Email
Print
Rules and Regulations
HIGHLAND SOCCER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Click HERE to download PDF version of the RulesMAY 2017
Contents
Rule 2 – Communication. 1
Rule 3 - Registration of CLUBS. 2
Rule 4 - Registration of Teams. 2
Rule 5 - Registration of Players. 4
Rule 6 - Scheduling. 6
Rule 7 – Games. 10
Rule 8 – Game Results Reporting. 12
Rule 9 – Fielding of Teams and Forfeits. 12
Rule 10 – Referees. 14
Rule 11 - Discipline. 16
Rule 12 - Protests. 17
Rule 13 - League Standings. 18
Rule 14 - League Playoffs and Provincials. 18
Rule 15 – ADDITIONAL LEAGUE POLICIES. 21
SUMMARY OF FEES, FINES & PENALTIES. 21
These rules and regulations are established by authority of the Highland District Soccer Association (referred to as the HDSA or District in this document) as the recognized authority of the Highland Soccer League (referred to as the HSL or League in this document)
The following rules may be added to and/or amended as per the by-laws of the HDSA, but changes shall not occur after the start of the playing season without unanimous consent of all member Clubs.
Where any omission should arise, the applicable rules and regulations of Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS) shall prevail. If omissions should still exist, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) rules shall apply. If omissions should still exist, the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) rules shall apply.
The League encourages full participation in all aspects of the game of soccer regardless of cultural, racial, ethnic, or social background. Club and game officials, coaches, and players shall promote and participate in the game of soccer based on the principles of safety, equality, enjoyment, and fair play.
It shall be the responsibility of all participating district, club and game officials to ensure participation in the League is in accordance with these rules and regulations.
- The League shall be governed by the League Directors, with such League Directors being the current members of the HDSA ‘Competitions Committee’ (a single representative from each Highland region member Soccer Club)
- The League shall annually designate a League Coordinator to be responsible for coordination and collection of league information as required. The League shall annually review/approve an agreement with the League Coordinator that shall outline the responsibilities of both parties and include a stipend amount and payment schedule.
- The League shall maintain a League Office, which will serve as the location where required forms and reporting will be sent. The League office will consist of the following:
- postal address
- e-mail address
- league website
- The League shall provide Clubs with contact information for the League Office and League Coordinator at least seven days prior to the first deadline date for registration information.
- Clubs shall forward all required information (team registration, game sheets) to the League Office as required by the rules contained herein.
- Formal Notice Definition:
Formal Notice is considered as a condition or requirement in many of the league rules. The intent of this rule is to clearly define when the League, League Directors, or Team Officials shall be considered to have been formal notice.
- General Communication Procedures:
The general communication policy for the League will be to communicate ONLY to the League Directors who represent all member Clubs. League Directors will be expected to pass on all relevant league communications to their Club and Team Officials.
Club Team Officials shall be expected to pass all League related communications back to the League through their League Coordinator. While such communications may lead to direct communications between the League and Team Officials, League Directors are to be included in all such communications.
While the general policy is to always communicate through the League Directors, with the expectation that they will then communicate such messages to Team Officials, there will be occasions where general messages will be sent directly to Team Officials.
- Formal Notice Conditions:
The list below describes the conditions that must be met to consider that formal notice has been given between various groups:- Formal notice and communication to a Club shall be considered given when an email is sent from the League Coordinator to the League Director for such Club.
- Formal notice and communication to a Club Team shall be considered given when an email is sent from the League Coordinator to the Team Officials as registered in the Goalline system.
- Formal notice and communication to the League shall be considered given when an email is sent from a League Coordinator to the League Coordinator.
- Only member Clubs of the HDSA shall be considered as members of the HSL. Registration of one or more teams in either outdoor or indoor season shall be considered as proper registration of a Club.
- Should a request for teams from a non-member Club be received by the League, any such acceptance shall require unanimous consent of all HDSA Clubs and permission from Soccer Nova Scotia.
- The League may also establish an additional ‘non-member’ team fee to offset league costs normally covered through HDSA District fees.
- Clubs are responsible for registering their teams with the League in the following divisions:
- Under 12 Girls, Under 13 Girls, Under 15 Girls, Under 17 Girls, Under 21 Girls, Senior Women
- any other division that the League agrees to operate on behalf of member Clubs
- Age Categories are those defined by Soccer Nova Scotia.
- The League reserves the right to divide divisions or combine divisions based on the number of registered teams.
- A division shall contain a minimum of four teams and not more than eight teams. Exceptions will be permitted when the League Directors grants approval, but in such cases club teams will be given the opportunity to withdraw their team application without penalty.
- Specific registration deadlines and requirements outlined here will be forwarded in writing to Club representatives by the League Directors at least 30 days prior to the first date of registration submission requirements. All information submitted for registration must be submitted in writing and received by the League before or on the deadline dates.
A minimum of 2 Weeks Prior to Start of League Play - Team Registration Notification & Fields Submission
Clubs will forward a Team Application Form to the League for each team to play in the HSL.
The League Coordinator will register all such teams in the Goalline system in the applicable Team Age Category and League Division
Clubs will forward detailed team information described below, using the Team Application form:
- Club Name, Team Name, Team Category
- Team Uniform Home and Away colours
- Head Coach Name and Phone number and Certification Level/Date
- Managers or Assistant Coaches Names and Phone numbers and Certification Levels/Dates
- Designated Voice mail phone number where messages can be left (may be coach or manager phone number)
- Designated Team Contact Email Address
- Signatures of Coaches and Club President
- a Home Game Field and Availability of Times for the Home Game Field ; a separate field and time slot must be provided for each team.
- Up to one designated tournament weekend, with the intent that the League will make every effort to not schedule Friday or Monday games around this designated weekend.
Prior to Start of League Play - Team Category Declaration
Teams must declare their final Team Classification (Age group/Level/Tier) prior to the start of League play. This designation shall be recorded on the Team Application form and teams may not change this team classification in Goalline after they have played their first league game.
Prior to Start of League Play - Team Player Registration
Club Registrars will register all players and team officials to the applicable registered teams in the Goalline system at least 24 hours prior to the start of play
Player registration shall include first name, last name, gender, birth date, mail address, email address, phone number, and player team jersey number
The process of setting up teams and registering players and team officials as outlined here shall be deemed as meeting all league team/registration requirements, and the Team Roster produced from the Goalline system shall be considered the official team roster.
- Team Registration Fees shall be determined and approved by the League Board annually.
- All Team coaches are required to have proper coaching certification levels as determined by Soccer Nova Scotia. This information must be provided on team Registration forms, and will be verified by Soccer Nova Scotia.
No team shall be permitted to participate in league play without a coach who possesses the proper coaching certification level, or without first providing the League office proof of enrollment for the team coach (location and dates) in a Soccer Nova Scotia coaching clinic to obtain such required coaching certification level, and subsequently providing the League office with proof of course completion.
- Failure to comply with any team registration conditions may result in fines or suspensions as determined by the Board.
No player shall be deemed registered for participation, nor shall they compete in any game of the League unless their registration appears in the Goalline system as required in by Soccer Nova Scotia Policies and Procedures (at least 24 hours before game time).
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 unless they are transferred or released in accordance with Soccer Nova Scotia by-laws.
All players must have a valid Soccer Nova Scotia ID Card before June 15 of the playing year. ID Cards must be available for inspection at all games from June 15 to end of season. Official Team Rosters (being the official team roster produced from the Goalline system) must be available for inspection at all games.
The Team Manager or Coach shall be responsible for holding and presenting ID Cards and official team roster.
If there is doubt about the registration status of a player, team and/or league officials may request and carry out inspection of ID Cards and/or Team Rosters prior to the start of the game or at half time. All inspections will occur in the presence of the referee as a witness.Any team unable to produce a Team Roster or ID Card to validate the registration of any player shall be given 24 hours from the game starting time, weekends and legal holidays excepted, to present the ID Cards or Team Roster to the League Coordinator.
Any protest resulting from inspection of ID Cards or Team Roster must be filed within 48 hours from the game starting time, weekends and legal holidays excepted, according to procedures outlined in Rule 8 - Protests.
Any team or club official or player charged with falsifying or tampering with proof of age documents, Team Rosters or ID Cards shall be reported to Soccer Nova Scotia for disciplinary action. Notice shall also be forwarded to the player, team, and district within 24 hours of any such decision, with email being considered as meeting such notification requirements.
Playing Up for Another Team:
Players may only play up for another team if they meet the conditions and requirements of the Soccer Nova Scotia Bylaws/Policies that relate to this subject.
For players moving up from within a Club to another Club team, the player must be registered in a lower level - a lower age group. Players can be called up in this manner an unlimited number of time in regular season play.
For transferring of players from another club team for a game, a single player can play up for a maximum of 3 times within a season for regular season play. This requires completion of a ‘Player Transfer Form’ (available from Soccer NS) and submission of same form to the League office prior to game time. This form must be signed by an authority in the players host club to be valid.
No players are permitted to play up for any team during playoffs.
Notice of a player playing up must be provided to the League Office through information included on the game sheet for the game that the player participates in. The player must be identified as playing up by placing an asterisk (*) in the player number column, and the team/category of registration for the player must be clearly written under the team roster section of the game sheet.
The Coach or Team Manager must be able to provide proof of registration for any such player by providing a copy of the players official Soccer Nova Scotia Team Roster and Soccer Nova Scotia ID Card.
Playing for Another Team in Same Division:
The League may establish exceptions that allow players to play for more than one team in their club within a single division, where such an exception will allow a Club to field more than one team by sharing players between teams.
- This exception requires 100% approval of Clubs with teams in such division, approval to be given prior to start of league scheduling.
- This exception applies to league play only (not playoffs).
- In such cases, League playoff seeding will be based on a random draw instead of league standings
- In such cases the only game results that shall be recorded are team scores. Individual goal scorers shall not be recorded.
- Any player suspensions may only be served with one team and such player shall not be able to play for any other team until full suspension is served
- Team officials MUST insure all players are properly recorded on game sheets for these games by manually adding names and jersey numbers (preprinted game sheets may not contain accurate team rosters)
Illegal Players:
Any player who plays when unregistered, who is not listed on the game sheet, is over-aged, or violates the playing up guidelines is defined as an illegal player.
Any team found guilty of playing an illegal player shall forfeit the game (3-0).
Any District or Club responsible for a team found guilty of playing an illegal player shall be fined $50 for each such game.
The Coach for a team found guilty of playing an illegal player shall be automatically suspended and a discipline hearing convened. A.Initial Schedule Delivery:
The League Office will provide teams with league schedules at least 7 days prior to the start of the schedule.
B.Initial Schedule Changes:
Clubs shall have seven (7) days upon receipt of schedules to submit schedule corrections to the League Office.
During this period, the League shall only be responsible for rescheduling games where errors have been identified.
Clubs/teams are also able to reschedule any other games during this period and during this period they are not required to follow standard ‘Rescheduling’ procedures outlined in these rules. Teams must obtain agreement from the opposing team for any such changes, and submit details of such reschedule to the League office within the same 7-day period.
C.Game Cancellations:
Cancellation due to Field Closures
The League Coordinator is responsible for cancelling scheduled games ONLY when weather or ground conditions warrant such action in accordance with municipal or other restrictions. Such cancellations shall be based on notice directly from the field managers/owners or indirectly from local Clubs who were in contact with same field managers/owners
Notification of any such cancellations shall be deemed fulfilled by posting of such cancellations on the League website.
The League Coordinator shall be responsible for rescheduling any such games. If agreement on a reschedule date cannot be reached between both teams the League shall have the authority to declare the game a 0-0 draw.
Rain-out Cancellation by Club:
The decision to declare a game a “rain-out” shall be made by the CLUB. Any such decision must be made at least 3 hours before game time, and must follow all procedures as outlined here.
Failure of a Club to properly follow the procedures under Rule 6-F shall result in a forfeit loss for the Club team.
If less than 3 hours before game time Clubs should not declare a “rain-out’ due to threat of thunder and lightning. A decision to cancel/delay a game for this reason is the sole responsibility of the referee to be made at game time.
The League Coordinator shall be responsible for rescheduling any such games. If agreement on a reschedule date cannot be reached between both teams the League shall have the authority to declare the game a 0-0 draw.
Once a decision is made to declare a rain-out, a club representative must immediately:
- Update the game status to “rain-out” using procedures outlined below
- Contact the HSL League Coordinator to let the league know about the rain-out(s).
The steps to change a game to a rain-out are:
- Log in to HSL Goalline website (www.highlandsoccer.ca) with club manager account
- Choose the 'team' from the menu found in top right
- Choose the 'Statistics' tab
- Choose "2014 - Regular Season Schedule" on next screen that appears
- The Schedule is now displayed. Click on the "Rainout Multiple Games" button (it will then change to "Rainout Checked Games" and display check boxes next to each game)
- Check the box next to the game that is being rained out
- Click on "Rainout Checked Games" to save changes.
- You will be asked to confirm this to finish the rainout process
Posting of a Rain-out Cancellation by Club as outlined above shall be deemed to have met proper communication to the teams, players, parents, and game officials.
Game Time Cancellation by Referee:
At game time, it shall be the sole responsibility of the referee to decide whether a game will be cancelled due to inclement weather or unsuitable playing surfaces. In this circumstance, the League Office must be contacted who will in turn contact the League Coordinator for rescheduling.
The League Coordinator shall be responsible for rescheduling any such games. If agreement on a reschedule date cannot be reached between both teams the League shall have the authority to declare the game a 0-0 draw.
Poor Field Condition Cancellation:
Where a game is cancelled by the referee due to lack of improper lining, inadequate goals or goal netting, or field grass judged as too long for play, the referee and opposing team shall be eligible for compensation as per ‘Rule 6 – C Fielding of Teams and Forfeits’ and such game shall be declared a 3-0 forfeit by the home/host team.
D.Rescheduling:
Teams are expected to honour their scheduled game commitments and are expected to play games as scheduled.
Rescheduling by the League:
ONLY an emergency situation, or extenuating circumstances are considered as a legitimate reason to request the League to reschedule a game. In such cases, the Club must notify the League immediately to request the game reschedule.
Under such circumstances, the League Coordinator shall be responsible for updating the game status to “To Be Rescheduled” and for rescheduling the game, in cooperation with the effected teams.
If notice of rescheduling is less than 3 hours, the League will be responsible for paying any game related fees that may be incurred (team travel reimbursement requests or referee fees).
In the event of any major rescheduling changes by the League, notice shall be considered given by:
- email notification to HDSA Competitions Committee members (Club league reps)
- posting of a revised schedule on the league website at least 48 hours prior to the first rescheduled game
- email notice to all registered team officials
Rescheduling by a Team-Club:
Where a Club determines that there is a legitimate need to reschedule a game, the Club shall coordinate the rescheduling process as outlined below.
Any such schedule change request from the Club 7 days after the release of any schedule require payment of an administrative ‘rescheduling fee’ of $10, payable to the League Coordinator (such fee paid to Highland District Soccer Association who shall then pay the League Coordinator).
The following rescheduling guidelines shall always be applied:
- ALL requests must be made 72 hours or more before original game time. If less than 72 hours, the team has no choice but to either play the game as scheduled or declare a forfeit loss (see ‘No Show Forfeit Policy-Procedures’)
- Teams must first seek approval from their CLUB and receive confirmation from the LEAGUE before contacting any opposing team about rescheduling a game.
- CLUB must approve a reschedule request. Once approval is given:
-
- The CLUB must immediately give formal notice to the LEAGUE by email that includes: the game details; reason; contact information for the COACH/TEAM making the request.
- The LEAGUE shall immediately change the status of the original game to "To Be Rescheduled".
- The LEAGUE shall also contact the COACH/TEAM requesting the reschedule to confirm permission has been approved - until that contact is made, the team is NOT to contact the oposing team. *The only option for this game from this point forward is to successfully rescheduled or declared a forfeit loss should a rescheduled date not be agreed to and/or met all rescheduling requirements.
- The COACH/TEAM is permitted to begin rescheduling the game as outlined below
*These steps shall only be undertaken if Items #1, #2, #3 above have been met first
Step 1. Contact the opposing team coach and receive agreement from the opposing team coach to reschedule the game.
- The opposing team has the right to decline rescheduling; if the request is declined the game shall be declared a 3-0 forfeit as per above “guideline ii” and the rescheduling process ends.
- If the opposing team agrees to rescheduling, the reschedule process shall continue. If the opposing team does not agree to reschedule, the CLUB shall contact the League Coordinator and the game shall be recorded as a 3-0 forfeit loss by the team requesting the reschedule
Step 2. The team wishing to reschedule must reach agreement with the opposing team on a new game date, time, and location with the opposing team coach. If agreement on a new game date, time, and location cannot be reached, the game shall be recorded as a 3-0 forfeit loss by the team requesting the reschedule
Step 3. The team wishing to reschedule shall communicate the rescheduling results to their CLUB (new date, time, location if successful OR notice that they were unable to reschedule the game). The CLUB shall then forward the League Coordinator the same results.
- This notice must occur ON OR BEFORE the originally scheduled game time - failure to agree on a new date, time, and location by this date will result in forfeit loss by the team requesting the reschedule
Step 4. The League Coordinator shall then update the league schedule and notify the appropriate referee assigner of the new scheduling information.
Failure to reach agreement with the opposing coach on any of the above items shall result in the game being declared a 3-0 forfeit win for the opposing team, unless the League Coordinator deems:
a) The reason for a reschedule request is legitimate and should be permitted or
b) It is necessary to play the game due to the importance of the results in league standings.
In such cases, the League Coordinator shall intercede in the rescheduling.
Team-Club Rescheduling Notes:
The League will not accept, in fact will ignore any rescheduling requests that come from a TEAM – all requests need to come from the CLUB.
Any team official that is contacted by an opposing team official coach seeking to reschedule a game should first get confirmation from the opposing team officials that they have CLUB approval for this rescheduling request
- If the opposing team does not have Club approval, you should refuse to communicate with them until they get that approval (teams are NOT permitted be start work on rescheduling games without CLUB approval).
- Combined A-B Divisions: Where a division contains both 'A' and 'B' level teams, schedules will be established to provide both 'A' and 'B' teams with an equal number of opposite level games. All such games shall count in division standings, but separate standings will be maintained for both 'A' and 'B' divisions for the purposes of determining playoff seedings/schedules.
- Time Limits and Ball Sizes: The following table outlines game duration and ball sizes for each division:
Under 10 25 minutes 5 minutes Size 4
Under 12 35 minutes 5 minutes Size 4
Under 13 35 minutes 5 minutes Size 4
Under 15 40 minutes 5 minutes Size 5
Under 17 45 minutes 5 minutes Size 5
Under 21 45 minutes 5 minutes Size 5
Senior 45 minutes 5 minutes Size 5
- Uniform and Uniform Numbers: All player uniforms will carry a number and all players on the same team participating in the same game must wear matching jersey, shorts, and socks.
The Referee may disqualify any player not properly uniformed from participating in the game.
- Delay in Start Time: In the event of a delay in the start of the game, the referee may solely decide to shorten the duration of the game if required due to field scheduling or potential for darkness. In this case, each half will be equally shortened and the referee must inform both teams of this change prior to the start of play.
- Home Team: The home team shall be designated in the schedule. The Home Team and shall be responsible for providing two game balls, nets, corner flags, and ensuring the field is adequately marked and mowed. Failure to provide nets, corner flags, or a properly marked or mowed field will result in a forfeit game as per Rule 5-C (at the discretion of the referee).
- Colour Clash: If the colours of the two opposing teams clash (based on referees’ decision), the HOME team is required to change its colours.
- Retreat Rule:
Ages Under 12 and below shall play by the following rule for all competitions
A Retreat Line shall be marked at 1/3 of the field length. This can be marked by placing cones on each side line.
The team without the ball must drop to behind the Retreat Line. This allows the team in possession a chance to restart the game by making an initial play of the ball without interference.
Referee shall treat any encroachment of this retreat line field area in a similar manner as a goal kick being played outside the penalty area – opposing players must remain behind the retreat line, and once the ball is played by a second player on the kicking team, opponents can encroach and steal the ball.
If the team without the ball encroaches before the kick is taken, the kick shall be retaken.
- Coaching is permitted only from the area of the team's bench. The team bench/coaching area shall be defined as a 10 metre area on one side of the halfway line not closer to the touch line than 1 metre, and not behind the goal line or within 10 metres of the corner flag.
Only individuals listed on the Official Team Roster as Team Officials are permitted in the coaching-team area – EXCEPTION: Soccer Nova Scotia requires an adult of same gender as the team on the bench at all games. While it is recommended that any such person be listed as a team official, it is not required. If the person is not a registered team official their name must be listed on the game sheet.
The referee may designate on which side of the field teams locate their player benches.
- Substitutions may be requested by a team official from the assistant referee at any time. In the absence of assistant referees, a team official may ask the referee for substitutions at any stoppage of play.
Substitutions shall be made only with the referee's approval and shall be carried out as quickly as possible from the halfway line. Players leaving the game must leave the field before their replacement may enter.
- 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 (3-0) and be subject to a review by the League Discipline Committee.
- Game Sheets: Game sheets shall be obtained from the Goalline system, where team officials are provided a login account to access and print game sheets. Game sheets will contain game date, location, time, team names, division name, and official team player rosters and jersey numbers and team officials.
Both teams shall review and update the game sheet prior to the start of the game to accurately game rosters. This will include:
- Correcting/adding jersey numbers
- Striking out the name of absent players
- Adding/identifying an ‘call-up’ players
Both coaches and the referee must sign the game sheet.
The referee shall complete the game sheet by:
- identifying goal scorers by recording the TIME of each goal
- identifying any disciplinary actions (players-cards issued, checkbox if Misconduct report to be filed)
- enter final team score
- enter the names of all game officials
- sign the game sheet
The referee shall return the completed game sheet to the HOME TEAM.
Any errors or omissions on a game sheet must be identified and corrected, with permission of, and by the referee before the game sheet and referee leave the field. Any request for changes after this time must be done by filing a protest with the League office as outlined under Rule 9.
- Reporting Scores-Teams: All score reporting by Teams shall be done to the League through team officials updating game results online AND submitting game sheets.
Scores/Results for U10 and U12 divisions shall NOT be recorded/reported.
- The HOME team shall be responsible for reporting the game result by:
a) Reporting game results online in Goalline
b) Scanning the game sheet and attaching the scanned image to an email to the League Coordinator OR
taking a quality photo of the game sheet and attaching the photo to an email to the League Coordinator.
Reporting game results online in Goalline must be completed within 24 hours of games time during regular season EXCEPT within 6 hours during the last week of regular season games and during playoffs.
Forwarding copy of original game sheet must be done within 48 hours from the start of the game during the regular season EXCEPT within 6 hours during the last week of regular season games and during playoffs.
- Failure of the HOME team to carry out game reporting responsibilities outlined above shall result in a penalty of the other team being awarded a forfeit win and shall result in the teams Club being fined $25 for any such occasion, with the League notifying the Club of such occasions.
- Failure of the either team to properly fill out a game sheet (list all players, shirt numbers, call-ups, team officials, signatures) on first occasion shall result in a formal warning being issued to the club (via email to club league representative) and on second or more occasions shall result in the teams Club being fined $25 for any such occasion, with the League notifying the Club of such occasions.
A team must field at least a minimum number of players as listed below within 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, and cannot dress more than 22 registered players for a game.
- 11 a side game 7 players
- 9 a side game 6 players
- 7 a side game 5 players
There are three possible forfeit scenarios, and rules will vary as outlined below depending on the type of forfeit.
1.Notice to Forfeit at least 48 hours prior to game time
Where a team notifies the League at least 48 hours before game time, the League shall remove the game from the schedule, and the game will be subject to the policies for Game Rescheduling (considered as a rescheduling request by the team providing the notification).
- The opposing team has the right to deny a rescheduling request and be awarded a forfeit
- If the game is successfully rescheduled, the new game date will not be posted until AFTER original game date
- If the game cannot be successfully rescheduled, the game will not be re-posted in the schedule until AFTER original game date and the opposing team shall be awarded a 3-0 forfeit win or this game
- Referees will not be entitled to any compensation
- The non-forfeiting team will not be eligible for compensation.
Where a team notifies the League less than 48 hours before game time but more than 4 hours before game time shall result in a loss of the game by forfeit.
For the non-forfeiting team to receive a forfeit win for a no-show by the opposing team they must have a team official at the field at game time, with a game sheet, and have that game sheet completed by the referee (or any other present game official). The referee shall mark the score as a 3-0 win for the team, and denote the game as a forfeit on the game sheet. Failure by the non-forfeiting team to meet these conditions will instead result in the game being declared a 0-0 draw (no-show by both teams).
All game officials present at game time must be listed on the game sheet and are to be paid as normal. The Home team can then bill the HDSA for the any referee fees paid, and the HDSA will in turn bill the same costs to the CLUB of the team that forfeited the game.
If the non-forfeiting team is the away team, they may apply to the League for compensation of up to $100 for actual travel costs from the League upon presentation of a statement of expenses. Any compensation paid out by the League will be billed back to the appropriate Club.
3.Notice to Forfeit less than 4 hours prior to game time or no notice given
Failure to field a team within 15 minutes after scheduled start time will result in a loss of the game by forfeit.
For the non-forfeiting team to receive a forfeit win for a no-show by the opposing team they must have at least 7 players at the field ready to play at game time, with a game sheet, and have that game sheet signed by the referee (or any other present game official). The referee shall mark the score as a 3-0 win for the team, and denote the game as a forfeit on the game sheet. Failure by the non-forfeiting team to meet these conditions will instead result in the game being declared a 0-0 draw (no-show by both teams).
All game officials present at game time must be listed on the game sheet and are to be paid as normal. The Home team can then bill the HDSA for the any referee fees paid, and the HDSA will in turn bill the same costs to the CLUB of the team that forfeited the game.
If the non-forfeiting team is the away team, they may apply to the League for compensation of up to $100 for actual travel costs from the League upon presentation of a statement of expenses. Any compensation paid out by the League will be billed back to the appropriate Club.
B.Forfeit Fees-Payments
The Club for a team that forfeits a game shall be responsible for payment of all costs associated with the forfeited game to the League 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 forfeits a second or subsequent game in a playing season, the Club for that team will be fined $100 plus a Distance Fine for each such game. The fine is payable to the League, and is additional to the responsibility for payment of all costs associated with the forfeited game as outlined above.
If a team defaults a third game in the playing season, the team will not be eligible for any postseason playoffs, including provincial qualifications.
The League Coordinator will communicate all forfeits to the Club of the forfeit team as soon as possible.
The following table outlines monetary compensations/penalties that are given to various groups based on number of forfeits per team:
| # Forfeits | Opposing Team | Referee | League Fine | Other Penalties |
| 1 | Travel Costs | Std. Fees + Travel | $100 | |
| 2 | Travel Costs | Std. Fees + Travel | $100 | Distance Fine |
| 3 or more | Travel Costs | Std. Fees + Travel | $100 | Distance Fine and Ineligibility for Playoffs and Provincials qualifications |
Distance Fines are calculated as follows:
(based on approximate distance from community to community)
$0 - less than 25 km travel
$40 - less than 100 km travel
$75 - more than 100 km travel
- Referee Policy: The HSL maintains a ‘Referees Policy’ that may contain either clarification of the rules contained here or additional policies/conditions pertaining to the roles and responsibilities with the HSL. Where these rules conflict with the ‘HSL Referees Policy’, the ‘HSL Referees Policy’ shall take precedence.
- Responsibilities: Referees are responsible for their scheduled game commitments. The HSL uses the ‘Goal-line Ref Centre’ system for referee assigning and referee game reporting, and all game officials are expected to fulfill all accepted game assignments.
If unable to be present at a game, the scheduled official must arrange for a replacement official and must notify their designated Referee Assigner of the replacement.
Officials may be required to reimburse the League for any costs incurred because they did not show up for a scheduled game or successfully arrange for a replacement qualified to officiate their scheduled game. In cases where a game is not able to be played due to a shortage of officials, each teams Club may apply to the League for compensation of up to $100 for actual travel costs from the League upon presentation of a statement of expenses. Any compensation paid out by the League will be billed back to the Referee Association of the official.
- Officials: Three (3) officials registered with Soccer Nova Scotia are to be assigned to each League game
If the assistant referee does not meet the qualifications above but is willing to referee and both coaches agree to this prior to the start of the game, by signing the game sheet, the game will be played as scheduled. The coaches and assistant referee must also appoint to and agree to a third person to serve as linesman.
If agreement cannot be reached, the League Office must be contacted within 24 hours and an attempt will be made to reschedule the game. If a rescheduled date cannot be set, the game shall be declared a draw.
- No-Show: When officials that are scheduled for a game do not show up it should be noted on the game sheet and brought to the attention of the League Office.
Officials missing game appointments without just cause (as determined by their referee association and the League Directors) will be subject to a fine or compensation as outlined in these rules. In the event of an unjustifiable absence by an official from a scheduled game, the league coordinator will advise the official's referee association that the official is to be removed from any scheduled league games or playoffs until compensation for expenses has been received by the League.
- Fees: A standard rate of officiating fees paid for regular season and playoff games shall be determined on an annual basis by Soccer Nova Scotia. Payment of referee fees for regular season games shall be the responsibility of Clubs. Payment of referee fees for playoff games shall be the responsibility of the League, unless otherwise outlined in these rules and regulations.
Payment of registered Referees shall be the responsibility of the Home Team. Payment of Fees shall either be made at the field no later than half time, or on a periodic payment basis as agreed to with the local Referee Association.
- Assigning Fees: A standard rate for referee assignment fees shall be determined on an annual basis by the League prior to start of league play, and payment of this fee shall be the responsibility of the League.
- Completing Game Sheet: Referees shall be responsible to ensure that game sheets are completed properly and in a legible format so that the League can identify the teams, date, time, field, scorers, game score, discipline, and any other comments.
The referee must sign the game sheet to signify their review and acceptance of the accuracy of the game sheets.
Game sheet is to be returned to team coaches after the game as outlined in Rule 6 - I.
- Reporting Games: All game reporting by Referees shall be done by updating game results in the Goalline system, including entry of final scores and confirmation of all game officials
- Game Discipline Reporting: Referees failing to report cautions or ejections in accordance with the rules shall be removed from the list of active referees for the League and any scheduled games for such official will be reassigned to other officials.
- The League Coordinator shall be responsible for reporting any issues relating to referees to the appropriate Club and the Club will be responsible for follow-up with the local Referee Association.
- Complaints by or against referees or officials shall be submitted in writing directly to the League Office and Soccer Nova Scotia.
- The League shall follow the current Discipline and Appeals procedures of Soccer Nova. This includes the Automatic Discipline System used for dealing with yellow and red cards, and the Enhanced Suspension Schedule that deals with acceptance of penalties and waiver of hearing rights.
- The Soccer Nova Scotia Automatic Discipline Point System for dealing with Red Cards/Yellow Cards will apply to all games in the League, including playoffs and will be published along with these rules in the League handbook.
It is the responsibility of Coaches to track their players’ discipline points and insure required suspensions are served. The role of the League Coordinator is to monitor points and game sheets to verify adherence to the rules.
For the purposes of interpreting and applying the Soccer Nova Scotia discipline policy, the League will shall be considered as one competition; suspensions may not be served while 'playing up'; any suspension applies to all divisions within the League.
- Abuse against Game Officials: All charges of verbal abuse, physical contact, or violent conduct with a game official by a player or by a team or club official will be dealt with by the Soccer Nova Scotia Discipline Committee as outlined in the Soccer Nova Scotia discipline policy.
When any such misconduct occurs, the referee must note this on the game sheet and complete and file a Misconduct Report in accordance with the discipline procedures.
A player who is willing to waive rights of a hearing and accept mandatory minimum suspensions may enact the Enhanced Suspension Schedule included in the Soccer Nova Scotia discipline policy.
Any suspensions received through a misconduct report are separate from and in addition to any suspension received under the Automatic Discipline Policy (red cards/yellow cards).
Unless the League Directors determines that there is an obvious lack of evidence to support such a misconduct charge, the player, team official, or club official named in the misconduct report shall immediately be suspended from all League soccer pending a hearing decision.
- Violation of Suspension Rulings: Any player, team official or club official found in violation of suspension rules shall be immediately suspended from all League activities and shall be reported to the Soccer Nova Scotia Discipline Committee for action.
- The League Directors shall appoint a Discipline Committee as required to deal with all protests arising from League play or organization. The Discipline Committee is to be chaired by a member of the League Directors and be comprised of at least four other members. The League Directors shall select these other members to be convened and hear a dispute from a pre-approved list of individuals put forward by the districts as having the skills and experience to judge the situation and render a decision. The entire list of potential members is to be approved by the Board at the start of the season and the selection of individual members from this list for a dispute shall be based on the effect and appearance of neutrality.
- 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, excluding weekends and statutory holidays.
- All protest must be accompanied with a $50 certified cheque payable to the Highland Soccer League, or by $50 cash for which a receipt will be given, and must be submitted to the League President or the League Board Member for the District in which the team is registered.
- The Discipline Committee shall schedule a hearing within 72 hours of receipt of the protest, excluding weekends and statutory holidays. The Committee shall also advise both parties of the time, place, and date of such hearing.
The League Office will hold protest hearings within 10 days of receipt of a protest.
Both parties have the right to attend the hearing; either may waive that right in writing, in which case the hearing will dealt with in their absence.
- If the Discipline Committee upholds the protest at the hearing, the $50 fee will be returned to the party filing the protest. If the protest is overturned, the Discipline Committee shall determine the disposition of the deposit.
- Hearings will be conducted in accordance with the Soccer Nova Scotia discipline policy, and such discipline policy will be provided to both parties prior to the hearing.
- Any appeal of a protest decision from a hearing shall be made to the League Board in writing within seven days of the original decision. The Board will deal with an appeal within 14 days.
- Three (3) points shall be awarded for a win; one (1) point for a tie; zero (0) points for a loss.
- League Standings will be updated regularly by the League Coordinator and shall be available on the League website.
- Any Team forfeiting or defaulting a game for any reason shall be designated as the game loser; the game score will be logged as 3-0; Three (3) points shall be awarded to the opposing team as game winner.
- In the event of a team dropping out of the League, the League Directors shall meet and determine what will happen with both played games and un-played games.
- The team with the best record in the games between the two teams and if still tied
- The team with the best goal difference (goals for minus goals against)
- The team with least goals against
- The team with the most goals for
- The team with the least disciplinary actions
If teams are still tied after these rules are applied, a single playoff game, scheduled by the League Coordinator, will be played to determine a higher standing.
Where a team plays in a mixed age category division, results of all games, including games against different age category groups will be used to determine final team standings. The number of teams in a mixed age category division for the purposes of Rule 11-B shall be based on the number of teams in an age category group, and not on the total number of teams playing in the division.
Where a division contains both 'A' and 'B' divisions, there shall be separate league division championships for 'A' and 'B' divisions, with each being treated as a separate division for playoff formats.
B.Teams shall follow the playoff format that matches the number of teams in the division (divisions with an 'A' and 'B' division will be treated as two divisions).
C.The Seven Team Playoff format shall be as follows:
Game 1 7th at 2nd
Game 2 6th at 3rd
Game 3 5th at 4th
Game 4 Lowest Seed Winner games 1-3 at 1st
Game 5 2nd Lowest Seed Winner games 1-3 at Highest Seed Winner games 1-3
Game 5 Lowest Seed Winner Games 4-5 at Highest Seed Winner games 4-5
The Six Team Playoff format shall be as follows:
Game 1 6th at 3rd
Game 2 5th at 4th
Game 3 Highest See Winner games 1-2 at 2nd
Game 4 Lowest Seed Winner games 1-2 at 1st
Game 5 Lowest Seed Winner Games 3-4 at Highest Seed Winner games 3-4
The Five Team Playoff format shall be as follows:
Game 1 5th at 4th
Game 2 Winner of Game 1 vs. 1st
Game 3 3rd at 2nd
Game 4 Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3
The Four Team Playoff format shall be as follows:
Game 1 4th at 1st
Game 2 3rd at 2nd
Game 3 Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
The Three Team Playoff format shall be as follows:
Game 1 3rd at 2nd
Game 2 Winner of Game 1 vs 1st
The Two Team Playoff format shall be as follows:
2 game home-away aggregate goal series;
lowest seeded team hosting 1st game, highest seeded team hosting 2nd game;
Teams may alternately play a single championship if both agree.
The higher ranked team in any game shall host that game and be considered the home team.
In the event of more than six teams in a division, the Board will determine a playoff format.
D.The League Coordinator, based on discussion with Club representatives, shall schedule all games.
Game field times/dates will be based on using all available club home games field times/days provides during regular season play - therefore teams may play, and should be expected to play on ANY of these dates instead of their regular weekly home game day.
The League Coordinator will make every effort to include a day off between all playoff games
- Playoff Participation Commitment
F.Challenges by Non-League Teams:
Any team that is not a League registered team, but meets the following conditions, may challenge for representation of the Highland Region in the provincials:
- Properly registered with Soccer Nova Scotia (this includes team registration and submission of official Soccer NS notice to participate in championships)
- Registered under a District within the geographic boundaries of the Highland Region
Any such qualifying team must compete for the final ranked position with the final seeded team in the appropriate division. This shall consist of a single playoff game, with home field for the League team, and the winner moving into the regular playoff format as the final ranked team.
If more than one registered team that did not participate in the League during the season wishes to challenge for representation of the Highland Region in the provincials, those teams must first play each other to determine a winning team that will move on to compete with the League's fourth place team as described above. When there are more than two teams in this situation, the League Directors will determine a playoff format for the challenging teams.
The Club of any challenging team must submit to the League Office, prior to any game, a copy of the official Soccer Nova Scotia team roster for the challenging team and a record of all cards and other disciplinary matters occurring over the summer for all players on the challenging team.
Any card point accumulations, pending or existing suspensions based on these points or any other disciplinary actions shall have the same force and effect as they would if they had occurred in Highland League play.
The challenging team shall be responsible for payment of officiating fees for the initial challenge game with a Highland Soccer League team. Should the challenge team win and move into the playoff round of the Highland Soccer League, they shall be responsible for payment of one half (½) of the officiating fees for all remaining playoff games in which they participate.
Should a challenging team win a League division they shall be not be eligible for any reimbursement of entry fees for provincials from the League.
G.Provincials:
The League will submit one entry for each age/gender category of Provincial Competition on behalf of the Highland Region.
The winner of each division's playoffs will automatically become the representative team to go to the Provincial Tournament.
Clubs shall responsible for payment of entry fees to Provincials for any team that qualifies for Provincials as either a League winner or as a host Club.
- The League may establish policies that apply to league play, players, team officials, parents, clubs, or game officials outside of these Rules.
- Any such policies shall be published in full on the League website.
- The League shall make Clubs aware of any such team/player/parent/team official policies, and Clubs shall be responsible in communicating awareness of any such policies to players, parents, and team officials.
- The League shall make any Referee representatives aware of any league play or game officiating policies, and those representatives shall be responsible in communicating awareness of any such policies to individual game officials.
- Any individuals deemed to have violated any such policies shall be deemed to have violated HSL Rules and may be subject to a Discipline hearing (and any discipline results from same) instigated by the League.
Rule 8 – Game Results Reporting - C/D
Failure of the HOME team to carry out game reporting responsibilities outlined above shall result in a penalty of the other team being awarded a forfeit win and shall result in the teams Club being fined $25 for any such occasion, with the League notifying the Club of such occasions.
Failure of the either team to properly fill out a game sheet (list all players, shirt numbers, call-ups, signatures) on first occasion shall result in a formal warning being issued to the club (via email to club league representative) and on second or more occasions shall result in the teams Club being fined $25 for any such occasion, with the League notifying the Club of such occasions.
Rule 9 – Fielding of Teams and Forfeits – B
If the non-forfeiting team is the away team, they may apply to the League for compensation of up to $100 for actual travel costs from the League upon presentation of a statement of expenses. Any compensation paid out by the League will be billed back to the appropriate Club.
If a team forfeits one or more games in a playing season, the Club for that team will be fined $100. For second and subsequent forfeits, teams shall pay a Distance Fine for each such game. These fines are payable to the League, and is additional to the responsibility for payment of all costs associated with the forfeited game as outlined above.
Distance Fines are calculated as follows:
(based on approximate distance from community to community)
$0 - less than 25 km travel
$40 - less than 100 km travel
$75 - more than 100 km travel
Rule 10 – Referees - B
Officials may be required to reimburse the League for any costs incurred because they did not show up for a scheduled game or successfully arrange for a replacement qualified to officiate their scheduled game. In cases where a game is not able to be played due to a shortage of officials, each teams Club may apply to the League for compensation of up to $100 for actual travel costs from the League upon presentation of a statement of expenses. Any compensation paid out by the League will be billed back to the Referee Association of the official.
Rule 12 – Protests – C/E
All protest must be accompanied with a $50 certified cheque payable to the Highland Soccer League, or by $50 cash for which a receipt will be given, and must be submitted to the League President or the League Board Member for the District in which the team is registered.
If the Discipline Committee upholds the protest at the hearing, the $50 fee will be returned to the party filing the protest. If the protest is overturned, the Discipline Committee shall determine the disposition of the deposit.
Rule 14 – League Playoffs and Provincials – E. Challenges
The challenging team shall be responsible for payment of officiating fees for the initial challenge game with a Highland Soccer League team. Should the challenge team win and move into the playoff round of the Highland Soccer League, they shall be responsible for payment of one half (½) of the officiating fees for all remaining playoff games in which they participate.