2017 RULES & REGULATIONS

 
 
 
 
CAPITAL INTER-DISTRICT SOCCER ASSOCIATION
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Amended January 9, 2016
 
CURRENT FOR THE 2015 SEASON

These rules and regulations are established by authority of the Capital Inter-District Soccer Association (referred to as the CISA or League in this document) as per by-law 49 of the Constitution. The following rules may be added to and/or amended as per the by-law of the Association, but changes shall not occur after the start of the playing season.
Where any omission under this memorandum should arise, the relevant and applicable rules of the Soccer Nova Scotia Bylaw, Policies and Procedures shall prevail. If omissions should still exist, the Canadian Soccer Association’s Bylaw, Policies and Procedures shall apply.
The CISL encourages full participation in all aspects of the game of soccer regardless of gender or of cultural, racial or ethnic background. Club and game officials, coaches and players shall promote the game of soccer based upon the principles of safety, equality, enjoyment and fair play.
District, club, game officials and coaches shall be responsible for administering the League in accordance with these rules and regulations.
The Capital Inter-District Soccer League is restricted to teams and clubs registered in the Halifax, Harbour East, Suburban, and Valley (restrictions apply) Regions.
                  
Rule 1 - Registration of Clubs
A. Members will register annually as outlined in by-law 6 of the Constitution using the Club Registration Form provided by the League for this purpose.                  
B. Clubs will indicate on their registration application expected numbers of teams in each division. This information will be used for planning purposes only.
                  
Rule 2 - Registration of Teams
A. Members are responsible for registering their teams with the League in the following divisions.

THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES PLAY 7 V 7
U9 Boys                                                   U9 Girls
U10 Boys                                                 U10 Girls
Senior Co-ed

THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES PLAY 9 V 9
U11 Boys                                                U11 Girls
 U12 Boys B                                            U12 Boys C
U12 Girls B                                              U12 Girls C
U13 Boys A                                              U13 Boys B
U13 Girls A                                               U13 Girls 

THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES PLAY 11 V 11
U15 Boys A                                              U15 Boys B
U15 Girls A                                               U15 Girls B
U17 Boys A                                              U17 Boys B
U17 Girls A                                               U17 Girls B
U21 Men                                                 U21 Women
Senior Women C

                                     
B.    Age categories and tier levels are those defined by Soccer Nova Scotia.
                  
C.    The League reserves the right to combine categories, if there are insufficient team registrations, or to divide divisions into sections if there are too many teams for a single division. The League will make every effort to create even divisions at any age group or level.
                  
D.    Specific registration deadlines will be forwarded to Members by the Executive, but will generally follow these guidelines:
                  
3rd Monday in April or 15th, whichever is first:                
Number of teams entered in each Division with confirmation through the SNS IT System that each team has at least fourteen (14) registered players. Players in each age group and gender may be pooled to show the total number of registered players, rather than being required to show individual team rosters of 14 players. Team registration must be in writing and all fees must be paid at the time of registration. Members may add newly registered players, and may transfer players between teams up to the season start date to allow for proper player placement at their appropriate play level.
 
April 30th:   
CISL will not accept late team registrations after this date unless approved by the President.
 
TOURNAMENT LEAVE REQUESTS
U9-U10 -No requests for tournament leave will be approved for weekends scheduled for league sessions
U11-U12B – U11 &12 B teams will have between the release of the schedule and May 15 to request one weekend off for tournament leave providing they notify the League in writing they have an agreement with the opposing team to reschedule which includes the new (1) date and (2) location. The team initiating the request will assume all costs associated with the rescheduled game, if required.
After May 15 the League will not accept youth team request(s) to reschedule games except those caused by weather related factors or very exceptional circumstances.
U12C, U13, U15, U17, U21, SWC
Individual team schedules will be prepared based on the following criteria:
  1. Tournament leave requests received from clubs on or before April 30.  Limit of 1 request for tournament leave for U12A&B. All other teams may make two tournament leave requests prior to season start.
  2. The High School exam period published by the Department of Education.
  3. Weekends set aside by CISL to play matches previously cancelled due to field closures. ALL teams must be available for games on the designated makeup weekends shown in the calendar posted online.
After April 30 any team requesting additional time off must make the request through their club. It is not advisable to register for a tournament until permission is granted.
No sanctioned tournament is automatically given as a weekend off for tournament leave.  ANY tournament leave must be requested, and approved.
                                                                                                                                                                    
May 15th:
Clubs will forward, in writing, by way of a Team Registration Form supplied by the League, the following information about each Club and each club team for the Leagues information.
                  
Clubs and/or teams must enter team management names and email addresses (this includes ALL team managers including coachs, assistant coachs, managers, and team marshals) in the appropriate area of the Goalline registration system.  This enables the league to make immediate contact via email with team management should scheduling issues occur.           
If team and coach names are not provided, the League will assign a name to the team for identification in the League. If a coach’s name and contact information is not provided, the Club President will be notified of any team communication from the League.
                  
May 31st or first day of season:                 
Team rosters as registered with Soccer Nova Scotia through the SNS IT Registration System must be frozen at this time and only player transfers and new player registrations approved by SNS may be made from this date forward.
                  
Coaches and Managers must be registered on the IT system. Coaches must be adult.
                  
SNS recently passed a motion requiring ALL teams to have a person of the same sex as the players as part of the teams’ staff or management.
                  
SNS and the CSA require that ALL team staff or management be cleared by CPIC (Canadian Police Information Check). Any Member of the CISL naming any person to any team as a team staff or management person is confirming that the named person has been CPIC cleared, and that should an audit by a third party be undertaken that the Members records will so indicate.
                  
SNS requires Members to comply with the above requirements or no schedules to be issued to club.
                  
On or before June 15th:
Reschedule requests received in writing, on or before June 15th, from a member club for any of their teams will require:
  1. Proof that the team requiring a change in the schedule has discussed the change with their opponent and their opponent has agreed in writing to the change.
  2. For teams playing 11-aside - the teams have agreed on two different dates for a replay, and these dates are provided to the league.
For teams playing 9v9 or other small sided games – the teams have agreed to try and find a date for reschedule from a list of available times provided by the league.  If there is no suitable time available, the member club has the right to book a field time for a reschedule at the clubs expense, so long as the other team is available.
Any costs incurred must be paid by the team requesting the change.
  1. Where a suitable date cannot be found for a replay, the original game will be considered a forfeit by the team requesting the reschedule.
  2. As stated elsewhere no games may be rescheduled to a makeup weekend.
  3. CISL will choose one of the dates agreed to, or available time for small sided teams, and post the new game on the website, notify the teams and assign officials.
  4. There is a one game limit for reschedule requests for any team. 
                  
Rule 3 - Registration of Players, Team Officials
                  
A.    All players and officials of teams participating in the League shall register each year with Soccer Nova Scotia as required by SNS rules established from time to time, and shall be subject to the rules and disciplinary procedures adopted by the National Executive Committee of the CSA.
                  
B.    No player shall be deemed registered for participation, nor shall they compete in any game of the League unless their registration has been acknowledged by Soccer Nova Scotia by the players name appearing on the teams roster as is shown on the SNS IT system .The League reserves the right to restrict dual registered players (i.e., those registered to play Tier 1 and Tier 2) from participation in the League.
                  
C.    All players who register through a club participating in the League are bound to that club until the end of the League’s current playing season (normally Labour Day Monday), unless they are transferred or released in accordance with Soccer Nova Scotia guidelines.
                  
D.    All players must have a valid Soccer Nova Scotia ID card.  ID cards and registration forms must be available for inspection at each game. The manager or coach, not the players, must hold the ID cards for each team.
                  
E.    If there is doubt about the registration status of a player; any team and/or league official may request inspection of ID cards and /or team registrations. Any team who was unable to produce the ID cards has 24 hours from the game starting time, weekends and legal holidays exempted, to present the cards to the League office who will forward the cards to the CISL President. Failure to do so shall result in forfeiting the game.
                  
Any protest resulting from inspection of ID cards must be filed, within 24 hours of the game starting time, weekends and legal holidays exempted according to the procedures outlined in Rule 8.
                  
F.    Any team or club official or player charged with falsifying proof of age documents or tampering with ID cards or registration sheets shall be reported to Soccer Nova Scotia for disciplinary action. Notice in writing of any disciplinary hearing shall also be forwarded to the player, team and district.
 
G.    PLAYER CALLUPS / PLAYING UP:
CISL follows the SNS Player Movement Policy currently in force and as amended from time to time.

                  
H.    Illegal Players: Any player who plays when unregistered, who is not listed on the game sheet, is overage, or violates the playing up guidelines is defined as an illegal player. Any team found guilty of playing an illegal player should forfeit the game and all other games in which the illegal player has participated. The coach of any team found guilty of a second offence for playing an unregistered player will be automatically suspended and a discipline hearing convened. No player shall play for more than one team in this league.
                  
Rule 4 - Scheduling
                  
A.    Three (3) officials registered with Soccer Nova Scotia are to be assigned to each 11 aside League game and 9 aside U12 A & B.  In the event the scheduled referee does not show up, the game must be played with the assistant referee officiating, provided that the assistant referee is one year older than the players; and (in addition) for U-16 and U-18 games, the assistant referee has two years experience.        
If an assistant referee does not meet the qualifications above and feels they can referee the game and the coaches agree prior to the commencement of the game, by signing the game sheet and giving it to the referee, the game will be played as scheduled with the assistant referee officiating.
 
One referee shall be assigned to each 7 aside, 9 aside C game, or U10 Academy game.
                  
B.    Game Cancellations: The CISL President or his/her appointee is responsible for canceling all scheduled games when weather or ground conditions warrant such action in accordance with municipal restrictions. Such cancellations shall be put on the League’s website and email subscription list at least one and one half-hours prior to the first scheduled game of the day. Games will automatically be rescheduled to makeup weekends as determined each season and shown on the leagues published calendar.
                  
At game time, if there has been no league cancellation, it shall be the sole responsibility of the referee to decide whether the game will go on or not due to inclement weather or unsuitable playing surfaces. If, during the course of the game the referee determines that the weather has deteriorated to the point where safety is a concern, the referee may stop the game for up to fifteen minutes. If, after fifteen minutes the game cannot be restarted, then, if the game is 60% complete, the score at the time the game was stopped will be the final result
If the game stoppage was in the first half and cannot be restarted, then the game will be rescheduled for replay.
                  
Coaches must report these games to the League office within 12 hours of the game by phone, fax, or email. Do not assume the League will know that the game has been cancelled as severe weather can be fairly localized.
                  
C.    Game Postponements: Teams must honor their scheduled game commitments. See Rule 2. In exceptional circumstances requests for postponements will be considered for compassionate grounds on less than 14 days notice. The Executive will decide what action is appropriate and inform both teams. 
                  
D.    Rescheduling: The Executive will reschedule all legitimately cancelled, postponed and suspended games not covered above or by automatic rescheduling. Coaches may not reschedule their own games. Games will be rescheduled on the first available suitable dates following the originally scheduled games.  Teams will be given at least 48 hours notice of the time and place of a rescheduled game.
                  
E. Tournament conflicts: Where a team entered in a tournament encounters a conflict of any kind, between a regularly scheduled league game and a tournament game, or games, the CISL will not cancel the league game. Teams not honoring their game commitment in this instance will forfeit the game and points will be awarded to their opponent.   
                  
Rule 5 - Games
                  
A. Time Limits and Ball Sizes for games in the League shall are follows:
Age Halfs on or before July 31 Halfs after July 31 Halftime Break Ball Size
11 A, 12 A & B
9-10 A B, 12  C
35
25
35
25
5
5
4
4
13 35 30 5 5
15 40 35 5 5
17, 21 Snr WMNC   45 40 5 5
 
When there is a delay in the start of the game, each half of the game will be shortened by the same amount so that the game will end at the scheduled time. For example: An U-12 game that starts 15 minutes late will play two 22 minute halfs before August 1st and two seventeen 17 minute halfs if the game is played in August.
               
B. Uniform and Uniform Numbers: All players’ uniforms will carry a number and all players on the same team and participating in the same game must wear the same colour uniform which includes socks, jersey and shorts. Each jersey must bear a different number. It is the responsibility of the coach to make sure that all players are identified on the game sheet by name and uniform number. Referees have the right to deny a player’s participation in the game if they do not comply with this rule.
                  
C. Fielding of Teams: When a team has 7 players at the field, after the scheduled start time, the game will be started. If a team fails to field a team with a minimum of 7 players, within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time, it shall lose the game by default. If during the course of any game a team’s roster falls below 7 players due to injury, player ejections or other cause the game will be abandoned and rescheduled by the League. When there is a delay in the start of the game, each half of the game should be shortened by equal amounts of time so that the game will end at the scheduled time.
                  
When a team fails to show for any scheduled game, the Clubs of those teams will be responsible for paying all game fees and costs associated with that game to the CISL Treasurer within 72 hours of being advised of the costs. The League reserves the right to suspend the team if the fees are not paid.
                  
If a team defaults a second game in the playing season, the team will be expelled from the League unless its Club pays the outstanding fees and posts a performance bond equal to “the game fees for that division” x “the number of games remaining to be played”. At the end of the season, the Club will be refunded the performance bond less all game fees and costs associated with any further defaults.
                  
D. Home Team: The home team shall be responsible for providing two game balls (suitable to the referee), nets and corner flags. Failure to provide nets and corner flags may result in a forfeit game.  Registered referees shall be paid by the home team, at the field, before any league game. Referee fees for Champions Challenge and Hunt for Gold are split between teams and are paid by each team before the game. Fees will be set from time to time by SNS, and published in the League Handbook.
 
E. AWAY TEAM: The away team is required to assist the home team by erecting and removing one net, where necessary.  The game sheet now has a check box for the Home team to indicate the away team assisted where necessary.  Failure to assist may result in disciplinary action.
                  
F. Colour Clash: In the event that the colours of the two opposing teams clash, the AWAY team is required to change its colours. It is acceptable for either team to wear pinafores (pinnies) to solve the problem.
                 
G. Coaching is permitted only from the area of the team’s bench. The player bench/coaching area shall be defined as: a 10 meter re area on one side of the halfway line, not closer to the touch line than 1 meter re, and not behind the goal line or within 10 meters res of the corner flag. The referee shall designate on which side of the field teams will locate their player benches. Spectators and others will watch the game from the other side of the field opposite the teams.
                   
H. Substitutions may be requested from the assistant referee at any time. In the absence of assistant referees, coaches may request substitution at any stoppage of play. Teams may substitute up to five players at a time and there is no limit to the number of overall substitutions. Substitutions shall be made only with the referee’s approval and shall be carried out as quickly as possible from the halfway line. The substitution procedure will follow the FIFA Laws of the Game currently in effect. Here is the link to FIFA: http://www.fifa.com/
                  
I. Incomplete Games: Any team official removing a team from the field before the end of the game without permission of the referee shall forfeit the game and be subject to a review by the discipline committee.
                  
A referee who stops a game prematurely shall forward within 48 hours a written report of the circumstances to the League office; the Executive shall determine the action to be taken.
                  
J. Reporting Match Scores: Teams are responsible for reporting scores online, within 24 hrs of the match.  These scores will be considered tentative until receipt of an official game sheet.  The League will only accept properly completed game sheets for official score reporting. The WINNING team must report the scores of both teams by submitting the original copy, or a fax of the original game sheet. Where the result of a match is a tie, the home team will report the result The league recommends that both teams print off a copy of the game sheet and have it signed by the referee. This ensures that if the home team fails to report, the away team has a record they may report with. The League must receive a copy of a signed game report within 5 days of the game date or no points will be assigned (online score will be removed). Faxed copies are acceptable.
                  
Teams shall be assessed a penalty of $25.00 for not submitting the game sheet on time.
                  
Rule 6 - Referees
                  
A. Referees are responsible for their scheduled game commitments. If unable to be present at a game, the scheduled official must report this to the League assignor. All officials will follow the protocol laid out in the SNS Policy and Procedures for the turning back of a scheduled match: http://www.soccerns.ns.ca/referees/referees-handbook/ Assigned officials should sign each game sheet legibly to ensure that they get credit for being in attendance, and for league follow-up as required.
                   
B. Officials may be required to reimburse the League for any costs incurred because they did not show up for a scheduled game, did not inform the league office, or arrange for a replacement qualified to do their game. Officials shall be removed from the list of active referees for the League and any scheduled games will be reassigned to other officials until the costs have been reimbursed.
                  
C. Officials will follow the requirements for reporting incidents and the issue of cards currently in effect in the SNS Policies and Procedure Manual: http://www.soccerns.ns.ca/referees/referees-handbook/ Referees are to ensure that game sheets are completed properly so that the League can identify the teams, date, time, field, score, discipline, etc.
 
D.  Written complaints about match officials must be submitted by the club, not an individual or team official.  Complaints are to be forwarded to the Referee Development Officer at SNS.  CISL has no authority or responsibility in dealing with or assessing complaints about match officials.
                  
E. Upon request, Clubs will be reimbursed for referee fees paid under the following circumstances: when games are cancelled at the field because of field and/or weather conditions; or when games are not played because a qualified official (see Rule 4-A) was not at the game. Requests will not be considered if game sheets were not filed with the League as required in Rule 5-I.
                   
F. Where Referees are not paid at the field by the team responsible to pay all or half the game fees,, (usually the home team), the League will undertake to pay the Referees within two weeks and the Club and team responsible are required to pay a sum equal to double the original referee fees to the League within two weeks.
           
Rule 7 – Discipline & Appeals
Upon receipt of an Incident Report directly from a Game official or SNS, the League Administrator will issue the punishment or sanction on behalf of the Discipline Committee, corresponding to the incident report description, outlined in the Discipline Policy of SNS, or as below. Where a player or team official appeals the automatic punishment or sanction, THEN
                 
A hearing will be held. Any necessary hearings will be held the next following meeting date posted on the CISL calendar or 10 days if the player requires more time. The Discipline committee will issue automatic suspensions immediately upon receipt of an official discipline report.
                  
Soccer Nova Scotia Policies and Procedures related to discipline matters will be followed with the exception of incidents of Violent Conduct, whereby a player MAY be subject to a 10 game suspension.
Written complaints about the behavior of team supporters at CISL games may be investigated by the Committee, and teams and/or clubs may be required to attend a meeting of the Committee to answer the complaint. Clubs and/or teams may be subject to sanction by the League. All written complaints must be supported by the Club whose team makes the complaint. Complaints submitted without a Club’s endorsement will not be responded to.
 
Teams accumulating 27 points during the course of the season will receive a warning letter from the league to correct its behaviour. Points are accumulated by counting 3 points for a yellow card and 9 points for a red card received by any player on a team whether a regular roster player or a callup. Should a team accumulate 39 points the Coachs, Managers and Captains will be ordered to appear before the Committee. The Head Coach of a team ordered to appear will be subject to disciplinary action whereby he/she will be banned from Coaching in two games, time to be determined by the Committee Chair. Where any team required to appear before the committee does not attend the scheduled hearing, the team will be assessed a fine of $150.00. Other sanctions may be levied against any team behaving in an unsportsmanlike manner and may include game suspensions, loss of points, fines, costs, and expulsion from the league.
Any team accumulating 54 points MAY BE expelled from the league WITHOUT HEARING OR NOTICE
 
YELLOW CARD CAUTION 3 POINTS
2ND YELLOW SAME GAME DISMISSAL 9 POINTS
RED CARD DISMISSAL 9 POINTS
COACH DISMISSAL 9 POINTS
 
                  
Rule 8 - Protests
                  
A. The Committee shall deal with all protests arising out of League play, unless otherwise provided for in these rules.
B. All protests shall be submitted in writing to the League office no later than 24 hours after the incident or the end of the game being protested, weekends and legal holidays exempted.
C. All protests must be accompanied by a protest fee of $150.00 cash and (delete) or cheque (add) paid by the club of the appellant.
All protest fees received by the league will be donated to Kidsport.                  
D. On receipt of a protest, the League office shall, within 72 hours, weekends and legal holidays exempted , schedule a hearing and advise both parties of the time and place and the rules of the hearing.                 
Protests will be dealt with within 10 days of the date of the game.                 
Both parties shall have the right to attend the hearing; either may waive that right in writing, in which case the protest will be dealt with in their absence.                 
E. Hearings will be conducted according to the Soccer Nova Scotia rules and the rules will be given to both parties with the notice of the hearing.                  
F. Any appeal from the Committee’s decision shall be made to the CISL Board in writing within 7 calendar days and the Board will deal with the appeal within 14 days.
Special Discipline
Where a team official or player violates any of the Laws of the Game, rules and policies of the Canadian Soccer Association, Soccer Nova Scotia or the CISL; or
Where a team or team staff member or player behaves in any manner that indicates or demonstrates conduct which is prejudicial to the best interest of the CISL; or
Where a team supporter acts in a manner that brings the game into disrepute;
Then the President of the CISL may:
I. issue a warning to any manager, player or coach about such conduct;
II. suspend one or more of the manager, coach or players of a team, or any combination thereof for not less than one and not more than five (5) games;
III. order the forfeiture of a game ;
IV. suspend a team from further CISL play until such time as they show cause to the CISL Board of Directors as to why that team should be allowed to continue to play in the CISL in the particular division affected or any other division.
In the event that a team is suspended, the affected team will have a minimum of seven (7) days from the date of written notification of its suspension to prepare their written appeal to the CISL Board of Directors.
The team affected may waive this preparation time in writing if it so chooses.
The CISL Board of Directors will meet no later than ten (10) days after the President has suspended a team to hear that team's reasons as to why they should be allowed to participate in the league.
The onus will be on the team to demonstrate why the suspension should be lifted.       
             
Rule 9 - League Standings
                  
A. Three (3) points will be awarded for a win; one (1) point for a tie; and zero (0) points for a loss.
                  
If game sheets are not received as outlined in Rule 5-I, points will not be awarded. In the case of a tie only the home team will be penalized.
                  
B. Any team forfeiting or defaulting any game for any reason shall be the loser; the score will be 3-0; and three (3) points will be awarded to the winning team.
                  
C. If a team drops out of the League or is expelled from the League, The Executive will decide what should happen to the results of League games played.
                  
D. Where two or more teams are tied in the standings of a  play level at the conclusion of the season, the higher standing will be awarded according to the following:
                  
Rule 1. The following rules apply equally to all the teams that are tied.
                  
Rule 1a. If, after the application of a given rule, all of the teams are still tied, go to the next rule.
                 
Rule 1b. If not all teams, but one or more subgroups of the teams are tied, separate these teams into groups and go back to rule 2 with each of the groups individually.
                  
Rule 2. Win-loss records, counting only games between the teams that are tied.
                  
Example 2.1. A and B are tied for third place at 4-2, and during the tournament, A has beaten B. Then, A gets third place and B gets fourth place. When only two teams are involved, this rule is commonly called “head-to-head.”
                  
Example 2.2. A, B, and C, are tied for first place; they are all 3-2 after the six team round-robin. A has beaten both B and C, while B has beaten C. The records among the three teams only are: A is 2-0, B is 1-1, and C is 0-2. A finishes first, B finishes second, and C finishes third.
                  
Example 2.3. A, B, and C are in a three-way tie. A has beaten B, B has beaten C, C has beaten A. The relevant records for all three teams are 1-1. This tie-breaker won’t work, and you must go on to tie-breaker #3.
                  
Rule 3. Point differentials, counting only games between the teams that are tied.
                  
Example 3.1. A, B, C are in a three-way tie for first place. A has beaten B 15-10, B has beaten C 15-12, and C has beaten A, 15-13. A’s point differential, then, is +5 and -2, which equals +3. B’s is -2 and C’s is -1. A finishes first, C finishes second, and B finishes third. Note that the three point differentials, in this case, +3,-2,-1, must always add up to zero. Note also that we do not use the point differential to choose the winner and then go “head to head” to choose the other two. This would be a violation of Rule #1, which says that we must apply a tie-breaker rule equally to all the teams that are tied.
                  
Example 3.2. A, B, C are in a three-way tie for first place. A has beaten B 15-11, B has beaten C 15-12, and C has beaten A, 15-13. A’s point differential, then, is +4 and -2, which equals +2. B’s is -1 and C’s is -1. A takes first place. B and C are still tied. When, after the application of a rule, there are still teams that are tied, we go back to rule 2. Since B beat C, B takes 2nd place, and C takes 3rd. At this point we do not go onto rule 4.
                  
Example 3.3. A, B, C are in a three-way tie for first place. A has beaten B 15-13, B has beaten C 16-14, and C has beaten A, 15-13. A’s point differential, then, is +2 and -2, which equals +0. B’s is 0 and C’s is 0. This tie-breaker cannot be applied; go on to tie-breaker rule 4, unless there are only three teams in the pool to begin with, in which case you should have played an extra point. See the discussion on three-team pools in Section 3.1.
                  
Rule 4. Point differentials, counting games against all common opponents.
                  
Example 4.1. As in example 3, above, A, B, C are in a three-way tie for first place in a four-team pool. A has beaten B 15-13, B has beaten C 16-14, and C has beaten A, 15-13. All three-point differentials are 0. Suppose all of them have played D; A beat D 15-9, B beat D 15-7, and C beat D 15-12. B takes first place (because their point differential against the common opponent, D, was +8), A takes second (by beating D by six goals), and C takes third (beating D by three goals).
                  
For the purpose of Rule 4 defaults and forfeits will not count as common games.
 
 
Team Marshal Program
Background:
Referee retention issues have been an increasing concern over the past few years.
This referee shortage is caused by many reasons, but the most worrisome is the abuse from team officials and spectators towards youth referees. The abuse can come in many forms, but in particular, it is the verbal abuse which is personal, provocative and public in regards to the referee’s on-field performance that cause the referee to quit.
This unacceptable behavior towards our youth and new officials must be addressed as a priority particularly if soccer is to have an adequate supply of referees.
The Field Marshal Program is intended to empower one individual from each team to support the referee among their fellow parents/spectators.
Specifics:
  • All U10, U11, U12 & U13 teams participating in CISL league play must designate an individual at EVERY game to act as a Field Marshal.
  • The individual acting as the Field Marshal (FM) must be named on the team’s game sheet.
  • The Field Marshal is to wear the arm band (or other identification) provided by CISL as identification.
  • Game will not start until each team has its field marshal identified.
  • The match will be forfeit by the team causing a five minute delay in the start of the match.
 
 
Responsibilities:
  • Listen, watch, and monitor the behavior of your team’s parents.
  • The Field Marshal is expected to remind parents to keep their comments to themselves and refrain from vocalizing their complaints during the game. The best way to improve a referee’s ability and knowledge is to have the coach provide feedback to CISL where a comment is appropriate.
  • Quickly diffuse a potential problem before it arises by either being visible or calmly speaking with the individual(s) involved.
  • Deal with, and act on, inappropriate comments, gestures and/or general unsporting behavior directed at referees, players or any other individual by your teams’ spectators or coaches but please avoid getting into a confrontation.
  • ο€ The Field Marshal is not expected to put themselves in a situation which may compromise their comfort level or personal safety.
  • Any questions/comments/complaints/compliments in regards to officiating should be directed to administration@cislns.ca. Based on any official report, CISL will investigate the incident and act accordingly.
Penalties:

The fine for not participating in the Field Marshal Program and not wearing the armband:
  • 1st Offense - Warning Letter to club
  • 2nd , and subsequent offenses - no game and forfeit by team not participating
Any person seen abusing referees by third parties including Referee Mentors (not Field Marshals), may be subject to a discipline hearing.
Team sanctions including league suspension, fines or both may be the outcome.
 
 
 
U9-U10 A & B Rules for Play
PER SNS POLICY ALL TEAMS PARTICIPATING WILL USE THE RETREAT LINE AS PART OF THE GAME, FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RETREAT LINE PLEASE SEE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehAyqRHqOpY
Law 1-The Field of Play:      Length: 55 m           Width:  36 m
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than fifteen (15) centimetres wide.  The field of play is divided into halves, marked by a centre line and by a centre spot that is located at the midpoint of the centre line. A circle with a radius of nine (9) metres may, but not mandatory, be marked around it.  
Goal Area:
None
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, eleven (11) metres from the inside of each goalpost.  These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of eleven (11) metres and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.  The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.  Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made nine (9) meters from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Flag posts: Conform to FIFA if used. 
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA if marked. 
Goal Posts: Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line and measure 3.66 metres x 1.83 metres (12 feet wide and 6.5 feet high).

Law 2-The Ball: The ball must conform to FIFA standards and must conform to the FIFA inflation specifications.  Size four (4).

Law 3- The Number of Players:
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven (7) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.  A match may not start, or continue, if either team consists of fewer than five (5) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.  All players shall play equal playing time.
Substitutions: At any stoppage, substitutions are unlimited and must be done with the officials’ permission.

Law 4- The Players Equipment:
Conform to FIFA.  Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.  The goalkeeper should wear a colour that distinguishes him/her from both teams.  Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under the socks.  Jewellery is not permitted.
 
Law 5- The Referee:
One referee as per Soccer NS regulations. The referee’s role is to keep players safe and to ensure that the game is played under the “fair play” code. (Duties conform to FIFA)
Law 6- The Assistant Referee: None

Law 7- The Duration of the Match: The match will be divided into two (2) halves of 25 minutes.  There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.

Law 8- The Start and Restart of Play:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least nine (9) metres from the ball until it is in play.
 
Law 9- The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.

Law 10-The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.

Law 11-Offside: Not applicable.

Law 12-Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA.

Law 13-Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least nine (9) metres from the ball.   An indirect kick awarded to the attacking team that occurs inside the penalty area shall be taken from the outside edge of the penalty area in line where the offense took place.

Law 14-The Penalty Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is marked at nine (9) metres from the goal line.  All players except the player taking the kick must be nine (9) metres from the ball.

Law 15-The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.

Law 16-The Goal Kick:
Conform to FIFA except that it shall be taken from anywhere within the penalty area.  Opponents must remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.

Law 17-The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
 
 
 
 
Soccer Nova Scotia
Official, U11 and U12 A, B & C Playing Rules
PER SNS POLICY ALL TEAMS PARTICIPATING WILL USE THE RETREAT LINE AS PART OF THE GAME, FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RETREAT LINE PLEASE SEE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehAyqRHqOpY
 
The SNS age specific modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game

Law 1-The Field of Play 
 Length: 70-75 m      Width:       50-55 m
 
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than fifteen (15) centimetres wide.  The field of play is divided into halves, marked by a centre line and by a centre spot that is located at the midpoint of the centre line. A circle with a radius of nine (9) metres may, but not mandatory, be marked around it. 
NB: All fields must be properly marked.
Goal Area: None
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, eleven (11) metres from the inside of each goalpost.  These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of eleven (11) metres and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.  The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.  Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made nine (9) meters from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Flag posts: Conform to FIFA if used. 
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA if marked. 
Goal Posts: Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line and measure 5.486 x 1.83 metres (12 feet wide and 6.5 feet high).
Law 2-The Ball: The ball must conform to FIFA standards and must conform to the FIFA inflation specifications.  Size four (4).
Law 3- The Number of Players:
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than nine (9) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.  A match may not start, or continue, if either team consists of fewer than six players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.  All players shall play equal playing time.
Substitutions: At any stoppage, substitutions are unlimited and must be done with the officials’ permission.
Law 4- The Players Equipment:
Conform to FIFA.  Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.  The goalkeeper should wear a colour that distinguishes him/her from both teams.  Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under the socks.  Jewellery is not permitted.
Law 5- The Referee:
One referee as per Soccer NS regulations. The referee’s role is to keep players safe and to ensure that the game is played under the “fair play” code. (Duties conform to FIFA)
Law 6- The Assistant Referee:
Two assistant referees as per Soccer NS regulations for U11A, U12A&B where Law 11 is enforced. (Duties conform to FIFA).
Law 7- The Duration of the Match:
U11A, U12A&B - The match will be divided into two (2) halves of thirty five (35) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
U12 C – The match will be divided into two (2) halves of 25 minutes.  There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8- The Start and Restart of Play:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least nine (9) metres from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9- The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10-The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11-Offside: In effect where applicable. See Law 6.
Law 12-Fouls and Misconduct:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her penalty area into the opponents penalty area.  Cautionary and expulsion cards are used.
Law 13-Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least nine (9) metres from the ball.   An indirect kick awarded to the attacking team that occurs inside the penalty area shall be taken from the outside edge of the penalty area in line where the offense took place.
Law 14-The Penalty Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is marked at nine (9) metres from the goal line.  All players except the player taking the kick must be nine (9) metres from the ball.
Law 15-The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.
Law 16-The Goal Kick:
Conform to FIFA except that it shall be taken from anywhere within the penalty area.  Opponents must remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 17-The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
 
End of Rules & Regulations