Welcome to the Welland Soccer Club (WSC) Mens Seaway League Rules & Policies page. Our adult leagues are designed to provide a competitive and enjoyable environment for soccer enthusiasts looking to play the game in a structured setting. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the rules and policies that govern our Mens Seaway league. These rules and policies are established to ensure fair play, safety, and sportsmanship among all participants.
1. Team Composition
- Matches are played 11 v 11, with a minimum of 7 players required to start a game. Teams can have up to 21 registered players.
2. Substitution Procedure
- Substitutions can be made during goal kicks, injuries, a team’s own throw-ins, and can piggyback on the opposing team’s substitutions.
3. Game Ball
- Each team is responsible for providing a game ball to the referee before kick-off for approval.
4. Player’s Equipment
- Players must wear shin guards and ensure no jewelry, casts, hard knee braces, tracking devices, or any potentially dangerous equipment is worn. Medical ID bracelets are permitted. Teams must ensure each player has a matching jersey with a number corresponding to the game sheet.
5. Duration of the Game
- The game consists of two 45-minute halves.
6. Forfeits
- A game is forfeited with a 2-0 score if a team is unable to field 7 players within 15 minutes of the scheduled kick-off time.
7. Discipline
- The league follows the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) discipline policy. A player accumulating 3 yellow cards in the season will serve a one-game suspension.
8. Discipline to Coach
- Referees have the authority to issue Yellow or Red cards to coaches, similar to player discipline.
9. Illegal Players
- Players must be listed on the game sheet and have completed waivers to be eligible. Any discrepancies with the game sheet must be reported to Eric immediately. Games played with illegal players will result in a forfeit.
10. Game Cancellations
- Teams unable to field 7 players will forfeit the game with a 2-0 score. Forfeits are discouraged; teams are encouraged to play friendly matches if possible.
11. Inclement Weather
- Games canceled by WSC due to weather or field conditions will be rescheduled. Team reps will be notified via text.
12. Slide Tackles
- Slide tackles are prohibited except by the goalkeeper in their penalty area to ensure player safety.
13. Fair Play/Sportsmanship
- A zero-tolerance policy for abuse towards individuals is enforced. Profanity and bad language are also prohibited.
14. Drop Balls
- Drop balls are no longer contested. In the penalty area, the ball is dropped to the GK; elsewhere, it’s dropped to a player from the team who last touched the ball.
15. Ball Contact with Referee
- A drop ball will restart the game if the ball in play touches the referee and affects the play.
16. Handball Offences
- Handball offences are clarified in FIFA Laws, including specific situations where a handball will or will not be called.
17. Ceremonial Free Kick
- Defenders must automatically give 10 yards. Failure to do so may result in a caution.
18. Penalty Kicks
- The goalkeeper is permitted one step in anticipation of the kick. Encroachment by the goalkeeper will result in a retake and a possible Yellow card.
19. Goal Kick Changes
- The ball is in play when kicked and moved. Offensive players must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
20. Start of the Game
- The winner of the coin toss decides the goal to attack or to take the kickoff.
21. Overtime Rules
- Games tied in playoffs go directly to a shootout, following FIFA laws.
22. Regular Season Tie Breakers
- Criteria for tie-breakers include head-to-head record, goal differential, and more.
23. Adding a Player to the Roster
- Rosters cannot be altered after the first game without notifying Eric with the player’s details before the specified deadline. Waivers must be completed for player eligibility.
24. Playoffs
- Every team makes the first round of playoffs. Loosing a playoff game will result in team elimination.
FIFA laws apply unless otherwise stated. The Welland Soccer Club operates under the sanctioning of Ontario Soccer and the CSA, ensuring a high standard of play and organization.