These rules subject to change and a severe lack of formating.
Pending Rules and Regulations
Lawrence Adult Soccer League
As Of: July 2009
Table of Contents
1.0 Document Details
1.1 Definitions
1.2 Scope
1.3 Conflict Resolution
1.4 Living Document
2.0 Corporate Information
2.1 Annual Public Meeting
2.2. LASL Board
2.3 Volunteer Positions
2.3.1 Compensation
2.3.1.1 Referral Bonus
2.3.2 Officials
2.4 KSA Membership
3. Rules, Out of Game
3.1 Rules for Fields
3.1.1 Jurisdiction
3.1.2 League Rules
3.1.3 USD Rules
3.2. Rules for Teams
3.2.1 Captain Declaration
3.2.2. Premier Division
3.2.2.1 Size
3.2.2.2 Coed
3.2.3 Club Divison
3.2.3.1 Size
3.2.3.2 Coed
3.2.4 Recreation Division
3.2.4.1 Size
3.2.4.2 Coed
3.3 Rules for Captains
3.3.1 Captain Conduct
3.3.2 Team Color
3.3.3 Donated Compensation
3.3.4 Advance Forfeiture of Game
3.4 Rules for Players
3.4.1 Player Conduct
3.4.2 Playing in other Divisions
3.4.3 Playing in the same Division, Regular Season
3.4.4 Playing in the same Division, Playoff Season
3.4.5 Player Identification
3.4.6 Red Cards
3.4.6.1 Premier Division
3.4.6.1.1 Regular Season
3.4.6.1.2 Playoff Season
3.4.6.2 Club Division
3.4.6.3 Recreation Division
3.4.6.4 Appeals Procedure
3.4.7 Season or Lifetime Bans
3.5 Rules for Officials
3.5.1 Officials Conduct
3.5.2 Player Removal
3.5.3 Non-player Removal
3.5.4 Player Identification
3.5.5 Exemptions
4.0 Rules for Games
4.1 FIFA coverage
4.2 Rules for Fields
4.3 Rules for Games
4.3.1 Abandonment of Game
4.3.2 Premier Division
4.3.2.1 Substitutions
4.3.2.2 Game Length
4.3.2.3 Playoff Season Overtime
4.3.3 Club Division
4.3.3.1 Substitutions
4.3.3.2 Game Length
4.3.3.3 Slide Tackling and Playing on the Ground
4.3.4 Recreation Division
4.3.4.1 Team Size
4.3.4.2 Field of Play
4.3.4.3 Substitutions
4.3.4.4 Game Length
4.3.4.5 Slide Tackling and Playing on the Ground
4.3.4.6 Non-Contact Play
4.3.4.7 Throw Ins
4.4 Rules for Captains
4.4.1 Captain Armbands
4.5 Rules for Officials
4.5.1 Scope
5.0 Standings and Scoring
5.1 Premier Division
5.2 Club Division
5.3 Recreation Division
Appendix A, “Field Marshal Handbook”
Rules and Regulations
1.1 Abbrieviations
The following definitions are used throughout the website and this document:
DC: Division Coordinator
FM: Field Marshal
FMC: Field Marshal Coordinator
LASL: The Lawrence Adult Soccer League
LC: Chair of LASL
LVC: Vice Chair of LASL
KSA: Kansas Soccer Association
RAR: Rules and Regulations
USD: Unified School District 497
VC: Volunteer Coordinator
1.2 Scope
This document covers all rules and regulations for play and organization of LASL. FIFA and USSF specific issues are outside the scope of this document and are omitted.
1.3 Conflict Resolution
When the RAR of LASL conflict or do not exist in a particular situation, the resolution should be handled in the order below. Each successive resolver overrides it’s predecessor. For example, if an in game conflict arises the Referee will attempt to resolve it first, with the Referee Coordinator resolving it only if necessary or to override the Referee..
In game conflicts:
o Referee’s are the first level of resolution.
o The Referee Coordinator is the final level of resolution.
· Out of game conflicts:
o A FM is the first level of resolution.
o The LVC is the next level of resolution.
o The LC is the next level of resolution.
o The DC is the next level of resolution.
o A majority of Board Members is the final level of resolution. This level should rarely if ever be reached—for all intents and purposes the DC is the final resolver; however, circumstances may arise where a majority of Board Members may need to reach or override a decision.
1.4 Living Document
These Rules are by no means comprehensive for LASL or complete for games. They are intended to create a framework. These Rules may be updated or modified at any time by the Board and is to be considered a living document.
2.0 Corporate Information
LASL is a privately held not for profit corporation. We were formally incorporated in July of 2009 by the State of Kansas. Corporate charters and other information can be found on the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
2.1 Annual Public Meeting
LASL holds it’s annual shareholders meeting, open to all players, at the United Way Building in Lawrence, KS on the fourth Monday of January at 6.30pm. Location and date and time are subject to change and will be announced on the website.
2.2 LASL Board
LASL is run by a Board of Directors elected at the Annual Public Meeting to one year terms. There are no term limits.
2.3 Volunteer Positions
2.3.1 Compensation
LASL is run entirely by volunteers. Our corporate charter precludes paying Members for anything except specific professional services rendered (which heretofore has never occurred). All volunteers of LASL must declare themselves members of a team and are awarded a free season. A volunteer may elect to pay to play and instead allocate the free season to their team. An additional season may be awarded at the annual Board Meeting for individual seasons with the season being allocated to the team. (See 3.3.3 “Donated Compensation”.)
Unless otherwise directed by the Board, volunteer positions are coordinated through the VC and are subject to annual Board review.
2.3.2 Officials
The Board may decide that some volunteer positions are Officials. See “3.5, 4.3 Rules for Officials”. As of this revision, current Officials are the LASL Board, all DC’s, FMC, and FM.
2.4 KSA Membership
LASL is a member of KSA. All Members have memberships purchased in KSA via the LASL Registrar. KSA provides Members with insurance and other benefits. For information please visit www.kansassoccer.com or the LASL website.
3. Rules, Out of Game
3.1 Rules for Fields
3.1.1. Jurisdiction
LASL falls under the jurisdiction of the laws of the State of Kansas, City of Lawrence, and Douglas County.
3.1.2 League Rules
LASL requires all Members to maintain a high standard of behavior when using facilities. Being a volunteer organization we will never be in a position to own our facilities, therefore it is critical we never litter or harm facilities in any manner.
3.1.3 USD 497 Rules
All USD Rules must be observed at all times at all locations regardless of whether or not a Member is on USD facilities. No alcohol or foul language is allowed.
3.2 Rules for Teams
The rules for teams are important; however, the DC may exempt teams from any of the rules. This is because all situations are unique and team dynamics always take precedence. As long as a team is making a good faithed effort to abide the rules the DC may make exemptions on a case by case basis.
3.2.1 Captain Declaration
Teams must denote two players and optionally one additional as any combination of Captain and Vice Captains and provide email and telephone contact info to the Registrar. Note teams are not limited to these Captains, see “3.3 Rules for Captains” for in game purposes. For the purpose of in game declaration, teams are not limited to these Captains. (See “3.5.1.1 Rules for Captains”.) For the purpose of all out of game issues, Captains have one vote or decision that can be disseminated from any declared Captain.
3.2.2 Premier Division
3.2.2.1 Size
Teams must have a minimum of 12 rostered players.
3.2.2.2 Coed
There are no requirements at this level.
3.2.2.3 Jerseys
Teams are required to wear identical shirts with unique numbers. A Referee may exempt a player from this requirement.
3.2.3 Club Division
3.2.3.1 Size
Teams must have a minimum of 13 rostered players.
3.2.3.2 Coed
Teams must have 3 women players.
3.2.3.3 Jerseys
Teams are required to wear the same color and encouraged to wear identical, uniquely numbered jerseys.
3.2.4 Recreation Division
3.2.4.1 Size
Teams must have a minimum of 10 players.
3.2.4.2 Coed
Teams must have 4 women players.
3.2.4.3 Jerseys
Teams are required to wear the same color.
3.3 Rules for Captains (Out of game)
3.3.1 Captain Conduct
Captains are responsible for conveying the Rules of LASL to all team mates. Captains are responsible for the behavior of their team.
3.3.2 Team Color
Captains must submit a color choice to the DC prior to a teams first match for approval.
3.3.3 Donated Compensation
Whenever a registration is due to be refunded by the Registrar to a team (and not a Member) the Captain will decide how that is applied.
3.3.4 Advance Forfeiture of Game
A Captain may forfeit a game within 24 hours of a game to avoid any scoring penalties. (See “4.x.x Forfeiture of Game”.) A game forfeited in this manner is not rescheduled.
3.4 Rules for Players
3.4.1. Player Conduct
Players are expected to maintain appropriate behavior at all times and respect Referee decisions in game.
3.4.2 Playing in other Divisions
A player may register in multiple Divisions, provided they register for each.
3.4.3 Playing in the same Division
If at the time of the Captains meeting any team has below the combined maximum number of rostered and non-rostered players, they may add non-rostered players from the same Division provided 7 rostered players are present for that team. Additional restrictions follow as listed. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in the match result being voided.
3.4.3.1 Premier
A team may not have more than 12 players at any time if they are using non-rostered players without the consent of the opposing Captain.
3.4.3.2 Club
A team may not have more than 13 players at any time if they are using non-rostered players without the consent of the opposing Captain.
3.4.3.3 Recreation
A team may not have more than 14 players at any time if they are using non-rostered players without the consent of the opposing Captain.
3.4.4 Playing in the same Division, Premier Playoffs
Players may not play for any team except their rostered team during any playoff matches.
3.4.5 Player Identification
LASL does not currently use player ID cards. Until such a time, players are required to bring a photo ID to games and be available prior to games for roster checks by LASL Officials or Referees.
3.4.6 Red Cards
3.4.6.1 Premier Division
3.4.6.1.1 Regular Season
A player receiving a red card is automatically banned for the next game of their rostered team and may not play any additional LASL games while the ban exists. A player receiving 3 or more Red Cards in a season is banned for the duration of a season. Bans may be appealed, see “3.4.6.4 Appeals Procedure”.
3.4.6.1.2 Playoff Season
A player receiving a red is automatically banned for the next game of their rostered team. A player receiving two yellow cards during any playoff games is automatically banned for the next game. A player receiving any cards after serving a ban is banned for the remainder of the playoffs following that game. Bans received during the playoff season cannot be appealed.
3.4.6.2 Club Division
A player receiving a red card is automatically banned for the next game of their rostered team and may not play any additional LASL games while the ban exists. A player receiving 3 or more Red Cards in a season is banned for the duration of a season. Bans may be appealed, see “3.4.6.4 Appeals Procedure”.
3.4.6.3 Recreation Division
A player receiving a red card is automatically banned for the next game of their rostered team and may not play any additional LASL games while the ban exists. A player receiving 2 or more Red Cards in a season is banned for the duration of a season. Bans may be appealed, see “3.4.6.4 Appeals Procedure”.
3.4.6.4 Appeals Procedure
A player may appeal a ban by contacting a Board Member, preferrably the DC, and providing details of the incident. Players are advised upon receiving a red card to have their Captain ask the Referee to make note of why a card was issued if an appeal is sought. A concurrence of the majority of Board Members or the concurrence of the DC and the LC or LVC may waive the suspension; however, in the event of neither two days prior to the next game the ban is upheld.
3.4.7 Season or Lifetime Bans
LASL withholds the right to ban any player for a fixed number of seasons or indefinitely without appeal. A ban of this nature may only be issued by a two thirds majority of Board Members.
3.4.7.1 Zombie ban
The undead are not welcome in LASL and are prohibited from participating.
3.5 Rules for Officials
3.5.1 Officials Conduct
Officials are required to maintain impartiality and prevent any unnecessary harm to the facilities of LASL.
3.5.2 Player Removal
If a player is not participating in a match or is observed breaking any laws (see 3.1.1, “Jurisdiction”) an Official may require that person to leave the facilities. If the player will not voluntarily leave the Official is advised to contact a Board Member so permits and police can be retrieved.
3.5.3 Non-player Removal
An Official may require any non-player to leave the facilities. If the player will not voluntarily leave the Official is advised to contact the LC or LVC so permits and police can be retrieved.
3.5.4 Player Identification
An Official may require a player to provide photo identification prior to entering a match. If the player cannot produce valid identification they may be prohibited from playing.
3.5.5 Exemptions
Members of the Board are exempt from all out of game rules except “3.4.6 Red Cards”. Additional Officials may be exempted by a majority of a Board.
4 Rules, In Game
4.1 FIFA Coverage
Excepting all changes in these Rules, the Laws of the game is that as defined by FIFA.
4.2 Rules for Fields
The facilities are the lifeblood of LASL. Any player harming the facilities, in the field of play or not, in any intentional manner, may be asked to leave a match or may be called for an indirect or direct foul depending on the severity.
4.3 Rules for Games
4.3.1 Abandonment of Game
All games should start at the scheduled time. If a team is not ready (7 rostered players are required to field a team) to start after the 10th minute it may be canceled by a Referee or LASL Official. After the 20th minute the match is forfeited by the non-ready team and may be fined points in standings. If neither team is ready the match is forfeited as two losses and both teams may be fined points in standings.
4.3.2 Premier Division
4.3.2.1 Substitutions
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. The Referee is encouraged to prevent substitutions if a team is wasting time. The Referee may only allow substitutions by players at the midfield line or flag and must not allow any players to congregate in this area.
4.3.2.2 Game Length
The normal length of halves is 45 minutes for the Open Division and 40 minutes for the Recreational Division. During the Captains meeting before a match the Referee or both Captains may elect to lower the playing time. The Referee may only lower the time if weather conditions dictate such or the match is started after it’s published time.
4.3.2.3 Playoff Season Overtime
In the event a playoff match is not decided after regular time has expired, two additional overtime periods of 7 minutes length will be played with a golden goal. In the event a playoff match is not decided after regular time and overtime periods have expired, the match will be decided by penalty kicks. Pursuant to a new FIFA Rule, if a team has fewer then 11 players on the field the other team must remove players from the match and inform the Referee who has been thusly removed.
4.3.3 Club Division
4.3.3.1 Substitutions
With the exceptions of dead balls caused by fouls, substitutions may be made on any dead ball. The Referee is encouraged to prevent substitutions if a team is wasting time.
4.3.3.2 Game Length
The normal length of halves is 45 minutes for the Open Division and 40 minutes for the Recreational Division. During the Captains meeting before a match the Referee or both Captains may elect to lower the playing time. The Referee may only lower the time if weather conditions dictate such or the match is started after it’s published time.
4.3.3.3 Slide Tackling and Playing on the Ground
Slide tackling is not allowed except by the goalkeeper. Players may not play the ball while on the ground if an opponent is with 3 feet of them. The penalty for such is considered a dangerous play under normal circumstances, resulting in an indirect kick. The Referee may decide to call the foul a direct kick.
4.3.4 Recreation Division
4.3.4.1 Team Size
Games will be played 11v11.
4.3.4.2 Substitutions
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. The Referee is encouraged to prevent substitutions if a team is wasting time.
4.3.4.3 Game Length
The normal length of halves if 45 minutes for the Open Division and 40 minutes for the Recreational Division. During the Captains meeting before a match the Referee or both Captains may elect to change halves to between 30 minutes and 40 minutes. The Referee may only lower the time if weather conditions dictate such or the match is started after it’s published time.
4.3.4.4 Slide Tackling and Playing on the Ground
Slide tackling is not allowed under any circumstances. Players may only play the ball while on the ground if there is no way any other player (same team or opposing) could interact with the play. The penalty for such is considered a dangerous play under all circumstances.
4.3.4.5 Non-Contact Play
By default all direct, non-ball related physical contact is disallowed and an indirect kick may be awarded. The Referee may decide that both players are voluntarily engaging in the contact and thus allow play to continue with out calling a foul.
4.3.4.6 Throw Ins
The Referee may allow one additional throw in before awarding the opposing team for an illegal throw in.
4.4 Rules for Captains
4.4.1 Referee Interaction
In the Premier and Club Divisions, Captain(s) are the only players who may discuss calls or concerns with the Referee and are assumed to be the teams representative to Officials and Referees. In the Recreation Division Captains are encouraged to do this; however, a player may ask for a clarification on the penalty called.
4.4.2 Captain Armbands
Captains must wear either an armband or have a clearly visible “C” embroidered into their jersey in the Premier and Club Division.
4.5 Rules for Officials
4.5.1 Scope
Any Official is to be considered a player once a match has started.
All to be written:
5.0 Standings and Scoring
5.1 Premier Division
5.2 Club Division
5.3 Recreation Division
Appendix A, “Field Marshal Handbook”