Oregon Premier League Rules
Oregon Premier League (OPL) Rules
NOTE: These rules are updated 09/3/2021 and in effect for 2021-2022 league play for ALL OPL leagues unless superseded.
Change Log:
|
Version |
Rules affected |
Brief Description |
|
07/01/2019 |
Rule 202 Division Formations and League Stds |
Added reference to updated League Standards |
|
07/01/2019 |
Rule 204 Playing season |
Fine amount increased to $1000 |
|
07/01/2019 |
Rule 210 Scheduling |
Added clarity around scheduling requests and times and locations |
|
07/01/2019 |
Rule 401 No Show of Officials |
Added requirement that league is notified within 24 hours |
|
07/01/2019 |
Rule 302 Player Pass |
Limited player options for Super League players |
Quick Links to Key Rules
Oregon Recreational League (ORL) specific Rules
Rule 207 Playing Venue & Game lengths
Rule 210 Scheduling
Rule 302 Player Pass
Rule 530 Game-Suspension Procedures
Miscellaneous Reporting Forms
General Governance
Rule 101--Board
The league’s board is governed by the OPL bylaws.
Rule 102 --Territories
No club has exclusive territory rights in the OPL
Rule 103 -- Conditions for Removal of a Team or Club
Violation of performance conditions set forth by the league may lead to removal of a team or club from the OPL.
Rule 104 -- Conditions for Competition in Leagues
Following each season, the competition committee shall review the compliance record of each team in their specific division. The committee may find that compliance with the standards is insufficient and recommend action to the league office. In extreme cases of repeated non-compliance, the respective executive committee may recommend the removal of the team or club in question.
Rule 105 -- Conditions for Team Acceptance into League
Any club in good standing with US Club Soccer may apply for acceptance into our current leagues. Priority will be given to teams that are part of clubs that commit most of their teams to participate in OPL leagues. Please note that each league may have additional requirements. Please check the specific league descriptions and standardson our website for additional information. Team placement is based on competition and location.
League Structure
Rule 201 -- Governance
All competition in the OPL are governed by regulations approved by the league office.
Rule 202 -- Division Formations and League Standards
Competitive divisions will be structured according to the competitive level of teams as determined by the Competition Committee, which has final authority on all placement issues. Should the OPL determine that there are an insufficient number of teams to constitute an age group division the teams affected may be allowed to temporarily or partially compete in a different division of play.
Rule 203 -- Playing Rules
All games under league jurisdiction shall be played according to the rules and regulations recognized by the OPL which shall be the same rules set by FIFA/ U.S. Soccer (USSF) except for those modifications authorized by the OPL, ORL, FIFA or USSF.
Rule 204 -- Playing Season
The “League” is designated by the OPL & ORL for the season in which the league is played. Example, spring, summer, fall or winter, but shall not be limited or restricted to a season.
All league games must be played on or by the last day games are scheduled by the league for the current season. No games will be played after that date unless approved by the League.If prior to the original scheduled game date teams are not able agree to a reschedule, the league office must be notified to arbitrate, or the match is played as originally scheduled.
Any games not played by the last day of the league season may be scored as a loss for both teams and a minimum fine of $1000 assessed to both teams. Please contact the league immediately if a scheduling issue arises that cannot be resolved. If fines are assessed, Clubs have 10 days to pay the fine. Clubs will not be able to register teams for Cup or League play until the fine is paid.
Rule 205 -- Point System
The OPL & ORL shall operate under a point system. The point system shall award three points for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss.
In the event where an unequal number of games have been played by teams within a division due to a schedule change driven by the league, the final standings will be determined by average points per match played.
Forfeits will be scored by league office as 1-0. (see Rule 307A)
For Developmental Leagues & Recreational Leagues game scores will be listed with a maximum 5 goal difference between teams in addition to tiebreakers. All forfeits must be reported to the league and will be scored by league as 1-0 FT. (see Rule 307A)
Tiebreakers:
·Head-to-head Points(win/lose/draw) between teams
·Head-to-head Total goal differential of each team
·Goals Against
·Goals For (up to 5 per game)
·In the event all tiebreakers are equal, the winner shall be decided by coin toss.
·If 3 or more teams are tied, the tiebreaker criteria listed will be used in order above to first eliminate or second promote one team. Teams remaining will then be compared again starting with first tiebreaker.
Goals will be capped at 5 for the determination of tiebreakers in all leagues.
For Developmental Leagues & Recreational Leagues game scores will be listed with a maximum 5 goal difference between teams in addition to tiebreakers
Rule 206 -- League Standings
Official standings of teams, which is the responsibility of the league office, are tabulated on a regular basis, and displayed on the Oregon Premier League website. For score reporting see Rule 306
Rule 207 -- Playing Venue, Game Lengths, USSF mandates
The playing field used by each team must be lined according to FIFA standards with goals nets and flags. Teams in Super league may have additional expectations per standards set for teams in those divisions.
Home teams are responsible for marking the field of play, providing an adequate game ball (modified as follows):
|
Format |
Game Duration |
Ball Size |
Field Size Mandate width x length |
Field Size Range width x length |
Goal Size (height x width) |
|
|
9U# |
7v7 |
2 x 25 min halves, 5 min halftime |
4 |
40 yds x 60 yds |
35-45 yds wide to 55-65 yds long |
6’.6” x 18’.6” ideal 6' x 18' and portable style acceptable2 |
|
10U# |
7v7 |
2 x 25 min halves, 5 min halftime |
4 |
40 yds x 60 yds |
35-45 yds wide to 55-65 yds long |
6’.6” x 18’.6” ideal 6' x 18' and portable style acceptable2 |
|
11U# |
9v9 |
2 x 30 min halves, 5 min halftime |
4 |
50 yds x 75 yds |
45-55 yds wide to 70-80 yds long |
7’ x 21' ideal 6’.6” x 18’.6” and portable style acceptable2 |
|
12U# |
9v9 |
2 x 30 min halves, 5 min halftime |
4 |
50 yds x 75 yds |
45-55 yds wide to 70-80 yds long |
7’ x 21' ideal 6’.6” x 18’.6” and portable style acceptable2 |
|
13U# |
11v11 |
2 x 35 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
14U |
11V11 |
2 x 35 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
15U |
11V11 |
2 x 40 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x24' |
|
16U |
11V11 |
2 x 40 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8'x 24' |
|
17U |
11V11 |
2 x 45 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
18U |
11V11 |
2 x 45 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8'x 24' |
|
19U |
11V11 |
2 x 45 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
75 yds x 112 yds |
60-80 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
1Refer to OPL current Birth year Chart
2BowNet, style goals are allowed at 7v7(9U/10U) and 9v9 (11U/12U) for all leagues except Super League
SKLZ #USSF Heading Mandate - All OPL and ORL leagues have adopted the USSF Heading mandates. For 11U and under leagues players may NOT engage in heading in either games or practices. Limited heading in practice for players in 12U and 13U ages of 30 min maximum per week.
Rule 208– Heading Game Rule
Referees are instructed for all 11U and under games to apply the followingrule:
When a player deliberatelyheads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberateheader occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.
A. No Re-Entry Protocol (for Head Injury)
In accordance with the US Soccer return to play guidelines, any player removed from the field for a suspected head injury will not be allowed to return to the field of play unless cleared by a Healthcare Professional.
B. Health Care Professional
A health care professional is defined as “a licensed healthcare professional such as an athletic trainer certified (ATC), or a physician (MD/DO), with a skill set in emergency care and sports medicine injuries and with knowledge and experience related to concussion evaluation and management.” It will be up to each club to decide whether they will provide a healthcare professional at their matches, and to ensure that this individual has the correct certification to be evaluating players for head trauma. If a club plans to use a healthcare professional to evaluate suspected head injuries during an OPL/ORL match, the healthcare professional must be presented to the referee prior to the start of the match. Referees will not allow the re-entry of players removed from the field of play for suspected head injuries unless they are informed of the presence of, and meet with, a healthcare professional prior to the start of the match.
Rule 209 -- Rosters
·All teams may list up to 26 players on their US Club Official Roster.
·Players can be only rostered to one team that is affiliated with US Club Soccer and the OPL/ORL.
·As a requirement to register a valid team for an OPL league, each team must follow the minimum roster sizes listed below (exception for 15U and provide their Official US Club team roster to the league office approximately 20 days before the start of league play.
·For game days, the OPL Game Day sheet has limits to the number of players that can be listed. See below:
|
Roster Size Chart |
||
|
|
Number of Players |
|
|
Age |
Min. to register team |
Game Day Roster max. |
|
7U/8U |
5 |
8 |
|
9U/10U |
8 |
14 |
|
11U/12U |
10 |
16 |
|
13U/19U |
13 |
18 |
|
15U trapped |
11 |
18 |
Note:The US Club Official Roster is printed from the US Club team page and the OPL game day sheet can be found in the team manager’s handbook and on our website.
Rule 210 -- Scheduling
A. League Schedules and scheduling requests prior to a season beginning
Scheduling has become a major issue each season. The commitment to play games when scheduled has become a priority since in most areas field availability is limited. All games scheduled by the OPL are expected to be played on the scheduled date. Home teams are not obligated to reschedule games
·Schedule requests must be submitted via the schedule request web form by the registration deadline for the specific league. Schedule requests must be limited to no more than 2 requests (see form).
·The Schedulers will do their best to honor scheduling requests submitted by the deadline but cannot guarantee that all requests will be honored. Please prioritizeyour requests.
·All games scheduled by the OPL are expected to be played on the scheduled date.
·In the event the posted schedule cannot be met please refer to Rule 211.
·Teams unwilling or unable to attend a game will forfeit points from the unattended game. Please see Rule 307A for more information on forfeits.
·The league will schedule certain “black-out” dates to allow players to attend OPL sanctioned events and trainings.
·The OPL Dev. leagues (9U – 10U) will be scheduled through the OPL office. Teams will play on Saturday and/or Sunday based on field availability across multiple locations.
B. Team Scheduling (times and locations)
·Please post game time and location as soon as known as a courtesy to all impacted.
·The home team manager is responsible for posting the time and location of the game no later than 72 hours prior to the game. For teams traveling either direction over the Cascade mountain passes, the game time and location must be posted no later than 6:00pm on the Sunday prior to the scheduled date.
·Posted contact information for both Coach and manager must be kept current on the OPL team site. It is the responsibility of the home team to inform the visiting team of any changes that may occur.
- Please see section C. for specific rules on scheduling double headers.
- When games are cancelled for weather related or field issues which causes limited availability of fields, these game time restrictions may be superseded. The league must be informed of all of these situations prior to rescheduling the games.
- For teams traveling three hours or more, games may not be scheduled earlier than 11 am or after 5pm unless agreed upon by the visiting team.
- For teams that have 2 to 3 hours of travel, games may not be scheduled earlier than 10 am or after 6pm unless approved by the visiting team.
- For all local games (60 miles or less) scheduled outside of the OPL Development League it is the expectation that games will not be scheduled earlier than 9 am on Saturdays or 10 am on Sundays unless agreed to by the visiting team.
·If field and/or times are changed (because of unplayable field situations), the listed home team officialis responsible to contact the opposing team listed manager and the league office as soon as possible.
C. Double-header Schedules (league specified)
·When one team travelsacross the state and is playing two away games, the home teams must schedule their games within the following time frame: a late Saturday afternoon beginning no earlier than 1 p.m. and an early morning Sunday start, kicking off between 9 am and noon.
·The league office reserves the right to approve the double-header schedules in case of disputes between both parties. Please be forewarned: to maximize the competition and minimize travel, there will be very little flexibility for home teams hosting traveling teams, particularly traveling across state. This applies mainly to Super league teams, but may apply to Classic Division when appropriate.
D.Developmental League specific
·For the OPL Development League, games will be scheduled and posted by the league scheduler for ALL matches.
·The league will assign the referees for all Developmental League matches.
·Due to field availability constraints, no rescheduling of developmental matches will be entertained.
Rule 211 -- Rescheduling Games
·The league schedule is intended to be played as initially posted.
·Games can be rescheduled without the approval of the league unless it involves a double header weekend (see Rule 210C). Please be aware that Rule 204applies, and Clubs may incur fines and forfeits if the games are not played.
·Once schedules are published, games may not be moved to a different date/time without the express written approval of the opponent. Any changes to the published schedule must be finalized and completed at least 2 weeks prior to the original scheduled date of the game. Any reschedule negotiations not agreed upon prior to the 2-week window will cause the game to be played on its originally scheduled date.
·If prior to the original scheduled game date, teams are not able agree to a reschedule, the league office must be notified to arbitrate, or the match is played as originally scheduled.
·All charges related to fields and Referees are borne by the home team unless alternate arrangements have been made with visiting team.
·In the event the match is not played for any other reason not addressed in the rules, the league must be notified within 24 hours by the home team. The OPL will decide regarding the disposition of the match.
Rule 212 -- Uniforms
All teams must post their jersey colors on their team page or contact the visiting team no less than 72 hours prior to the game to confirm jersey colors. In the event of a jersey color conflict, the home team is required to wear or change to an alternate color. Every player must have a unique number on their jersey. A minimum size of 6” tall on the back of the jersey.
Registration and Game Day Procedures
Rule 300-- Team Management Requirements
·When registering, each team must list a team manager and supply contact information including a current email address and phone number. The listed phone and email must be checked daily and be updated on the event of a change.
·The team manager and/or head coach are responsible for responding to all communications regarding teams,league business, reporting scores and all communications with the appropriate league officials. All teams must have access to email, and a telephone number connected to a 24-hour answering system during the season. All teams are responsible for maintaining their contact information on their OPL team page.
Rule 301-- Eligibility
Official US Club Rosters and Player cards
A. Players, coaches and managers shall be registered according to US Club rules.
B. A copy of the US Club Official roster must be e-mailed to the league office 20 days before the start of league play. There is no limit to the number of changes made to the roster provided the players are registered to the club. All players must be listed with complete information including jersey number. Changes may be made to the roster during the season, but an updated roster must be e-mailed to the office prior to the player playing in any games. Players not listed on the roster most currently held at the OPL league office, are considered illegal and will constitute a forfeit for the team that has not e-mailed an updated roster. This procedure must be done by 6pm the Friday before the scheduled game the player(s) in question would play in.
C. All players and coaches must present their valid US Club Player/Coach Identification Card to the referee prior to the match. The individual’s picture must be on the ID card and the card must be laminated. Club officials (Coaches, managers, DOC’s) are required to visibly display their card on a lanyard while in the technical area (max. of 3 team officials in area).
·The individual will not be eligible for the match if the ID card is not valid. No exceptions. Players must be printed on the US Club Official Roster with correct jersey numbers listed.If for any reason jersey numbers are incorrect, team manager/coach must inform the other team prior to the start of the game. Failure to do so will result in a minimum $100 fine assessed to the offending Club.
·No handwritten players are allowed on the official US Club Roster. The player must be assigned to the Club and be listed on the OPL Game Day Roster Sheet. Players may be handwritten (must be legible) on the OPL Game Roster Sheet and match those players on the official US Club Roster. All Game Day Roster Sheets must be completely filled out.
·3 copies of OPL Game Day Roster Sheet must be presented to the referee prior to the game. A fourth copy of OPL Game Day Roster Sheet and one copy of the team’s US Club Official Roster(s) must be provided to the opposing team prior to the game. It is the responsibility of each team to ask for this documentation. If neither team asks for the documentation, there is no recourse after the game has been started.
·If a team is not able to provide an US Club Official Roster(s) and Game Day Roster Sheet prior to the start of the game, it may be grounds for forfeit and further sanctions.
D. Any player that does not appear on the US Club Official roster shall be considered an illegal player. Any team using an illegal player shall forfeit any games in which the illegal player participated. In addition, the guilty team may forfeit an additional three points in the standings. A fine of up to $1000 may also be assessed against a team using illegal players. Any team found using illegal players may be expelled from the league.
E. Players may only play for one US Club Soccer club during any league season. Guest players are not allowed in league play. (A Guest player is any player not currently rostered to your club)
G. Players may change clubs at any point in the season if they adhere to the OPL and US Club transfer policy. Players requesting transfer between two clubs must complete the following prior to be eligible to play:
·Serve a seven-day waiting period from the time an updated league roster is received by the League Office showing the player has a valid US Club player card.
·Have their US Club Player Card released from former club or is approved by the Competition Committee.
·Have met all financial obligations agreed to with their former Club.
H. All players registered with a Club participating in the OPL shall receive a US Club Soccer player id card which shall allow a player to play on any team within that club with the following exceptions:
·Players can play-up or play at their age.
·Players must adhere to Rule 302 “Player Pass”
Please note:
·Younger players can play up in age if the club determines they are capable. To be eligible to play, players must be printed on either the US Club Official roster for that team or another team’s roster within the club. Players can only be rostered on one team in their club. Any players within the club handwritten on the US Club Official roster may not be eligible to play. Eligibility is determined by the player’s name being printed on a US Club Official roster from that club.
·Players rostered to a club's Recreational team may “player pass” to any "on age team”or may "play up" at any age level as long as they have been rostered and carded to that team! Their primary team of record will be their Rec team and must be noted as such on the competitive team roster that is submitted to the league office.
·Teams/Clubs violating this rule will be put on notice by the league and may face sanctions and possibly expulsion from the league.
·Exceptions to Age and Gender rules may be considered. Please see the "Exception Form" on the OPL website.
Rule 302 - Player Pass
The intent of the "player pass" rule is to provide a tool for coaches to give players an opportunity to play at a level that is developmentally appropriate for the player and to provide a way of getting more minutes for players needing them. The "player pass" is not to be used unethically.
·Each team may use the “player pass” for a limit of 4 players in a single match. These players must be noted on the Game Day Sheet along with providing copies of the Official US Club roster(s) these players are rostered to.
·Violation of the "Player Pass" rule will constitute one or all the following, a fine, forfeiture of all games these players played in, a suspension of the offended coach and sanctions against the Club involved.
All on age rostered Super League players are eligible only to be “player passed” on age to the Super League or divisions. All eligible OPL players may be “player passed up” to older ages above Copa in all affiliated OPL leagues except the ORL.
·Super League Players that are rostered “play up” (playing on older age group team) may NOT play “on age” at any level of play.
·Players rostered to a club’s Recreational team may “player pass” to any “on age team" or "play up" at any age level if they have been also rostered and carded to that team! Their primary team of record will be their Rec team and must be noted as such on the competitive team rostered submitted to the league office.
·All Classic division players are unrestricted beyond adhering to age, gender, and player pass limit requirements.
·There is no player pass restrictions for the OPL Development leagues.
Refer to chart below for summary of Player Pass eligibility:
|
Player Pass Restrictions matrix |
||||||||
|
Player Rostered To Team |
Allowed to Play at following levels ON Age in own Club: |
|||||||
|
Division Level |
Age Level |
WNPL |
Superleague |
Div. 1 (10U) |
Classic 1 |
Classic 2 |
Copa |
Rec. |
|
WNPL Superleague |
birth year |
yes |
yes |
N/A |
no |
no |
no |
no |
|
WNPL Superleague |
play up |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
no |
no |
no |
|
Dev league (9U ,10U) |
birth year |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Dev league (9U ,10U) |
play up |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Classic 1, 2, 3… |
birth year |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Classic 1, 2, 3… |
play up |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Copa |
birth year |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Copa |
play up |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Recreational (REC) |
birth year |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
Recreational (REC) |
play up |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Rule 303 -- Substitutions
Free substitutions will be allowed in all age groups. Teams may substitute with the referee’s permission at on any stoppage. Player substitutions and reentry are unlimited
Rule 304 -- Personnel on the Bench
·ALL non-playing personnel in the team technical area MUST have a current US Club card. Team or Club Officials (limit of 3) are required to visibly display their card on a lanyard.
·Only uniformed players (and legal “player pass” players) listed on the team's US Club Official roster(s) and OPL Game Day sheet can be on the bench during the game and only players eligible and listed on game day sheet maybe in uniform. Players listed on the Team’s US Club Roster but not in uniform (in street clothes) can be on the bench during the game.
Rule 305 --OPL Game Day Sheet
·Each team is required to provide the referee, 2 copies of the OPL Game day sheet. (The league recommends providing 3 copies).
·Managers must have complete US Club Official roster(s) with ALL players listed, available at each game.
·Prior to start of the match each team must provide a copy of the US Club Official roster, and one copy of their completed Game Day sheet to the opposing team. If a team is not able to produce a US Club Official Roster, the game shall be played with potential for forfeiture and/or a fine. See Miscellaneous Forms and end of the rules. It is the responsibility of each team to ask for this documentation. If neither team asks for the documentation, there is no recourse after the game has been started.
·“Player pass” players must be noted on the OPL Game Sheet in the box provided and must be highlighted on their US Club Official Roster.
The OPL Game Day Sheet can be downloaded from the Oregon Premier League web site, located at http://OPLsoccer.com/forms. The OPL Game Day Sheet has been updated. Please use the updated version. At the end of the game, the referee will complete the document and return the Home Team Game Day Sheet to the visiting team and vice versa. These documents shall serve as the Official Score Report and should be retained through the completion of league play.
Rule 306 -- Official Score Report
The game score as reported on the Game day sheet shall be recorded on the OPL web site after each match by the winning team. Ties are to be reported by both teams. Both teams should keep and file the Game Sheets for future possible reference. For the ORL match scores are capped by the system to reflect a 5-goal differential.
Rule 307 – Team “No-Shows”
Games must start no later than 10 minutes from the posted start time on the OPL website. Teams must start the game with the required minimum number of players for that age group.
·For 7U & 8U teams, a minimum of 3 players must be on the field to start and end a game.
·9U and 10U teams, a minimum of 5 players must be on the field to start and end the game.
·11U and 12U a minimum of 6 players must be on the field to start and end the game.
·13U and above, a minimum of 7 players must be on the field at the start and the end of the game or the game will be deemed a forfeit. Games not starting by the time the “grace period” has ended will be deemed a forfeit.
If a team or referee have communicated to the opposing team that they are on route, and there is a time restriction, the clock will be started at the end of grace period. Games must start no later than 30 minutes from the scheduled start regardless of the situation.
Rule 307A -- Forfeits
Forfeited games will result in a 1-0 loss for the team forfeiting the match. These games must be reported to the league office who will determine if forfeit was warranted. Additionally, Teams/Clubs that forfeit a match may be levied up to $1000 fine and possible removal from further league play for a period determined by the league office. The team causing the match forfeit will be responsible for all field and referee costs incurred by the home team. The league also reserves right to impose other penalties if it is deemed necessary. See Rule 210 Scheduling for travel league specific requirements and penalties.
Rule 308 -- Incomplete Games
In the event a game cannot be completed, the game counts if at least the first half of the game was completed. If the match is suspended prior to the expiration of one half, the game shall be replayed at a time agreed upon by the competing teams. An agreement must be made within 4 days of the date that the incomplete game was played. In the event the teams cannot agree, the league office will reschedule the game.
Rule 308A – Game Abandonment
Any game that has been abandoned by the Referee for issues outside of an “act of God” will result in a forfeit and fine imposed upon the team causing the abandonment. The league office must be informed and will determine whether score stands or forfeit and fine is assessed.
Rule 309 -- Sideline Etiquette
If field space allows, coaches and players will be on the same sideline opposite spectators. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their parents/sideline. Spectators are expected to behave appropriately and respectfully at all times during the match. Unruly or irresponsible behavior identified by a referee could lead to expulsion of the Teams’ coach, a team’s forfeit of points and/or a monetary fine.If the league receives reports of unsportsmanlike conduct from any spectators on a sideline the league reserves the right to fine the club or take further action as necessary.
Game Officials
Rule 400 -- Match officials
The match officials are assigned by contracted referee assignors. Officials are to be USSF certified for the current calendar year. Use of non-certified referees in anything other than a "no show" situation may be considered a forfeit by the home team and subject to a $1000 fine from the league for each occurrence.
Clubs must report and post their Referee Assignor contact information in the Club Directory. Failure to utilize contracted referee assignors and certified referees will result in club sanctions and/or fines.
For OPL Dev league 9U & 10U and ORL 12U and below only a center referee is required. For all other leagues and levels, the expectation is 3 officials will be assigned to each match.
Note: If a full crew is not available games will still stand if a single certified referee is available.
Rule 401 – No show of Officials
Failure of a match official to appear will not constitute canceling of a match. If both teams can agree on a substitute, coaches must sign the game sheet prior to the start of the game. Neither team may protest the outcome of the match. If a coach feels that playing the match without a licensed referee is a safety issue for the players, then both teams must work to reschedule the match (Refer to Rule 211 for reschedules). It is the responsibility of the home team to reschedule the match at a time agreed to with the visiting team and bear the costs associated with hosting the match. If the team cannot find a time the league office will assist.
Rule 500 -- League Discipline
A. Red Cards
A player sendoff (red card) will result in a minimum of a one (1) game suspension. A send off as a result of two cautions will result in the player being suspended for the next match. If a player is sent off during the weekend, they may not play the remainder of the weekend. Games sat out that weekend count against the suspension, if noted on the game day sheet and/or Referee Game Report as such. Any team using suspended players will be disciplined the same as using illegal players. The League office must be notified of the sendoff within 24 hours by the home team. For more information on red cards please see rule 530.
Coaches and or Club Officials that have been ejected from a game may be subject to additional disciplinary action as determined by the league office. At a minimum, the coach/club official will receive a two-week suspension.All team expulsions apply to ALL teams that coach or team official is associated with.
B. Appeals / Hearings
No Appeals of league discipline will be considered. See Rule 530 for procedures. A coach, club or league official has a right to a hearing within 30 days if the suspension is more than 5 weeks. Coaches are not to be present on the sideline or at the field during the time of their suspension, nor anywhere near the field. If a coach is ejected more than twice in one season, or found to be present on the sidelines during the suspension, the club will be fined up to $500 and the particular team will lose points.
Rule 501 - Assault or Abuse of Participants
A. When any person shall assault or abuse a participant (as defined by B) below) within OPL the matter shall be brought directly before the OPL Discipline Committee. (Note that assault or abuse of a referee by a player, coach, manager, club official or game official is subject to the jurisdiction of the OPL Discipline Committee under the specific definitions and procedures of USSF Policy 531-9 -- Misconduct toward Game Officials.) Nothing herein shall prevent a referee from carding a player or cautioning/ejecting a participant, or from the OPL Disciplinary Committee imposing sanctions against a participant under its rules, even if the incident involved assault or abuse.
B. A participant, for the purposes of this specific rule, shall be defined as a registered player, the parent, relative or guardian of a registered player, a coach, assistant coach, trainer or team manager, a spectator, an officer of a Club, Association, or member of the Board of Directors of OPL, Association, referee, and any other person required to have Risk Management acceptance.
C. (1) (i) Assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon an individual.
(ii)For purposes of this specific rule, “intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of another individual in a way that is socially unacceptable.
(iii) Outside of practice and match activity, a “socially unacceptable” act includes (but is not limited to) touching which the victim considers invasion of personal space or makes the victim feel uncomfortable or threatened. Unintended consequences of the act are irrelevant.
(iv) During practice or games, “socially unacceptable” acts include violent acts during games and practices which exceed all reasonably acceptable sporting behavior.
(2) Assault includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon an individual: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into an individual; head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at an individual that could inflict injury; damaging an individual’s clothing or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, etc.
D. (1) Abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to an individual or their personal property.
(2) Abuse includes but is not limited to the following acts committed upon an individual: using foul or abusive language toward an individual that implies or threatens physical harm; spewing any beverage on an individual’s personal property; spitting at (but not on) an individual; or verbally threatening an individual.
(3) Abuse shall include, but not be limited to, racial, ethnic, religious or gender slurs directed at one or more individuals.
(4) Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm. Such remarks as “I’ll get you after the game” or “You won’t get out of here in one piece” shall be deemed abuse.
E. (1) Assault or abuse may be grounds for suspension or ban from further participation and membership in OPL or any affiliated Member Association, club or team. Such authority shall supersede any and all other penalty codes or rules. A temporary suspension will be imposed immediately upon the verification of an allegation of assault or abuse until a hearing is held and the decision is published by the hearing chair. Minimum penalties and periods of suspension shall be as follows:
(i) Except as provided below, for any assault, at least one (1) year from the time of the assault;
(ii) For a minor or slight touching of the individual or their personal property, a minimum of three (3) months;
(iii) For an assault committed by an adult upon an individual seventeen (17) years of age or younger, at least three (3) years;
(iv) For a minor or slight touching committed by an adult upon an individual (17) years of age or younger, at least 6 months/years.
(v) For an assault when serious injuries are inflicted, at least five (5) years.
(vi) In the case of assault, shorter periods may not be provided but, if circumstances warrant, a longer period may be provided (e.g., habitual offenders with two (2) or more incidents of suspension).
(vii) The minimum suspension for abuse shall be three (3) matches. Longer periods may be provided when circumstances warrant (e.g., habitual offenders with two (2) or more incidents of suspension).
Disciplinary regulations
Rule 520 – Violating League Rules
The OPL Disciplinary Committee and the OPL League Office shall have the authority to suspend, fine, disqualify or otherwise impose sanctions on, players, team officials or competing clubs for violating league rules, the OPL Ethics policy or for any action or conduct not in the best interest of soccer or the OPL.For more information on red cards please see rule 530.
Any breach of OPL Rules, Ethics or allegations of individual or team misconduct should be reported to the league via the violation report form. violation report form.
Rule 521 -- Disciplinary Panel
A panel of individuals from the league office shall conduct the review of disciplinary issues. Such panels will consist of at least one licensed referee official.
Rule 530 -- Game-Suspension Procedures
Team Responsibility - Teams are responsible for ensuring that any of their players (Red Card) or coaches (Expulsion) who have received a red card or “expulsion” serves the appropriate suspension immediately. The referee who issued the red card or “expulsion” (of a coach) is required to file their report within 48 hours detailing the infractions leading to the red card or “expulsion”.
The OPL Disciplinary Committee will determine the length of the suspension from the referee’s report and the severity of the infraction. Again, the suspension is immediate, and the player or coach is suspended from (at minimum) the next game either the coach or player is involved with regardless or not if the offender receives notification from the OPL of the suspension. Following any further investigation, the OPL Disciplinary Committee will indicate if any changes to the length of the suspension were made in the charging letter/e-mail sent to the team/club.
Club officials may submit evidence related to misconducts directly to [email protected] prior to Wednesday of the week following the match. The discipline committee will consider any evidence and may, at their discretion, determine if a hearing is required. A charging record will be sent to the coach and manager of the team (for player send-offs) and to DOC / club president for Team official expulsions.[email protected] by Thursday of the week following the match.
Referee Responsibility - All Club referees must provide misconduct report via Ridgestar web reporting to the OPL. If you do not report through your Referee Association on-line you can directly from the Referee reporting feature. Instructions for electronic reporting are on the OPL website.
Note:All suspensions are to be served with the team player is officially rostered.
Players may not utilize the "player pass" to;
- play for another team prior to the suspension being served and documentation returned
- document serving their suspension with a team they are not officially rostered.
Coaches’ expulsions are an automatic 2-week suspension with the Disciplinary committee review that could bring additional suspensions.
Please note: for Coaches, the suspension carries over into all OPL/ORL age groups and/or Games the coach is coaching. In the case of a coach who coaches multiple teams, if Coach A receives a sendoff for his/her 12U Girls game and Coach A has a game with his/her 15U Boys team – Coach A is unable to coach that match.
Rule 531 –Matters Not Provided For
Any matter not provided for in these Rules shall be decided by the OPL Competition and Rules Committee Chair and Disciplinary Chair. All such decisions are final.
Code of Conduct
Do not tarnish the game of soccer, the OPL, US Club Soccer, USSF, your club, your team, yourself, your family.