RULES AND REGULATIONS
Revised 11/25/2010
The Rules and Regulations of this league shall be those prescribed in the booklet entitled “Laws of the Game and Universal Guide for Referees,” English edition current issue, published by the Federation International De Football Association, and or NJYSA and or USSFA Rules---with the following modifications and or exceptions.: No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are permitted at the game site before, during, or after a game by anyone.
1. Fees
A. The Executive Board shall determine the team registration fee prior to each season. New clubs are required to post a $250 bond upon entering the League. No club can remain as a member of the league unless the required bond is up to date. All fines, forfeit fees, etc. must be paid by the end of the season or that amount will be deducted from the offending club’s bond. The fees shall be $90.00 for all divisions to participate in each fall season and each spring season.
B. All fees are to be paid on or before the final submit night. Any teams that are added after the final placement night but prior to the final schedule being posted (on the net) shall pay the registration fee plus a $50 fine per team. Teams that withdraw after the placement night but prior to the final schedule being posted shall be fined $50 and the registration fee shall be forfeited. After the final schedule is posted, all added or withdrawn teams shall be fined $250 (but) the withdrawn teams shall also forfeit the registration fee and the added teams must pay the registration fee. Any teams withdrawing after the season has begun will forfeit the registration fee and be fined $250 plus a $10 forfeit-fee-per-game. Forfeiting three consecutive games constitutes a withdrawal unless ruled otherwise by the Executive Board.
C. Referee fees are to be paid by the home team prior to the start of the game
2. Eligibility/Secondary Players/Rosters/Out of State Teams
A. Age groups are to be as defined by the NJSYSA. To be considered eligible, a player must appear on the team’s roster and must have a current validated NJSYSA pass. Players/teams will not be permitted to enter the field of play by the referee unless they are in possession of a valid player (See rule 3C grace period) passes. Officials of opposing clubs have the right to inspect passes. In the event that any player passes are not validated by the District Commissioner, those players shall not be permitted to play.
B. Ineligible Players: If a team is found to have a (any) ineligible or overage players on the team roster, that team will forfeit all games played while said player is (was) on the roster. If the league is unable to determine how long the player was on the team, all games will be forfeited up to that point. Points will be deducted or added for the forfeits to reflect the revised standings. An oversight by the registrar or State Commissioner is not a valid reason for ineligible players. This is a team and/or club responsibility. Teams transferring from another league must have players with validated state passes and have a validated team state roster. (See rule 13D)
C. No more than three secondary players may be on the roster of a team at one time. The maximum number of team players on a roster shall be 18 for U11 and older (U17/18/19 must use a 22 player roster pass packet) and 14 for U10 and younger.
D. U-7 & under players are NOT allowed to participate in league play.
E. U-11 teams must have a "majority" of players that are age appropriate U11 players on the team roster.
F. ALL teams must have players with validated state passes and have a validated team state roster. Teams that compete in more than one league must play JC games as scheduled.
G. If the league accepts out of state clubs/teams--such teams must abide by all NJSYSA rules and regulations for such out of state clubs/teams. These out of state teams must play all games in New Jersey.
3. Grace-Period/Players/Coach (Referee grace-period See rule 8C)
A. The number of players needed to start and finish (continue) a game is 7 for U11 and older and 5 for U10 and younger. A grace period of 15 minutes will be allowed to field a team. If a team cannot field the minimum number of players within that period the game shall be declared a forfeit. (See rule 13D)
B. A game cannot start or continue without a validated carded coach present. If a team does not have a carded coach within (a grace period of) 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time of the game or if a coach is not available to finish the game--the game--will be declared a forfeit. See rules 11B/13D/17B)
C. Games cannot be started unless and until validated team/player passes are presented by a/the team. A 15 minute (game delay) grace period will be allowed for a team to present the passes. If the passes are not presented within that time frame the game shall be declared a forfeit in favor of the properly documented team. (See Rule 13D)
4. Players Equipment
A. All players on a team, except for the goalie, must wear the same color jersey. The keeper's shirt must be a distinctly different color from all field players and the referee. Duplicate uniform numbers are not acceptable. Custom made sleeveless shirts and sleeve holders are permitted by the league. Players will be required to have a distinctive number on the back of their jersey, to be a minimum of six inches tall. No forfeits will be permitted due to improper dress. The home team is to change colors if they are the same color as the visiting team. If they are unable to change, the visiting team may do so. If no one is able to change, the game should be rescheduled with the home team responsible for paying the referee fees. If the game is played, no protests due to uniform color will be considered. All weather related clothing or protective gear and other equipment must be approved by the referee.
B. Appropriate athletic shoes or sneakers are permissible.
C. Only prescription glasses may be worn. It is recommended but not required that players wear a protective strap on eyeglasses.
D. No jewelry is to be worn by players.
E. Shin guards must be worn at all times. Socks should be pulled up to cover the shin-guards.
5. The Field Of Play
A. Coaches and players shall be on one side of the field and the parents and spectators on the opposite side.
B. The home club is responsible for the proper lining of the fields, the goal nets and the corner flags. A $10 fine may be assessed to the home club per game if the fields are not properly lined, or have no corner flags or goal nets. No forfeits shall however be allowed. The referee is to report the improper fields or equipment to the League Secretary.
C. The corner flags must be a minimum of five feet, at least 1 inch in diameter, and made of non-metallic material with non-pointed tips.
D. A line should be marked on the ground parallel to and at the distance of 2 yards from the touch line, and approximately 10 yards on each side of the center line in length. This line shall be called the technical area and is for the coaches and players of each team. Coaches are to remain in this box during the game. Spectators should remain behind this line. All other lines must adhere to FIFA rules.
E. In accordance to FIFA rules goal posts must be securely anchored and be white. All 8v8 goals shall be no less than 6x18 ft nor more than 7 ft x 21 ft although 7x21 is preferred---11v11 goals shall be 8ft x 24ft.
F. The field for 8v8 divisions shall be (approximately) between 70/80 yards long x 40/50 yards wide. The center circle will have an 8 yard radius. The goal area will be 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play, joined by a line parallel to the goal line. The penalty area will be 14 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play, joined by a line parallel with the goal line.
6. The Ball/8V8 Restarts
A. Divisions 1, 2 and 3 uses size 5 balls
B. Divisions 4, 5 and 6 uses size 4 balls
C. In 8V8 games the opponent must be at least 8 yards from the ball during all restarts involving a kick.
7. Terminated Games/Duration Of The Game (Note-team/coach grace period see R 3B/C
A. When a scheduled game (s) is terminated for any reason, regardless of the elapsed time (including a scheduled game that is terminated prior to starting), a summary explanation must be in the referee’s game card report to the league secretary. The E/B shall then review that report and or investigate the facts (if no game card or report was completed) pertaining to all such terminated games and make the (a) final determination as to what the outcome will be. Such determination may include---but not be limited to a forfeit (See Rule 13A-D), a replay, a suspended game that continues, a scheduled match recorded as a no-play and rescheduled or that the game score at the time of termination be recorded as the final score.. Further when any scheduled game is terminated (prior to the start of or during the game) due to the actions of the home OR visiting team and the Executive Board decides that the game must be replayed and or rescheduled, the payment responsibility for the referee fees for the rescheduled game shall be determined by the Executive Board.
B. Regulation game shall consist of two equal halves.
Division 1 – 45 minute halves
Division 2 – 40 minute halves
Division 3 – 35 minute halves
Division 4 – 30 minute halves
Division 5 and 6 – 25 minute halves
8. Referee Rules/Grace Period (Red Cards see Rule 17)
A. Passes and all players’ equipment must be checked before the start of each game. (Team/coach grace period see rule 3-B/C)
B. All protests must be made in compliance with rule 15.
C. The referees are allowed a 30 minute grace period. If the assigned referees do not appear, the game may be rescheduled as detailed in rules 16H and or 16I as applicable. Only one referee need be present to start and finish the game. Only those persons designated by Jersey Coast officials shall assign referees to league matches. The failure to comply with this rule (by any club) can result in the forfeiture of matches against that offending club. (See rule 13D)
D. A properly filled out game card form or reproduction thereof is to be given to the referee with the passes. The referee is to use the reverse side to fill out the game report. If a properly filled out form is not provided by halftime, then a $10 fine will be assessed against the offending team. A proper form must be provided within 48 hours to the league secretary. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action taken against the club/team by the E/B. (Red cards see rule 17C)
9. Standings/Scores (Conferences and Placements See Rule 14)
A. A point system for standings will be used as follows: 3 points for a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a loss.
B. Tie games will stand in regular season play. No overtime shall be played.
C. Scores for games must be called in to the Flight Commissioner within 24 hours of the time the game was played. The winning coach must call/e-mail in the score. Tie scores must be called in by both coaches. If a winning team coach or a coach involved in a tie fails to do so, a $5 fine will be assessed to their club.
D. Division Commissioners must call in to the designated league official or post the standings of their division by Monday or by 2 days after the game.
10. Ties/Awards
A. The first and second place teams in each age group shall receive a team (1) award and individual awards for each active team player on the roster. Awards will also be given to all players in U10, U9 and U8 divisions. If nine or more teams are placed in one division then third place awards will be given. In case of a tie for first or second (or third if applicable) place, the standings will be determined by the following:
1. Head to head (unless more than two teams are involved).
2. Head to head goal differential-unless more than 2 teams are involved)
3. Least losses.
4. Most wins.
5. Least goals against.
6. Goal differential for the entire season based on bonus points awarded to the game winning team up to a maximum net differential of three goals (1 bonus point per goal) per game per win.
7. If two teams are still tied they will be declared co-champions and no second place awards will be given.
11. Coaches Guidelines
A. Coaches are not allowed to referee their own game. Coaches who serve as game officials will not be permitted to coach while wearing the uniform of a game official.
B. Any person coaching a team must have a validated NJSYSA pass in his or her possession. (See Rules-3B-13D)
12. Conduct/Sportsmanship (See Rule 20)
A. Players and coaches are expected to exhibit proper conduct and good sportsmanship at all times and to be respectful to all referees and other officials and to opposing team players, coaches and spectators.
B. Although member clubs are ultimately responsible for all individuals under their jurisdiction--coaches & team officials are expected to “make every effort” to ensure that all ethical standards of behavior, as well as all rules and guidelines are adhered to by all players, parents and spectators.
C. Coaches should advise their team players and parents/fans that no one (including coaches) has the right to criticize a referee, demand an explanation, question (the authority of) or publicly humiliate a/the referee before, during or after a match. Such dissent or verbal abuse will not be tolerated by the league. (See Rule 20)
13. Forfeits (See Rules 2B-3A/B/C-8C-10A9 and 17B)
A. Any forfeited game will result in a $50 fine to be accessed against the forfeiting team. The E/B shall have the authority to waive this fee. (See rule 1A-B)
B. If a team is forfeiting a game and has notified the referee assigner, the opposing team and the Division Commissioner prior to the day of the game, neither team has to appear. Referees need only to be paid if a/the gap in the field schedule cannot be filled.
C. If the visiting team or the referee assigner or the referees have not been notified in time that a game has been forfeited, the home team shall pay the referee fees for a/the forfeited match, regardless of which team forfeited---subject to the final determination by the E/B as to which team shall be responsible for the fees.
D. Any team that is awarded a forfeit by the E/B shall be awarded a 1-0 win. If the game was in progress or completed the E/B has the (option) to use the score of the game if it is beneficial to the non-forfeiting team. See rule 10-A8
14. Conferences/Flights/Placements
A. The registrar shall establish divisions and conferences based on the number of teams being submitted. All divisions shall be split into flights/conferences according to the competitiveness of the teams. As a general guideline, conferences may consist of teams in a Premier and a National and or American conference. The teams finishing in the last two places (the prior season) in the regular Premier conference will be moved down to the National conference and so on. The teams finishing in the first two positions in American will be moved up to the National conference and so on. Newly formed teams will be given the option of requesting a conference. In the event that a team has substantial roster changes a club may request an exemption to the above procedures. All submitted teams coming from another league must provide their previous season’s record.
B. Preliminary team placements (conference/flights) shall be made (based on the prior season’s records) by the registrar. The final placement of all teams shall be determined by the registrar and the executive board after a complete review (adds/drops/etc) of each division and conference--with the club representatives at the final placements meeting.
C. The Executive board shall have the authority and the discretion to place (all) teams in any conference or age or divisional group. If a team in the strongest conference wins the conference two consecutive seasons the board has the discretion to place that team in an older (usually one age group) division. Changes in conferences (flights) after the final placements meeting shall only be at the option of and (or) made by the executive board.
D. The Executive Board shall have the authority to place any, high school aged team (U15, U16, U17, or U18) in the same flight.
E. The final placement authority in all such instances as detailed in paragraphs A,B,C and D shall rest with the Executive Board.
15. Protests/Complaints
A. Protests and or appeals must meet the following conditions. They must involve a violation of the "Laws of the Game", or an applicable modification of such laws by the League, State or National associations, with such law violation cited in the protest. Protests involving a referee's judgment will not be heard. The protest must be submitted in writing (along with a $50 protest fee), and be signed by the club president or Jersey Coast rep, to the league secretary or the protest chairperson if the league secretary is not available. The protest must be postmarked or hand delivered within 72 hours of the game day. A copy of the protest or subsequent appeal must also be sent or hand delivered to the opposing team or club rep within 72 hours. The area referee assigner should also be notified by the protesting club within that same time period. If the League agrees to hear the protest, the protest chair person shall appoint a protest committee of three impartial members to hear the protest. The chair shall preside at the meeting but not vote. The chair shall have the discretion to conduct a preliminary fact finding inquiry of all protested games. Determination of all such protest or subsequent appeal decisions by the protest committee or the Executive Board should be made and all concerned parties notified within two weeks of the protest or appeal. If a team loses the protest or subsequent appeal they will lose the fees. Appeals by either the team or the club must be filed, along with a $50 fee, with the league secretary (or the league president if the secretary is not available) within 72 hours of such determination. The full Executive Board shall hear this appeal. Decisions of the Board shall be final and binding. If the protest (and) or the subsequent appeal is won then all fees shall be returned.
B. All complaints must be in letter form and must be signed by a board member from the club making the complaint. Such complaints must be submitted to the league by the representative from that club.
16. Scheduling/Postponements/Cancellations/Makeup Games
A. Teams will be given a schedule of games by the league-with such games to be (usually) scheduled on Saturdays. Individual clubs shall schedule the times and fields for the games. The league will (usually) not schedule games on weekends that are normally used for approved tournaments, i.e. Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Memorial Day. The first game of the day shall start no earlier than 9AM unless the Executive Board or Head Commissioner approves an earlier time.
B. The home club or team must notify the visiting team, the Div Commissioner, and the referee assigner of any changes in fields or times, and or of any other valid cancellations of games by (the) Tuesday (or 4 days prior to the game if scheduled on a day other than Saturday) of the game(s) day.
C. No changes shall be allowed after Tuesday (*or 4 days prior to the game if scheduled on a day other than Saturday) of the game(s) day without incurring penalties. Such games must be played as scheduled. The only changes permitted after Tuesday, without penalties, shall be those made by the referee assigner. If changes are made or a game is cancelled after *Tuesday and the gap in the schedule cannot be filled it shall be the responsibility of the home club/team to pay the scheduled referees subject to the final determination of the E/B as to which team or club should be held ultimately responsible for any specific fees that “may be” accessed. Upon such determination--the offending team or club must make payment arrangements (if any fees are due) with the referee assigner or the other club if referee fees were already paid. (See 16A thru H)
D. Postponements/Cancellations All games must be played as scheduled. The only exceptions are these four valid reasons for postponing a regularly scheduled game (1) Inclement weather/wet grounds/hazardous field conditions/unplayable fields (2) State Cup game(s) (3) last minute school or municipal field(s) conflicts, but only when such cancellations (conflicts) are authorized and subsequently verified (documented) by the club field assigner or president or other authorized officer or (4) a “scheduling conflict” affecting the full team or other “special circumstances” that may occur, although this exception is only allowed as per the guidelines and policies as stated in section 16 F.
E. In the event of a cancellation due to inclement weather/field conditions or for authorized last minute school/municipal field cancellations, it is the responsibility of the home club/team to notify the visiting team(s) and the referee assigner (when applicable) no later than 2 hours before the start of the first scheduled game and also too notify the Division Commissioner by 8 pm. If the ref assigner is not notified in time for such cancellations—the home club/team shall be responsible for the ref fees for the first game. Only club presidents and/or club field scheduler/coordinators may cancel games. Although the right to reschedule a league game in conflict with a state cup match is absolute--all clubs/teams must comply with rules 16 A thru H.
F. In the event of a scheduling conflict (affecting the team) such as a mid season sanctioned tournament or recognized religious observance(s) or in the event of any other “special circumstances” that arise, that (may) warrant a (league supported) decision to reschedule a match--it is the responsibility of the affected club/team (if a coach to coach agreement cannot be worked out) to notify the Head Commissioner in writing not less than 15 days prior to the scheduled match--detailing the specifics of the impending conflict. The E/B (or the head commissioner) shall then make the final determination in all such circumstances. If a decision is not rendered by the Tuesday (or 4 days prior to the game if scheduled on a day other than Saturday) of the game(s) day----then the game must be played as scheduled. See 16A thru H
G. Cancellation of or rescheduling of games for any other (valid) reasons must be agreed upon by both coaches (coach to coach) by (the) Tuesday (or 4 days prior to the game if scheduled on a day other than Saturday) of the game(s) day) prior to the scheduled game(s) and must comply with all the rescheduling rules. If both coaches’ agree--games may be re-scheduled and played prior to or after (See 16H) the original game date. Both coaches must notify the Division Commissioner and the appropriate home field scheduler of all game changes, cancellations or any rescheduling of games and (they) must provide Div Commissioner the reason for doing so. The home field scheduler must advise the referee assigner of all such changes. If either coach does not agree to the game change, the game must be played as scheduled. (See 16A thru H)--Terminated games see rule 7A.
H. All makeup games must be made up within 15 days of the original date. If an extension is necessary, the head commissioner must be notified by both clubs Jersey Coast Rep or Club President within that 15 day time period (that a new date/time has been mutually agreed upon) for an automatic extension of up to 8 additional days (for a total of 22 days) to be granted. When games are postponed for valid reasons (See 16D-E and F) the home team shall offer up to 2 possible makeup dates/times. The away team can counter with 1 date/time. If the teams can not come to an agreement on the 3 proposed dates/times both clubs Jersey Coast Reps or Club Presidents must send an email to the head commissioner with an explanation of why the teams couldn’t play on those dates/times. The head commissioner shall then select one of those dates/times or arbitrarily set a date/time for the rescheduled game. If either team rejects the set game date/time or does not show up a forfeit win shall be declared for the opposing team. If both teams can't or won't play, the game it shall be recorded as a no play.
I. If a rescheduled postponed make up game is postponed again on game day for valid reasons (See 16D-E and F) an automatic extension shall be granted by the league, but the makeup game must be played within 8 (additional) days of such postponement and provided that the coaches of both teams notify the division flight commissioner that a new date/time has been mutually agreed upon. ALL games (however) must be made up (played) no later than 8 days of the last (day) of the season of the appropriate divisional flight. All makeup games that are not made up will (usually) be recorded as un-played, although the E/B shall make the final determination in all such cases.
17. Red Cards Suspended Passes
A. Every red card issued shall carry a minimum 1 league game suspension. Further disciplinary action shall be at the discretion of the E/B.
B. Players and coaches can be red carded before, during and after a match. If a coach receives a red card during the game and another carded coach is not available the game will be declared a forfeit. (See Rule 13)
C. All red cards (the passes of all suspended red carded players and coaches) must be sent (along with the referee’s written report) to the league secretary within 48 hours of the completion of the game.
D. Any coach that is red carded in a league game may at the discretion of the E/B (also) receive a fine. Any coach with a history of two or more ejections in a season will be given a more severe penalty with each infraction.
E. If a pass (which must be returned after completing a red card suspension) is not received by the coach/club rep by the *Tuesday (*or 4 days prior to the game if scheduled on a day other than Saturday) prior to the next game, the coach or club rep must contact the league secretary who shall then “make every effort” to settle the matter.
18. Substitutions
Shall be unlimited and can be made with consent of the referee at the following times:
A. Prior to a throw in by the team taking the throw
B. For U-10 and under only: When the ball goes out of play over the touch line, if the team with possession chooses to substitute, then the opposing team may also substitute. If the team with possession chooses not to substitute, then neither team will be allowed to substitute.
C. Prior to a goal kick by either team
D. After a goal by either team
E. After an injury, by either team when the referee stops play
F. At half time
19. Meetings
A. Jersey Coast meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month unless member clubs are notified otherwise. There shall be no December meeting.
B. The league will access mandatory fines for missed meetings at $15 per meeting.
20. Discipline
A. The Jersey Coast League will not hesitate to ban or otherwise discipline for whatever duration, any individual, team or club that does not abide by these rules.
B. All disciplinary actions for dissent of a referee shall be handled by the league. Any verbal abuse or physical assault on a referee will be referred directly to proper state authorities. 6/6
Revised 2/13/2011 by KB for BG