FO50SL League Policies and Procedures

Fair Play | Community | Competitive Spirit

1. Game Scheduling and Season Format

All FO50SL games are scheduled weekly, with each team participating in one match per week. Game days rotate based on field availability, weather conditions, and scheduling conflicts.

• Match schedules are published and updated on the official league website:
  www.NoVaSoccerLeague.com

• Participants are advised to check the schedule regularly for updates or changes.

2. Game Invitations and Player Availability (RSVP Policy)

Team captains will send weekly match invitations via platforms such as Evite, Spond, Bunchbowl, or similar applications approximately 4–5 days prior to the match.

• All players must respond to invitations at least 48 hours prior to kickoff with a definitive “Yes” or “No.”

• “Maybe” responses will be treated as a “No.”

• Players who fail to RSVP for two consecutive games may be removed from the team roster or league.

• Last-minute responses may result in replacement by a guest player.

3. Team Communication and Mobile App Usage

Team captains may utilize digital platforms for roster management, attendance tracking, and game-day updates.

• Players are responsible for setting up and monitoring communication channels (email and/or mobile apps) to ensure consistent coordination with their team.

4. Guest Player Protocol

If a team anticipates a shortage of players:

• The team captain must submit a formal request to the league commissioner no less than 24 hours prior to game time.

• The request should include:

  • Number of guest players required

  • Player positions (e.g., Goalkeeper, Defender)

  • Shirt color

• Only the commissioner or league administrator may assign guest players, ensuring competitive fairness and rule compliance.

5. Game Day Attire and Safety Equipment

To participate, players must be fully equipped with:

• Shin guards (mandatory)

• Soccer cleats

• Official or approved team jersey

Prohibited items during play include:

• Jewelry (e.g., rings, earrings)

• Wristwatches, smartwatches

• Keys, phones, or any objects in clothing pockets

Players not complying with attire and safety standards will not be permitted to participate.

6. Player Registration Requirements

All participants must be officially registered through the league website before joining any match.

• Registration includes:

  • Completion of waiver and emergency contact form

  • Payment of seasonal dues

• Unregistered players are strictly prohibited from match participation.

• Register here: www.NoVaSoccerLeague.com

7. Age Eligibility and Verification Process

Age Requirements:

• Feld players must be 50 years or older as of the current date.

• Goalkeepers must be at least 45 years old.

Verification and Enforcement:

• Team captains are responsible for ensuring age compliance.

• Opposing team captains may challenge the eligibility of a player.

• Upon challenge, the referee will request valid photo identification with a date of birth.

  • Failure to provide valid ID results in disqualification from that match.

  • If a player is confirmed underage, the match will be declared a forfeit (0–3), and the team will be fined $50.

Repeated Violations:

• A team found in violation three times in one season will be suspended for the remainder of the season.

8. Forfeiture Policy

A match will be deemed a forfeit if a team is unable to field a minimum of 8 registered players at the start of the game.

Consequences:

• Match result will be recorded as a 3–0 loss.

• A $75 fine will be imposed on the forfeiting team.

9. Player Safety and Disciplinary Policy

FO50SL follows IFAB and FIFA regulations, adapted by US Soccer, with enhancements tailored for senior player safety.

Yellow Card Guidelines:

• 1 Yellow Card: Player must sit out for 5 minutes.

• 2 Yellow Cards in a single match: Results in an automatic Red Card.

• 3 Yellow Cards over the season: Converts to a Red Card, with a minimum one-week suspension and a $30 fine.

Red Card Guidelines:

• Any Red Card offense carries:

  • Minimum one-week suspension

  • $30 reinstatement fine

• Two Red Cards in a season: Automatic season suspension.

• The disciplinary committee may impose stricter penalties depending on the nature of the offense.

Zero-Tolerance Policy:

• Aggressive or unsafe behavior toward teammates, opponents, referees, or league officials may result in permanent suspension.

10. Special Safety Rules

• Slide tackles are strictly prohibited.

• Slide kicks are allowed only when not endangering other players and are performed away from opponents.

11. Dues and Payment Process

Payment Schedule:

• Dues are collected twice per year:

  • Spring–Summer Season

  • Fall–Winter Season

What Your Dues Support:

• Referee fees

• Field rentals and permits

• USASA insurance and membership

• Website and administrative overhead

Payment Instructions:

• All dues must be paid online through the official registration platform.

• Credit/debit card only – for other payment option, speak to your team manager.

• Full payment is required before participating in any match.

✅ Final Remarks

These policies are designed to ensure:

• Fair and competitive play

• Player safety

• Administrative transparency

• League integrity

Compliance with these rules is mandatory for all participants. Should you have questions or require clarification, please contact your team captain or the league Management.