Playing Rules
A copy of the Playing Rules can be downloaded in Word format. Click Here. It is recommended to have a copy at the field and to present the rules to the referee prior to kickoff.
| 1. |
MMDSA abides by the Laws of the Game of Soccer according to FIFA. Matches shall consist of two 45-minute halves with a 5-minute half time. Teams may have rosters of up to 22 players but only 18 may be available for a match. |
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| 2. |
Only players registered on USSF/USASA and MSSA forms and player passes will be eligible to play. Each player must present his player pass to the referee. If a player pass is not given, then the player is not eligible to play (no player pass, no play). | ||
| 3. |
All eighteen players may play.
Substitutes shall be unlimited in number and made as follows: |
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| a. |
After a goal by either team; |
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| b. |
Any end line; |
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| c. | On a throw-in by the team in possession. The team not in possession may substitute if the team in possession is making a substitution; | ||
| d. | Beginning of second half; | ||
| e. | Equal subs on injuries; | ||
| f. |
For a player issued a caution - equal
substitution allowed for other team if substitution made. |
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| 4. |
Goal nets, corner flags and field markings are provided
by the home team.
Each team should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start.
To ensure that the match is started on time, both teams should put up the
nets. For scheduled
doubleheaders, both teams should take the nets down with one of them
designated to return the equipment to the proper team.
The Home team is to change jerseys in cases of conflicts. |
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| 5. |
Referees will call captains to the center of the field 5 minutes prior to the start of the match. At this point, all passes should be verified and rosters turned in. Each club is responsible for paying the referee fees. The fee is $65 per team (for 3-man crew, $50 per team if only 2-man and $40 per team if only 1) and given to the referee prior to the match. A minimum of seven players is required to start the match. If the requirement is not met at the scheduled start time, then the game is forfeited. | ||
| 6. |
The forfeiting team is responsible for the entire referee fee. The fee will be taken out of the club’s performance bond. After a forfeit, the club is suspended from playing unless the bond is replenished. The bond must be replenished for the following season in order to be eligible to play. Clubs that are aware that they will be unable to field a full side should call the commissioner by 6:00 p.m. the evening prior to the match. That will allow the commissioner to cancel the match, contact the referees and avoid using the performance bond. | ||
| 7. | Discipline: | ||
| a. | Any player/coach receiving 3 cautions (yellow cards) in a season shall be suspended for one match; | ||
| b. |
Any player/coach receiving an ejection (red card) directly or as a result of two cautions during the match (yellow cards) shall be suspended a minimum one-game with the exception of the following: | ||
| 1. |
Violent conduct that may bring injury upon
others: 2 matches minimum; |
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| 2. | Fighting/striking an opponent: 3 matches minimum; | ||
| 3. |
Abuse towards an official/referee: 5 matches
minimum if no hearing held; |
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| 4. |
Assault towards an official/referee: 1 year
minimum if assault found at a hearing. |
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| c. |
The commissioner
reserves the right to take other disciplinary actions or call a hearing
board for any acts by members of MMDSA that brings dishonor to or reflects
poorly on the league. |
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| 8. |
Scores are to be emailed or called in by 7:00 p.m. Sunday at
301.422.2393.
Both teams are responsible to call in the score, regardless of result.
Information concerning goal scorers and assists are to be sent via e-mail
to the following address: mid-maryland@marylandsoccer.com. |
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| 9. |
Any intent to protest a game shall be given to the referee prior to his leaving the field. No protest will be considered unless it has been delivered or postmarked to the commissioner no later than 11:00 p.m. of the day following the game. A fee of $25 must accompany the written protest. | ||
Match Roster Form (Word format)
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The official Web site of the Maryland State Soccer Association
