GENERAL RULES, POLICIES & PROCEDURES OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX SOCCER LEAGUE (G.O.S.L.)

 

Revised: October 15, 2015

 

 

1. GENERAL

 

In order to ensure an athletically fulfilling and meaningful soccer season, the following Rules, Polices & Procedures have been established. It is imperative that these are adhered to without exception.  

 

2. PURPOSE OF THE G.O.S.L.

 

The purpose of the League G.O.S.L. is to teach boys and girls, ages 7-16, the meaning of good Greek Orthodox Christian sportsmanship and fellowship, to teach boys and girls to respect their teammates, coaches and other league players, and to teach boys and girls to learn how to play soccer as individuals and as members of a team.  

 

3. ORGANIZATION OF G.O.S.L.

 

The League is organized into 6 divisions for boys and girls ages. The divisions are: a) B1, G2 for ages 7 thru 9; b), B2, G2 for ages 10 thru 12, and c) B3, G3 for ages 13 thru 16.

 

In order for a player to be able to participate in the Program 1) the family of the player should be a member of their respective Greek Orthodox Church community,  2) the Priest of that community must authorize the child to play, and 3) the player must be a member of the communityâ??s J.O.Y./GOYA program organization.  

 

The coaches are chosen by each community.  Presently, the Executive Board of the League is comprised by 10 members; said members are comprised by a Commissioner, Vice-Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Members.   The Commissioner, Vice-Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer, are selected from the members of the Executive Board once the 10 seats are filled. Future additional members shall be selected by the Executive Board, by a majority vote. The Commissioner, Vice-Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer, shall serve annual renewable terms.

 

4. SCHEDULING

 

Games postponed for any reason will be re-scheduled by the appointed Game Scheduler of the Executive Board, and the League Commissioner shall notify the community affected by the rescheduling.

 

Regardless of the weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear on the fields and be ready to play at the scheduled date and time of the game, unless otherwise notified by the League Commissioner. Non-appearance will subject the team to a possible forfeit.   Only the Referee is authorized to cancel the game once he/she enters the field of play.  

 

In the event of a downpour during a game, teams are asked to wait at the field for 15 minutes. At that time, a decision will be made by the Referee to either resume the game or postpone it.

 

No game will be re-scheduled without the prior consent of the League Commissioner.              

5. GAME PROCEDURES

 

FIFA Laws of the Game will apply. They may be modified in their application as follows:

 

Coaches will ensure that team members are at the field 20 minutes prior to the game to ensure all games start on time.  

 

The game ball will be provided by the HOME team (team listed on the schedule first). B1, G2 and G2 divisions use ball size #4, B2, G3, and B3   divisions use ball size #5. 

 

Both teams shall be stationed on the same sideline, and all spectators shall be stationed on the opposite side of the field.  

 

No one is permitted behind the goal posts.

 

The coach of each team must line up her/his team prior to the start of every game and present game day roster and/or her/his playersâ?? I.D. cards for inspection to the  Executive Board representative overseeing the games on that particular date . If a team does not have a roster and a player does not have his/her ID card, he/she will not be permitted to play .    

 

Teams will play 7 players on 7 players (inclusive of the goalie). However, if both coaches agree, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board representative overseeing the games on that particular date, teams may field more than 7 on 7 with a maximum of 11 players on the field. If a team has a minimum of 5 uniformed players on the field at game time the game must begin. If a team has only 4 or less uniformed players, 15 minutes after the scheduled game time, the Referee must declare a forfeit and award the victory to the opposing team unless the Executive Board representative overseeing the games on that particular date decides otherwise, with the prior approval and consent of the League Commissioner. Players may not be loaned between teams to avoid a forfeit.    If both teams have less than 5 players, 15 minutes after the scheduled game time, a double forfeit shall be declared.  

 

The Referee will wait a maximum of 15 minutes between each game before calling a forfeit.

 

Coaches must designate a team captain prior to each game. The captain will report to the Referee for the flip of the coin when requested. The coin toss shall be used to determine initial possession of the ball. The visitor team will call the coin in the air.  

 

After the coin flip, coaches will line up their players in single file on the halfway line facing the center circle and the two team captains will conduct a prayer. After the game, at the Referees signal, each team shall form a line and proceed to each other led by their coaches and exchange handshakes.

 

Coaches will ensure that each player present shall play in the game. The only exception to this rule is for injury or illness.

 

Team members and the Referee are the only persons allowed on the field of play. In the event of an injury, the coach may assist the Referee on the field, if called by the Referee.  

 

 

 

Coaches will ensure that water is available for all players upon demand and between halves.  

 

If a game in progress must be stopped and cannot be continued for any reason, it shall be deemed completed, provided one half has been finished. If not, the game will continue at a later date from the point of stoppage.   These determinations are subject to the input of the Executive Board representative overseeing the games on that particular date, approval of the League Commissioner.

 

In the event a League Referee is not available for the game, a substitute adult selected by the Executive Board representative overseeing the games on that particular date may be used and he/she shall have the same duties and responsibilities as a normal League Referee.   If the League Referee arrives after the start of the game, he/she should take over.  

 

Under no circumstances should another player physically charge the goalkeeper once he/she has possession of the ball. When the goalie has possession, players on the opposing team must step back 5 yards or get a yellow card.  

 

6. CLUB STANDINGS                                                                              

 

               For a win                      3points 

               For a tie                        1 point

               For a loss                      0 points 

               For a forfeit                -1 point  

 

At the end of the season, in the event of a tie, league standings will be determined in the following descending order. If still tied, the next tie breaker shall be applied:  

 

Goal Differential.

 

Goals Allowed

 

Total Forfeit(s) incurred 

 

Flip of a coin by the League Commissioner.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

 

7. SELECTION OF A CHAMPION TEAM IN EACH DIVISION

 

The team with the most accrued points at the end of the season will be selected the champion of its respective division by the Executive Board of the G.O.S.L., and shall be honored as shall be decided by the Executive Board.

 

8. ROSTERS

 

Each team may have up to 15 players on its roster, which must be submitted to the League Commissioner prior to the start of the season or as determined and announced by the Executive Board of the League.  

 

 

All changes to rosters must be submitted to the League Commissioner prior to the start of the season. The League Commissioner reserves the right to spot check rosters during games and if s/he determines that a player on the field is not on the roster, it will result in the team forfeiting that game and the player being suspended from playing in the League for the remaining season and playoffs.  

 

9. FIELDS AND EQUIPMENT

 

The Referee before each game will provide Linespersons flags. These will be returned to the Referee at the end of each game.  

 

Climbing/ hanging etc. on the goal posts by players/spectators could result in a league suspension.    League personnel including coaches and community representatives should immediately notify the League Commissioner of any damage done to the goal posts and other equipment.  

 

Each team is responsible for their team/spectator cleanup of on the field garbage.  

 

10. UNIFORMS

 

The proper uniform for the League is a numbered matching team shirt, matching shorts, socks, soccer shoes-rubber cleats (NO METAL CLEATS) and shin guard.

 

 All players can have sweatpants or tights under their shorts. The socks must be worn over the pants and shin guards.  

 

 Goalies must wear a different colored shirt than the rest of their team.    

 

The Executive Board shall have the right to direct where all uniforms shall be purchased from.

 

11. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

 

Kneepads, elbow pads, mouth guards, goalie helmets and athletic supports are optional.  

 

Players who normally wear glasses May either choose not to wear glasses while playing, choose to use safety (sport) goggles while playing and/or choose to use prescription sport glasses.  

 

Players with braces must wear a mouth guard. It is strongly recommended that goalies wear a goalie helmet and have mouth protection.  

 

Players may not wear hats, earrings, necklaces, other jewelry or anything that may injure any player including any cast or metal braces on limbs. Long hair should be tied back or a headband may be used instead.  

 

Players will not be allowed to play if they are not in proper uniform, which includes the safety equipment.                                                                                                                                           

 

12. REFEREES

 

The Referee has discretionary power, from the time he/she enters the field of play, to the time he/she leaves the field of play, to caution (YELLOW CARD) or dismiss (RED CARD) any player, coach or parent/spectator who is guilty of aggressive/flagrant play, misconduct, outbursts, or unsportsmanlike behavior (flagrant or persistent infringement of any of the laws of the game).    Additional outbursts by players/parents/spectators/coaches may result in eviction from the field and the game being stopped and possibly forfeited by one or both teams.    Regarding a player, if he/she persists in misconduct after receiving a yellow card, the referee may suspend (RED CARD) him/her from further participation in the game. The League Commissioner will decide whether further discipline is necessary including recommending dismissal from the league to the executive board.

 

Any player, coach or parent who is red-carded must leave the field complex.   A report must be forwarded to the League Commissioner on the cause for the red card.  

 

The Referee with the consultation and consent of the League Commissioner has the final say in any game and the League Commissioner has the final say in all situations on and off the field on any particular game day.

 

NO SLIDE TACKLES FROM THE SIDE OR BEHIND THE BALL-HANDLER ARE ALLOWED. AT THE REFEREES DISCRETION THE PLAYER COMMITTING ILLEGAL TACKLE SHALL BE RED-CARDED. IN THE B3 AND G3 DIVISIONS  "LEGAL" SLIDE TACKLES, AS DEFINED BY FIFA RULES, SHALL BE ALLOWED.

 

13. EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE PROCEDURES

 

At the first season game, each coach must show the Referee his/her First Aid Kit. If the Referee or League Commissioner request to see a First Aid Kit and it is not present at the game, the team will forfeit the game. The coach is responsible for taking the First Aid Kit to all games and practices.

 

14. COACH RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE LEAGUE

 

It is the responsibility of the Coach to act in a reasonable manner during the games and not be argumentative with the referees, parents or players, nor use crude, foul or obscene language. A coach  may protest a game by submitting a statement in writing to the Executive Board for its review and action. The Executive Board, by majority vote shall determine if the protest is valid and may take any agreed upon action. If a coach, assistant coach or community representative acts in an unreasonable manner either prior to, during or after a game, the Executive Board may determine the appropriate action, including expulsion, by majority vote.  

 

Each community representative (JOY/GOYA directors, as appointed by their respective communities) are required to present to the League Commissioner, upon demand , the following:

 

A player roster, and/or

 

Proof of baptism of each player and/or a birth certificate.  

 

A waiver form signed by the player's parent (Optional-Doctors note stating that the player has no health issues that would prevent him/her from playing soccer).  

 

Proof that the community insurance liability policy is in effect for the soccer season.  

League registration fee. 

 

ADDITIONAL GAME RULES

 

GAMES WILL CONSIST OF TWO 25-MINUTE HALVES FOR THE G1/B1 DIVISION, 30 MINUTES FOR THE G2/B2 AND 35 MINUTES FOR THE G3 and B3 DIVISION WITH A 5-MINUTE HALF TIME BREAK FOR ALL.  

 

SUBSTITUTION IS PERMITTED ON ANY PLAY STOPPAGE FOR BOTH TEAMS or as permitted by the referees. SUBSTITUTES MUST ENTER AND EXIT AT THE MID- LINE.  

 

OFFSIDES ARE CALLED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REFEREE.

 

PENALTIES MAY BE CALLED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REFEREE.  

 

GOAL KICKS- THE OPPOSING TEAM MUST BE OUTSIDE THE BIG AREA BOX WHEN THE GOALIE OR ANY OTHER PLAYER IS KICKING THE BALL FROM THE PENALTY BOX   IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT AT LEAST ONE PASS OUT CAN BE MADE.  

 

G1/B1 DIVISION-THROW INS -OVERHEAD ONLY, TO BE DONE UNTIL CORRECT (UP TO THE 3rd GAME).

 

DROP BALLS ALLOWED.

 

CORNER KICKS ARE DONE FROM THE CORNER FLAGS OR POINT DESIGNATED.  

 

GOAL DEFENDED WILL CHANGE AT HALF TIME.

 

IF A PLAYER IS RED CARDED THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY LEAVE THE FIELD AND BE SUSPENDED FOR ONE GAME.   THE TEAM MUST PLAY SHORT THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME IN WHICH THE RED CARD WAS ISSUED.  

 

IF A REFEREE RED CARDS A PLAYER OR A COACH DURING THE GAME FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE REFEREE MUST SUBMIT A WRITTEN STATEMENT EXPLAINING THE REASON FOR THE RED CARD.   IF A PLAYER OR COACH RECEIVES A SECOND RED CARD, DURING THE SEASON HE/SHE WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 3 GAMES AND A REVIEW OF THE PLAYER OR COACH WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE LEAGUE EXECUTIVE BOARD.  

 

THREE (3) YELLOW CARDS IN ONE SEASON FROM A PLAYER OR A COACH WILL RESULT IN ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION.  

 

IF A PLAYER IS INJURED THE PLAYER MUST REMAIN DOWN AND A WHISTLE WILL BE BLOWN TO STOP PLAY. THE COACH WILL BE SUMMONED ON TO THE FIELD TO ASSIST THE INJURED PLAYER (OR REMOVE THE PLAYER TO THE SIDELINE).   EVEN IF THE PLAYER IS determined to be ok, THE PLAYER MUST COME OUT OF THE GAME UNTIL THE NEXT STOPPAGE OF PLAY.  

 

COURTESY RULE

 

 

 

As a courtesy, if a team, coach/community representative. is absolutely certain that their team will not appear (not have enough players) at a scheduled game, team, coach/community representative must contact the League Commissioner at least 4 hours prior to game time to report the same. The Commissioner will proceed to notify the opposing team and will issue a forfeit to the team that will not/cannot appear.