Over 45 and Over 55 8v8 Divisions
League and Division PHILOSOPHY
The Weston Adult Soccer League (WAS) prides itself for providing a family oriented atmosphere in which adults have a place to enjoy soccer and their families can enjoy watching them play.
The Over 45 and Over 55 8v8 Divisions culture is one in which all players from the most to the least skilled players can enjoy the game whether they win or lose a game.
Friendship and camaraderie should be the primary objectives rather than the game victory.
Weston Regional Park soccer fields are the home fields for Weston Adult Soccer League (WAS). Tequesta and Vista Parks are used as alternate when needed and available
1) Over 45 and Over 55 Divisions Format:
The Over 45 and Over 55 Divisions use the 8v8 format. Eight (8) players a side. One (1) goalie and seven (7) field players.
2) Player Eligibility:
2.1 Players of all gender that are or will be 45 (or 55 in case of the Over 55 8v8 Division) years old before July 31st of the following year of the start of the season are eligible to play should they register during the registration period. The only exception to rule applies to goalies that can be 40 (50 for the Over 55 8v8 Division) years old.
2.2 Players of all gender that will turn 45 years old after January 1st of the following year of the start of the season are eligible to play once they do. The only exception to rule applies to goalies that can be 40 years old.
3) Field and playing time:
3.1 Field dimensions will be 40-55 yards (35-50 mts) wide by 60-70 yards (55-65 mts) length. Games must be played the entire width of a standard pitch unless Weekdays Rules apply.
3.2 The official goals size is 7’x21’. When necessary, due to field conditions it will be allowed to use smaller goals but never smaller than 6’x18’.
3.3 The official ball size is 5.
3.4 Uniforms will be included (as per season budgeted cost) in the registration fee and required to play. Cleats and shin guards (not provided) are required for Sunday’s games and Tuesdays and Thursdays pick-ups Program.
3.4.1 Teams have the right to purchase their own uniforms. In such case the invoice amount up o the allowable season amount will be refunded.
3.5 Games will be 90 minutes total, played in four (4) quarters. Five (5) minutes between halves.
3.6 If the scores are level after 90 minutes then the game will end as a draw apart from playoff, semifinals and final games where the game can go to extra time (two (2) ten (10’) minutes halves) and even a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
3.7 A player is considered he is registered on a Division corresponding to his age when there is not a Division above which the minimum age requirement he can fulfill.
- Over 35 Division: players between 35 and less than 45
- Over 45 Division: players between 45 and less than 55
- Over 55 Division: players 55 and older.
3.7.1 A player registered on the Division corresponding to his age, is entitled to play at least the equivalent of two (2) quarters of the game he is attending.
3.7.2 A player registered exclusively in a Division that does not correspond to his own age, will be entitled to play a minimum to equivalent of one (1) quarter as per captain’s decision.
3.7.3 A player having registered in two (2) Divisions (dual registration) including the Division corresponding to his age, will be entitled to play the equivalent of two (2) quarters in that Division and zero (0) quarters on the Division does not correspond to his age. It will be at captain’s discretion his time of play.
This is mandatory and will be enforced for the entire season including play-off, semifinal and final games. Failure to enforce the rule will result in suspension for two (2) games for the captain and co-captain following date of infraction and one (1) point deduction of the general and current leg standings.
Repeat offenders might result in removal of captaincy and longer suspensions to be determined by LDB.
3.8 Over 45 and Over 55 8v8 Divisions Games are to start promptly at 8:00 am and 9:45 am with four (4) quarters of 22.5 minutes each and a 2-minutes water breaks between quarters.
3.8.1 There will be a five (5) minute break for the half.
3.8.2 There will be a 5 minute break between games
3.8.3 The clock will start at the designated time whether the team(s) are ready or not.
If a team cannot start within ten (10) minutes of the designated time the game will be forfeited (a friendly game can be played with the players that are present and guest players can be added, however it will still be a forfeit for the team(s) that could not field enough players at time of kickoff.
3.9 Team must have a least 6 players to make game official. Only players officially in team roster are allowed to play with the only exceptions of goalies (See rules below). Requested goalies must be a registered adult league member in compliance with age and ranking restrictions. Player CANNOT play on the field.
3.10 A forfeited game before the start of game due to shortage of players by any team is a “0-7” loss and a deduction of one point (–1pts) from the Division’s general and current leg standings.
Neither goals nor assists will be assigned to a player.
3.11 When the number of players in a team falls definitely below six (6) (e.g. by players sent off with red cards, or by injured players with no substitutions left, or a combination of both), the match is forfeited.
Forfeiting team will be sanctioned with a 0–3 loss but the result on the pitch is upheld if the goal difference at the time of forfeit of the match was greater than three (3) goals. No points will be deducted. Goals and assists will be assigned to players for statistics.
3.12 Due to the availability of playing dates, games suspended/cancelled will be played the following week during Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Games scheduled at 8:00am will be played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Games scheduled at 9:45am will be played on Thursdays. “Weekdays Rules” will apply to these games.
4) Teams:
4.1 The number of teams to participate in the season depends upon the number of players registered.
4.2 If once the third (3rd) week of registration has concluded there are at least fourteen (14) additional players registered than previous season a new team might be created.
4.3 Teams will roster a minimum of fourteen (14) and a maximum of fifteen (15) players should team request for especial reinforcement player (see below).
5) Team Captain & Co-Captain:
5.1 Candidates to become captains must have played the previous year in the Division. Candidates must have 40% of captains supporting them in writing.
5.2 Candidates to become a co-captain must have played the previous year in the team and must have proved he fully endorses the Division’s Philosophy.
5.3 5.2.1 Candidates to become a co-captain for a new team must have played the previous year in the Division Candidates must have 40% of captains supporting them in writing.
5.4 Captains and sub-captains will have among their duties:
a) Manage team substitutions during games.
b) Attend captain meetings.
c) Provide in timely manner game summary reports. Reports are expected forty eight (48) hours after conclusion of game. Reports must include all information requested (goals, assists, attendance, referee name and evaluation, etc.)
d) Provide information as required from the LDB.
e) Participate as required by personally and/or directing team players in volunteer events.
5.5 There will be a minimum two (2) captains’ meeting every season, in July and January.
Captain (s) can be suspended or removed of their functions as captains by the League’s Commissioner if the action (s) of such captain (s) are deemed detrimental to the operation and spirit of the Division/League.
By accepting the captain and/or co-captain role players commit to attend these meetings.
6) Teams Formation:
6.1 In order to balance all teams the Over 45 and Over 55 8v8 Divisions utilize a “Draft” process to select players for teams.
6.2 All players have a “ranking’ on the scale 1 thru 10.
7) Evaluations and player rankings:
Old Players:
7.1 An Evaluation Committee of seven (7) captains will re-evaluate all players based on previous year performance and special conditions. A revised consolidated list will be use as a “bench mark” for future evaluations.
New players:
7.2 Evaluation will be conducted and performed by the Evaluation Committee.
a) A minimum of fifty (50%) of the members of the Committee must be present to validate the evaluation. Additional captains might be invited and are welcome to participate in these evaluations.
b) Each member of the Committee must attend at least one (1) tryout in order to submit his evaluation of the new player. It is suggestable to participate in all of the sessions.
c) Ranking of new player to be assigned by comparison to consolidated evaluation list.
7.3 New players are requested to attend a minimum of three (3) tryouts in order to be evaluated and assigned a ranking. Failure to attend to these tryouts automatically disqualifies player from being eligible for draft or future inclusions (Registration will be refunded minus applicable fees).
7.4 Players that were not selected as official goalies but volunteer to help their or another team as goalies will be evaluated and assigned to corresponding goalie’s ranking tier (See Goalies and borrowing goalies rules #13).
7.5 Any player that after playing a season his re-evaluation increases by 1.25 points or more will automatically be:
a) Removed from the team which selected him in previous season.
b) Become available to other teams in the Draft pool.
c) Suspended the first four (4) games of the following season.
d) The Evaluation Committee will take in consideration especial player conditions (accidents, surgeries)
- The Evaluation Committee for the 2021-22 season is currently formed by Manny Martinez, Tony Salanova, Jorge Doubulay, Robbie Richards, Francisco Poller, Alvaro Sanchez and Ricardo Rupcich. Other captains to be invited in case of need.
8) Draft:
8.1 Teams will select in order starting with the lowest average of the two (2) captains.
8.2 Every round, averages will be calculated adding the ranking of players selected.
8.3 Previous season rosters will be used for draft.
8.4 Rosters will be sorted by updated ranks with highest ranked player on top.
8.5 Players will be alphabetically (first name) sorted in case of similar rankings.
8.6 All players rankings will be listed whether the player is registered for the season or not.
8.7 Each team will be allowed to keep eight (8) players from their roster including captain and co-captain. Captains will declare the protected players prior to start of the Draft.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to reverse this decision for future competitions if deemed necessary for the health of the League. Changes will be notified to captains with a week notice prior to Draft.
8.8 New teams (in formation) will be allowed to select and protect two (2) players in addition to the captain and co-captain.
8.8.1 The total points of the four players (captain, co-captain, and the two (2) players picked cannot be larger than the average of the first four (4) players of the existing teams. This comparison check will be done upon release of new players evaluations and before draft. Should this total be larger, the new captain would need to change the 2nd pick or both picks to comply with requirement.
8.9 Teams are allowed to bring a goalie and automatically be part of the roster. Player must follow evaluation procedure (tryout) and will be placed on the roster accordingly to the ranking assigned.
8.9.1 New teams (in formation) bringing a goalie will have the goalie placed in the roster as the 5th team pick accordingly to the ranking received. If team opts for no protecting this goalie in such manner, the goalie will be eligible to the rest of teams to be selected before round 8th.
8.9.2 A player that was brought up as the official goalie to a team based on rule 8.9, must continue to play and been designate as the official goalie of the team the following two (2) years. Shall the player decide he rather be considered a field player, the team who originally brought him as a goalie will not be able to protect such player and he will go to the pool of available players for the Draft.
8.10 Once the spot for a protected player arrives, captain has the option to select him or another player. If captain opts for not selecting a protected player he will be available to all captains.
8.11 Should be an equal or higher number than participating teams of declared goalies registered, all teams MUST have a goalie on their first eight (8) selected players (including captain & co-captain). A team without a goalie by the time they will select the 8th overall player will be automatically assigned an available goalie by the Division Director.
8.12 Adjusting Clause: Before the start of the Draft and in the event that the average of the three (3) top roster players (including captain and co-captain) of any team is less than 3.20 points than the average of all the teams participating, the top ranked player will be shifted down one spot opening a spot for a new player to be selected before the aforementioned top ranked player. Consequently, all players below will be shifted one (1) spot down until an empty spot is encountered and filled.
The Draft process intends to balance all teams for a fair season. Adjustments to a team (s) to balance it with remaining teams during the season can and will be made if necessary.
9) Team’s Roster Temporary Substitutions:
Roster temporary substitutions due to injuries or other reasons will be allowed upon following below requirements:
9.1 Temporary replacement of players will be allowed at any time before 3rd game of 3rd round is played.
9.2 All replacement players must be evaluated prior to being allowed to play. Candidates for replacement must attend evaluation sessions (minimum twice) to be performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays during pick-ups games. This rule applies for players coming from any Division or League.
a) If the player to be substituted has a ranking lower than seven (7.0), the new player ranking must be no more than 0.5 points of the ranking of player to be replaced.
b) If the player to be substituted has a ranking of seven (7.0) or higher, the new player ranking must be no more than 0.25 points of the ranking of player to be replaced.
c) There are not exceptions to 9.2.a and 9.2.b .
d) A maximum of 1.0 points total difference between draft’s roster and amended roster per year will be allowed. Substitution that would have increased the roster total points by more than 1.0 will not be allowed.
9.3 Replacing players must play a minimum of six (6) consecutive games after incorporation in roster.
9.4 All replaced players will sit (not allowed to play for any team) a minimum of six (6) consecutive games after being replaced
9.5 Once the evaluation and complying ranking is achieved and before the player is allowed to play the following must occur:
9.5.1 Captains must send communication (via email) to the player to be replaced clearly expressing:
a) That the team has the intention to temporarily substitute him due to his condition and that there is a minimum of six (6) consecutive games that he must sit out.
b) The dates (games) that this six (6) games period starts and ends.
c) That it is the obligation of the substituted player to inform the team if and when he is ready to return to play. Notice must be given to captains with a minimum of ninety six (96) hours prior to the game he intends to play.
d) Director and Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller) to be copied on this communication.
e) Player must respond this communication acknowledging the conditions expressed (copying Director and Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller).
9.5.2 Captains must send communication (via email) to the replacing player clearly expressing:
a) That the team has the intention to add him as temporarily substitute and that there is a minimum of six (6) consecutive games that he has the right to play.
b) The dates (games) that this six (6) games period starts and ends.
c) That once the period concludes his status on the team will depends on the condition and availability of the substituted player.
c.1 If the substituted player is ready to play then his role as substituting player has concluded and that he will be placed on the waiting list and available to other team should they need a player of his ranking.
c.1.1 The substituting player will be eligible to replace another player of the same team after one game has passed without being claimed by another team.
c.2 If the substitute player is not ready to play then he can continue to play as a substituting player until substituted is ready. There is no limitation of games a substituting player can play.
d) Director and Division official statistician (Frank Poller) to be copied on this communication.
e) Player must respond this communication acknowledging the conditions expressed (copying Director and Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller).
9.6 Replacing player will be re-evaluated by the Evaluation Committee after he completes his 6th game.
a) If the player new ranking is up to 0.5 points higher than the tryout ranking the player will be allowed to continue playing should he still be needed by the team.
b) If the player new ranking is more than 0.5 points higher than the tryout ranking the player will be removed from the team’s roster and not allowed to continue playing even if the team still needs a player. Player will be placed on the wait list and available to other teams with the new ranking.
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9.7 Replacing players will not be part of the team roster for the following year thus cannot be protected unless such player participated on Eighty-Five (85%) per cent of the regular season games even if this happened upon different players substitutions.
9.8 All teams will have the option to temporarily substitute any player that has not attended five (5) consecutive games. Substitution will follow requirements listed above.
9.8.1 Captains must send communication (via email) to the player to be replaced clearly expressing your intention to temporarily substitute him should he not show up for following game.
Director and Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller) to be copied on this communication
9.9 A team having a player with a ranking of 4.9 or below who does not play for four (4) consecutive games MUST temporarily replace him with the first available player with similar or lower ranking from the waiting list or the Tuesday and Thursday Pickups Program players.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the team being penalized with a discount of one (1) point per game played after the substitution is due on the Division’s General and current Leg Standings.
9.10 Goalies might be replaced only by other goalies not by field players
10) Team Especial Reinforcement:
Teams might ask for special reinforcement player after the end of a Leg (1st and 2nd) upon approval of pool of captains and compliance of following requirements:
10.1 Any team that upon completion of first or second round has not obtained more than twenty five (25%) per cent of the available points would be eligible to request an additional player.
10.2 It in understood that this situation was not produced as a result of injuries of the top four (4) top ranked players which would explain the low performance by itself. In such a case, situation is supposed to be addressed by means of the temporary substitution procedure explained above. Game reports will be used to confirm attendance.
10.3 Especial reinforcement player must be evaluated and assigned a ranking prior to become eligible to play in case he did not play previous two (2) seasons in the Division.
10.4 The reinforcement player cannot have a ranking such as it would increase the team average ranking in an amount above two (2) tenths (0.2). The Especial Reinforcement procedure intention is to make the team more competitive not superior to other teams.
10.5 Especial reinforcement Players will not be part of the team roster for the following year thus cannot be protected.
11) Season Format:
11.1 Over 45 Division:
11.1.1 Six (6) teams to participate in playoff.
11.1.2 Three (3) legs of 9 games each. The winner of each leg will automatically make the playoffs.
11.1.3 4th, 5th and 6th teams will be selected from the remaining teams by totaling the points earned for the 3 legs and the teams with the highest total will be in the playoffs. Placing for playoff accordingly to total points earned during three (3) legs (Regular Season standings).
11.1.3.1 Teams are ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss), and if tied on points, the following tiebreaking criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the rankings:
1. Goal differential in all matches;
2. Goals scored in all matches;
3. Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
4. Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
5. Wins in all group matches;
6. Draw (more than 2 ties) or coin.
1st week of playoff
(I) 6th place plays 3rd place
(II) (II) 4th place plays 5th place.
Optional a friendly game between 1st and 2nd place
2nd week of Playoff (Semi-finals)
(III) Winner of (I) plays 1st place
(IV) (IV) Winner of (II) plays 2nd place
(V) Optional a friendly game between losers of (I) and (II)
3rd week of Playoff (Championship)
(VI) Winner of (III) Plays winner of (IV).
Current Playoff format to be maintained until the twelve (12) participating teams mark is reached at which time its modification might be discussed.
Over 55 Division:
11.2.1 All teams to participate in playoff until number of teams reaches eight (8) when Over 45 Division format will be adapted.
11.1.2 Six (6) rounds of 4-5 games each.
Placing for playoff accordingly to total points earned during six (6) rounds (Regular Season standings).
11.1.3.1 Teams are ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss), and if tied on points, the following tiebreaking criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the rankings:
1. Goal differential in all matches;
2. Goals scored in all matches;
3. Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
4. Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
5. Wins in all group matches;
6. Draw (more than 2 ties) or coin.
1st week of Playoff (Semi-finals)
(I) Winner of (I) plays 1st place
(II) (IV) Winner of (II) plays 2nd place
(III) Optional a friendly game between losers of (I) and (II)
2nd week of Playoff (Championship)
(IV) Winner of (III) Plays winner of (IV).
12) Referees and special Division rules:
12.1 The referee is the authority on the field, and his word is law. If you question a referee’s decision, you can be disciplined further simply for dissent.
12.2 One (1) referee will be assigned per game except in playoff games where two (2) will be assigned.
12.3 Referees will be instructed to maintain a “Zero tolerance” policy against rough game.
12.4 Referees to be evaluated in the scale 1 thru 5 (with decimals allowed) by each captain at the end of game. Evaluations to be tracked and recorded.
Referees with an average below 2 will be requested to not return to work in our Division.
12.5 Season will abide by the most updated FIFA rules with the solely exception of the slide tackle which will be enforced at referee’s discretion.
12.6 There is absolutely no slide tackling for the purpose of dispossessing the ball from a player.
12.6.1 If a player slides tackles he might receive a yellow card or a warning, which will be at the discretion of the referee.
12.6.2 Slide tackle infractions will be punished with an indirect free kick.
12.6.3 Slides tackles (not fouls) called inside the area will be an indirect free kick from the spot of the play.
12.6.4 Sliding for the ball is allowed so long as it is not in the possession of another player (i.e. a ball going out of bounds or rolling into an open goal.).
12.7 Off-sides will not be called.
12.8 To score from a goal kick the ball must be touched at least twice after the kick. Same player can perform both touches.
12.9 Unlimited substitutions for both teams will be allowed at any time during stoppage of game following FIFA Substitution Rules.
Play will begin even if the other team is not ready. It will still be required for the referee to be notified prior to a substitution. Players must come off the field prior to a substitution being made.
12.10 If at the beginning or at any time during the fourth (4th) quarter of play, the difference in score is greater than seven (7) goals the game will be concluded.
Goals scored by winning team will count towards the table (s) up to a maximum of differential of seven (7) goals.
If the score at the beginning of the 4th quarter is 11-2 then only nine (9) goals will count towards team goals scored (winner) and team goals received (loser). However, all goals and assists will count towards the individual statistics.
13) Goalies and borrowing goalies rules:
13.1 Goalies for the Over 45 Division must be at least 40 years old at time of registration.
13.2 Goalies will be grouped in tiers based on their ranking. Tier rankings will have a maximum of one (1) point between the lowest and the highest ranked goalie.
13.3 Teams with ten (10) or less players at start of the game will be allowed to “borrow” a registered goalie or field player to play the goalie position as far this player has a ranking equivalent to the official goalie ranking tier. This applies to playoff, semifinal and final game. Should the official goalie or an additional player arrive during the development of the game the borrowed goalie will cease his play and a roster player will play the goalie position.
13.4 During Weekdays games, teams with ten (10) or less players at start of the game will be allowed to “borrow” a registered goalie or field player to play the goalie position as far this player has a ranking equivalent to the official goalie ranking tier. Should the official goalie or an additional player arrive during the development of the game the borrowed goalie will cease his play and a roster player will play the goalie position.
Teams will follow Weekdays Games Rules #16.
13.5 Above sub-rules 13.3 and 13.4 are only applicable prior to the start of the game. Should a player or the official goalie got injured or ejected thus reducing the number of players to ten (10) or less during development of game the team will not be allowed to ask for a borrowed goalie.
The sole exception will be during Weekdays Games in the case that due to injury a team will be reduced to six (6) players and in order to avoid forfeit the team will be allowed to request a borrowed goalie during development of the game. Application of the exception is optional (not mandatory) and a decision of the affected team.
13.6 All uniformed players at the start of the game are eligible to play and accountable for the use of the borrowing goalies rules. If a player does not intend to play he shall not have the uniform on.
13.7 Teams whose official goalies are suspended due to disciplinary actions cannot borrow goalies.
13.8 Goalies that are not 45 years old by December 31 of year of registration are not allowed to play on field.
14) Disciplinary rules:
14.1 Weston Adult Soccer League (WAS) - NAASA FL-0002 has a League Disciplinary Board (LDB) which oversees all violations of the Rules and Regulations.
The LDB governs all Division disciplinary matters and has the authority to impose sanctions, suspensions and expulsions to any given player as well as any of the League’s Division Directors.
14.2 The LDB governs not only the Sunday Leagues but the Tuesday/Thursday pick-ups Program games as well.
14.3 The team captains are the only players that should address the referees. If a player has a concern, problem, suggestion, etc. it should be discussed with their captain. Any over aggression verbally or physically to ANY referee or linesman can and will be punishable to the maximum allowed punishment. NO EXCEPTIONS.
14.4 Blue cards are shown when a player or players are seen by the referee to be escalating in temper or close to getting out of control during a game.
These Blue Cards are not sanctioned to gain points on player’s record for LDB rules purposes, but, anyone shown a Blue Card must immediately get off the field and not return to play for 5 minutes, at which time that player may then re-enter. He may be replaced on the field at the time of his temporary removal.
14.5 If a Direct Red Card is given to any particular player, the game will be stopped and will not continue until the player given the Red Card has left to the bench and away from the field of play. Player must not get involved in any way on continuation of game or he might be asked to leave to the parking lot by the referee at which time he must comply immediately so risk of obtaining a much larger sanction.
14.6 Red carded players are subject to EXPULSION and will be reviewed on a case by case basis as drawn out by the Disciplinary Guidelines.
Any aggression or act of violence on the field of play or on the bench will be dealt swiftly and severely. Player maybe expelled from the league and may be asked not to return for following seasons.
14.7 Players that are expelled or suspended have the right to an appeal as per our Rules and Regulations. Appeal must be in written and addressed to the LDB.
14.8 The members of the LDB will have among their responsibilities:
14.8.1 Enforce these Rules and Regulations.
14.8.2 Request from referee assignor and review game referee reports and record any yellow or red card issued.
14.8.3 Keep updated record of all cards issued during the season.
14.8.4 Collect as necessary information and testimonies of captains, players and/or witness involved in a disciplinary event.
14.8.5 Elaborate a case dossier with the information gathered and share it with Committee members.
14.8.6 Analyze and discuss disciplinary cases.
14.8.7 Inform Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller) about the disciplinary decisions taken.
14.8.8 Inform player and team captain about the disciplinary decision taken.
14.8.9 Update Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller) statuses of player’s suspension due to accumulation of points as per the Disciplinary decisions.
14.9 In the event the player (s) that is (are) involved in the case belongs to a team from one (or two) of the primary member (s) of the Disciplinary committee, this (these)member (s) will be excluded from voting in the case and the alternate (s) member (s) will replace him (them).
The Over 45 Division LBD members are: Daniel Nogueira, Tony Salanova and Ricardo Rupcich. Alternate member Fabio Molentino. Alternate member #2 Max Biella.
15) Disciplinary Guidelines
15.1 Two (2) yellow cards during a single game = red card. Player will be allowed to play the following game as long as they have not accumulated points listed in paragraph 2 that would result in a suspension.
15.2 Yellow cards will be divided into Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 cards will count for 1 point and Level 2 cards for 2 points. Level 1 yellow card will be for all actions other than those listed as Level 2. Level 2 yellow cards will be given for aggressive or hard fouls as determined by the referee.
The definition of an aggressive or hard foul is one in which the opposing player could have been injured as a result of the play. The referee shall be the sole judge as to the level of each yellow card.
15.3 The accumulation of points during the season will be treated as follows:
4 points = 1 game suspension
6 points = Additional 2 games suspension
8 points = Additional 2 games suspension
10 points = player suspended from remainder of season pending review by the LDB.
In no event shall the Player be suspended for less than 3 games. Player may not be allowed to re-enter the League for future seasons.
15.4 Any player that jumps more than one point level in a game will still serve the suspension earned at each point level. For instance, if a player has 3 points and receives a direct red card the player will have the points assigned by the LDB added to the 3 points. Thus, for example if the LDB assigned 5 points for a hard foul direct red card then the player will have a total of 8 points and will serve a 5 games suspension as a result (1 game for receiving 4 total points, 2 games for receiving 6 total points and 2 games for receiving 8 total points).
15.5 Direct Red cards will have a minimum of one (1) game suspension and one (1) point. Player will sit the following game after receiving the Direct Red card. Each case will be evaluated by the LDB to confirm or increase the suspension.
15.6 Direct Red card points will be determined by the LDB. Consideration will be given to the seriousness of the foul committed (for instance: grabbing last man’s shirt vs. a hard foul). The LDB shall have the ability to increase the suspension without necessarily increasing the points.
15.7 Two (2) Direct Red (violent misconduct) cards during a single season will constitute a reason for expulsion from the League. Each case will be evaluated by the LDB. The following infractions constitute violent misconduct:
15.7.1 Serious foul play
15.7.2 Violent conduct
15.7.3 Spitting or biting
15.7.4 Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.
15.8 Captains are required to discuss and submit a copy of these Over 45 Division 8v8 Rules & Regulations and Disciplinary Guidelines signed by every player on roster, prior to 3rd official game to the LDB. No player will be allowed to play at that time or after unless his signature is registered.
15.9 A SUSPENDED player (including goalie) due to accumulation of disciplinary sanctions cannot be temporarily replaced on a team. That team will play with one less player on their roster during the suspension period.
15.10 A SUSPENDED player (including goalie) due to accumulation of disciplinary sanctions cannot be borrowed as goalie by other team while suspended.
15.11 An EXPULSED player due to disciplinary sanctions can be replaced only if expulsion occurs in first two (2) legs. Otherwise the team will play with one less player on their roster for the remainder of the season.
15.12 Captains are required to submit their objective opinion when requested by the LDB.
15.13 Points accumulated up to but not include the semi-finals will be erased for the Semi-finals and Finals.
Suspensions due to accumulation of points or disciplinary actions prior to Semifinals games will be enforced for the semi-finals and/or final game.
15.14 Special cases will be evaluated by the LDB.
15.15 Reasons for expulsion from AAL:
15.15.1 A referee or another player is intentionally struck or threatened by a player.
15.15.2 A player receives 2 direct red (violent) cards during the season.
15.15.3 A player has committed a foul with the intent to injure.
15.15.4 A player(s) is involved in a fight in which blows have been thrown, even if the blow does not land.
Note: Reasons for expulsion from the League will be reviewed by the LDB to verify the validity of the expulsion as to insure fair and impartial punishment if required. Each case will be handled separately.
15.16 Any player violating these rules can be suspended or permanently expelled from the league regardless of whether the actions in question took place on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday or any other day of the week. All members of this league are expected to act accordingly at all times when associated with league activities
16) Weekdays Games Rules
16.1 For the purposes of these rules the smaller field size grid is the field line out with red lines in field #2.
16.2 In no case a team would field more than 1 player over the other team fielded players. It is suggested that teams with larger amount of players even with other team as an act of sportsmanship. Again it is suggestion, not mandatory.
16.3 With the understanding that THIS is a weekend league and teams might face problems with attendance for games scheduled during the week (or make-up games) we will adjust our rules as follow:
16.3.1 If one (1) of the teams has only 9 players total (including goalie, they will:
a) Team with 9 players will field only 7 players in order to have two (2) subs (mandatory).
b) Both teams will field 7 players each if both captains agree to (optional).
c) Play in smaller field size grid if both captains agree to (optional).
d) Do both "b" and "c" if both captains agree to (optional)
16.3.2 If one (1) of the teams has only 8 players (including goalie), they will:
a) Play in smaller field size grid (mandatory).
b) Team with 8 players will field only 6 players in order to have two (2) subs (mandatory).
c) Both teams field 6 players each if both captains agree to (optional). Smaller field size grid still in place.
16.3.3 If one (1) of the teams has only 7 players (including goalie), they will:
a) Play in smaller field size grid (mandatory)
b) Team with 7 players will field only 6 players in order to have one (1) sub (mandatory).
c) Both teams field 6 players each if both captains agree to (optional). Smaller field size grid still in place (mandatory).
16.3.4 If both teams have only 9 players, they will:
a) Play in smaller field size grid (optional).
b) Both teams will field 7 players each in order to have two (2) subs (mandatory)
16.3.5 If both teams have only 8 or 7 players, they will:
a) Play in smaller field size grid (mandatory).
b) Both teams will field 6 players each in order to have two or one (2-1) subs (mandatory).
16.3.6 If one (1) of the teams has less than 6 players total (including goalie) the team will forfeit the game.
17) Tuesdays and Thursdays – Pickups Program
17.1 In order to be eligible to play in fields assigned to WAS you must be registered in our League.
17.2 Player must be 21 year old before January 1st of the following year of the start of the season to be eligible.
17.3 All players registered to play on Sundays for any of the Divisions automatically have the right to play Tuesdays and Thursdays.
17.4 The use of the League's wristband (supplied upon registration) is mandatory to be allowed to play on fields assigned to our League those days. Failure to bring the wristband will be addressed following:
17.4.1 Player will wait until the players with wristband are allocated to games.
17.4.2 Person in charge will confirm his registration either by direct knowledge or checking the registration list.
17.4.3 Player will borrow a wristband from organizer which will return at the end of games.
17.4.4 Upon complying with above procedures player will be allowed to play as directed by organizer.
17.4.5 Repeat offenders will not be allowed a second time without the wristband.
17.5 All rules listed at Disciplinary Guideline above will also apply to those players who register and play on Tuesday and Thursdays Pick-ups Program only.
17.6 Any player who shows up on Tuesday and/or Thursday and places his name on the list must abide by the direction of the person in charge. If directed to play in a specific game or on a specific field you will abide by that direction. If you fail to abide by the direction you will be suspended for the next Sunday game or week.
No one has the right to determine with whom they will play or attempt to alter the direction of the person in charge.
18) Player migration to other Leagues
The Over 45 8v8 Division prides itself of being a premium balanced division. Our ranking and draft systems have proved themselves to be great instruments to achieve that goal. The Division as well as captains and players do not look gracefully when players voluntarily abandon the Division as that action disrupts the balanced structure.
18.1 Any player that after having played as a permanent player and thus being part of the formal team roster of any Over 45 8v8 Division teams decides to play in a different League other than Weston Adult Soccer League (WAS) will automatically forfeit his right to register for the seasons following the season skipped.
Such a player will need to wait a period of two (2) consecutive seasons before he is allowed to apply for playing in the Over 45 8v8 Division again.
19) Breach of the Rules and Regulations – Formal complains -Sanctions
19.1 If during the evolution or upon completed a game a captain decides to submit a Game protest based on a breach of the Rules and Regulations the following procedure must occur:
19.1.1 If the game is in progress, the protesting captain shall immediately and before any succeeding play begins, notify the referee that the game is being played under protest. If the game has concluded he shall notify the referee that the game is being placed under protest. In either case captain must explain the reason of the protest.
19.1.2 The captain will obtain another captain or co-captain to serve as witness of the suppose cause of the protest.
19.1.3 The protesting captain shall submit the Game protest clearly explaining the base of the protest to the LDB in writing and, publicly announce (via captains’ chat) to ALL captains that the protest has been officially submitted to the LDB.
19.1.4 The captain acting as witness shall publicly confirm that the action which is the base mentioned on the Game protest in fact happened as referred.
19.1.5 The LDB will review the Game Protest and will:
19.1.5.1 If the action which is the base of the Game protest is confirmed and constitutes a breach of these Rules and Regulations the following actions will take place:
19.1.5.1.1 The infringing team will lose the game and any points that might have obtained will be stripped away. For scoring purposes it will be recorded as forfeit with a 3-0 final score and neither the goals nor the assists will be assigned to a player.
19.1.5.1.2 The protesting team will be granted the win of the game and the three (3) points assigned. For scoring purposes it will be recorded as forfeit with a 3-0 final score and neither goals nor assists assigned to a player.
19.1.5.1.3 The Division’s official statistician (Frank Poller) will be informed in every communication and will update the season data accordingly.
19.1.5.2 If the action which is the base of the Game protest is confirmed and is not contemplated in these Rules and Regulations but considered intrinsically adopted and in use by the Division the following actions will take place:
19.1.5.2.1 The LDB will review and decide if the action constitutes a clear intentional action to cut corners on the Rules and Regulations and trust of the system thus meriting a sanction.
19.1.5.2.2 If the LDB deems necessary to sanction the offending team, it will propose such a sanction to the pool of captains. There will be three (3) possible sanctions depending on the severity of the offense.
19.1.5.2.2.1 The infringing team will lose the game and any points that might have obtained will be stripped away. For scoring purposes it will be recorded as forfeit with a 3-0 final score and neither goals nor assists assigned to a player.
19.1.5.2.2.2 The infringing team will be penalized with one (1) point from the general and current table. Team will be warned that any future action of the kind will end with application of sub rule 19.1.5.2.1 .1
19.1.5.2.2.3 The infringing team will be warned that any future action of the kind will end with application of sub rule 19.1.5.2.1 .1
19.1.5.2.2 The pool of captains will vote the proposed sanction (s) and if receiving a minimum of seventy five (75%) percent of votes the sanction will be enforced.
20) Validity of Rules and Regulations
20.1 These Rules and Regulations can only be amended during the Captains meeting assembly at the end of every season. Seventy Five (75%) of the captains approval is required for any change submitted.