QSL Official Playing Rules

RULE #1 - THE FIELD OF PLAY

1.1 Size - The Quinsippi Soccer League uses the Paul Dennis Soccer
Complex and various fields throughout the city of Quincy in conjunction with
the Quincy Park District. Although the location of these fields may vary
from year to year, they generally conform to the following sizes: Beginner -
45 yards wide by 65 yards long; Atom/Bantam - 55 yards wide by 85 yards
long; Crusader/Intermediate - 65 yards wide by 110 yards long.

1.2 Lining - The Quinsippi Soccer League has responsibility for the
lining of the fields and team areas. When markings become obscured by the
elements, the markings shall be assumed to be present and decisions shall be
rendered by the referees to the best of their ability to interpret original
positions of the markings.

1.3 Markers & Nets - The league will supply each field with four
corner flags and two nets.

1.4 Goals - Goal posts are erected on each field and will generally
conform to the following sizes: Beginner - 5 feet high by 10 feet across;
Intermediate - 7 feet high by 21 feet across; Senior - 7 1/2 feet high by 24
feet across.

1.5 Maintenance - The Quinsippi Soccer League is responsible for the
general maintenance of the fields, any contractual agreements for
maintenance, and performs such tasks as grass cutting, filling holes, etc.

1.6 Team & Coaching Areas - The team and coaching area extends 3
yards from each end of the bench. All coaches and players shall confine
themselves to these areas.


RULE #2 - THE BALL

2.1 Responsibility - The Quinsippi Soccer League does not supply
balls for league games. Each team is expected to have at least one ball
suitable for use in a game. The official will determine which ball is most
suitable in terms of amount of air, etc., from those available and will
select the game ball.

2.2 Composition - Game balls should preferable be leather or other
similar weather-resistant material. Rubber balls are not recommended for
league games.

2.3 Size - Balls for use in league play should conform to the
following sizes: Grades 1 through 6 use a Size 4 ball; Grades 7 through 9
use a Size 5 ball.

2.4 Deflated Ball - If the game ball becomes deflated during play,
it is declared dead where it was last played and the game is resumed by a
drop ball between any two players of the opposing teams at the spot outside
the penalty area nearest to where the ball deflated.


RULE #3 - THE PLAYERS & SUBSTITUTIONS

3.1 Roster - Quinsippi Soccer League rosters provide space for 16 players on
a team. This is the league's recommended team size for all divisions except
Beginners. A team may, however, carry as many as 18 players or as few as 14
players. Exceptions to this must be cleared with the Division Coordinator.
All players must be listed on the official roster, have signed a release
form and have paid all fees before being eligible to play.

3.2 Grade - Players will participate on teams according to the
following grade classifications:

Beginners..................................Players in 1st grade (No players
younger than 1st grade)

...................................Players in 2nd grade

...................................Players in 3rd grade

Intermediate.............................Players in 4th, 5th and 6th grade

Senior........................................Players in 7th, 8th and 9th
grade

An exception to these classifications can be made if a child is
promoted a grade. The player, at the parent's discretion, has the option of
remaining with his/her original team or moving up into a higher division.
This is a one time move, and once moved up, the player cannot move back. All
moves must be reviewed by the Division Coordinator and approved by the
Board.

3.3 New Players - No new players may be added to a roster after 51%
of the team's games have been played. Exceptions to this must be cleared
with the Division Coordinator. No player can play on a high school team and
QSL team in the same fall.

3.4 Playing Up - Players may play up no more than one grade. Once a
player participates in a higher division, he/she may not drop down to a
lower one. At the end of the 8th grade for boys /9th grade for girls, a
player who has played up has the option of playing the following year by
being placed by the Division Coordinator, pending availability of a roster
spot.

3.5 Coaching Change - No coach may hand his/her team over to another
coach at the end of a season except to the Assistant Coach as listed on the
official roster. If the assistant does not take over the team, all team
members become the property of the league. At that time it will be the
league's responsibility to appoint a coach (or place the players on other
teams if there is not a full team).

3.6 Release - No player may be released from a team without the
approval of the QSL Board. Upon gaining QSL Board approval, the player's
name will be referred to the Division Coordinator for placement pending
availability of team openings.

3.7 Transfer of Players - A player may only register and play on one
team in the league. Should a player desire to transfer from one team to
another, he/she must notify the Division Coordinator in writing. The
Division Coordinator will notify the original coach of the transfer request
and present the request to the QSL Board for consideration. Transfers will
be given under unusual circumstances and not at the whim of the player or as
a result of recruiting. If a player is granted a transfer by the QSL Board,
he/she will be placed on another team subject to the needs of the teams in
the division. ALL TRANSFER REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD BY AUGUST
1ST. Any player who decides to sit out a season can return to league play
only by contacting the appropriate Division Coordinator and by being placed
subject to the needs of the teams in the division.

3.8 New Players - No team may add new players to its roster. All new players
must be placed on a team by the Division Coordinator.

3.9 Eligibility - Players must be eligible for the grade bracket in
which they play. It is the responsibility of the coach to verify the grade
level of his/her players. Ineligible players will result in the forfeit of
all games played while the ineligible player was on the official team
roster.

3.10 Number of Players - The actual game is played with 11 players
on each team (except Beginners). Each team shall designate a team captain
for each game. A game shall not be started with fewer than 9 players on each
team. A team must have 9 players present at the time the game has been
scheduled to start or when the official indicates the game will start if it
is after the scheduled time. The official's watch is the official time.
After the game is started it cannot be continued with fewer than 8 players
on a team. If a team has fewer than 8 eligible players, the game shall be
forfeited.

3.11 Coin Toss - Prior to the game, the home team shall be
determined by a toss of a coin. The official shall toss the coin and one of
the two opposing captains shall call heads or tails. The home team has first
choice of the goal they wish to defend. The opposing team gets possession of
the ball.

3.12 Possession of Ball - Possession of the ball is alternated
between the teams at the start of each period. Teams shall exchange ends of
the field at the end of each half.

3.13 Substitution Procedure - To substitute, a coach should raise
his/her arm and shout "SUBSTITUTION" to the official. No substitute should
enter onto the field until the official has recognized the coach's request
and beckoned the substitute onto the field.

3.14 When To Substitute - Either team may substitute any number of
players:

A. When the ball has gone over either end line (goal kick)

B. When it is between periods

C. When a goal has been scored

D. When a team has possession of the ball for a throw-in then only that team
may substitute.

3.15 Caution - When a player is cautioned (yellow card), that player
must be substituted for. All yellow cards issued in a game must be reported
to the League by the referee (by filling out the game summary card). The QSL
Board will review yellow cards and may suspend a coach or player after
accumulating two or more yellow cards.

3.16 Disqualification - When a coach or player has been disqualified
(issued a red card) and removed from the game, the following must happen:



Player:

1) The disqualified player may not be replaced by a substitute. The
team must play a player short for the remainder of the game (i.e. If two
players are disqualified from the same team then the team must play 2
players short, etc.)

2) A player disqualification will be reported immediately after the game by
the game referee to the Referee Coordinator. The referee and the Referee
Coordinator will each prepare a written statement to be given to the League
Commissioner.

3) The League Commissioner will then present the situation to the
QSL Board for further action.

4) The disqualified player will not be allowed to participate in any
games until the disqualification is reviewed by the QSL Board. The Board may
assess a penalty of a game suspension or more if the situation warrants such
action.


Coach:

1) A Coach who is disqualified must leave the field and turn his/her
team over to his/her Assistant Coach or a responsible parent. The
disqualified Coach must leave the complex. Failure to do so will result in
the forfeit of the game and possible further disciplinary action.

2) A Coach disqualification will be reported immediately after the
game by the game referee to the Referee Coordinator. The referee and the
Referee Coordinator will each prepare a written statement to be given to the
League Commissioner.

3) The League Commissioner will then present the situation to the
QSL Board for further action.

4) The disqualified Coach will not be allowed to participate in any
games until the disqualification is reviewed by the QSL Board. The Board may
assess a penalty of a game suspension or more if the situation warrants such
action.

3.17 Injury - A player who is injured may be replaced. The opposing
team may substitute a like number. In the event of an injury , the coach
should attempt to call it to the attention of the official who should stop
play immediately. The official will then call the coach onto the field to
attend to the injured player only.

3.18 Access to Field - Other than for injuries, coaches, fans,
substitutes, or others are not to enter onto the field of play without
permission from the official.

3.19 Exceptions - Because of the instructional nature of the
Beginners Division, the Division Coordinator may prepare a set of rule
exceptions for that division. These exceptions must be approved by the QSL
Board.


RULE #4 - PLAYER EQUIPMENT

4.1 Sponsors - The Quinsippi Soccer League provides t-shirts for
Beginners Division [boys and girls 1st & 2nd grade]. 3rd through 9th grade
teams are expected to secure sponsors from among local businesses,
industries, clubs, etc. The sponsor must pay the designated Sponsor Fee to
the league and should provide the team with uniforms. What the sponsor does
provide is entirely up to the coach and the sponsor.

4.2 Jerseys - All players on a team are to have jerseys of the same
color. Large numbers must be placed on the back of the jersey to assist the
official in recognizing players. Sponsor names should appear on the front of
the jersey. In the event that two opposing teams have similar jerseys, some
method of distinguishing between the teams should be employed. Vests are
provided by the league for this purpose and will be used at the discretion
of the official. Before selecting uniforms, coaches are urged to contact
their Division Coordinator about colors to avoid duplication.

4.3 Goalkeeper - The goalkeeper must wear a shirt that is different
in color from those being worn by either of the two teams playing.

4.4 Optional - If desired, teams may also secure matching shorts and
socks. Players are also to wear suitable shoes. Older male players are
encouraged to wear a supporter and protective cup.

4.5 Protective Clothing - In the event of cold or inclement weather,
players may wear sweat suits or other protective covering. Such must be worn
under the uniform.

4.6 Shoes - Shoes that contain cleats must have rubber, nylon, or
plastic cleats. Metal or metal-tipped cleats are illegal. Cleats should be
no more than 1/2 inch long and should be at least 1/2 inch in diameter at
the tip. The official may inspect player shoes at the beginning of the game
and may ask a player to change shoes if he/she feels they are dangerous.

4.7 Jewelry - No player will wear any item that may be dangerous to
themselves or other players. This will include watches, rings, necklaces,
bracelets, earrings, or other jewelry during a game. Officials will tell
players to remove certain items if they are considered potentially
dangerous. Other decisions regarding casts, etc., will be made by the
official.

4.8 Shin Guards - All players are required to wear shin guards in
all league games.


RULE #5 - THE OFFICIALS

5.1 Authority - The Quinsippi Soccer League provides referees for
each league game. The referees have complete authority over the game and
shall enforce the rules. The referees will decide disputes and their
decisions on points of fact are final. The authority of the referee shall
begin when he/she enters the field of play. During the game the referee is
in complete charge. His/her duties include signaling fouls or verbally
calling the fouls and infractions. The referee is also the official
timekeeper of each game.

5.2 Number - Referees will be provided for league games in the
following numbers:

Beginner Division - Grades 1 & 2 0 Referee

Beginner Division - Grade 3 1 or 2 Referees

Intermediate Division - Grades 4, 5 & 6 1 - 3 Referees

Senior Division - Grades 7, 8 & 9 1 - 3 Referees

5.3 Fees - Referees will be paid at a specified fee per game. In the event
of a forfeit, referees will still be paid for the game. If a forfeit occurs
and the teams wish to play a 30 minute practice game, the referee should
officiate the practice game. The amount of the fee shall be decided
annually. In the Intermediate and Senior Divisions, where two officials are
assigned to a game and if only one is present to work the game, he/she shall
receive 1 1/2 times the regular game fee.

5.4 Duties - Before the game the referee shall inspect the field and
player equipment. He/She shall also select the game ball and inform the team
captains and coaches of any special rules he/she wishes to emphasize.

5.5 Rule Interpretation - Referees shall enforce the rules of the
Quinsippi Soccer League as they are stated. It should be noted, however,
that the league is composed of young players and volunteer coaches. In many
cases, both players and coaches are not greatly familiar with the rules.
Referees are urged to make sure that players and coaches know what the
infraction was and where necessary should give an explanation of the rule to
the coach or player.

5.6 Yellow/Caution - In the event of unsportsmanlike conduct which
results in a caution, the referee will hold a yellow card up to the player
or coach as a signal that the individual has been officially cautioned the
next caution shall result in disqualification. The coach must always be
notified as to why the caution was given.

5.7 Red/Disqualification - In the event of unsportsmanlike conduct
that results in disqualification, the referee will hold a red card up to the
player or coach as a signal that the individual has been disqualified. The
coach must always be notified as to why the disqualification occurred. Any
player or coach who is issued a red card must leave the complex before play
is resumed, or a forfeit can result. A player who has been disqualified
shall not be allowed to re-enter the game and the team may not replace the
individual and will have to play one player short. A coach who has been
disqualified must turn his/her team over to the Assistant Coach or a
responsible parent. He/She must leave the complex. Failure to do so will
result in the forfeit of the game and possible further discipline.

5.8 Suspension of Game - The referee has the power to stop or
suspend a league game because of inclement weather or field conditions. This
decision is generally made if the referee feels that the continuation of the
game is potentially dangerous to the players.

5.9 Scorecard - The referee is also the official scorekeeper of
league games. After the game he/she shall fill out the Quinsippi Soccer
League official scorecard. The scorecard must be signed by the referee and
by the two coaches.


RULE #6 - ASSISTANTS TO THE REFEREE

6.1 Team Responsibility - Each team is responsible for supplying one
assistant for a Quinsippi Soccer League game where only one official is
present. Both assistants must be approved by the official.

6.2 Judge Responsibility - The two assistants will be positioned on
opposite sides of the field and are responsible for helping the referee with
balls out of play over the side line. When the ball goes completely over the
side line, the assistant should raise his/her hand (flag) to signal the
official.

6.3 Referee Discretion - The referee can disregard the call of the
assistant and change it if he/she feels the call was incorrect.

6.4 Instruction - Prior to each game, the official will meet with
the assistants to explain their responsibilities.


RULE #7 - DURATION OF GAME, LENGTH OF PERIODS

7.1 Time Regulations - Quinsippi Soccer League games conform to the
following playing time regulations:

Beginners Division - 1st Grade Four 10 minute quarters

Beginners Division - 2nd/3rd Grade Four 12 minute quarters

Intermediate Division - 4th/5th/6th Grade Four 15 minute quarters

Senior Division- 7th/8th/9th Grade Two 30 minute halves

7.2 Complete Game - In the event a game must be stopped because of
conditions which make it impossible to continue, such as weather, darkness,
etc., the referee shall declare it an official game if half of the game has
been played. If less than half of the game has been played it will be
rescheduled.

7.3 Penalty Kick - A period shall be extended to permit a penalty
kick to be taken.

7.4 Half/Quarter - Games played shall have a five minute interval
between halves. If the quarter system is being used, two minute intervals
will be allowed after the first and third quarters.

7.5 Time Stoppage - Time runs continuously in Quinsippi Soccer
League games and is only stopped for a severe injury and when the referee
calls time out. The referee should note that undo loss of playing time
because of the above situation and make provision for additional playing
time.

The Quinsippi Soccer League plays by those rules as outlined in the United
States Youth Soccer Association Rule Book.