Existing Disciplinary Sanctions

For the WGPSL, PSSA, PSMSL and PMSL leagues we need to have specified sanctions for each type of offense.  We will continue to impose the existing sanctions for all yellow card and red card offenses.  The committee will continue to look into additional sanctions and the effectiveness of any agreed sanctions.  Red card incidents involving conduct or threats of violent conduct against any player or referee will carry additional sanctions.

Approved Disciplinary Sanctions of Violent Conduct

Additional and specific sanctions must be imposed for incidents of violent conduct.  These sanctions must be targeted appropriately at the individual offending player or at teams in the event of a large incident or brawl or in the event of repeated incidents by the same team.

Player sanctions - For a red card incident involving violent conduct before, during or after a game the player involved will be suspended for the remainder of the game and 2 further games and fined $50.00.  The player’s card will not be returned until he has paid the fine, which is to be collected by his team.  The fine will be deducted from the teams performance bond if the fine remains unpaid at the end of the season.
Repeated incidents by the same player during the same year  (Fall, Summer & Spring sessions) will result in a $100.00 fine on the player and suspension for 4 games with a mandatory disciplinary hearing at which additional sanctions may be imposed including a temporary or permanent suspension from the league.
Team sanctions - If two or more players from the same team are involved in a single violent conduct incident in the same game then the team will be fined $100.00 in addition to fines and suspensions imposed on the individual players involved.  The team fine will be paid from the teams performance bond.
Repeated offenses by the same team will result in additional sanctions.  If a team is involved in 3 or more separate violent conduct incidents in the same season  (Fall, Summer & Spring) then the team will be fined $100.00 in addition to fines and suspensions imposed on the individual players involved.  There will also be a mandatory disciplinary hearing for the team and possible additional sanctions including additional fines, deduction or cancellation of points or temporary or permanent suspension from the leagues.  The team fine will be paid from the teams performance bond.

[Updated 9/20/00]

TO THE REFEREES
The Pittsburgh Over 30/40/50 Soccer Leagues were established in the hopes of giving the recreational type player as well as the more established one a chance to play in a relaxed atmosphere  (not blood and guts).  It is important that each club gets to its players with this non-aggressive philosophy.  Standings though kept, should not be the only reason for the games.  PLAY FOR THE FUN OF PLAYING.  To this end the league has altered some FIFA rules so as to make the game a little less argumentative, aggressive or violent.  To enforce this philosophy I will require the cooperation of all the referees working the games.  In case of indecision please err on the side of safety and call a tighter game if needed.  In line with this approach, dissent will not be tolerated.  The refs are asked to enforce the no dissent rule by use of first verbal warning and then yellow and red bookings. 

All FIFA & PA WEST rules will apply except where the League has altered them  (as in the no slide tackle or the 20 minute quarters).  Refs please remember that if you keep close control of the game with early cardings the games will get easier in the long run.  Also remember that no dissent is tolerated in these leagues.

In line with PA WEST rules the NO CARD or NO LINE-UP or NO ROSTER-NO PLAY will be strictly enforced.  The only exception to this rule is in the Over 50/s where any player registered in the O/50 League can play on any O/50 team.

If a team is short of the minimum players and wants to play pick-up the refs are at that point discharged.  If they ref the rest of the game it’s at their own risk.  If a tem is playing with seven players and one is required to leave the pitch  (injury or caution), the play may continue till the end of that period.  The next period may not commence without the minimum of seven players on the field.

The referees must be paid before the start of every game.  Referees are also requested to be more protective of the goalies.  To this end if the goalie has the ball stopped even if only one finger  (this is called possession in our league), please keep all players off him.  Again, err on the side of safety.  Use cards if necessary to enforce this.

Slide tackles are automatic dangerous plays  (including those done by goalkeepers) and will be called as such  (indirect kick).  As with any other persistent infringements of the laws, players should be carded for continuing the use of slide tackles.

Games are made up of four twenty minute quarters with five minutes rest between the, however if both teams agree two forty minute halves can be played.  Unlimited substitutions as per PA West rules:  goal kicks, your own throw-ins, after goals or on injured  (for injured players only).  Any player may leave the playing field without referee permission  (injury or tiredness) however neither he nor a replacement is allowed entry until the ref gives permission.  When a player receives a yellow card he must leave the pitch for a cool-off period  (he can be substituted for), until the next time his team can substitute.

The refs will report all bookings  (yellow and red cards) as well as any injuries or any other pertinent information to the PA West office at 855 MacBeth Dr., Pgh., PA  15146.  All reports and player cards will also be sent there.  Please be very careful in reporting any accidents at the same time.  Please also pull the cards of ejected players and forward with the rest of the materials to PA West. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION
Steve R. Beckmann
421-1880, Soccerstev@aol.com
PSL (O/30) PMSL(O/40) PSMSL (O/50) COMMISSIONER
4205 Murray Ave., Pgh, PA  15217

GREATER PITTSBURGH SOCCER LEAGUE

1. FIFA laws will be followed in all matches with the exception of the substitution rule discussed in rule 18.

2. All teams must submit at the time of their registration the following:

A. Official Player Pass with the picture for each player.
B. Official GPSL twenty-four  (24) man roster with jersey numbers and required information for all players.

3. A player may transfer from one team to another by his own choice  (one transfer per player per session).  There is a three  (3) day ineligibility period from date of registration with the GPSL for new or transferred players.

4. A minimum of seven players constitutes a team for a regularly scheduled match to begin.  No exchange of opposing team players or non league players is permitted in any league match.  If a team drops below seven players during the match due to injury or player ejection, the match ends and a forfeit is charged against that team.

5. The managers of each team will submit their official GPSL roster and two  (2) lineup cards with a maximum of 18 registered players for a game to the referee prior to the commencement of the game.  These 18 players must be listed on the official GPSL 24 man roster.  Player passes are to be given to the referee at this time.  Also, NO PLAYER PASS – NO PLAY.  Failure to do so results in a fame forfeit.  After the match, the referee sends a lineup card from each team to the league manager within 24 hours of the game along with the player’s pass of any player ejected from the match.  The remaining cards are returned to the respective teams.  Only the team captain may speak to the referee during the game. 

6. All games shall start promptly as scheduled.  Failure of a team to start within ½ hour from the scheduled time results in a fine of $5.00 to the league, $10.00 to the other team, and forfeiture.  The game can be played if the teams and referees agree.  If both teams have the required seven players, the referee will start play.  Council decides if the above penalties shall be enforced.

7. The home team shall furnish two  (2) game balls subject to the approval of the referee.

8. The home team must prepare the field according to FIFA Law i.e. dimensions, markings, goals, and corner flags.

9. No team is permitted to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any league match unless the opposing team agrees.  Violations shall result in a $15.00 fine and a forfeit against the offending team.  THE OFFENDING TEAM SHALL PAY BOTH REFEREES.  Both teams involved in the rescheduled game must notify the League Manager and Referee Coodinator.  No league match shall be postponed indefinitely.  Both teams agreeing to a postponement must submit a makeup schedule at the time the postponement is requested, at least 48 hours prior to the original scheduled match or as soon as possible, if due to conditions beyond the control of the home team, the field is not available or in playable condition.  If a team requests postponement and the opponents do not agree, Council may award postponements but only in emergencies.  Council may also rule on fines to be levied.

The referee may postpone a match due to unsafe field conditions via his judgement.  In that case, the match will be rescheduled.  The referee may suspend a match due to inclement weather; however, if the game has progressed past the 55 minute mark, the score will stand as final.  The referee may, at his discretion, suspend a match due to team misconduct which would result in a forfeit  (violation by one team) or voiding of the match  (violation by both teams-match to be replayed).  Violators will be subject to a fine of $15.00 minimum per team.

10. FIGHTING AT ANY GPSL MATCH WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  THE GPSL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BAR ANY PLAYER OR COACH FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY OR ALL LEAGUE MATCHES.  Any player or team official participating in or causing a fight or riot shall be suspended for the remainder of the playing season  ( a minimum of five matches), and the team shall be fined a minimum of $25.00 after a timely hearing before Council with both coaches present.

PITTSBURGH O/30, O/40, & O/50 SOCCER RULES (Updated 9/20/00)
(PMSL, PSMSL & PSSA)

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.