O-30,40,50 Rules

INTRODUCTION
A. The main goal of these leagues is for the players to enjoy the game of soccer.  While some may play with more enthusiasm and a stronger desire to win than others, all players should realize that while the entry level for these leagues is thirty and forty, many will be well above that age.  Common sense should play a major role in each players attitude towards officials, opponents, and their teammates.  In short, "PLEASE TAKE IT EASY."

B. All teams will be registered with PA West.

C. Every player will have a validated player pass and must present his pass personally to the referee at game time  (coaches will pass cards out before each game and pick up from ref after).  NO ROSTER OR NO PLAYER PASS NO PLAY!!!  NO EXCEPTIONS.

DRESS CODE
A. All players must have matching jerseys, wear boxer type shorts, socks, shin guards and shoes in accordance with FIFA.

B. Goalkeepers must wear a shirt contrasting  (from their and the other team colors), and may wear long pants.

C. All players must wear shinguards  (NO EXCEPTIONS).

D. Permission to wear jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, and bracelets is strictly the referee's decision.

E. Braces or supports must either be soft or covered with soft material so there is no exposed hard surfaces that could injure players.

F. The referee will have the final decision regarding what may be worn by any player before he may participate in the game.  Referee decisions are final.

RULES OF PLAY
A. Games are played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the game except for the following league rules:

1. Length of game shall be four twenty minute quarters with five minute intervals between quarters.  If both coaches agree the teams can play two forty minute halves with a five minute halftime.  If the ref is being assessed during the game please accommodate him by playing two forty minute halves. 
2. NO SLIDE TACKLES will be permitted.  All slide tackles  (including those by goalkeepers) will be called dangerous plays and indirect free kicks will be awarded.  Continued use of slide tackles are cardable offenses.
3. Players are to be extra careful and avoid running into goalies as they are extra vulnerable.  If the goalie has one finger on the ball that is to be considered possession and called as such.
4. Teams will change sides at half time.
5. In the event of a draw there will be no overtime.  The game will be recorded as a tie  (play-offs will have their own set of rules).
6. Substitutions:
a) Unlimited substitution is permitted at the following times:

1) Prior to throw-in in your favor.
2) Prior to a goalkick by either team.
3) After a goal by either team.
4) Between quarters and at half-time.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
A. There shall be a Disciplinary Board made up of one representative from each team plus the league commissioner  (minimum of 3 per hearing).  In all matters that come before this board, their decisions shall be binding and final.

B. A redcarded player  (ejection)  will not finish the game or play the next scheduled game.  A player receiving three red cards in one season in either or both leagues combined shall not be permitted to play any remaining games that season including playoffs.

C. Any player receiving two red cards or four cards  (yellow or red) during a league season  (Fall, Spring & Summer), shall not play again in that season until reviewed by the Disciplinary Board as to why he should be allowed to continue in the league.

D. Coaches/Managers are subject to the same penalties as a player with regards to ejections and cautions.

E. Any players, coaches, managers ejected  (redcarded) from a game for fighting  (even if this is their first ejection)  shall be suspended for three games including the remainder of the game in which the offense was committed.

F. All disciplinary procedures carry on to consecutive League Seasons.

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES 7 PRE-GAME PROCEDURE 
A. Present a validated roster and line-up card to the referee.

B. Hand out player passes to each player for presentation to referee.

C. Have all players dressed and ready to start playing at scheduled game time.  If a game has not started within fifteen minutes of the starting time due to the actions  (or no show) of either team, the game shall be considered abandoned and the commissioner will rule on the outcome.  Each team must have at least seven players ready to start in order for the game to be valid.

AFTER GAME PROCEDURE
A. All disciplinary reports  (red/yellow cards) as well as any other necessary reports and player cards will be sent to PA West at 855 MacBeth Drive, Suite 2, Monroeville, PA  15146.

GENERAL RULES
A. If a team is more than fifteen minutes late or cannot field the mandatory seven players it will forfeit the game  (3-0 loss).  It then can scrimmage the other team by getting some other team players or some other carded players to play with them.  Under no condition is a non carded player to play in one of these games.

B. Any team that because of injury or cards gets down to less than seven players can finish the period they are in but cannot begin the next period without the legitimate minimum of seven players.

C. The home team forfeits any game for which it does not provide an acceptable field to play on, or any game for which it does not assign three  (one must be adult) referees.

D. In regards to rules A & C above, the offending team will forward to the other team the referee 
plus assigning fees  ($85 + $10) regardless of whose scheduled home game it was.

E. Any new player must be registered in time to play the last two regular season games before becoming eligible to play in league playoffs.

F. Any player receiving two red cards or four cards  (yellow or red) during a league season  (Fall, Spring & Summer), shall not play again in that season  (including playoffs) until reviewed by the Disciplinary Board  (in open hearing) as to why he should be allowed to continue in the league.

G. A game is considered complete if the first half is completed  (weather related).

H. Any team willfully abandoning a game for whatever reason, is abandoning their season and will not be eligible to rejoin the leagues without posting a $340 bond  (4 ref fees for 4 games). 

I. A game may be considered forfeit if there are not three referees present at the start of the game.  The league sanctions only the three referee system and at least one of the referees must be an adult.