The USFFC INAUGURAL
Soccer League 1996

• this will be a different team each game day

• the job of the teams will be to provide linesmen only to assist the referee

• there will be no offsides so that integrity should not be called into question

• so the only job is to let the referee know when ball is out of bounds

• arriving a few minutes early is suggested so that a debriefing from the referee can be done as to the exact rules

• this only requires 6 people, so please do not ruin games for other teams, they will be doing this for you also

TEAMS

• all players must hold current USF student ID cards

• a minimum of 10 players to form a team

• a maximum of 18 players on a team

• teams forfeit game for having ineligible players (first offense only)

• the second and all subsequent offenses will result in a forfeit of the game and a loss of 3 additional points

• to switch teams, players must buy another jersey

GAME STRUCTURE

• 9 on 9 play

• NO OFFSIDES

• passback to goalkeepers are not allowed to be handled
  • only obvious passes from the feet are not allowed
  • obvious mis-kicks are allowed to be handled
  • a ball played from any other part of the body is allowed to be handled by the goalkeeper
  • this includes headed balls and throw-ins
  • THIS IS A FIFA RULE AND THIS IS HOW IT IS INTERPRETED BY USFFC

• 30 minute halves

• if team is ten minutes late the game will be a forfeit

• 2 to 3 minute halftime

• the playoffs and tiebreaker games will have 30 minute halves, 10 minute overtime halves, and if necessary a penalty shootout

• unlimited substitutions

• 30 seconds after goal is scored play must resume or a penalty is assessed (2 minute yellow card on team, one player will serve)

• subs must come in at midfield line

• players can leave anywhere

SCORE KEEPING

• 3 points for a win

• 1 point for a tie

• 1 point lost for every official missing on official day (6 point max)

• if teams are tied in the end for playoffs the following tiebreaker format will be followed
  • the team that won the meeting moves ahead
  • if still tied - goal differential

• If a game has to be rescheduled, DEC. 14 will be the makeup day if no others can be agreed upon

PENALTIES

• players receiving a yellow card will assume a 2 minute penalty, they will leave the field and return on the midfield line when referee allows back

• only goalkeepers can have another player assume their penalty for them

• players rceiving a red card will receive a one game suspension (this will be the next game day)
  • the recipient of the red card is also required to leave the play area immediately
  • if player interrupts game after ejection then a yellow card penalty will be assessed to their team and a second game suspension will be added to player
  • the second red card per player will require a 2 game suspension
  • the third red card per player will cause expulsion out of the league (no exceptions)

• official day does not count towards suspension

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

• THERE WILL BE NO FIGHTING OR SWEARING --- this is a trial run, we will not be able to organize another league if this one can not work!!!!!

• ALL PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO RESPECT ALL OTHER PLAYERS --- do not jeopardize the future of this club and this league

• ALL PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO RESPECT THE REFEREES --- whether you agree with their decision's or not, remember this is a game played by humans and officiated by humans

• No jewelry is to be worn at any time upon the field
  • this includes watches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, nipple rings, etc. (this is to the referee's discretion)
  • you will be assessed a yellow card penalty if the referee tells you to remove any jewelry once play has begun
  • you will be assessed a red card penalty if compliance is still not attained after the first penalty

• No hats are to be worn, this includes the goalkeeper also

• No bandanas are to be worn
  • only sweatguards are allowed (both head and hands)

• Any casts or metal braces are to be covered with a cushioning material so as to minimize any injury to other participants

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

• All players must be dressed in the appropriate jersey that is supplied by the club
  • any color shorts and socks are allowed, teams should strive for same colors amongst themselves

• ALL PLAYERS MUST WEAR SHINGUARDS TO BE ON FIELDS!!!!!

• Shoes are necessary and cleats are highly recommended (3 of the game days will be on a very soft field)

• CLEATS WITH METAL STUDS ARE NOT ALLOWED

• Non screw-in (molded) cleats are recommended because of the hard pitch, screw-in cleats are designed for very soft fields that are generally not found in the area, as a result the studs are capable of breaking the sole of the shoe where they are attached at --- however screw-in cleats without metal studs are allowed

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