may protest a
game (but still must play it) if the opponent fails to install a net. (See
Rule 16).
19.6
Shin guards are mandatory.
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Rule 20-LENGTH OF MATCH
20.1
All matches shall consist of
two halves of 45 minutes duration, with at least a five minute break at the
half. The referee shall keep the time on the field. In certain
circumstances, the referee may play halves of shorter duration. Such
shall be noted on the game sheet. The five minute break shall not be
shortened.
20.2
Games shall be played to the
full agreed time. Games which end prior to the full time for reasons beyond
the control of the participants or the league (e.g. the lights go out), will
be considered as no contest and rescheduled and replayed in their entirety.
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Rule 21-PLAYER
SUBSTITUTIONS, MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS
21.1
A maximum of two players from
one team may be substituted at any time the ball is not in play and after
having been granted permission for the substitution from the referee.
21.2
A player may come on and off
as often as desired. An ejected player must leave the field of play and may
not return, nor may he be substituted for (the team must play shorthanded).
21.3
At least seven players must be
on the field for each team at all times. If the number of players drops below
seven at any time during the game, for whatever reason, the game shall stop
and be abandoned. The particulars of the situation shall be reported to the
GSSL by the referee within three business days of the game and an appropriate
decision made as to the disposition of the game.
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Rule 22-RESULTS AND STANDINGS
22.1
Scores of all games will
be received from the referee and will then be posted on the official GSSL
website.
22.2
Standings in a division shall
be determined by awarding three points for a win and one for a tie. If two
teams are tied in the standings, the following, in order shall be used to
break the tie:
Results of head-to-head competition,
if any (This rule will be applied only for final standings for a session. In
the case that the positions of three or more teams cannot be resolved with
this criterion, then the next tie breaker may apply).
Best goal difference
(‘goals for’ minus ‘goals against’)
*Most goals for
*Least goals against
*Most wins
*Least losses
*Rematch between the tied teams, using the currently in effect FIFA tie
breaker, or, if that is not possible, a coin toss.
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Rule 23-RESCHEDULED
MATCHES, TEAM DEFAULTS
23.1
A game may be rescheduled if
it fails to be played because of weather, field condition, or failure of a
referee to be available.
23.2
A game may be rescheduled
by the mutual consent of both teams with the concurrence of the GSSL. Such
reschedules must be arranged at least 14 days prior to the originally
scheduled match. A like field cannot be guaranteed for a re-scheduled
match.
23.3
A team which fails to appear
for a scheduled match shall forfeit the game and may be assessed a fine of
$50.00 plus the cost of the playing facility on which the game was scheduled,
and additional sanction as determined by the GSSL Staff; EXCEPT that the GSSL
Board may review such penalties, upon request, if the team provides five days
written notice by certified mail to the GSSL and the other team, and further,
that the reason for failure to appear is not contrary to the spirit of the
game.
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Rule 24-TEAM RELEGATION,
DELEGATION
24.1
Allocation to divisions shall
be based on prior history of the team, standings in the last regular session
in which the team participated, and such information as is provided by the
team management on the composition of the team. The alignment of the teams
shall be made prior to each session by the GSSL Staff. To the extent
possible, the alignment shall be based on the overall fairness of the
resulting competition.
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Rule 25-OVER-50
& OVER-55 RULE
MODIFICATIONS
25.1
Slide tackling is not allowed
in the Over-50 or Over-55 divisions. The first offense will result in
a stoppage of play and a verbal warning by the referee to the entire offending
team. Subsequent offenses by members of the same team will result in ejection
of offending players. Unless warranted by the nature of the offense, no
penalty other than expulsion from the current game shall be imposed under this
rule.
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The material contained herein is extracted from the official rules of the
Greater Seattle Soccer League as maintained at the GSSL headquarters. If any differences
exist between those specifications and those described above, then the rule as stated in
the official rulebook shall govern.