1.1    Player Registration. Amateur players may participate in the Lauderdale United Soccer League (LDUSL) play provided they are duly registered as follows:

(a)    Registration Process. A team / player is "Registered" when ALL of the following have been done:

(i) Secretary of the League must be notified with the new player’s name, jersey number and date of birth to be added to the roster. Team Managers are responsible for entering required player information through the leagues web site. The registration fee must be paid in full before the start of the season unless a payment plan is agreed upon between LDUSL and the team / player.

(c)    Age Limitations: All players must be age 18 or older and they must pass the Proof of Age rule.

(i) Premier League: Players must be 18 years or older (players ages 16 and 17 may participate with a written consent from the parent/guardian.

(ii) Champions League: Players must be 30 years of age or older (at the start of the season) to participate in the Over 30 Division. 2 (two) exceptions of players 27 years of age or older (at the start of the season) are allowed per team.

(d)    Proof of Age.  The Board of Directors or League officials may require proof of age in the form of (a) FL driver’s license, (b) Florida ID or (c) Passport at the time of player registration or at any other time upon reasonable notice.

 

 

(e)    Registration of Players From Another Team (Transfer of Players between teams). A team A may sign any player that has played in another team B within the same season up to the halve time of the season. The transfered player forfeits his registration fee from Team A and must pay a new registration with Team B.  If the transfered player has not paid for his registration, he must pay both teams A & B, a registration fee, in order to complete the transfer. There is a limit of one transfer per season per player.

(f)    Player Limitations. A team coach may register as many players as he wants during the season, however a team may only have up to a maximum of eighteen (18) active registered players (the ones that show up on the roster) during any given point in time. Once the maximum of 18 active players is reached, additional players can be activated only after releasing a currently active registered player.  Coaches must notify LDUSL of any releases, before any game.

1.2    Release of Players. Any player in the League may be released by the President of the League after proof that he has fulfilled all obligations to his team. Any team desiring to release a player which has incurred in a fine or caused his team to incur in a fine for any violation of these rules must first pay to the League the amount of such fine prior to releasing that player and signing another player in that player’s stead.

1.3    Team Officials. All team officials such as managers, coaches, and trainers are required to be regsitered on the team roster. All team officials shall be responsible for compliance with league rules and shall be subject to appropriate sanction for violation thereof.

 

 

2.1    League Championship.

(a)    The league Championships shall be determined by a cumulative point system, as follows:

(1) For each game won 3 points

(2) For each game tied 1 point

(3) For each game lost 0 point

(b)    If there is a tie in the number of points, the first tie-breaker shall be the goal difference.  The second tie-breaker shall be the maximum goals scored. The third tie-breaker shall be the comparison of the direct games played between the involved teams. The last tie-breaker shall be the toss of a coin.

(c)    If a play-off game ends in a tie at the end of regulation time, the game result shall be determined directly by penalty kicks. Winner’s score must exceed by one goal after the 3rd penalty kick. If the game is still tied the shootout continues in a sudden death format.

2.2    Withdrawel of Team prior to End of Season.

(a)    If a team does not complete its regular season and has not completed at least half of its schedule, the results of all the games shall be nullified. If one-half or more of the scheduled games have been completed by the abandoning team, the results of all games played to the date of withdrawal shall stand. All remaining games shall be awarded to the would be opponents as forfeited games with a 3-0 win.

(b)    Any team not showing up with at least 5 players (the minimum to be able to play a game) at a scheduled game, for the first time will be cautioned.  Any team doing it a second time will be fined $30 to be able to continue playing in the same season.

(c)    Any team wishing to withdraw from the League or to be dissolved before the end of a season, for financial reason, may do so, but will not be able to participate in any future seasons in this league, until its debt has been paid off in full.

(d)    Any team failing to play two (2) consecutive scheduled League games, or a total of three (3) scheduled games, shall forfeit the right to participate in any further games, and will not be able to participate in the following season.

2.7    Referees.

(a)    Except as provided in rule 3.9, or as otherwise permitted by the Board of Directors, All Officials assigned to league games shall be currently registered with the USSF. Referees must be in possession of their annual identification card issued by the USSF, which card shall be exhibited for viewing upon request of the manager or coach of the competing teams.

(b)    The amount of compensation given to referees shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

(c)    It shall be the duty of the President of the League to give notice of any game cancellation to the assigned Referees by contacting the Referees or the League Assignor who in turn shall notify the assigned Referees. If notice is not given to the teams and to the assigned Referee, 2 hours prior to scheduled kick-off, and assigned officials appear on the field, they shall be entitled to travel compensation as determined by the Board of Directors.

(d)    If, upon reporting to the assigned field, the Referee finds it to be in unplayable condition due to weather or other circumstances beyond control, the officials shall be entitled to their traveling expenses in an amount to be determined by the Board of Directors.

(e)    The Referee shall provide the Board of Directors a report of the game on the official form issued by the League, no later than 48 hrs after kick-off. The report shall include the signed rosters of the competing teams, the final score, and a description of all player’s scores, infractions, ejections, accidents, injuries, or unusual incidents.

(f)   In all cases involving player ejections, the Referee shall include a report with as detailed information as possible regarding the incident which lead to the ejection.

 (g)       Referee must ensure that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped.

(h)        Referee can punish the more serious offense when a player commits more than one offense at the same time.

(i)         Referee can allow play to continue when the team against which an offense has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalizes the original offense if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time (within 3 seconds).

(j)         Referee ensures that no unauthorized persons enter the field of play.

(k)        If referee is unable to restore order to a game, he may exercise his right to terminate it and have the league decide on how to handle the forfeit.

(l)         Allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.

3.1    General Rules.

Except as modified herein, all games within the League shall be played under the rules of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

3.2    Playing Field.

(a)  Responsibility for Playing Field. The Home Teams shall be responsible for correct, complete and visible markings of the playing field, corner flags and setting the goals before the first games as well as storing and locking the goals and markings away after the last games

 (b)  Infractions. Failure of any team to comply with playing field requirements herein shall be subject to a fine up to $10, forfeit of the game, and payment of Referee’s fees.

3.3    Starting Time and Postponements.

(a)  The weekly schedule of games and kick-off times set by the Board of Directors shall be strictly followed. At least five (5) players which are on the current team roster must be on the playing field by the appointed starting time. If not, the referee will allow the offending team a waiting period of up to 10 minutes to comply with this rule. Failure to comply with this Rule after the waiting period will result in game forfeited by the offending team.  If both teams fail to comply with this Rule, both teams will forfeit their points.  In the event a game is not started at the appointed time, the teams with the consent of the officials may agree to play a friendly game but its result will not be official.

(b)  Scheduled games shall only be postponed or rescheduled by the Board of Directors.

3.4    Adverse Weather or Field Conditions.

The Referee shall have the authority to determine whether a game is playable or not in the event of adverse weather or adverse field condition. In the event a game is called off, the referee shall notify the Board of Directors as soon as possible. If a game has to be cancelled after the completion of the first half the result at the time of the cancellation will count as the final result. If a game is cancelled before the completion of the first halve the game will be rescheduled.

3.5    Non-Appearance of Referees.

(a)  If the Referee designated to officiate a game fails to appear, the managers or coaches of the competing teams may agree upon another person to referee the game. Such person need not to be a State-registered Referee.

(b)  Upon completion of the game, the Home Team shall furnish the Arbitration Chairman with the official roster for each team and a report of the Referee’s non-appearance, as well as the name of the substitute Referee within 24 hours from completion of the game.

(c)  A game played with an agreed substitute Referee shall be considered official in all respects.

(d)  If the teams cannot agree upon a substitute Referee, the game shall be cancelled, and such fact shall be reported by the Home Team to the Board of Directors, who shall reschedule the game.

3.6    Team Roster Forms.

(a)  All players participating in game play shall have their names and player numbers printed or typed on the official roster.

(b)  Rosters must be presented to the assigned referee before the game. Random roster checks may be performed by the official or any league official at any time.

(c)  No player number shall be alike on any given team.

 (c)  If it is discovered that a players roster information has been falsified in any way (incorrect DOB, incorrect name, incorrect picture) or a player attempts to play by giving false information the Board of Directors has the authority to suspend such player for a minimum of one year and up to ten years. The coach / manager responsible for the team, whether knowledgeable or not shall be fined with $ 50. Any previous games played in the season in which the illegal player was involved will be forfeited by the offensive team.

3.6    Uniforms.

(a)  All players shall appear in clean uniforms at all games. A referee may prohibit a player from participating in a game if, in his opinion, the dress of the player may lead to errors in team identification.

(b)   If the uniform colors of competing teams are the same or so nearly the same as to cause difficulty in identification, the designated home team must change uniforms or provide a means of team differentiation satisfactory to the Referee.

(c)  The goalkeeper must have a contrasting uniform to his teammates and to the opposing team.

3.10    Substitutes.

(a)  An unlimited number of substitutes shall be allowed during any League game.

(b)  Substituting players shall only access the field from the midfield line.

(c)  No substitutions shall be made for a player ejected from the field by the Referee.

(d) A player that has been ejected from the field, by the referee shall leave the field immediately, or if the player wants to stay and watch the game, must take off the uniform. Failure to comply with this rule will cause the player to be escorted out of the park by the appropriate authorities.

(e) A player that has been ejected from the field by the referee will not be allowed to come back in the game. Failure to comply with this Rule will forfeit the game for the offending team.

3.11 Half-Time Period.

The half-time period for all League games shall be of 2 minutes duration. The time period may, however be shortened by the Referee if the start of the game was delayed, or other reasons make necessary. The Referee must, however, provide a half-time of at least 2minutes if any of the competing managers or coaches so request.

3.12 Game Duration.

League games shall be of 60 minutes duration, consisting of two equal halves, of 30 minutes each. In the event that the start of the game is delayed for some reason, the referee must take off time from the first half to compensate for the time wasted.

3.13 Game Results.

(a) Referee’s report on the game’s result shall be considered final and may not be modified at any time by any of the members of the Board of Directors. The captain of each team is required at the end of the game to confirm game information (final score, yellow and red cards, goal scorers) with the referee.

 

 

Goalkeepers (when picking up the ball or a goal kick), at no time, can propel the ball over the halfway line in the air. A violation will lead to an indirect free kick, where the ball crossed the line. The ball may bounce or roll across the halfway line.

 4.2 If a player intentionally directs the ball back to the keeper, he can not pick up the ball. A violation will result in a indirect free kick from the origin of the pass. If the violation occurred in the penalty box the ball will be placed at the top of the box for the indirect free kick.

4.3 Among other infringements, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offenses:

-          Takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession.

-          Touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player.

-          Touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate.

 

A yellow card foul will result in a 3 minute penalty time out of the game for the player (including goal keepers). The team will play a man down for the 3 minutes. The Player will stand at Midfield and be allowed back in by the Referee. The score of a goal by either team will not shorten the penalty time. A Second yellow card for the same player will result in a Red card and ejection from the game with the team playing a man down for the duration. A red card results in the ejection from the game and a suspension for a number of games determined by the Board of the Directors depending on the incident.

 

4.6  NO OFFSIDES!!

  

5.1   Protests and Claims.

(a) Protests. All protests arising from infringements of the game rules shall be presented in writing to the Board of Directors and shall set forth in detail of the factual basis for the protest. The protest must be presented within 48 hours after the game. A protest arising prior to the start of the game shall be submitted in writing on the bottom of the roster, by the referee and the coach or manager of the team prior to the start of play. No fee is required in such case.

(b) Improper Filing of Claims, etc. Claims, protests or appeals, which are not filed in accordance with the procedure set forth here in shall be subject to dismissal by the Board of Directors.

(c) Hearings. Upon receipt of a protest, claim, appeal or notice of infraction, the Board shall convene to determine the merits and factual basis of the same and shall enter an appropriate disposition thereof. Notice of the hearing shall be given to all parties concerned to afford a reasonable opportunity to present their position.

(d) Attendance at Hearings. If a concerned team is not present at the hearing, the Board may consider the case and dispose of the same. Teams members who are summoned by the Board of Directors to appear at a hearing for purposes of giving evidence as, to issues involved, but who fail to appear, shall be subject to a fine of $10 unless a written request for an adjournment is presented in writing and granted. Referees who are requested to appear, but who fail to do so shall be reported to the Referee Assignor.

5.2   Board of Directors

(a) Jurisdiction. The Board of Directors shall have a jurisdiction over all protests, claims, and infractions. It shall have full power to penalize players and teams by means of warnings, fines and temporary or permanent suspension from the league.

 (c) Meetings. The Board of Directors shall hold meetings at the direction of the President and if necessary during the season.

 (d) Notification of Meetings. Team representatives will be informed by Email (if provided) but shall also find out on their own time, through the internet, about the time and place for each meeting. These will be posted on the Internet, at least one week before the meeting’s date.

5.3   Specific Infractions.

(a) Ineligible Players. A team who permits an ineligible player to participate in a game shall be penalized with loss of points for the game involved and subject to a fine of $ 50 for each ineligible player. A player who signs a form for another team during the current season without first obtaining a release from the first team shall be suspended for one (1) year and be reported.

(b) Rough Play. A player, who has been ordered off the field by the Referee for continued rough play (red card), shall be suspended for at least 2 games and the player’s team shall be subject to a $20.00 fine. The player will be marked as suspended on the roster until completion of the suspension and payment of fine.

(c) Insult of Opposing Players. A player who has been ordered off the field (red card) for insulting opposing players or using violent conduct or using abusive language shall be suspended for at least two (2) games and the player’s team shall be subject to a fine of$20.00. The player will be marked as suspended on the roster until completion of the suspension and payment of fine.

 (d) Racial Insults to Opposing Players. A player who insults an opposing player or the referee with racial remarks and/or discriminatory language shall be suspended for at least six (6) games, and the player’s team shall be subject to a $50.00 fine. On the second fault of this same nature from the same player, he will be expelled from the league, and may not return ever again.

(e) Insulting a Referee or Dissent. A player who has been ejected off the field (red card) for insulting a Referee or persistently harassing a referee shall be suspended for at least two (2) games, and the player’s team shall be subject to a $ 20 fine. The player will be marked as suspended on the roster until completion of the suspension and payment of fine. In the second offense of this nature within the same season, the player shall be suspended for a period of six (6) games and his team shall be fined $ 50. On any further offenses of this nature, regardless of the season in which it occurs, the player shall be suspended indefinitely. Such player will not be able to come back and participate in any league’s team unless paying a bond of a dollar amount established by the Board of Directors.

(f) Assault of Opponent. A player who has been ejected for assaulting an opponent before, during, or after a game shall be suspended for at least six (6) games and his team shall be subject to a fine of $ 50 in the first instance. In the second offense of this nature, the player shall be suspended indefinitely. Such player will not be able to return and participate in any league’s team unless paying a bond of a dollar amount established by the Board of Directors.

(g) Assaulting a Referee or Assistant Referee. A player who has been ejected for assaulting or attempting to assault the Referee or Assistant Referees before, during, or after a game shall be reported to FSSA and will be prosecuted by this institution according to their laws.

Fl. Stat. § 784. 081

Assault or battery against a sports official actively participating in an athletic contest or immediately after and the actor knows or has reason to know the victim’s identity, position, or employment

When the underlying crime is:

• Aggravated battery: 1st degree felony—up to 30 years in prison, up to $ 10,000 fine, or both

• Aggravated assault: 2nd degree felony—up to 15 years in prison, up to $ 10,000 fine, or both

• Battery: 3rd degree felony—up to five years in prison, up to $ 5,000 fine, or both

• Assault: 1st degree misdemeanor—up to one year in prison, up to $ 1,000 fine, or both

Referee, umpire, linesman, or similar official known by another title, registered or a member of a local, state, regional, or national organization that educates and trains sports officials

 

(h) Player Cautions. A player who has been cautioned (yellow carded) on three (3) separate occasions shall be suspended for one (1) game.

(i) Non-Appearance for Games. A team failing to play a scheduled League game shall be penalized with loss of points. The game will be assessed with a score of 3-0 for the present team.

(j) Breaking Off of Games. If a team breaks off a game without permission of the Referee or causes a disturbance, which results in the breaking off of a game, the team in question shall be penalized with forfeit of the game and loss of points (0-3 or result at the time if higher), and shall be subject to a fine of up to $50. The team shall also be subject to suspension for an additional League game. Any player or team official responsible for breaking off a game shall be subject to suspension or the appropriate sanction.

(k) Forfeited Games. If a League game is forfeited to the opponent without play, or the referees order a forfeit, the opponent shall be credited with the regulated amount of points and a score of 3-0. No game shall be played using assigned referees if either team does not present official game rosters.

(l) Encroachment (Trespass). Coaches or Team Managers who encroach/trespass onto the playing field during a game shall be fined $20 and be asked to leave the premises.

(m) Harassment Coaches or Team Managers who harass or insult the referees shall be fined $50 and be asked to leave the premises. If this behavior continues, such individual will be suspended from the League, for a time determined by the Board of Directors.

5.4        Player Conduct:

Absolutely no foul language, arguing, fighting, taunting or aggressive play. No slide tackling from the side or back. This is a recreational league for FUN! Every player is expected to respect each other and the referees and conduct them selves with dignity. Lauderdale United Soccer Club reserves the right to expel any player or team for BAD BEHAVIOR. 

 

 

 

 

Herewith I …………………… assigned as the captain / manager of the team ………………… confirm that I have read and shared the information with my team. We come into agreement with the above rules and regulations of the Lauderdale United Soccer League.

 

 

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