GPASL Rules of the Game

It should be remembered that the Greater Philadelphia Adult Soccer League (GPASL) is a recreational league. The main objective is for participants to enjoy themselves while playing in a competitive environment, i.e., what we call serious fun.

FIFA Laws of the Game apply to all GPASL matches with exceptions listed below.

• Matches will consist of two 45-minute halves with a short warm-up time and a minimum 5-minute halftime. All times are at the discretion of the referee in order to keep the full day’s schedule on track. Two referees will officiate each match.
• Players must be 17 years of age or older.
• No slide tackling. An indirect free kick is given for what would be deemed a legal slide tackle. Illegal slide tackles, which would be deemed fouls in standard FIFA rules, will be awarded as direct free kicks. Players MAY slide as long as they are not near another player (i.e. saving a ball from going out of bounds). Unintentional slides (i.e. slipping on wet grass) may still be considered slide tackles. See the Rules Clarification – “Slide Tackles” below for more detailed information.
• No swearing, fighting or unsportsmanlike conduct. See below for the league’s “Zero Tolerance” policy.
• Shin guards are recommended but not required.
• When a player is injured, the referee will stop play. After the injured player has recovered, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the team in possession when the whistle was blown to stop play. The referee may opt to restart play with a drop ball if the situation warrants it.
• Substitutions shall be unlimited in numbers. A player who has been substituted may reenter the match at any time. In any situation below where players are at midfield waiting to come onto play as a substitute, players from both sides may come on as substitutes. The referee may stop play and allow substitutions in the following situations:
  • After a goal by either team.
  • On a goal kick by either team.
  • On a throw-in by either team.
  • By either team at half time.
  • For an injured player, whether play is stopped or not. If play is stopped, the opposing team will be given the option of substituting one player at that time as well.
  • When a yellow card is given for the player given the yellow card. The substitution is not mandatory.
  • At the request of a captain when he deems it necessary for one of his players to “cool off” before the situation escalates.

Team Communication

All captains will be invited to join the league’s Slack app. Communications from the Board will no longer be sent via email or text. All messages will be delivered via Slack. Communication will include pre-season information, in-season messages, game cancellations, communication between teams, and weekly survey reports. Captain are encouraged to utilize Slack for communicating with each other and the Board regarding game cancellations, rescheduling, etc.

Reporting Results

Each week the Board will send out a weekly survey request to all captains. The purpose of this short survey is to report scores and any red cards issued from the weekend’s matches. The report also allows captains to voice any concerns or questions from the matches as well.

The goal is to have the survey sent to captains no later than Tuesday each week with all responses returned by Thursday in order to update all standings accordingly.

Team Payments

Team payments are expected to be paid in full before the start of the season. The GPASL Board will remind all teams prior to the start of each season of the amount due, the date due and where payment should be made. The Board will remind teams that are past due of their remaining balance. Teams that are not fully paid at any point during the season may be suspended until payment is made. During that suspension period, that team’s results will all be listed as forfeits. The league will attempt to find another team or group of players to take the place of the non-paying team for that time in order to allow all opposing teams to still play a match. Note that players from the unpaid team are not allowed to play in any matches that week. Unpaid teams may also not be invited back for future sessions in the league.

Player Signatures on the Waiver Form

At the beginning of each season, it will be the captain's responsibility to ensure that all players have signed the team roster/waiver form. We will periodically review the signatures on these forms and compare them to reports of yellow and red cards issued. If it is determined that a player has played in a match without signing the form, the player may be subject to an automatic suspension or expulsion from the league. It is important that all waivers are completed for insurance purposes as well.

Team Penalties

The league reserves the right to levy penalties against any team or individual in the league. Penalties can come in many forms. Examples are: monetary fees, point deductions, suspensions, and removal from the league (teams and/or select individuals).

Uniforms

When the uniform colors of the two competing teams are determined similar by the referee, the home team shall be responsible to change its color. Standard uniforms are not required but teams should make every effort to have all players where the same color as the rest of the team. The opposing team may ask a team or individual to change if they find the uniform to be similar to their own or that of the referee. Uniforms should not contain offensive or vulgar statements or graphics. Numbers are not required.

Technical Area

With the exception of substitutes reporting to mid-field, teams are required to remain within the area surrounding their bench. Referees may issue warnings and/or yellow cards for players or managers refusing to remain in the technical areas surrounding the benches.

Spectators/Supporters

Spectators/supporters must be seated on the opposite touchline from the team benches or designated seating areas in the stands. Spectators are not permitted on the field or technical area. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their supporters. Referees may issue warnings and/or forfeits to teams allowing their spectators near the technical area or field of play. The GPASL Board may impose additional penalties at its discretion.

Referee Rulings

ALL players and managers should abide by ALL referee decisions, which are final. The referee will use discretionary judgment in the assessment of the penalties for on-the-field offenses (e.g., swearing, slide tackles and unsportsmanlike conduct). Referees will also report all off-the-field issues involving players, managers, and spectators to the GPASL Board. Severe penalties may warrant possible game suspensions or expulsion from the league, at the discretion of the GPASL Board.

Cautions and Ejections (Yellow and Red Cards)

Yellow Cards - If a player is cautioned (receives a yellow card), he no longer must leave the field for a period of 10 minutes as practiced previously and stated in previous TEASA (GPASL) rules. That player’s captain may still request though that the player be substituted at that moment. Yellow cards will no longer be recorded in weekly surveys submitted by captains. However, if referees, or in some cases multiple teams, report individual players accumulating consistent yellow cards during the season, the GPASL Board may take action at its discretion. Every effort will be made to investigate these claims and speak to both that individual and their respective captain before penalties are enforced.

Red Cards - If a player is ejected (receives a direct red card, or two yellow cards resulting in a red), he must leave the field immediately and is not permitted to remain in the playing area for the duration of the match. If a player fails to leave the playing area after his ejection, the match may be stopped and declared a 3-0 forfeit loss for the ejected player’s team. All red cards will be reported to the GPASL Board on the weekly surveys. The Board will review the incident with both team captains, the referee and if necessary and available any video surveillance. The GPASL Board will determine if additional punishment including possible game suspension(s) or league expulsion are necessary.

A player who has received two red cards in any one season is banned from playing in his team’s next scheduled match and may face further disciplinary action including multiple game suspension or league expulsion, at the discretion of the GPASL Board.

A player may receive a red card for any of the following reasons:

• Receiving a second caution in a match (2 yellow cards)
• Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball
• Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick
• Use of offensive, or insulting or abusive language directed at any player, manager, spectator or referee
• Serious foul play
• Violent conduct
• Spitting at an opponent

If the Board determines that the actions of the player warrants greater penalty than the minimum penalties imposed, then it reserves the authority to impose further sanctions necessary to uphold the integrity of the game.

Zero Tolerance

GPASL has a Zero-Tolerance policy when it comes to derogatory comments about a person’s race, age, gender or sexual orientation. Any incident of this matter should be immediately reported to the GPASL Board. The Board will investigate the matter through interviews with individuals, including but not limited to, players, captains, mangers, referees, and spectators. Video and/or audio evidence will also be reviewed when available.

The GPASL Board may, at its discretion, suspend or permanently expel any player from the league based upon evidence proving this type of behavior either verbally or physically was displayed.

Although GPASL has traditionally been, and is considered to be, predominantly a “men’s soccer league”, the league does not discriminate based upon race, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All individuals over 17 years of age are eligible for participation.

Team and Player Expulsions

Player Expulsion from the League - The GPASL Board may, at its discretion, suspend or permanently expel any player from the league based on a demonstrated pattern of offenses (i.e. repeated yellow or red cards) or based on a single incident which the GPASL Board believes is severe enough to warrant expulsion or suspension. Individuals expelled from the league will not be eligible to return to the league under the same team or any other team for a minimum of two years. The Board has the authority to determine if that player will be allowed to return following the suspension/expulsion time period.

Team Expulsion from the League - The GPASL Board may, at its discretion, suspend or permanently expel any team from the league based on a demonstrated pattern of offenses by the team (i.e. repeated yellow or red cards) or based on a single incident which the GPASL Board believes is severe enough to warrant expulsion or suspension of the team. Teams expelled from the league will not receive a refund of any dues paid for that season. Any players from that team will be ineligible to to play for another team in GPASL for a minimum of 1-year and the Board has the authority to determine if a player will be allowed to return following the suspension/expulsion time period of their previous team.

Team Rankings

A team will be awarded 3 points for a win/forfeit, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. Games are determined during regulation time with no extra time or penalty shoot-outs.

The teams will be ranked as follows:

1. - Total points awarded
2. - Head-to-head points awarded
3. - Head-to-head goal differential
4. - Total Goal differential - calculated as (Goals Scored - Goals Conceded)
5. - Total Goals Scored
6. - Total Goals Conceded
7. - Coin toss

Relegation & Promotion

At the conclusion of each season, teams may be promoted to a higher division or relegated to a lower division. If a team winning a lower division chooses to remain in that division for the following season, no changes will be made. However, if a team winning a lower division chooses promotion to a higher division for the following season, the bottom team from that higher division may be relegated to the lower division for the following season.

Teams should be aware though that relegation is possible and the team seeking promotion from the lower division has the preference in that decision. Teams may also be relegated if a new team joins the league and the Board determines that new team is better fitted in a higher division. Final decision will be determined by the GPASL Board at its discretion based on the amount of teams, divisional structures and competition-level each season.

Rainouts/Stoppage/Cancellations

Make-up games are difficult to schedule. With the exception of severe weather that would subject players to dangerous conditions, every effort will be made to play all scheduled matches to completion. If a captain knows in advance that they will not be able to field a required squad based on weather or other factors, the Board asks for as much notice as possible so that this information can be communicated to the opposing team and/or other arrangements can be made. Any team notifying the Board less than 48 hours prior to their scheduled match will not have the option of rescheduling and the match will be awarded as a forfeit for the opposing team.

If a make-up game is scheduled in advance or due to a stoppage, then it must be completely replayed (two 45-minute halves starting with a 0-0 score). The score for a replayed game will be used as the final score for the game. If a game is stopped and unable to be replayed, then the score stands based on rules listed below.

• If one-half (or more) of the game was played, then the score is considered final.
• If less than one-half of the game was played, including if the game was cancelled before kick-off, then the score is considered to be a 0-0 tie (regardless of the actual score of the game).
• If the match is terminated clearly as the result of misconduct of one of the teams, its manager and/or its spectators, then the match shall be declared a forfeit by the offending team and awarded to the opposing team. Review of such a situation shall be conducted by the GPASL Board.
• If the match is terminated due to one of the teams no longer able to field the minimum required seven (7) players to continue the match, then the match shall be determined a forfeit by the team that no longer could continue with the minimum required players and awarded to the opposing team.

Rules for Forfeits and Borrowing Players

Make up games are often difficult to reschedule so we ask that every effort be made to field a full 11v11 game. All captains should make every attempt to field a full squad each week. If a team will be short on players, captains are asked to contact the Board as early in the week as possible so that additional efforts can be made to find supplemental players, reschedule the game, or substitute a new team.

Keep in mind that this is a recreational league and most teams just want to get a game in. We ask that captains use discretion and understanding when having to field extra players that may not have appeared on that team’s original roster, including both new players to the league or borrowed players from another team. All new players should be encouraged to register with the team prior to the game, or as soon after the game as possible, in order to sign the online waiver.

Since GPASL does not require individual player passes, it is difficult to determine if a player is originally rostered on a particular team. However, if the opposing team has concerns over new players, or players borrowed from other GPASL teams, those issues should be addressed between the captains prior to the match. If an agreeable conclusion is not reached, the captain may voice his concerns to the referee prior to the match and report the matter to the GPASL Board in the weekly survey. The Board will review the complaint and determine if the official results from the match should stand.

Again, this is a recreational league and we ask that all captains use judgement and understanding in this matter to keep things fair and enjoyable.

If, at the official start-time of a match, a team has 7 or more players present then they do not need to forfeit. They can play with anywhere from 7 to 11 players on the field at a time and still have a regulation game. The final score of the game stands.

If, at the official start-time of a match, a team has fewer than 7 players present, then a forfeit is automatically declared. The game is scored as a 3-0 victory for the non-forfeiting team. Both teams must acknowledge this result prior to the start of the match. Additional penalty points may be assessed to the forfeiting team at the discretion of the GPASL Board. These additional penalties are designed to encourage all teams to make every effort to provide enough players for a regulation game. See section below for “Adding or Borrowing Players”.

If, at the official start-time of a match, BOTH teams have fewer than 7 players present from their rosters, then this is automatically declared a 0-0 draw. The teams may then decide to play with the players they have on either a full field or shortened field with or without officials. Attempts will not be made to reschedule this match. All requests for a rescheduled match should be voiced to the Board 48 hours prior to the day of the match.

Adding or Borrowing Players

Outside players - If a player is not currently on the roster of any GPASL team, you may add him to your roster at any time during the season. All efforts should be made to have all players sign the team roster prior to playing, or shortly thereafter their first match. Once a player signs a team roster, he is on that team for the remainder of the season and cannot play for another GPASL team (except in situations specified below). Any player wishing to change teams mid-season must secure permission from the GPASL board.

Players from other GPASL teams - Players from other GPASL teams (teams not involved in this match) are allowed to play once both captains have agreed to these additional players. The match status (forfeit or not) with these additional players will be determined prior to the match by both captains. In the interest of fair play, we ask that captains use judgement in determining the players they are borrowing from another squad.

Players from the Opposing team - Non-forfeit situation: (Both teams have at least 7 players present from their roster at the start of the match.) One team can "loan" one or more players to the opposing team for a specific match if they so wish. This, of course, requires the agreement of both captains. The game is played as usual and the final result stands.

Forfeit situation: (One team has 7 or more players and the other team has less than 7 players as the start of the match.) A forfeit is automatically declared. (See "Forfeits" above). Since a forfeit has been declared and the result is pre-determined, the team with more players can "loan" one or more players to the opposing team and the match can be played as a friendly.

Grievances

Any grievances or vagaries in the League Rules should be addressed to the GPASL Board. The Board will then email the various captains, co-captains and possibly referees in the league for their opinions on the situation. A vote will be taken and the majority vote will be the final decision on the matter. Keep in mind this is a recreational league!

Grievances/arguments surrounding the score of a game or decisions made by referees on-the-field will NOT be debated by the captains. These matters will be addressed and determined solely by the GPASL Board at their discretion.

GPASL Rules Clarifications -

Slide Tackles

What is a slide?

• Under no circumstance can a player win a ball from his opponent with a slide tackle. For the purposes of the GPASL league, a slide tackle is considered to occur whenever ANY part of a player’s body touches the ground (with the exception of the player’s feet). Therefore, a player on one knee with the other leg extended is considered to be sliding. A player with a hand or elbow touching the ground is considered to be sliding.
• Unintentional slide tackles such as a player slipping on wet grass or a defender losing their balance may still be considered slide tackles at the discretion of the referee.

When are slides allowed?

• Slides are only allowed whenever the sliding player is not in proximity of another player on the field - including his own teammates. For example, a player chasing a ball down the sideline may slide to save it from going out of bounds, permitted no other player is within proximity of the event. There does not have to be contact for a slide to be called a foul. A player who is sliding is, by definition of the GPASL league, out-of-control. Referees will use discretion in determining when an action is considered a slide tackle and all decisions are final.

Can goalkeepers slide?

• Yes - goalkeepers are allowed to slide, even in proximity of other players - as long as they are playing the ball. Both goalkeepers and on-field players should use their best discretion and judgement in these situations in order to prioritize the safety of all players.

Can an attacking player slide to score a goal?

• Yes - as long as the sliding player is not in proximity of another player on the field when it occurs - including the goalkeeper. If an attacking player makes contact with the goalkeeper (or another player) during the slide, it is considered a foul. For further clarification, if a player slides, plays the ball, then continues his slide into another player, it is considered a foul. However, contact does not have to occur for it to be called a foul. Referees will use discretion in determining when an action is considered a slide tackle and all decisions are final.

Goalkeepers

Remember that goalkeepers cannot play the ball with their hands if the ball is played to them intentionally by someone on their own team. This includes throw-ins. The goalkeeper MAY play the ball with his hands when played intentionally using the players head or chest (headed-back to the goalkeeper). The goalkeeper may play the ball with his feet at any time.

As a recreational league, player safety is our primary concern and therefore we ask that all players make every effort to avoid unnecessary collisions with goalkeepers. We ask all players to make every attempt to pull out of aerial challenges with the goalkeepers, especially when they are in a vulnerable position. We ask too that goalkeepers use judgement as well when sliding, diving, tackling, etc to ensure the safety of all players.

The Taking of Free Kicks

Giving 10 Yards on Free Kicks

When a referee calls for a Direct or Indirect Free kick, players of the opposing team must not be within 10 yards of the spot of the kick.

Most GPASL participants are aware of this standard FIFA rule. However, many players do not know that they are required to give 10 yards distance automatically, without being prompted by the referee. An opposing player standing over the ball or slowly walking in front of the ball can be called for delay of game. Therefore, referees do not need to ask you to give 10 yards - it is assumed you will do it. They can therefore caution you (or issue a card) for failure to automatically give 10 yards distance.

If a team does request 10 yards to be given, that team must then wait for the referee’s whistle before restarting play.