• Swearing directly at another player or the League Coordinator.
• Intentionally pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player.
• Making comments to instigate an altercation with another player.
• Spitting at an opponent

In addition to being dismissed from the game, a one game suspension (or more) may be assigned by GRAND RIVER SOCCER to the involved player or team.

FAIR PLAY PHILOSOPHY

What is the co-ed rec fair play philosophy?

The co-ed recreational soccer league was created in order to offer adults the opportunity to play soccer in a recreational environment, while at the same time offering a great social experience.

By nature, co-ed sports require that all male participants remember that male players may have strength and speed advantage over female players. As well, more skilled players (male or female) must remember to not be aggressive and instead be helpful, respectful and patient as you will be playing with beginners or less-proficient players.  This is not a “win at all costs” league.

Our league expects that ALL participants demonstrate safe and fair game play, positive attitudes, team participation and good spirit to teammates and fellow players at ALL times. This will be referred to as playing with the “proper fair play spirit” of co-ed participation.

Please show your fair play spirit!

1) RECREATIONAL soccer for FUN and SPIRIT

2) Playing soccer for FUN, to LEARN the game, IMPROVE skills and SOCIALIZE with your teammates and other players

3) Act as a GOOD SPORT at ALL times

4) Be GENEROUS when you win; be GRACEFUL when you lose

5) SHARE your knowledge and experience with fellow players

6) Have EVERYONE on your team participate in the play

7) Maintain your SELF-CONTROL at all times and ensure SAFETY for fellow players

8) Show RESPECT for your opponents

9) Be a TEAM PLAYER not an individual (even if you signed up by yourself…)

We expect all co-ed rec players to obey our fair play philosophy.
Show your fair play spirit!

1. SPIRIT RATINGS

In order to encourage sportsmanlike play, each team must choose and report a rating for their opponent after the game.

The spirit rating for your opponent gets reported when the Team Captain or designate submits the game results online. If a team captain or designate does not report their score within 72 hours of the games completion, their team will receive a 2 spirit rating (unless their opponent has given them a 1) and the score will be processed as their opponent reported it.

Spirit rating = 5

The other team was a great team and we really enjoyed playing against them.  They showed up on time and really showed great spirit throughout the game.  During the game they played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were open to discuss the rules.  This was one of the best spirited teams we have every played against, we are really looking forward to play against them again.

Spirit rating = 4

The other team was a fun team and we really enjoyed playing against almost all of their players.  They showed up on time and showed good spirit throughout the game.  During the game they generally played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were receptive to discuss the rules.  This is a good spirited team.

Spirit rating = 3

The other team was a fun team and we enjoyed playing against most of their players.  They showed up on time and showed decent spirit throughout the game.  During the game they generally played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were pretty receptive to discuss the rules.  Not a bad team to play against.

Spirit rating = 2

The other team was an OK team and we enjoyed playing against only a few of their players.  They showed up late and showed poor spirit throughout the game.  During the game they really didn’t play by the rules, and really didn’t want to learn the rules.  The captains should discuss what happened so it doesn’t happen again.  This wasn’t a fun game.

Spirit rating = 1

This wasn’t a fun game.  We did not enjoy playing against this team. They showed up late and showed horrible spirit throughout the game.  During the game they really didn’t play by the rules at all, and didn’t want to learn the rules.  This is the least spirited team we have every played against.  Our captain is going to send a report into the league.

Teams must maintain a minimum spirit score of 4.0 to be considered for the PLAYOFFS and any future participation in GRSC leagues.

The rating should combine “accountability” and “spirit of the game”. Accountability is based on how you felt your opponent took responsibility for calling their own fouls. A team that does well on Accountability either: committed few or no fouls so it was not an issue, or committed several fouls but made a genuine attempt to call most of them. Spirit is based on how fun your opponent was. A high rating would be for a team that appeared to have a fun-first, winning second attitude and encouraged themselves and/or their opponent in a positive way.

LEAGUE TIE BREAKERS

1. Points
2. Spirit Points
3. Head to Head
4. Goal Difference
5. Least Goals
6. Coin Toss

EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS

All players participating in our co-ed leagues are expected to play with respect and a “fun first” attitude. In all GRSC leagues, there is an emphasis on the players to know the rules and manage their own actions on the field.

All players participating in our leagues are expected to play with respect for everyone at the field and with a “fun first” attitude. Soccer can be an intense and physical sport however, GRSC leagues must be a fun, non-threatening environment.

All players are expected to know the rules and manage their actions on the field.

Players are required to call themselves if they commit violations or penalties. Not calling yourself can be considered poor spirit.

Players should promote fun and safety throughout the game by: calling themselves on fouls; trying to control their kicks in front of vulnerable players; talking to their own teammates who are not following the rules.

Promote spirit throughout the game. Let the opposing Team Captain know if you are enjoying their team, congratulate your opponent on fun and fair play throughout the game.

Players that are concerned about a player on the opposing team are required to talk to their Team Captain so he/she can address the issue with the opposing Team Captain at the appropriate time.

Players are expected to act in a respectful manner if approached by an opposing Team Captain regarding their style of play and to make any requested changes.

Players should be mindful of how hard they kick the ball if an opponent is directly in front of them. This applies to goalies when trying to quickly move the ball to the other team’s end.

Players can provide constructive feedback to GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB as needed through their captains, regarding field conditions, unsportsmanlike play, or helpful comments/suggestions.

Positive behaviour includes:

o       Calling fouls on yourself.

o       Communicating with opposition in a friendly manner.

o       Exhibiting all-around good sportsmanship.

o       Avoiding unnecessary fouls or rough play.

o       Promoting friendly, fun atmosphere.

Negative behaviour includes:

o       Repeated or reckless fouls or rough play.

o       Failure to call fouls on yourself.

o       Making questionable calls on opposition.

o       Arguing calls or non-calls.

o       Attributing vicious motives to opposition.

o       Individuals exhibit “unsportsmanlike” behaviour.

REPORTING SPIRIT CONCERNS

If during the game you have a concern with the other team, address the issue respectfully with the opposing captain at the appropriate time (during play on the sidelines or at halftime).

If at the end of the game you do not feel that the issue has been resolved, report the details of the issue to GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB when reporting your scores.

2. GAME REQUIREMENTS & ROSTERS

For 5v5 leagues: teams will have 4 players on the field plus the goalkeeper.

Teams are required to have a minimum of 2 women on the field at all times (female goalkeeper does not count as 1)

If a team has less than five (5) players they can play shorthanded

If a team has less than four (4) players, they will ‘default’

For 7v7 leagues: teams will have 6 players on the field plus the goalkeeper.

Teams are required to have a minimum of 3 women on the field at all times (female goalkeeper does not count as 1)

If a team has less than seven (7) players they can play shorthanded

If a team has less than five (5) players, they will ‘default’

To avoid possible ‘defaults’, each team will be given a ten (10) minute grace period from the scheduled kickoff time to field a team with the minimum requirements as noted above.  In the event of a default, a score of 5-0 may be issued and a spirit rating of 1 may be awarded.  Teams are encouraged to participate in a friendly scrimmage in the event of a default. (with teams of equal numbers)

Teams can reduce the length of play but both captains must agree on a time before the game starts.

Games will end at 55 minutes past the hour if they have started on the hour -or- will end at 25 minutes past the hour if they have started on the half hour.

League convenors will signal the end of the game by the use of a whistle.

There is no additional time added for injuries etc…

To diminish the risk of default games as much as possible. If a team cannot field a team, they are responsible for notifying the league who in turn will contact the opposing captain the day before the game. At that time, it can be discussed whether there are sufficient players interested in playing a practice game, and hopefully one can be arranged. Failure to provide proper notification prior to a default will result in the defaulting team receiving a 1 spirit point rating and a $50 league fine.

Teams that forfeit twice in a single season with less than 48hrs notice may be removed from the schedule and any subsequent registrations will be reviewed by the Club.

3. FACILITY CONSIDERATIONS

GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB rents the fields on which we play.  As tenants, players must respect the standards and rules of each facility.

NO CHANGING ON OR NEAR THE FIELDS! PLEASE USE THE AVAILABLE CHANGE ROOMS!

Consumption of alcohol is not allowed at the fields; players caught violating this by-law are subject to fines from the facility and/or GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB.

Any player who causes GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB to receive a complaint regarding a field rented by GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB will face a $100 fine and may be ejected from the league.

Teams are expected to clean up after themselves, please do not leave any garbage behind.

Any player who causes GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB to receive a complaint regarding a facility may be ejected from the league. GRAND RIVER SOCCER asks all players to arrive 15 minutes prior to the game start time. This 15 minutes should be used to change shoes, stretch and any other pre-game preparations.

NO SPITTING ON THE TURF!

Players are responsible for property damage.

4. EQUIPMENT & TEAM SHIRTS

Indoor/turf shoes are recommended at SHARK CO COMPLEX

Solid metallic shoe studs are not permitted to be worn, nor are baseball-type cleats.

Braces and casts of any type must be completely covered with a protective sleeve.

A player cannot wear anything which is dangerous to another player. This includes earrings, hairclips, rings or other jewellery.

Shin guards are mandatory. The player must have them fully covered with socks.

Each team must bring a size 5 soccer ball to each game.

Team jerseys are permitted provided everyone wears jerseys of the same colour.  Each team member should have an alternate shirt colour in case of conflicts.  Home teams are responsible for changing shirts in case of a conflict.

Eg. Team “A” wear blue jerseys and is the home team. Their opponents, Team “B” wear black jerseys.

Since the colours are similar, members of Team “A” should have ‘white” colour shirts as alternates to avoid confusion.  Similarly, if both teams had light colour shirts which are too similar, the home team should have alternates which are dark in colour.

5. LEAGUE SPECIFIC RULES

GAME PLAY EXPECTATIONS

Before the game, the Captains will meet to introduce themselves, discuss rules or spirit issues that need to be emphasized.  Captains WILL agree on a time keeper if there is not one provided by the league.

Team Captain’s are the “head referees” and have the FINAL say on any decisions.

Team Captains are to communicate their expectations to each other. At the end of the pre-game meeting Team Captains are required to communicate all information with their players.

Players are required to call themselves if they commit violations or penalties. Not calling yourself will be considered poor spirit.

At halftime, the Team Captains can meet with one another to discuss any issues that arose in the first half. It is the responsibility of each Captain to communicate these issues to their teammates before resuming play.

At any time during a game, if the Team Captain(s) determine that the play is getting dangerous or too intense, they should call a one minute time-out to cool things down and discuss resolutions with each other. Play must have stopped for a time-out to be called.

At the end of the game, Team Captains must meet to discuss any issues with the game and confirm the score.

GAME FORMAT

Arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled game time to allow for warm-up.  Games consist of two 25-minute halves, with a 5 minute half time. No additional time is allotted for late starts.

START OF PLAY

To decide which team will have the first kick-off, team captains will either flip a coin or do ‘rock, paper, scissors’. The winner can decide whether they want to kick-off or choose the end that they would like to start on.

To start the second half, teams will switch sides and the team that did not kick-off in the first half will have the will do so in the second.

After each goal, the team that was scored on will kick-off to re-start the game.

Kick-offs may be put into play only in a forward or backward direction and may not be touched by the kicker again until the ball has been contacted by another player.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Substituting a goaltender can only occur during a stoppage in play.

Substitutions on all other players can happen at any time as long as the leaving player is on the sidelines before the replacement steps on the field of play.  This is very similar to hockey’s changing on the fly.

HANDBALLS

A handball occurs when the ball touches any part of a player’s arm from the top of the shoulder to the fingertips

(except a goalkeeper within their own crease). See ‘Fouls’ section for associated repercussions.

Calling a handball:

It is the responsibility of the player who touched the ball with their hand to call ‘handball’.

If an obvious handball occurs and is not called by the violating player, the opposition may stop play by yelling ‘handball’. See below under ‘Fouls’ for consequences.

Unintentional hand balls should not be called.  This is generally referred to as “ball to hand” rather than “hand to ball.”  This typically happens when someone is trying to protect themselves from a shot to the face or other sensitive areas.  If an unintentional hand ball occurs in the penalty box area and it is called, it is suggested that a corner kick be allowed as an acceptable compromise.  If the unintentional hand ball is called outside the 18 yard box, an indirect free kick should be awarded.

If a handball is deemed intentional by a defender in his/her penalty area, a penalty shot should be awarded.

GOALKEEPER

When a player passes the ball to their goalkeeper, the goalkeeper is not allowed to pick the ball up or use his/her hands on the ball in any way. If this happens, it will be considered a hand ball and the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free-kick from where it happened.

The goalkeeper can leave the crease to defend his/her goal or retrieve a loose ball. They may not touch the ball with their hands once they have left the crease.

A goalkeeper cannot throw the ball directly into the opponent’s goal.

The goalkeeper can leave the crease to play the ball up the field.

The goalkeeper can cross the centre line.

A goalkeeper is allowed to score.

BALL OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the end-line or side-line, whether on the ground or in the air.

A kick-in will take place when the ball crosses the side-line by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched it.

The kicker must not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in.

The defending team must stand at least 5 yards away from the ball until it goes into play.

The ball may be placed one ball length over the line due to obstructions from field partitions etc…

CORNER KICKS

When the ball passes over the end-line and was last touched by a member of the defending team, a member of the offensive team will take a corner-kick.

The ball is placed within a one yard radius from the corner closest to where the ball went out of play.

A goal may not be scored from a corner kick.

The defending team must stand at least 5 yards away from the ball until it goes into play.

The kicker is not allowed to play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player.

GOAL-KICK

When the ball passes over the end-line and was last touched by a member of the offensive team, a member of the defensive team will take a goal-kick.

The ball must be touched by a player other than the person taking the kick for it to be back in play.

Opposing players must stand a minimum of 5 yards away from where the ball is being kicked from.

A goalkeeper cannot receive the ball into his/her hands from a teammate’s goal-kick.

FREE KICKS

All free-kicks are to be indirect (except penalty kicks).

All indirect free-kicks are to be taken from the point where a foul occurred – see below ‘Fouls’ section for an explanation. This also applies to when the goalkeeper illegally plays the ball with their hands.

The ball must touch at least 2 players before it can be a goal (the kicker and 1 other, which could include the goalkeeper).

All opposing players (defence) of the team taking the free-kick must be at least five yards away from the ball, except when the ball is being kicked from a point closer than five yards from the goal mouth – in which case the defending players may stand on their end-line.

PENALTY KICK

A penalty kick will be awarded anytime a foul (major or minor) is committed within the goal crease. It will be taken from the penalty-mark (or two yards from the outer goal crease line) with all other players outside of the penalty-area and at least 5 yards from the penalty mark.

The goalkeeper must stand (without moving his/her feet) on their own end-line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked; the kick must go forward and the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player (goalkeeper).

The penalty spot is always 2 yards beyond the top of the goal crease.

MERCY RULE

The game will be called when one team gains a lead of 8 goals. The score will freeze and teams are encouraged to play the rest of the game for fun.

GAME STOPPAGES

If the ball comes in contact with the netting/roof, the play is stopped and the ball is taken to the sideline closest to where the contact occurred and a kick-in is awarded against the team that last touched the ball.

If the ball comes in contact with the steel wire directly above half, the ball is considered ‘LIVE” and play continues on.

OFFSIDE

There are NO offsides.

6. INFRACTIONS & FOULS

Slide tackling is not allowed in any GRAND RIVER SOCCER co-ed leagues. Slide tackling includes any player, including the goalie, who leaves the ground in a feet-forward motion towards the ball or another player. Any sliding is a safety concern for yourself and your opponent and is considered reckless play.

Despite best efforts, the following infractions may occur during a game. If they appear to be unintentional and not malicious in nature then they should result in an indirect free-kick. These infractions include:

• Accidentally tripping an opponent. A minor hold of an opponent.
• Bumping or minor contact with an opponent.
• Yelling at an opponent to distract him/her.
• An unintentional handball: When the player touching the ball gains advantage and the play is not in the goal crease.
• When a goalkeeper touches the ball with their hand after it has been passed to him/her from someone on their own team.

The following would result in a 10 minute major penalty (the fouling player sits off for ten minutes, but the team is not short-handed). This also results in an indirect free-kick:

• Aggressive contact during the course of normal play (tripping, slide-tackling, pushing off, armbar), that could harm or injure an opponent.
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour: Excessive verbal abuse of your own team or throwing equipment to show displeasure at a play.

The following would result in a penalty kick:

• Any major penalty that occurred in the goal crease by a defensive player.
• Any intentional handball in the crease by a defensive player, unless a goal is scored on the play.

The following would result in a game misconduct:

• If any player receives (2) two 10 minute major penalties in a game, they will receive a game misconduct.
• Physical contact with an opponent that’s violent or dangerous, and is clearly intentional.
• Profanity or verbal abuse directed at another player.
• Striking or attempting to strike an opponent.
• Spitting at an opponent.

In the event of a play that is witnessed by other players and is uncontested, and should result in a game misconduct it is the captain’s responsibility to ensure that the player leaves the premises immediately before the game is resumed; and supplies the name of the player to the opponent to be reported to GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB with the Score and Spirit rating.

If the teams are not in agreement over a play (the play is contested) that could lead to a game misconduct, the captains must decide how to best handle the situation, and the incident must be reported to GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB for follow- up.  At the very least, the player committing the foul should be sent off.

GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB has implemented “Game Review Hearings” which allow league officials to meet with Captains where low spirit scores or aggressive behaviour was reported.  A league convenor will be in attendance at most league sanctioned games.    

7. ROSTERS **NEW**

All players must be listed on the team roster and have accepted the waiver in order to be eligible to play. Rosters may be checked by the teams – where players who do not meet the roster requirements will be removed and ineligible to play.

Players are permitted to play for multiple teams (including the same game night), HOWEVER the teams MUST be in different divisions. No exceptions.

“Teams are permitted to recruit/add players from other teams during the season, however all recruited players must currently play in a lower division. (ie: Division 2 teams can add player(s) from Division 3, but not from Division 1)”

Rosters are locked and no add-ons or guests are permitted after the 6th week of play WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL OF GRSC.

Only players that are listed on the team roster will be allowed to participate in playoff games. Effectively, ringers are not allowed. Teams fielding ineligible players will forfeit the game. Rosters will be posted online for teams to review before the start of the playoffs.

8.  REPORTING SCORES & SPIRIT RATINGS

Team captains or designates are responsible to report the score of their game and the spirit rating of their opponent to GRAND RIVER SOCCER CLUB within 48 hours of the games completion.

All scores must be submitted using the online score report form : Submit Your Score

If for some reason the website is non-functional, please email your scores to: [email protected]

If the league receives two different scores due to a lack of communication by the captains, the score shall be recorded as a TIE. See Section 5 Subsection:

Teams must maintain a minimum spirit score of 4.0 to be considered for the PLAYOFFS and any future participation in GRSC leagues.

Questions, Suggestions or Concerns ?