Leagues Rules * 9v9

The purpose of the NYC Soccer Collective’s Soccer League is to provide women and men, ranging in skill levels from beginning to advanced, with an opportunity to play competitive soccer in a safe, friendly, environment. All participating teams and players are expected to emphasize good sportsmanship and teamwork. Un-sportsmanlike conduct, verbal and physical assault, rough or dangerous play will not be tolerated and should be reported.
THE RULES –
*THE RULES for NYC Soccer Collective
All players are responsible for reading, learning, comprehending and abiding by all league rules and policies.
#1 - All players and teams must pay their fees in full in order to be fully registered in the league.
Roster maximum is 15 for 9v9 
9v9 COED PARTICULARS
  • 9v9 Teams may have a MAXIMUM of 5 men on the field as field players.
    ("field players" excludes the goalkeeper)
  • You may not play with more than the maximum men on the field as field players under any circumstances.
    Generally you’ll have 3 women on the field; however, there is no maximum of women allowed.
  • You may play with more than 3 women. You may also play with less than 3 women butyou may not have more than the maximum men on the field as field players under any circumstances. So if you play with less than 3 women, your team will play down players.
  • Keeper may be male or female and does not count toward MAXIMUM or MINIMUM gender restrictions.
    (i.e.: if the keeper is female, teams still may not have more than the maximum men playing on the field as field players)

THE BASICS


*TEAM ROSTERS ARE DUE BY THE 1st LEAGUE GAME OF THE SEASON

Rosters are due by 5pm BEFORE THE 1st SEASON GAME (invite players and all players must accept team invite).

ALL PLAYERS MUST BE FULLY REGISTERED (invited and accepted team invite)

Here is a page with instructions on inviting your players: https://opensports.net/blog/create-and-send-invite-codes-for-teammates-to-register-for-your-team-web

Rosters are frozen 24 hours prior to your 7th regular league game of the season.
(prior to your team’s 7th game of regular league play - generally two games before any playoffs, semi-finals, finals)
Roster minimum is 9 (for 9v9)
Roster maximum is 15 (for 9v9)

Teams are limited to a maximum number of players in the game as registered on their roster.
(ie: if there are only 9 players on a team roster, the team is limited to 9 players maximum in a game).

Only REGISTERED PLAYERS are eligible for Playoff/Finals.
Teams who have not posted rosters are not eligible for Playoff/Finals. 

CAPTAINS and CO-Captains should read the Captain’s Corner page for instructions (link under Headlines on the home page)

SMALL SIDED 9v9 DIVISIONS

NYCSC will observe FIFA rules except for the following:

* NO OFFSIDES

* NO SLIDE TACKLING

No slide tackling, period. Clean slide tackles are NOT an exception to this rule.

This includes the goalie, who may slide to make a save, but may not slide feet-first to tackle a player possessing the ball.

Players may slide to intercept the ball only when there are no other players nearby.

UNLIMITED SUBSTITUTIONS (on stoppage of play)

AT KICK OFF THE BALL IS NOT REQUIRED TO GO FORWARD

PLEASE WEAR SHIN GUARDS.

(9v9) TEAMS must have minimum 5 ROSTER PLAYERS at 5 minutes past scheduled kickoff time for game to be official.
If a team does not have 4 rostered players by halftime it is considered a scrimmage and a forfeit win to the opponent.

FIFA RULE REMINDERS

 It is not legal for the goalkeeper to pick up or touch with his/her hands a ball intentionally kicked or passed to him by a teammate. This means that any ball intentionally directed by a teammate’s foot to a place where the goalkeeper can play it, may not be touched by the keeper’s hands. Keeper may play it with any other part of his body, but not with his/her hands. If the teammate plays the ball with some other part of the body, other than the feet (e.g. headers, etc.), then the goalkeeper is allowed to pick up the ball. In addition, if the ball comes to the goalkeeper, having been last played unintentionally or is a deflection by a teammate’s foot, the goalkeeper may pick the ball up.

The goalkeeper may not pick up or touch with his/her hands any ball that is thrown to him via a throw in. The goalie may use his/her feet, but may not pick the ball up with his/her hands. 

"Possession", in terms of a goalie having control and possession of the ball is defined as the goalie having a single finger on the ball. If the goalie is touching the ball it is out of play, and you should not challenge for it.

DISCIPLINE
Two Yellow Cards in one game = Red Card, Ejection from game
Foul and Abusive Language Against Opponent or Referee = Red Card, Ejection from game
Serious Foul or Dangerous Play = Red Card, Ejection from game and field area
Violent Conduct (Directed at Anyone) =
Red Card, Ejection from game and field area + One (1) Game suspension.
Three (3) YELLOW cards by an individual player over a full season = One (1) Game suspension
Two (2) RED cards in a season = suspension for the balance of the season
If a RED carded player does not sit out their One (1) Game of play, the red carded player will receive a second red card AND will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Any team which causes a game to be abandoned will forfeit the game.
If a referee abandons a game due to extreme misconduct on the part of one team or fans clearly associated with one team, that team will forfeit the game.
FIGHTS: Fighting is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by NYC Soccer Collective. Any players involved in a fight will be immediately red-carded and will be suspended from the league at minimum Two (2) Seasons – and possibly for longer and/or life at the discretion of the league. If more than two players are involved in a fight, the game will be ended, both teams will record a loss, and any/all players involved will receive a red card and suspension.
FAIR PLAY: Players and spectators are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. Unsportsmanlike behavior on or off the field by players, fans, or coaches can result in red cards for the offending player or the captain of the associated team.
YELLOW CARD: A player receiving a yellow card must leave the field of play. Any Yellow carded player shall return after 2 minutes with the referee’s permission. The team plays down a player during these 2 minutes.
RED CARD: Any individual receiving a red card must leave the game immediately after being issued the red card. If the red card is issued due to violence the player must leave the field area / courtyard immediately. The team may not replace the red-carded player in the game and must play short for the remainder of the game.
Yes, this league has highly competitive games each week - but please play clean with your opponents - being the champions feels oh so good - but it certainly isn’t worth potential injuries to players which may result in a lifetime of knee problems - or a player appearing at work with a broken arm or black eye (…or what have you).
THE INTERNATIONAL GODDESS OF SOCCER LOVE INTONES:
“Pushing and tripping are not skills.”
FORFEITS
DO NOT FORFEIT. Forfeits are not fair to your opponent. Forfeits are 5-0 to the winner.
Teams must do everything possible to field a team.
Alert the league by 3:00pm on game day if you’re short players for a game and we will try to help you.
We advise showing up if you have any # of players available. 

If a team does not have 5 (for 9v9) roster players in a game it is considered a scrimmage and a forfeit win to the opponent. 
(Showing up with a few players and scrimmaging is preferable to cancelling!)

Teams must alert the league of a forfeit by 3:30pm or minimum or 4 hours before kickoff (whichever is greater).
(IE: If your game is scheduled at 6pm you must alert the league by 2pm.
If your game is scheduled at 10pm you must alert the league by 3:30pm)

Teams who forfeit prior to the deadline will be fined $50 per forfeit, which must be paid within 48 hours, or may be dropped from the current season (with no refund).

Teams who forfeit less than 3 hours before kickoff will be fined $100 per forfeit, which must be paid within 48 hours, or may be dropped from the current season (with no refund).
Teams who do not alert the league and are "no shows" will be fined $100 and will lose 2 points in the standings. 
The fine must be paid within 48 hours, or may be dropped from the current season (with no refund).

Teams with excessive forfeits may be dropped from the current season and will not be allowed to register for future seasons.

Teams who forfeit the first game of the season may be dropped and replaced with a team from the waiting list.
Teams who forfeit their last regular league game of the season are not eligible for playoff/finals.
 
RINGERS
Ooooh this is the sticky one…
ringers vs. subs
RINGER - any player who is not on your official roster who comes in to 
play for your team when you are going to be short of players.
SUBSTITUTE - any player (roster or ringer) who is not in the field of play but
waiting on the sidelines to go in for another player when they come off the field.
REGARDING RINGERS 
We prefer that you bring in ringers that you know from other leagues and teams or who are friends of players on your team.
Often players picked up last minute at the fields do not know or understand the rules and nature of COED soccer and play too aggressively. If you do pick up an a player at the field that you do not know, please be sure to brief them on the basic rules. (no offsides, no sliding, no dangerous play etc.)
TEAMS are responsible for making sure any/all ringers have signed a waiver and are completely aware of all rules and policies of the league.
NYC Soccer Collective has the right to refuse play to any ringer, brought in by any team, that is not registered in the league.
OPEN and RECREATIONAL DIVISIONS Ringer Rule 
You may bring in ringers (outside players) when your team is going to be short.
BUT you may not have more than 11 players playing in a 7v7 game or 15 players in a 9v9 game.
ALL RINGERS / OUTSIDE PLAYERS must sign and bring a waiver / release form before they play.
DURING PLAYOFF / FINALS: ALL TEAMS are limited to 1 SUBSTITUTE (male or female) if there are any players who are not on your official roster.

Exception if you have more than 6 (for 9v9) roster MEN available and need to bring in ringer females in order to have 3 females.
If this is the case write to the league for details and clarification. 

IF ANY RINGER / MAXIMUM PLAYER RULES ARE BROKEN THE TEAM WILL HAVE GOALS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE SCORE for each extra player OR the team will lose by forfeit, decision is at the discretion of the league and/or referee.
If you know you’re going to be short players and need a ringer - or lose a player. Let us know.
We have a list of players who are happy to sub in for games.
IF ANY RINGER / MAXIMUM PLAYER RULES ARE BROKEN THE TEAM WILL HAVE GOALS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE SCORE for each extra player OR the team will lose by forfeit, decision is at the discretion of the league and/or referee.

ADD/DROP

If someone on your team has paid and drops out completely (meaning they will not play again in the season) – someone may permanently take their place on the roster for the remainder of the season. A player who has been dropped from the roster may not be added back to the roster in the same season.

For any ADD / DROPS - fill out this form http://goo.gl/forms/rMllMbSCkr .

YOUR roster is frozen 24 hours prior to your 7th regular league game of the season.
(prior to your team’s 7th game of regular league play - generally two or three games before any playoffs, semi-finals, finals)

COLORS/SHIRTS

ALL TEAMS MUST WEAR THEIR OFFICIAL LEAGUE SHIRTS.
If a player doesn’t have their official NYC Soccer Collective shirt
they may wear a shirt or pinnie that is the CORRECT color and shade for the team. (ie: if a team is NAVY a Royal or Light blue shirt is not appropriate)

If there is any writing on it of any kind, it must be worn inside out. 

If the color is off and the other team objects - you will have to get a CORRECT color shirt – or the player must leave the field.

Be sure to check the schedule in advance. 
If there is a team with a jersey color that is close to your team’s color you should plan to bring white shirts for that game date. If you’re not aware of which teams have colors close to your own, write and ask. 
Many teams colors are posted on their teampages. Click on the team name in the schedule or standings.
Many players are very good at taking in the whole field at once and spotting teammates or opposition out of the corner of their field of vision by uniform color. This is part of the skill of the game.
You are taking an advantage and making it more difficult for the other team if your team is not in uniform colors.

It is also difficult for refs to make accurate calls when teams aren't UNIFORM and distinct. 
Team pinnies or t-shirts are provided with your league fee for teams in the small sided divisions. Teams may purchase CUSTOM JERSEYS (performance style jerseys, not t-shirts) with their team name, logo, corporate logo etc... for an additional fee, and can use them for subsequent seasons and receive a "shirt recycling" discount. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
BALLS

Please do not remove balls from the ball bag. These are game balls and not for warming up. 
Teams must bring their own balls for warm up purposes.
We lose too many balls each season to let balls out before the games. 
PLAYOFF / FINALS

Playoff Finals will be played amongst the top 4 teams in each division. 
1st vs. 4th and 2nd vs. 3rd in the Semi-Finals with the winners of the semifinals playing a final game directly following the semi-finals. 

When there are 2 groups in a division, the top two teams in each group will play each other in the playoff/finals.
Group A 1st place vs. Group B 2nd place / Group B 1st place vs. Group A 2nd place -- the winners of the semifinals playing a final game directly following the semi-finals. 
STANDINGS TIEBREAKERS: Fewest Goals Against > Head to Head > Goal Differential
Your ROSTER is frozen the 24 hours prior to your 7th regular league game of the season.
(prior to your team’s 7th game of regular league play - generally two or three games before any playoffs, semi-finals, finals)
If your roster was not entered by the 2nd game of the season or you made updates after the deadline stated above you will not be allowed to play with more than 8 (for 7v7) or 10 (for 9v9) players in the playoffs.

Teams who have not entered a roster prior to the deadline (24 hours prior to their final league game of the season) are not eligible for championship playoffs. 

Teams who FORFEIT their final game of the season are not eligible to participate in Playoff/Finals.
IF your team is short for your final league game we strongly suggest contacting the league to help you pick up additional players. 
DURING PLAYOFF / FINALS ALL TEAMS are limited to 1 SUBSTITUTE (male or female) if there are any players who are not on your official roster.

Exception if you have more than 6 (for 9v9) roster MEN available and need to bring in ringer females in order to have 3 females.
If this is the case contact the league for details and clarification. 

 CAPTAINS and Co-Captains

Captains and Co-Captains are responsible for making sure the players on their team understand and are familiar with league rules. 

On the first night they are responsible for getting all players to sign the team waiver/release form.

Finding out in advance if all your players are available for games and if you will require ringers to have a full squad.

Making sure your roster is up to date and filling out an ADD / DROP form any time a player is added or dropped to/from the roster.

Checking the schedule and informing your team of the opponent, Time/Date, and field locations of your games.

Making sure that your team sets up next to the field you are scheduled to play on.

Making sure your team is ready for kickoff at game time.

Distributing shirts and making sure all teammates and ringers are wearing the correct color.

If your team is scheduled to play a team of a similar color making sure teammates bring white shirts to play in. 

Reporting game scores and team scorers each week via your team page.
(for instructions click the Captains / Co-Captains on the home page )

Making sure any ringers who are not registered in the league sign waiver forms and are aware of, understand and participate by all league rules and regulations. 

REMINDERS for all teams and players


Games must start promptly as scheduled & we can not wait for late or missing players!
We are always on a tight schedule & games must run as scheduled!
Please walk around the fields to get to the other side. DO NOT walk through the fields across the lines.
As you know, as soccer players, the ball is not out until it has fully crossed the line, which means that if you’re walking on the line you’re in the field of play for both sides. 
PLEASE stay on the sidelines and do not enter the field space until the referees tell you to do so unless it’s unquestionably clear that there is space on the pitches not being occupied by permit holders.

The leagues who hold the permits before our games have complained about players entering the field before their games/practices are finished.
ALL TEAMS – please check the schedule, know which pitch you are playing on and set up your camp/deposit your stuff near the pitch you will be playing on. We are losing a good amount of time waiting for teams to relocate their belongings to the appropriate pitches.

PLEASE NOTE on the schedule any nights you are playing a team wearing a color similar to your own.

Teams should plan on bringing white shirts (or another alternative color) on a night when you are playing a team wearing a color close to your own.
Muchas Gracias!
ALL TEAMS AND PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR READING, UNDERSTANDING AND ABIDING BY 
ALL RULES AND LEAGUE POLICIES. 
PARTICIPANT WAIVER AND RELEASE: Each team member and/or participant (hereafter referred to as “Participant”) listed on the team rosters, added to a team roster at a later date, or invited to play with a team in any capacity, hereby certifies that he/she is physically fit and in normal health and has not been otherwise informed by a physician that he/she is incapable of participation in any sport league/clinic/tournaments, including those organized by NYC Soccer Collective (hereafter referred to as NYCSC.) Each participant agrees to familiarize themselves and abide by all NYCSC rules. Each participant acknowledges that he/she is aware of the risks inherent in participation in sports (including but not limited to training, practice and competition); that sports are physical and can require considerable running, starting stopping, and physical exertion, in heat and humidity and could potentially lead to injuries including, but not limited to, overheating, dehydration, limb injuries, and possible permanent disability and death. Each participant agrees to assume any risks and to waive any and all rights to claim for injuries, loss or damages arising out of his/her participation in NYCSC. Each participant is responsible for conducting himself/herself safely and at a level consistent with his/her skill. Each participant further certifies that he/she maintains adequate health insurance to cover any injuries occurring as a result of participation in NYCSC. 
Each participant who registers and/or plays in any capacity in this league, 
acknowledges understanding and reading of this waiver in full.

ALL TEAMS AND PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR READING, UNDERSTANDING AND ABIDING BY 
ALL RULES AND LEAGUE POLICIES.