Adult Program Rules
Ages 20 & Above

Administrative Rules:

1) All players shall be registered through NSSA as Amateurs.

2) Team Requirements:

a) All teams are required to play per their web posted schedule.

b) Any teams playing with players not registered to their team or with red carded players will be subject to a forfeit in that game.

3) Player Roster

a) A team must carry a minimum of 12 players on their roster.

b) Players registering after the registration deadline must have a valid player pass to participate

4) Youth Teams

a) Shall have an adult representative at each match, else that match is forfeit without appeal.

b) The adult representative need not be registered as a player or coach with NSSA.

5) Player Passes NO PASS, NO PLAY

a) Players are responsible for having their player pass with them at every match.

b) In the event of a lost player pass, the individual player shall pay for the replacement pass directly to MSSA prior to receiving the new pass.

6) Uniforms

a) Teams must coordinate so that all players wear a jersey color distinct to their team.

b) “Pennys” may be worn if necessary.

7) Red Cards:

a) After a red card, the referee will retain the player(s) pass. The pass, along with a written report from the ref, will be submitted to the league within 48 hours.

b) Players receiving a red card shall be ineligible for a minimum of one game, in addition to the remainder of the game in which they were sent off.

c) The referee’s report will be reviewed by the league’s board and multiple game suspensions, subject to appeal, may be imposed.

d) If after reviewing the reports, it is found that players involved have severely violated the Laws of the Game, individuals may be banned from the league altogether.

8) Inclement Weather:

a) Game status shall be posted 2 hours prior to the first adult league match of the day at www.GoArsenal.com under “Facilities and then Game Status”.

b) If weather or field conditions change drastically after the web posting, the referee or MSSA/Arsenal may cancel or discontinue games at any time.

c) Games rescheduled due to inclement weather will be posted on the Adult League portion of the MSSA website within 3 business days. Remember that games which reach half-time are considered complete and will not be rescheduled.

9) League Play:

a) Teams will play six weeks of match play, followed by a final evening of play-off games.

b) Standings for play-off game seeds will be determined by the following:

(1) Points: win=3 points, tie=1 point, loss=0 points, red card(s)= -1 point per red card; and if ties exist

(2) Goal Difference: goals scored versus goals allowed; and if ties still exist,

(3) the flip of a coin by the league coordinator

10) Alcoholic Beverages:

a) Alcohol is not permitted at any game site.

b) Any player or spectator in the possession of alcohol or appearing to be under the influence of alcohol may be asked by any referee or MSSA official to leave the field and surrounding playing areas immediately. The referee may delay the start or re-start of play until said individuals have done so.

Playing Rules:

1) Games shall be 8 vs 8.

2) A team must field 6 registered players at game time for a match to begin. A game shall be terminated when a team can field fewer than 6 players after the start of play.

3) Games shall be played on a 80 x 50 yard pitch with goals no smaller than 21’ x 7’.

4) Games shall consist of two 30 minute halves with a 10 minute half time.

5) There will be NO offside position or infraction in games.

6) Games will be officiated by a single referee in accordance with all USSF Laws of the Game except those noted above.