P1. Game Procedures 1.1 Teams without a home field for a scheduled game, must notify their Game Director, the opposing team and the Referee Coordinator fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled game. They may request the use of the opposing teams field. 1.2 If a team does not have a home field available and suitable alternative according to Article 7.3 is found, the game will be awarded as a forfeit win to their opponents and the home team will be fined according to League Policies. For postponed and make-up games see Article 7.3. 1.3 It is the responsibility of the home team to provide a playable field at game time. If the home field is unplayable two hours prior to the start of the game and will be unavailable at kickoff, the home team must notify the away team and the Game Director of cancellation or field change to avoid a forfeit unless there are special extenuating circumstances, which may be proven to the Commissioner. 1.4 The home team should make initial contact with the Game Director and opposing team at least 10 days before the match. The home team must also contact the Game Director and the opposing team by 9 PM Tuesday previous to the scheduled Sunday match with completed information. If the opposing team has not received notice by that time, they should notify the Game Director by Wednesday at 9 PM. 1.5 League games must start at 2:00 p.m. unless the Game Director gives a different authorized game time. Weekday games shall be scheduled for 6:30 p.m. time or later only if, lights are available. If, teams cannot agree on the rescheduled date, the team not responsible for the postponement shall have the right to select the rescheduled date. 1.6 Teams must check in with the referee fifteen minutes prior to the start of the game. A completed MSSL lineup listing players names, identification number and jersey number, including the starting players pass cards, must also be given to the referee at the check-in time. Lineup sheets may list up to 22 players maximum. Under no circumstances may a player enter the field of play if not included in the line-up sheet. No changes will be allowed to the lineup sheet after kickoff of the game. A non-rostered player participating shall result in a forfeit. 1.7 Teams, not ready to play at the designated start time shall forfeit the game, unless there are special extenuating circumstances, which may be proven to the Commissioner. The result of the forfeited game will be recorded as a 3-0 win for the opposing team. 1.8 Any team having forfeited a game shall be fined according to League Policies, which such fine must be paid within 72 hours of their next scheduled Cup, postponed or League policies game including State and National games. The game officials will be paid according to the MSSL’s Referee Policy, and the non-forfeiting team shall be reimbursed for any of their incurred costs for the game officials. 1.9 A team forfeiting two (2) games during the season will be subject to review by the Board of Directors. This may result in expulsion from the League severe fine or both. 1.10 All teams shall maintain two sets of uniforms - home colors and away colors. In the event of a color clash, the away team must be notified 72 hours prior to the game. The away team will be required to change uniforms. 1.11 Each team must wear a complete matching uniform during League matches including jersey, shorts, and socks. 1.12 The field of play and appurtenances must be ready prior to the starting kickoff time. 1.13 If a team finds it necessary, for unforeseen and urgent reasons, to ask for the postponement of a scheduled game, or a change in time or playing field, the team must contact the Game Director at the earliest possible time and no later than 7 days prior to the scheduled date. Under no circumstances shall postponement or changes in the game schedule is permitted without the approval of the Executive Board. 1.14 Teams cannot schedule a make-up game at an unreasonable time (such as a start time before 6 PM on weekday). The Game Director shall be the judge on determining what is a reasonable time. 1.15 When neither team is responsible for postponement of a game and cannot agree on a date and time, the Game Director, after conferring with both teams, shall issue a date and time for the rescheduled game. If a field rental is necessitated, expenses shall be borne by both teams. If the home team rents a field, then only payment will be divided above the normal cost of the field rental. 1.16 A team that does not call in the score to the MSSL Hot Line within two hours after the completion of the game but not later than 7 PM on Sunday will be assessed a $25 fine for the first offense. Second offense will result in a $50 fine, and then on, a $50 fine will be assessed each time.
P2. Disciplinary Action 2.1 A player, team official, or spectator found guilty of verbally or physically assaulting the referee, assistant referee or a member of the BOD will be subject to the following sanctions:
2.1.1 Any direct, threatening, obscene, or verbal abuse of a referee or assistant referee which results in a red card will result in an automatic two (2) game suspension. In addition the referee will explain the act of abuse in detail in his game report and the player will be fined $50. The player who committed the act of verbal abuse will not be allowed to play in a League or other affiliated games until the suspension has been served and the fine has been paid.
2.1.2 A second act of verbal abuse, whether it is at the same game or subsequent game, or continued abuse by the same player after being ejected from the game will result in a mandatory suspension of four games. In addition a $100 fine will be assessed against the player. The player will not be allowed to play in a League or other affiliated games until the suspension has been served and the fine paid.
2.1.3 A third act of verbal abuse within one calendar year of the second offense will result in the player being suspended from the League and other affiliated games for one year. In addition the player's team will be fined $50 and the player will be fined $100. The suspension must be served and the fine paid before the player will be allowed to play again.
2.1.4 Any team official ejected from a game and found guilty by the commissioner shall be subject to a fine of $100, which must be paid within 14 days. If not paid within the time limit, the team will forfeit the next upcoming game.
2.1.5 Any player who physically abuses or assaults a referee, assistant referee or a member of the BOD will be suspended from the League for a period of time not less than five (5) years as determined by the Commissioner. The referee will submit a detailed explanation of the abuse in his game report. In addition the player will be fined $500 (min.). The player will not be allowed to play in the League or any affiliated game until the suspension is served and the fine paid.
2.1.6 Any player who has previously been sanctioned under MSSL Policy 2.1.5, who physically abuses or assaults a referee, assistant referee or a member of the BOD will be permanently expelled from the League and that player's team will be fined $500 (min.).
2.1.7 If more than one player from a team commits an act of physical abuse or assault on a referee, linesman or a member of the BOD in the same game, that team will be fined $500 (min.) per player. The team will not be allowed to play in any League or affiliated games until the fine has been paid.
2.1.8 If a referee, linesman or a member of the BOD is physically abused or assaulted by a spectator, the home team at that game must provide a police detail at each home game for the remainder of the season. If that team fails to provide a policeman prior to the scheduled start of a game, the game will not be played and the home team will be assessed to have forfeited.
2.1.9 A second act of verbal abuse, whether it is at the same game or subsequent game will result in a minimum two (2) games suspension. The referee must report the act of abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions.
2.1.10 A third act of verbal abuse will result in a minimum four (4) games suspension and the team will be fined $50. The referee must report the act of abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions. The suspension must be served, and the fine must be paid before the player is allowed to play again.
2.2 A player, or a team official, of verbally or physically assaulting another player or opponents team official will be subject to the following sanctions:
2.2.1 Any direct, threatening, obscene, or verbal abuse reported by the referee and resulting in a red or yellow card will result in a minimum (1) game suspension. The referee must report the act of abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions.
2.2.2 A second act of verbal abuse, whether it is at the same game or subsequent game will result in a minimum two (2) games suspension. The referee must report the act of abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions.
2.2.3 A third act of verbal abuse will result in a minimum four (4) games suspension and the team will be fined $50. The referee must report the act of abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions. The suspension must be served, and the fine must be paid before the player is allowed to play again.
2.2.4 Any physical abuse reported by the referee and resulting in a red card will result in a minimum eight (8) games suspension and the team will be fined $50. The referee must report the physical abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions. The suspension must be served, the fine must be paid and the medical expenses must be paid before the player is allowed to play again.
2.2.5 A second act of physical abuse will result in a minimum of one (1) year suspension and the team will be assessed a $200 fine. The referee must report the physical abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions. The suspension must be served, the fine must be paid and the medical expenses must be paid before the player is allowed to play again.
2.2.6 A third act of physical abuse will result in the player’s permanent suspension from the League and the player’s team will be fined $500.The referee must report the physical abuse in detail in order to apply sanctions. The team will not be allowed to play until the fine is paid.
2.3 Any team player found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute due to violent conduct, causing a game to be abandoned by the referee, shall, at the discretion of the commissioner, based on the evidence provided by all concerned parties, be deducted 1 (one) point from their total points tally, in addition to any other assessed penalties. 2.4 Every club or team is responsible for the conduct of its players, officials, and spectators, and is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators from threatening and/or assaulting officials and players either prior to, during, and after the game. Failure to act responsibly will result in penalties assessed to the team. The home team shall particularly have responsibility for the safety of visiting team players, members and officials, and any other officials, at all times prior to, during, and after the game. The only circumstances, under which the home team shall be absolved of responsibilities for injury or abuse to persons caused by such a disturbance, shall be if the home team has clearly taken all reasonable security precautions. 2.5 The League will recognize suspensions or rulings of which they have been officially notified by the M.A.S.S. or other affiliated leagues. 2.6 Under no circumstances shall the presence of Alcoholic Beverages be permitted before, during, or after the game. Failure to comply will result in a minimum $250 penalty.
P3. Promotion and Relegation 3.1 At the end of the season a round robin playoff between the top two teams in the North Division and the top two teams in the South Division will be played to determine promotion. 3.2 In the event a team in the 1st Division withdraws or is expelled from the League and its League standings is not within the regulation zone, a playoff game shall be arranged according to League Policies.
P4. Fees and Awards Fees 4.1 Registrar ... $0.50/registration 4.2 Commissioner ... $1,000 4.3 Affiliation ... $790 4.4 Game Bond ... $270 4.5 Two Year Bond ... $540 4.6 Additional Player Reg. ... $25 4.7 Referee Assignor ... $10 per game (3 men system) 4.8 Referee ... $70 4.9 Assistant Referee ... $35 each Division Awards 4.10 1st Division Champions ... $1,250 4.11 2nd Division Champions ... $1,000 4.12 League Cup Winner ... $750 4.13 League Cup Runner Up ... $250