TOWSONTOWNE SENIOR ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE INFORMATION / RULES

AMENDED APRIL 1, 2019

ALL LEAGUES ARE GOVERNED BY THE BALTIMORE CO. REC. & PARKS GUIDELINES

The league will use FIFA rules as modified for play in Baltimore County, substitution is allowed. No Slide Tackling allowed.   In 7 v 7 league there is no-offsides (amended 8-1-18).  Metal spikes are prohibited.

The Department of Recreation & Parks does not provide insurance for individuals participating in soccer leagues. It is recommended that each player carry some type of insurance.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed on or near the fields at any time. Please take your team's trash with you when you leave. Please keep all vehicles off County Park or School property. Park only in parking lots. Every individual is responsible for enforcing these rules.

General League Rules:

1. Rosters

All players on rosters must be registered with Towsontowne Recreation Council’s Senior Adult Soccer League Program.  Only players registered with Towsontowne Adult Soccer web site and that registration has been acknowledged by the League Board. Roster is limited to 15 players for 7 v 7.

Teams may have the following players on their roster: 1 player 46 and older, 1 player who is 47 and older (or 2 players 47 and older if no player 46 and older), 1 player who is 48 and older and 2 players who are 49 and older.  This is a grandfather clause which will gradually be eliminated to make an over-50 only league by the year 2021.  For the Summer 2019 season commencing 6-22-19 players who have not previously participated must be born before 12-31-1972 to be eligible to play in the league.

In the event that a player's eligibility is questioned, the player(s) must provide proof of Identification. A valid state issued identification card with picture (Driver's License, Military ID, Passport or State ID card) will be accepted as proof.  The Board has a list of each registered participant.

As needed Player Eligibility.  During regular season, there is an option to add “as needed” players to the roster if teams are short due to injuries or other absences as long as they have registered on the web site and paid a nominal fee to cover league insurance and costs.  “As needed” players are not allowed to play if game day roster exceeds 11 players.  “As needed” players are ineligible to play in playoff games.

2. Player Identification

All Leagues: Identification may be checked prior to the start of the game. Players must carry proof of Age/ID to every game. Failure to provide identification upon request will result in player not participating in the game.

3. Uniforms:

Team jerseys are provided by the program.  (Number requirement removed 4-1-19) Shin guards are mandatory. Jewelry is not allowed during games (at the discretion of the game officials). This includes hair jewelry, piercings and rings. This is a safety precaution.

4. Start Time

Teams must have a minimum of 7-players (4 players for 7 v 7 leagues) to begin a game at Game Time. If a team cannot field the minimum number of players after 15 minutes, the game will become a forfeit.  The Referees are to adhere to thirty (35) minutes halves and not shorten games if game does not start on time for whatever reason, unless directed by the responsible Board Member on site.   The 35-minute half is a “running clock” – no stoppage time.  EXCEPTION:  Referees may institute a water break if necessary and appropriate – this shall be included as “stoppage” time.   

5.    Length of Games. 35-min halves. (new 4-1-19) Half game constitutes a whole game and the final score is what exist at the point game ended

6. Substitutions. Substitutions are only allowed on own throw-in, goal kicks, kick-offs and injury (one for one).  Players of the eligible team are to clearly indicate to the referee that they are planning to sub and players must wait until the referee acknowledges that substitutions are allowed.  Piggy-back substitutions ARE permitted.  On kick-offs (start of game or goals scored), the referee notification rule does not apply.  There is no substitution “on the fly”.

7.  Player Draft.  For the 7 v 7 league, registration forms will have a place to indicate ability and experience level. Based on registration, designated Team Captains will draft players in an attempt to balance skill and age, one week prior to the season.  Team Captains are then responsible for contacting their players.

8.    Free-Kicks and Penalty Kicks.  Opponents must observe a 6-yard distance from the spot of a free kick.  If an opponent does not observe the 6-yard distance after having been directed to do so by the match official, he shall be given a yellow card warning. (new 4-1-19)

9.  Goal Kicks.  Goal kicks are to be taken from the goalie box, which is the small box bordered by the first white line in front of the blue goalline.  The ball must clear the box in order to be a valid goal kick.  Teams receive one “mulligan/do-over.”  Upon the second violation, a corner is given to the opposing team. (new 4-1-19)

10.  Penalty Box.  The penalty box runs up to the “blue” line and starts 7 yards on each side of the goal, as indicated by “half” cones.  A penalty kick is taken at the top of the penalty box, straight in front of the goal.  Players are not allowed to encroach into the penalty box when a penalty kick is taken and must also keep a 6-yard distance from the spot of the penalty kick. (new 4-1-19)

11.  Injuries.   In the case of injuries during the match, the referee is encouraged to stop play immediately, especially in the case of head injuries.  While stopping play is encouraged, it is still up to the discretion of the referee whether play shall be stopped or not.  (4-1-19).

12.    Punting.  A goalkeeper IS permitted to punt.  However, if the ball lands on the fly on the opponent’s half, a free kick is given at the spot the ball lands to the opponent.  The goalkeeper may throw the ball anywhere on the field.  If the ball rolls into the goal without touching an opponent, however, it will not be considered a goal.

Sportsmanship is not an Option!!!! Threatening the Official, Fighting or Profanity will not be tolerated and WILL receive disciplinary action.

Scoring:

All coaches are responsible for reporting the game results within 24 hours after the game with the following:

1. Score/Result of game

2. Red Cards given to players

3. # of officials

Games results not reported may result in a loss for each team. Standings can be found on the league web site  linked to www.ttrec.org.

Point System:

Call in or email your game results. Games results not reported may result in a loss for each team.

a. Game Won = 3 points

b. Game Tied = 1 point

c. Game Lost = 0 point

Tie-Breaker Rule:

In the event of a tie between 2 or more teams the following tie-breaker rule will be in effect. First would be record/points. Second would be goal differential. Third would be goals scored. Fourth would be head to head.

Forfeits:

Forfeited games will be scored as 3-0 per FIFA rules. Any team forfeiting 2 games can be removed from the league.

Yellow and Red Cards:

a. Yellow Cards - Any player who receives a yellow card must leave the field for 5

minutes. A player may be replaced. (2 yellow cards = 1 red card) Any player

receiving 2 yellow cards in a game will be ejected from the game and will receive a

2-week suspension. The suspended player must leave the park during the suspension.

Additional suspensions may be given. Good Sportsmanship is not an Option!!!

b. Red Cards - Any player receiving a red card will be suspended for 2 weeks from ALL

LEAGUES. The suspended player or coach must leave the park during the suspension. Any player or coach receiving 2 red cards will be suspended from all soccer leagues for the remainder of the season. Additional suspensions may be given.  It is the coach's responsibility to report the player or coach to a member of the League Board. Any coach not reporting the cards/ejections will be subject to suspension.  Suspensions will be e-mailed to each Team Captain 48 hours prior to each match.

Playoffs:

Playoffs will be offered after the regular season. Playoff brackets will be posted on the website after the regular season of league play. Tie Breaker Rule for Play-offs.

a. Coin Toss determines goal team will defend,

b. 2 -5 minute Sudden Death Overtimes. First score wins the game.

c. Penalty Kicks (alternating teams after each kick), 5 kicks per team. If tied after

the 5 kicks, 1 kick per team until tie is broken (i.e. 1 to 1). Note: players who kick must be on the field at the ending of the game. Players may not come off the bench to kick.

Inclement Weather:

The League Board will advise Team Captains regarding cancellations. If the game has not been canceled, Local Park Staff will decide playability at the game site. Games will not be played if there is lightning.

TOBACCO-FREE POLICY

A person may not use any form of tobacco:

a. In a restroom, at a spectator or concession area, dog park, aquatic facility, or playground in any County park;

b. Within 100 yards of an organized activity at a County park.  "Organized activity,”