Columbus Adult Soccer League Rules

Columbus, NE presents Columbus Adult Soccer League! A league featuring recreational level play for men & women. A registration fee of $65.00 per player is due at time of registration. Once the registration ends, no refunds are given.

General Rules

• You must be 18 years old at the first game of the season.
• All players must be registered individually and paid.
• If a team captain allows a player to play who is not registered or under age of 18, all liability issues will fall on the team captain and the game would be considered for forfeit.
• Players can not change teams after first game is played.
•  All players must play a minimum of 2 games to qualify for finals.
• Maximum players allowed per team is 20, no players can be added after registration deadline
• Game format: 9v9, No forfeit is allowed if the team has a minimum of 7 players.

1. When playing 9v9, 4 females and 4 males on the field. Goalkeeper gender neutral.
2. When playing 7, 3 females and 3 males on the field. Goalkeeper gender neutral.
3. Males cannot outnumber females.
4. Goalkeeper: Yes (Male or Female)
5. Game length: 2 x 30 minute halves (5 minute half time)

Credentials
Credentials are required for each game and must be presented to the referee at the start.

• Credentials will be provided by the third game
• Replacements for lost credentials are available for a fee of $5.
• At any time, a board member or referee may request identification to match the credential.

Game Play

All games will be played according to the FIFA laws of the game in addition to rules adopted by Columbus Adult Soccer League.

• Trained referees will officiate each game.
• A game is considered official when the first half is complete. 
• No overtime or stopping of the game. 
• During championship games, if there is a tie after the second half, the game will go to 10 min overtime to determine the winner, then to penalties if necessary. 
• Referees have the power to end the game earlier if necessary.
• Penalty kicks must be 3 females and 2 males, alternating after if it continues past 5 strikers.
• Penalty kicks regardless of female or male, counts as 1 goal.
• A game is considered a forfeit after 5 minutes of tardiness, if any team is unable to take the field with a minimum of 7 players.
• Unlimited substitutions may be during stoppage of the game under the referee’s discretion.
• No slide tackling on any player. Keepers may slide for saves but still may be subject to a card if the referee determines it was unsafe/uncalled for.
• Be respectful when guy takes ball away from girl(no excessive aggressiveness)
• There will be no off sides.
• Full roster is considered 20 players with a minimum of 7 players per team. 
• Team captains are responsible for players to arrive on time and make sure they are of age.
• All players must have a matching team uniform with a unique number. 
• All players must wear cleats and shin guards. 
• Size 5 ball required to be brought by each team
• No jewelry or wristbands.
• The home team is responsible for changing if both teams have the same color. 
• Goalie must have a different color shirt from the team and opposing team.

Infractions

• A person who gets a caution (yellow card) has to sit out for 3 minutes. During that time, the team must play a player down. Yellow card is given for unsporting and dangerous play. *Second yellow is equivalent to a red.
• A person who gets an ejection (red card or two yellow cards in the game) has to sit out for the rest of the game and following game. During that time, the team must play a player down for the rest of the game. The referee will keep the players credential and hand it to a board member to assure they do not play the following game. After a player gets 3 red cards they are not allowed to play the rest of the season.

Scoring

• A forfeit results in a 3-0 score.
• A team is limited to a maximum lead of 10 goals; although the game can continue, any further goals scored beyond this limit will not count.
• A goal scored by a female player is worth 2 points
• A goal scored by a male player is worth 1 point
• Auto goals/own goals count as 1 point regardless of female or male. In the event a female of the opposing team kicks the ball with the intention of scoring and it deflects off the defending team, it counts as 2 points.

Points Scoring System

Win =3 points

Tie =1 points

Loss =0 points

Tie Breaker

• Head-to-Head matchup (during playoffs only, if applicable)
• Fewest goals allowed
• Goal difference
• Fewest number of yellow & red cards (during playoffs only). A red card counts as 2 yellow cards.
• Coin toss.

 Cancellations

• The league has the right to cancel any game due to inclement weather. Assume all games will be played unless you hear from Columbus Adult Soccer League Staff (follow us on facebook for all updates).
• Captains are responsible for checking for canceled games. Games canceled will end in a tie 1-1 score point.

Failing to Adhere to Rules

• Cleanliness for teams and spectators
• Alcohol and dogs
• 1 strike: loss of 3 goals
• 2 strike: loss of game 
• 3 strike: kicked off league

COLUMBUS ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE HAS THE FINAL SAY ON ANY DISCREPANCY OR RULE VARIATION

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