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MSL Mission Statement:
General: Participation in the Missouri Soccer League: All individual players must be members of the league in order to participate in league games. The maximum number of players that a team can have is 18. A team roster is to be provided at the beginning of a season. A membership card will be provided for each team member. Team managers are advised to keep membership cards with them. Individuals can carry their membership cards but should be advised that they CANNOT play if they fail to provide their card at game time. League Rules of Play:
Official FIFA rules shall cover all situations except for the following: Games shall be divided into two (2) forty (40) minute halves. Ten (10) minutes between halves. Added time will be applied to games for injury or stoppage. Games start on time. Teams not ready to start their game 10 minutes past kick-off time must receive the referee and opposing team coach approval for continued delay of start or forfeit the game. Opposing coach has the right to receive the forfeit win. Any time a game is stopped because of darkness, rain or other weather conditions, field conditions, fights or based on the referees’ decisions to stop the game for the safety of the players, spectators or themselves the game score is considered final. Substitutions: Substitutions options: (A) 5 substitutions per team; (B) unlimited Substitutions per team. Both team coaches/managers will be asked before the game kickoff which substitution option is to be used for the game; if they do not agree on the same option, option A will be mandatory. Players entering and exiting the field MUST do so from their half of the field. They must first be recognized by the referee. Player substitution can happen simultaneously, meaning one can run off while the other is running on. If the exiting player interferes with the play they will be yellow carded. Substitutions are allowed during any stoppage of play and this includes: any dead ball, after any goal is scored, before a throw-in by either team and on an injury. Yellow Cards: Yellow cards are awarded under normal FIFA rules. Players awarded yellow cards ARE EXPECTED to graciously accept the booking regardless of whether or not they agree with the call. Players that dispute their card or show dissention toward the referee will be immediately red carded. Red Cards: Red cards are awarded under normal FIFA rules. Any player receiving a red card or two yellows within a match equaling a red will be ejected from the game. The player cannot be substituted, and the team must play short. Direct red carded players can be suspended for one (1) to five (5) games or even ejected of the league depending on the severity of the situation. If a suspended player is found playing, the violating team will forfeit the game. The player who gets a red card will be charged a $15.00 fee; fee must be paid to be eligible to play again. Zero Tolerance for fighting: The league enforces a Zero Tolerance rule for fighting. Any player(s) fighting before, during or after a match can be ejected from the league. The discipline committee will also rule on length of suspension. Teams will be held accountable for any of their players, fans or spectators involved in a fight. Forfeits:
Games will be declared as forfeits loss under (but not limited too) the
following circumstances: Postponements: Teams are allowed, yet highly discouraged, to postpone games once within a current season. Both teams must agree to the postponement and both teams must be willing to accept possible double game booking within the same day or week during the make up schedule. The following is a list of the criteria that must be met to be approved for a postponement: 1.
Postponement requests must be made no less than 7 days before the
schedule game. League Referees: All decisions made by the referees assigned to Missouri Soccer League matches are final. If there is a problem with the referees that officiate Missouri Soccer League games comments must be made to the league directors only. Make NO attempt to dispute calls with the officials during the game, during the half, or after the game. Referees abuse will not be tolerated. No player or manager should ever touch the referee in a manner that the referee might find aggressive. Referee abuse is also defined as verbal statements or physical approach that implies or threatens the physical harm of a referee or the referee’s property or equipment. Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm; such as “I’ll get you after the game” or “You won’t get out of here in one piece” these shall be deemed referee abuse and the offending individual is subject for a season suspension from Missouri Soccer League games. Verbally abusive statements; such as “Are you blind?” or “Are you crazy?” are also considered abusive and the offending player will be yellow carded on the first offence and red carded on the second. Bottom Line: DO NOT challenge the referees for their management or ability to call the game. Referees call the shots; players must accept them as called. Any calls in question must be directed through the team manager or the captain. When questioning a call during a match ONLY the manager or captain can request explanation of the call. Referees MUST NOT be questioned during the half or after the game. If a team has a dispute of a referee call, question about a call or request for interpretation of FIFA or League rules they must contact the league directors. Discipline Committee: This committee will oversee the disciplinary action of other teams and players within the league who break league rules or the laws of the game. This committee will review red card reports and other action items that require discipline of a team or individual player. The committee members will remain anonymous. Game Day Structure: The following is a guide for all teams. This is an outline of what should take place during the normal course of a match. This is an “ideal” scenario and not always practical. However, every effort should be made to complete the steps provided for managers. Pre-Game: All players should arrive to their field 25 to 30 minutes before kick off time as it allows time for all players to warm up and inspect the field. Teams should set up on opposite sides of the field. There is no added time; therefore, teams are highly encouraged to arrive early for their match. 10 Minutes Before Kick Off: All players are required to proceed to the center circle for membership card and equipment inspection once called by the referees. Half Time: All players should return to their team’s bench. Players who are going to sub in, can warm on the field if they choose. The referees are NOT to be bothered under any circumstance. (They get a break too) Any issues should be raised by the manager or team captain before the kick off the second half. Post Game: Teams are encouraged to show good sportsmanship and congratulate the other team post game. Immediately following, the players should check with the referees to see if the goals need to be taken down and locked up. Appeals/Protest: Teams are allowed to appeal or protest a game if they believe another team is in violation of league or FIFA rules. A game CANNOT be appealed or protested based on any calls made by the referees. Required Uniforms and Team Equipment: Every team in the league is required to follow the Uniform and Team Equipment requirements. Uniform: All teams must have matching colored jerseys (except goalkeepers) with numbers and with the logo of the league attached on the left sleeve. (The logo patch will be provided before the beginning of the season by the league directors)
Jewelry:
No jewelry, unless covered completely * no casts of any kind. No metal
brace, no neck brace. Cleats and Shin Guards: All players must wear soccer shoes and shin guards in order to pay. No exceptions without prior written approval from the league directors. Manager and Player expected conduct and behavior: Managers/Captains: The manager or captain shall be the official representative of his team. They are responsible for the team conduct in accordance with good sportsmanship; these league rules, the official FIFA rules, and the laws of the game. Thus, they are also responsible to see that the players on their team are familiar with the league rules. They are considered to be the financial liaison between their team and the league. Any league fees, past due bills are ultimately the responsibility of the team manager to collect from his or her team. Managers/Captains and Players are fully responsible for any family, friends or spectators that accompany them to the field. A manager may be suspended for an unlimited number of games for not controlling his team, or for using an ineligible player. The league will determine other suspension periods, if not covered specifically herein, as appropriate. All players must read and comply with the league rules. Each player must have a membership card. Players must also read and comply with the release of liability and sign any release of liability forms provided to play in the league. Players are responsible for fair, sportsmanlike and polite behavior at all time while participating in Missouri Soccer League activities. Absolutely NO FIGHTING will be tolerated. Foul, vile or vulgar language will not be used on the field either toward any other player, including your own team mates, the referees or even yourself. Referees are instructed to card offenders. Referee abuse will not be tolerated. Point Structure: Win: 3 points Tie: 1 point Loss: 0 points In the event of a tie in the standings at the end of the season, the tie breakers are as follows: Head to head game Goal differential Total goals scored Total goals allowed Coin toss League Fees and Benefits: Each team has to pay ($35 dollars per player) $630 dollars maximum (18 players cost) and $525 minimum (15 players cost) before the first match of the league. Teams that don’t cover the whole fee are not going to be able to play. Teams will also be required to pay $60 dollars for reef fees every game. There will be three referees in every game, 2 linesmen and a central referee. Each team will receive a captain arm band, t-shirt for their coach, I’ds that players can use in order to receive many benefits from our sponsors, coach board and every player will have their picture in the web page. There will be a team picture as well on the web page. There will be Nike game balls provided by the league in every single game. Teams are required to bring their own balls to warm up before the game. Prizes: The champion of the league will receive 19 t-shirts with the logo of the league and of some of our sponsors. The coach that wins the championship will be in charge of the All Star Team. They will also receive a trophy, 1 bottle of Absolut vodka, 1 bottle of tequila Jose Cuervo, and 14 pounds of meat and 2 bags of charcoal. The second place will receive a trophy, 2 bottles of tequila Jose Cuervo. The top scorer of the league will receive a trophy and 1 bottle of tequila Jose Cuervo.
All Star Team: Every week the coaches from all the teams will select 11 players that they believe are the best of the week. Coaches can’t pick players from their own team. At the end of the season the 16 players with more votes will represent the Missouri Soccer League in a tournament TBD. MSL will cover the tournament fee and the complete uniform of the team. If the tournament lasts more than a day then the MSL will also cover the cost of the hotel. Players will only have to pay for transportation.
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