RULES AND REGULATIONS

7v7 League

1. Laws of the Game

All games will be officiated according to the Ontario Soccer Association’s Small Sided Laws of the Game with the following exceptions.

2. The Game

Games must start and finish on time, and teams must be ready to play 5 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time.

A minimum of 4 players are required to start a game. If teams cannot field a team at their scheduled times, they have 10 minutes before the result of the game is a forfeit (3-0).

The game will consist of two 25-minute halves; games starting later may have their game time reduced.

At half time, the interval shall not exceed 2 minutes, except by the consent of the referee.

Teams will NOT change sides for the 2nd half of play.

If 35 minutes of the game has been played and the game gets abandoned, the score will stand with no rescheduled game given.

All games will consist of 6 outfield players and a goalkeeper (7v7).

Spitting on the fields will result in a two-minute penalty; repeated abuse will result in a sending off and disciplinary action (five-minute penalty).

Time shall be extended to permit a penalty kick being taken at or after the expiration of the normal period in either half.

Teams and players must not enter the field of play until 5 minutes prior to the start of their time slot and must leave the field of play immediately after the conclusion of their match.

Captains are responsible for providing the game sheet to the referee. All areas of the game sheet must be completed before handing it to the referee. Captains are responsible for all players on the team at all times.

Players will conduct themselves in a reasonable manner in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Toronto Premier League. If a game is abandoned due to actions of one team’s player, the game will be scored 3-0 in favor of the opposing team.

3. Team Applications

Team entries are accepted with a deposit and application form.

Teams may apply to play in any division. Points are awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie. Defaults for any reason as determined by the referee, convener, or league will result in a 3-0 loss.

4. Player Registration

All players must be registered with the league and be at least 18 years of age.

A player may register for more than one team but not within the same division, except for goalkeepers.

Teams can have a maximum roster of 16 players, with 14 players allowed at any one game.

5. Player Identification

Player registration is confirmed with government-issued photo ID. Once a player’s registration is confirmed, their eligibility to play in each game will be verified by their photo on each game sheet.

Players not identified by the game sheet are not permitted to play.

Players are required to bring photo ID to each game and provide it to the referee upon request.

6. Game Sheets

Only players registered with the league may be listed on the game sheet. Only players registered and verified by the league are eligible to play.

Players must be registered at least 3 hours prior to the start of a game in order to be eligible to play.

7. Uniforms and Equipment

Players must wear proper uniforms with numbers clearly visible on the back of the jersey. Goalkeepers must wear colors that distinguish them from other players and the referee.

Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

Metal cleats are not permitted.

Any player not in uniform or improperly equipped will not be allowed to play.

8. Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions are allowed during the game. Substitutions can only be made during stoppages in play with the referee’s permission.

Players must enter and exit the field from the halfway line.

The referee has the authority to deny substitution requests to prevent time-wasting.

9. Discipline

Yellow cards result in a two-minute penalty where the offending player must leave the field. Their team will play short during this time.

Red cards result in the player being ejected from the game and an automatic one-game suspension, pending review by the league’s disciplinary committee.

Violent conduct or serious foul play may result in longer suspensions or expulsion from the league.

10. Protests

Protests regarding a game must be submitted in writing to the league within 24 hours of the match’s completion.

The protest must include a detailed explanation of the incident and any supporting evidence.

The league’s decision on all protests is final and binding.

11. Weather Policy

Games will be played rain or shine unless the fields are deemed unplayable by the league or the referee.

In case of lightning, the referee will suspend play for a minimum of 30 minutes from the last lightning strike.

If a game cannot be completed due to weather, the league will determine whether the result will stand or the game will be rescheduled.

12. Playoffs

Playoff games that end in a tie will go directly to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

Only players listed on the game sheet and present for the game are eligible to participate in the penalty shootout.

The league will determine the format and schedule of playoffs based on the number of teams and available time slots.

13. Code of Conduct

All players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes fair play, respect, and sportsmanship.

Abusive language, threatening behavior, or physical altercations will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the league.

Captains are responsible for the conduct of their team and fans during the game.

14. Amendments

The league reserves the right to amend these rules at any time. Teams will be notified of any changes prior to their implementation.

If you have any further questions or require clarification, please contact the Toronto Premier League administration.

15. Game Cancellation

If a team cannot field the minimum number of players within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game will be forfeited.

Teams must notify the league at least 24 hours in advance if they cannot play a scheduled match.

Repeated forfeitures may result in removal from the league at the discretion of the league administration.

16. Spectator Rules

Spectators must remain behind designated boundaries and are not allowed to enter the field of play.

Abusive or disruptive behavior by spectators will not be tolerated and may result in sanctions against the associated team, including forfeiture of the game.

Teams are responsible for the behavior of their supporters.

17. Insurance and Liability

Players participate in the league at their own risk. The league is not responsible for injuries, accidents, or personal property damage occurring during games or league-related activities.

It is recommended that players have personal health and accident insurance coverage.

All participants are required to sign a waiver before participating in any league activities.

18. League Fees

All teams must pay the league fees by the deadline set by the league. Failure to do so may result in removal from the schedule.

League fees are non-refundable once the season has started, except under extraordinary circumstances as determined by the league administration.

Teams are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to rescheduling or forfeits.

19. Tiebreakers

If two or more teams are tied in the standings, tiebreakers will be determined in the following order:

1. Head-to-head results.

2. Goal difference.

3. Goals scored.

4. Fewer disciplinary points (yellow and red cards).

5. Coin toss (or other method as determined by the league).

20. Appeals Process

Any appeals regarding disciplinary decisions must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of notification of the decision.

The league’s disciplinary committee will review the appeal and issue a final ruling within 7 days.

Decisions made by the disciplinary committee are final and binding.

21. Miscellaneous

The league reserves the right to make decisions on any issues not explicitly covered in these rules.

Any changes to the rules or procedures will be communicated to team captains in advance.

By participating in the Toronto Premier League, players and teams agree to abide by these rules and any additional policies set forth by the league.

For any questions or additional information, please contact the Toronto Premier League administration at [insert contact information].

22. Weather Policy

Games will proceed as scheduled unless there are severe weather conditions such as lightning, extreme heat, or heavy rain that make the field unplayable.

The league will notify teams at least 2 hours before the scheduled start time if a game is canceled due to weather.

In the event of a game cancellation, the league will attempt to reschedule the match, but rescheduling is not guaranteed.

23. Code of Conduct

All participants must behave in a manner that reflects the values of sportsmanship, respect, and fair play.

Abusive language, physical altercations, or any form of harassment will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or removal from the league.

The league reserves the right to take disciplinary action against players, teams, or spectators who violate the code of conduct.

24. Amendments to Rules

The league reserves the right to amend these rules at any time to ensure the safety and fairness of the competition.

Any amendments will be communicated to all team captains and take effect immediately unless otherwise specified.

Teams are responsible for ensuring their players are aware of any rule changes.