GIRLS IN RURAL LEAGUE SOCCER (G.I.R.L.S.) -- HOUSE LEAGUE RULES 2003

1. F.I.F.A. laws of the game apply.
   
   
2. The Referee's decision is final in all matters relating to the game.
   
   
3. A game can only be postponed because of weather (lightning), in which case it must be rescheduled and played as soon as possible. The convenor has the right to reschedule the game if no other arrangements have been made within two weeks of the original date.
   
   
4. Only the referee may call off a game once play has started. If the referee abandons the game for natural causes (lightning) with less than half of the second half played, the game must then be rescheduled within two weeks of the original date. If more than half of the second half has been played, the score at the time will be considered official.
   
   
5. A referee may call a game at any time for abuse or misconduct. All infractions must be reported to the league executive within 48 hours of the game in question. The League Committee will be the arbitor of the challenges or dissent to these rulings. The referees will deal with yellow and red cards, which are reported to the G.I.R.L.S. League.
   
   
6. Any player found spitting on their hands or showing unseemly behaviour at the end of the game line-up and handshake will automatically be given a red card, suspended from the next game, and be subject to discipline.
   
   
7. Slide tackling and attempted slide tackling are prohibited.
   
   
8. Coaches may not enter the field of play without the permission of the referee, except in the case of injury.
   
   
9. No coach, parent, or spectator may coach from or stand behind the net or goal lines.
   
   
10. During a penalty kick, no coach may be within the penalty area or beside the penalty kicked, nor may the coach or any other person stand behind the net.
    
    
11. Substitutions may be made on goal kick, goals, injuries and on your own team's throw-ins. You may substitute on your opponent's throw-in only if their coach has called for a substitution first.
    
    
12. Coaches should always attempt to give each player equal playing time. Any infraction of this rule should be reported to the club executive of the team involved.
    
    
13. All games must start within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time. A team with less than 7 players 15 minutes after the scheduled start shall forfeit the game. Opponents are awarded the game with a score of 1-0. In the case of a tie break situation at the end of the season the score will be eliminated although the win will stand.
    
    
14. In the absence of a referee, a substitute may be appointed, provided that both coaches are in agreement, and the referee will comply with the rules of the game and the league. Each coach may referee one half of the game.
    
    
15. The home team is responsible for nets, flags and a properly inflated ball (pressure 9-10 lbs/sq inch) of the correct size:         
    • Under 12  -  size 4
    • Under 14  -  size 5
    • Under 16  -  size 5
      
      
16. Playing times:
    • Under  12  -  two 30 minute halves
    • Under  14  -  two 35 minute halves
    • Under  16  -  two 45 minute halves
      
      
17. No guest players are allowed to play in any scheduled game. If you are short players, draw up players from the division below yours to a maximum of 14 players during the regular season and 13 players during the playoffs. Players may only be drawn up to fill a team, not to add too many subs or strength. A team may have a maximum of 14 players dressed during the regular season if ANY players have been called up for that game.
    
    
18. If either team has fewer than 11 players, the team with more players may field up to two more players than the team with fewer players, up to the usual maximum of 11 players.
    
    
19. No carded representative player will be allowed to play in the G.I.R.L.S. League.
    
    
20. Any team which is proven tp have played or dressed an ineligible player will forfeit the game.
    
    
21. Proper shoes must be worn on the field at all times. Any footwear constituting a hazard to other players or players themselves will not be allowed.
    • Running shoes are unacceptable.
    • ALL jewelry must be removed. Any jewelry that cannot be removed must be covered or taped.
    • No hairclips are allowed. No bandanas or visors are allowed except for keepers.
    • Shinpads are manditory.
    • Goalkeepers must wear a shirt of a different colour from both the rest of their team and the opposing team.
      
      
22. The final team list showing names of coaches, players and dates of birth will be provided by the participating clubs to the League executive by June 30 after which no new players may be added.
    
    
23. DISCIPLINE:  All discipline (yellow and red cards) will be handled by the G.I.R.L.S. executive.
    
    
24. All game protests must be made within 72 hours to the division convenor, must be recorded on the game sheet, and must be signed by the referee.
    
    
25. The home team coach is responsible for game sheets. The coach of each team must fill out a game sheet before the game begins and then must have the final score filled out and signed by the referee. Within 48 hours of the game the appropriate sheet must be sent to the scorekeeper by the home team coach. Stamped addressed envelopes are provided for this.  The home team coach must also phone or e-mail the scorekeeper immediately after each game with the game results so standings can be updated.
    
    
26. As a guideline we suggest to coaches that where one team is significantly stronger than the other and there is considerable imbalance in the score, the two coaches agree to end the game at that point, balance the teams and then continue to play to provide a more competitive and enjoyable event.
    

THESE RULES ARE INTENDED TO ENABLE THE LEAGUE TO RUN AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE. THESE GAMES ARE FOR FUN!!!!!!  GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, FAIR PLAY AND RESPECT FOR YOUR OPPONENT ARE ESSENTIAL!!!!!!