SUSPENSION LIST

Note - Bans are applied to a players next game(s) even if he plays with 2 teams

2008/09 Season

RULES & REGULATIONS

( A ) PRE MATCH

1. Match fees must be paid BEFORE kick off and the managers are fully responsible for this payment. Team in arrears will be reported to the LRP who have to the authority to take appropriate action including the deduction of points, fines or expulsion.

2. A team that ends a season with arrears will be banned from rejoining along with all their players until all debts are settled. If individual players wish to rejoin with another team they must first pay a share or percentage of the arrears due.

3. All teams must have a full set of gear comprising jerseys ( numbered ), shorts and socks. Players will not be allowed play wearing jerseys without numbers or wearing t-shirts etc.. If there is a clash of colours the team in the away column ( right side on fixture list ) must provide their own change strip or bibs, or turn jerseys inside out. The last option will only apply if the managers of both teams are in agreement. If they cannot agree the home team is awarded a walkover.

4. In the interest of safety and fairness all Players / Teams must remain outside the fence / railing until the previous match ends

5. Games are 60 minutes maximum including a one minute half time break. No added time can be played as matches cannot run into the time allocated for subsequent games.

6. Whenever possible Referees will decide kick off and ends before a match starts to save time.

7. Teams who delay the kick for any reason for 5 minutes or more after the scheduled kick off time will start 1 goal down, 10 minutes late 2 goals down and if 15 minutes late a walkover is automatically conceded. Any exceptional circumstances for a delay ( e.g. car crash) will be taken into account.

8. The minimum number of players required to start a match is 7.

9. Teams conceding a walkover will forfeit the game and have to pay a fine of 220. Teams conceding a walkover will also be deducted 5 points. Their opponents will be awarded the 3 points on a scoreline equal to the conceding teams heaviest defeat up to that date. A 3-0 score will be awarded if the conceding team has only suffered a defeat by 1 or 2 goals. If no defeat has been recorded a 3-0 scoreline will also be applied. Teams will be deducted 10 points for a second walkover and fined again. A third walkover will lead to expulsion.

10. A team who turns up to play but cannot field a team can opt to play a challenge game against their scheduled opponents and will not be fined. Any points deduction will be decided by the panel. Please note that all fines will be strictly enforced..

11. Teams should have at least 2 fully pumped footballs for all matches. Failing to comply will lead to a reprimand and a report being sent to the panel who may take action e.g., a points deduction.

12. Match cards must be fully completed and returned to the referee before the second half starts. Names must correspond with numbers as goalscorers and bookings etc., will be noted accordingly. Names must be written in full and in CAPITAL letters. No nicknames. Ensure the card is filled in properly as it may invalidate a players insurance claim or lead to disciplinary action.

13. 3 points are awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.

14. No changes will be made to fixtures except for bereavement or other exceptional circumstances.

15. If the named manager is unable to attend a match it is his responsibility to appoint a caretaker who is then fully responsible for all team affairs including the match card and payment of the match fee.

16. Any changes to a teams original League Application Form must be notified to Kevin Daly.

17. All teams must provide a team contact e-mail address. 

18. Each team should always try to have a member present with a basic knowledge of first aid. A mini First Aid kit is also recommended.

( B ) PLAYERS

1. All players must register on an official Player Registration / Insurance Form and pay the appropriate fee. Players who take part in a match without being registered are illegal and will have no insurance cover. Players with 2 teams only pay 1 registration fee but must note both teams on the form.

2. New players must also comply with the above and sign at least 48 hours before a match to ensure insurance cover is in place.

3. Waterford Junior League players are only allowed play if they are 30 years of age or over. Players participating outside of Waterford Junior League are classed as Non League. A WJL player is one that plays for a WJL team in their current season. However as some players have been known to play Junior League unregistered or under a false name this will be taken into account in the event of an objection.

4. Players wishing to sign from the Waterford Junior League during the season must first obtain and produce a written release from their Club on official headed paper. This will be checked with the club in question.

5. League of Ireland players, including under 21 or reserve level, cannot play in the FSL if under contract. An official LOI release form must be submitted to the Floodlit Soccer League before he can take part in the FSL.

6. The minimum age for players in FSL is 18 but remember that Youth players are classed as Junior League players.

7. Players 30 or over may play with one other team in a different Division. He cannot play with 2 teams in the Cup/Shield.

8. Teams can only use a maximum of 4 double team players from the Premier Division in any match.

9. Players, Managers or Referees banned from FSL or Junior League cannot play in any FSL match.

10. Team managers are fully responsible for stopping players taking part or entering the pitch area if they have consumed or are smelling of alcohol. Failure to do so may lead to an abandonment and / or points deduction

11. No limit on the number of players in a squad and new players may be signed throughout the season up until the close of the transfer window ( usually on March 1st ).

12. A team struggling to field a full team may seek special permission to sign players outside of the above guidelines.

13. A team may use unlimited rolling subs during a game but subs must enter and leave on the half way line. The referee must always be notified when making substitutions.

14. Players that belong to a team expelled from the League will not be allowed play again until matters are resolved to the satisfaction of the FSL.

( C ) THE GAME

1. A player is offside if he is inside the 25 yard yellow offside line when the ball is played forward by a team-mate and nearer to the opposition's goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. A player must also be actively involved in play to be given offside. Active is defined as follows:
   · Interfering with an opponent by either preventing them from playing or being able to play the ball, blocking the goalkeeper or obstructing their line of vision.
   · Gaining an advantage - If the ball rebounds off either a post, the crossbar or an opposing defender, then the attacker is offside as they have gained an advantage by being in that position.
   
   YOU CANT BE OFFSIDE IF:
   · you receive the ball directly from a goal kick, a throw-in or a corner
   · you are in your own half of the pitch or outside the the 25 yard yellow offside line
   · you are level with the second last or last two opponents
   · you are level with or behind the team-mate who plays you the ball
   · you are not actively involved in play, as explained above.
    

2. Any player penalised with a yellow card is sent to the "Sin Bin" for 10 minutes. Any player receiving a red card is dismissed from the field of play. Players red carded will be suspended according to the referee’s match report and may also be reported to the LRP who then have the authority to extend the suspension.

3. Players red carded in a match ( including challenge games ) will have their suspension apply to their next scheduled competitive match regardless of whether it is a League or Cup match. Challenge games do not count as a competitive match. Suspensions are applied to the next game even if a player plays with 2 teams.

4. Players accumulating 3 consecutive yellow cards or 5 overall during the season are automatically suspended for 1 game.

5. It is the responsibility of the manager to ascertain the length of any suspension.

6. Red cards issued in abandoned or challenge games will still lead to an automatic suspension.

7. Persistently poor disciplinary records may result in a team or player being called before the LRP, a points deduction, extended suspension or expulsion.

8. Red cards will carry over into the following season but yellow cards will be wiped out.

9. If a match referee fails to see any case violent conduct during a game, ( e.g. off the ball head butt ) the players who witnessed the said incident may submit statements which will be handed over to the LRP. Any player found guilty will then be banned. Alternatively his own team can ban him and inform the LRP or FSL in writing.

10. Players must not slide tackle as it will be punished by an indirect free kick. Goalkeepers are free to slide inside the penalty area but outside he is deemed as a normal player.

11. All players must wear shin-guards and the proper footwear. Dimpled runners are the most common but no boots, blades moulded cogs or studs allowed.

12. The wearing of jewellery ( ear-rings, chains, watches etc.) on the pitch is not permitted.

13. Both teams must provide a linesman when numbers permit.

14. Substitutes, Management and spectators must stay off the green pitch surface.

15. No children, bikes, prams etc are allowed inside the fence due to the risk of injury and for insurance reasons. The match is liable to be stopped or abandoned if the above rule is breached

16. Any game abandoned up to and including half time will be replayed ( a team can decline this and concede the game if they wish ). Any game abandoned once the second half starts will have the result settled by the score of the match at the time the game was called off except in unusual circumstances. The referee will decide on an abandonment but may consult with both teams before making a final decision. Reasons for abandonment include floodlight failure, unplayable pitch, severe weather or mass brawl. Any circumstances not covered here will be dealt with by the LRP.

17. Deliberate hand ball and the "professional foul" are not punished by a red card except if a referee deems it as serious foul play.

( D ) OBJECTIONS / APPEALS

1. Teams may lodge objections if they feel their opponents were in breach of any rules. The team objecting must submit their reasons in writing to the LRP within 24 working hours of a match together with a refundable deposit of €100. The LRP have the authority to take a maximum of 2 months to decide the outcome. ( read more )

2. Counter objections/defence pleas must be received in writing within 24 working hours of notification of an objection.

3. Appeals against the severity of a suspension or outcome of any LRP decision must be made within 24 working hours of a verdict and must be signed by a named team official.

4. The LRP will normally decide the outcome of objections / appeals via e-mail but if neccessary will call a meeting. Personal hearings may also be used if required.

5. Teams found guilty of fielding illegal / unregistered players will be deducted points at the discretion of the LRP.

6. Any player or team that pleads guilty to an objection made against them, before the outcome is decided, may have their penalty reduced depending on the circumstances.

7. Any team found guilty of fielding an illegal player in either leg of a Cup/Shield tie will forfeit both legs and be expelled regardless of the score. Likewise a team that concedes a walkover in either leg forfeits the tie and is out of the competition.

8. At any stage of the season members may submit what they consider to be evidence of an illegal player. This will be used to prevent players taking part and the matter will then be handed over to the LRP to determine what further action is to be taken.

( E ) GENERAL

1. If a team leaves the pitch without the referee's permission they automatically concede the match and as a consequence a walkover. Walkover rules will then apply.

2. Players, teams or management who engage in verbal abuse or in an aggressive manner before, during or after a match will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the LRP.

3. The FSL Director has the authority to suspend or expel any manager, player or team for problems regarding payment of match fees or disciplinary issues

4. Substitutes may take penalty kicks in a shoot out even if not on the pitch at full time.

5. Teams should respect the property and grounds of Waterpark RFC. No litter or smoking inside the dressing rooms or pitch area.

6. Cup games will usually be played on a 2 leg basis.

7. Promotion and relegation is normally 2 up & 2 down in each Division. This is subject to change depending on drop outs, new teams, etc..

8. Goal difference will decide any relevant placings if 2 or more teams finish level. If teams still finish level the result between the teams will be used. Win/Draw taken into account first and then aggregate score. If still level the team with the most wins will be declared the winner and if still level a play off will be introduced. If 3 or more teams cannot be split a round robin series of games will be played including a penalty shoot out to determine finishing positions.

9. The Floodlit Soccer Panel is made up from named officials on all team forms with 3 members sitting on all objections / appeals. Panel members cannot sit on a case involving their own Division.

10. Floodlit Soccer League Limited has the authority to refuse entry to teams or individuals.

11. Any team withdrawing from the League either before or during a season must pay the combined FULL match fees of ALL their remaining / unplayed games.

12. If a team withdraws from the League before playing half of their scheduled games ( e.g. 13 from 26 ), all matches involving the team are void i.e. treated as if they never took part. However if they withdraw after the midway point ( e.g. match 14 onwards ), all results will stand up to that point and remaining games settled as per walkover rule.

13. Perpetual trophies remain the property of FSL Ltd and must be returned at least 4 weeks prior to the end of the season. Lost, broken or damaged trophies must be replaced by the team currently in possession.

14. Rules and Regulations may be altered or changed at any stage throughout the season

15. It is the responsibility of all team managers to ensure his players are fully aware of all current FSL Rules & Regulations.

16. It is a condition of entry that all players and managers agree to abide by FSL Decisions, Rules & Regulations.

17. The FSL Director has the full and final say on all matters

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/lawsofthegame.html