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GOLDEN   GATE   WOMEN'S   SOCCER   LEAGUE 

Game Day Procedures - Contacting Referees, Disciplinary Actions (Yellow/Red Cards), Fines, Forfeits, Injuries, & Guest Player Policy

Game Day Procedures

  1. No ID = No Play
  2. NEW: Any player who may have a concussion must leave the field of play and not return until they have completed the concussion return to play protocol.
  3. Ensure your GGWSL website roster is Updated - Team representatives should ensure each player is added to the GGWSL team’s roster. Team representatives must go to their GGWSL team home page to update the roster. Click on the roster (under team name).  Within the roster, team representatives can add, edit and drop players. Instructions can be found HERE!
  4. Game Card - Each team must give the referee a copy of their GGWSL's website-generated game card (line-up). All players to be fielded in a game must be printed on the game card presented ot the referee. To print your game card, log in to the GGWSL website, access your team's profile, and click the Game Card link located under the team's name.  Click here to access step-by-step instructions on maintaining your team's roster and printing game cards.
    • A team failing to provide a GGWSL website-generated game card will be issued a forfeit and are subject to a forfeit fine.
    • A team providing a game card with handwritten player name(s) is subject to a general fine. Jersey numbers may be hand-written.
    • The team representative and referee must sign the game card before the game.
  5. Corner Flags - Each team is responsible for providing 2 corner flags or cones.  Failure to do so will result in a $25 general fine for that team. 
  6. Nets - Each team is responsible for providing a net, Velcro strips, and spikes for each game. Teams failing to provide a net and supplies for securing the net by the start of game time will be required to forfeit per league rules.
  7. Game Balls - The Home team is responsible for providing 2 regulation soccer balls.
  8. Proper Uniforms - All teams are responsible for having a white or light-colored jersey in addition to their standard colored jersey. Jerseys must display visible and distinguishable numerals on the backs of jerseys.
    • Home teams are required to change their jerseys to home whites if asked. Scrimmage vests and/or pinnies are acceptable, provided that they have numbers or the number from the underlying jersey is visible.  
    • Players may wear soft caps, gloves, leggings, and bandanas so long as the colors do not cause confusion with the uniform colors of the opposing team and they are not being used for an unfair advantage. 
    • Compression shorts worn need to be the same color as your uniform shorts.
    • Shin Guards - All players are required to wear shin guards that are completely covered by long socks.
    • Braces - Knee, wrist, and/or arm braces may be worn. Hinges on knee braces must be fully covered (padded or with a sleeve covering). No exposed metal or plastic is allowed. Pants may not be used to cover a knee brace.  
    • Splint/Cast - No player may enter the field of play while wearing a cast or splint.
    • The Referee will have the final decision regarding the safety of the players’ equipment.  Any player who refuses to follow the referee's directions will not be permitted to play. 
  9. JewelryGGWSL exception to FIFA's Law 4, taping jewelry will be allowed with the referee’s approval.

LAW 4 – The Player’s Equipment (GGWSL Exceptions) Safety: A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.  All jewelry items (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted. The players must be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play. If a player is wearing or using unauthorized/dangerous equipment or jewelry, the referee must order the player to: remove the item and leave the field of play at the next stoppage. If the player is unable or unwilling to comply, player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.

    • Jewelry that can be removed should be removed.
    • Jewelry that may be considered to be taped: Tiny nose studs, trim rings, septums that cannot be removed. Tiny piercings that require special tools to remove. Tiny earrings. Flat ring bands.
    • Jewelry that WILL NOT be considered for tape and must be removed to participate: Large studs, hoops or hoop earrings, drop or dangle earrings. Industrial ear piercings (thin metal bars) Finger rings with protrusions, bracelets, watches, or fit bits.
    • Taped jewelry will be allowed if determined safe by the referee.

Note: The roster limit is 27.  For each game, 18 players may suit up.

These guidelines are not meant to be all-inclusive.  Decisions are under the discretion of the referee.

 

Game Start Time, Referee Contacts & Scheduling

  • 10 Minute Grace Period - If one team is unable to field at least seven (7) players or if a team and has not provided nets by 10 minutes after the designated start time, that team must forfeit.
  • If during a game, a team decides to play with fewer than 11 players (but at least 7 players), the game will proceed and be recorded as a regulation game. The referee cannot override this decision.
  • Referee Grace Period -  If there is no referee at the field before game time, call the appropriate referee assignor for that field.
  • Team representatives may contact the referee assignor if the referee has not shown up to the field 30 minutes prior to the start of the game.
  • If the referee is more than 10 minutes late from game time, the game will be postponed and rescheduled by the Vice President of Scheduling at the earliest date.
  • Scheduling - Open division games are played on Saturdays. The Over 35 division plays games on Sundays. However, for both divisions, games may be scheduled on Saturday, Sunday, or weeknights, particularly make-up games. Teams should be prepared to play between 9 am and 5 pm on both days of the weekend.
  • Rainouts & Cancellations – IF IN DOUBT, SHOW UP. Grass fields may close at the discretion of the respective park associations, but where a field is open, a team failing to show up with the required number of players will forfeit. Artificial turf fields are open RAIN OR SHINE.

The best place to check for rainout information is the GGWSL schedule page.   You can also check the Rainout Information on the GGWSL home page.

Guest Player Policy

   

Register as a Guest Player                          Guest Players - Log a Game Played

 

GGWSL players officially registered and rostered on a team for the current season may guest play for another team with the following stipulations:

  1. Teams with 11 or fewer rostered players present for the beginning of their game may have up to 2 guest players.
    1. Guest players are not allowed for playoff games.
    2. If you have 12 players at the beginning of a game, but one player leaves at half-time, your team is not eligible for a guest player in the second half.
  2. Players may only guest play for a team in their division or a higher-skilled division.
    1. Players rostered on an Over-35 division team may guest play for any over-35 division team.
    2. Rostered Over-35 division players are eligible to guest play for Open Division teams. They may guest play for any team if they are not registered on an Open team. If also registered on an Open team, they may only guest play for an Open team in their or a higher-skilled division.
    3. Players rostered on an Open division team who meet the Over-35 Division's age requirement may guest play for any Over-35 division team.
  3. Guest players may play for a single team up to 3 times per season. Players may guest play for as many teams as they choose.
  4. The team captain must legibly write the guest player(s) first name, last name, and rostered team(s) on the game card before giving it to the referee. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
  5. Guest players must check in with the referee using a government-issued picture ID (driver's license, school ID, passport, etc.).
  6. Guest players must submit confirmation of playing as a guest via the Fall 2023 Guest Player Report Form within 48 hours of the game. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
  7. Team Representatives must ensure that only eligible guest players take the field. Any player listed on the roster who does not meet the guest player eligibility requirements will be treated as an ineligible player according to GGWSL’s policies. The game will be updated accordingly.
  8. Teams and players who violate the guest policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Register As a Guest Player

Players may sign up for the Guest Player - Fall 2024. Player contact information will be distributed to Team Representatives, who will contact players directly.

Penalties for Guest Player Policy Violations

  1. Players who violate the guest player policy may be banned from guest playing for the remainder of the current or future seasons. 
  2. Teams who violate the guest player policy will forfeit the game where the procedure was broken and may be suspended from obtaining guest players for the season.
  3. The Executive Committee will review all penalties.

Please contact Alicia at vpnewplayers@ggwsl.org for questions. Thank you.

Fines & Fees

General Fines

    • Anyone associated with a team (players, coaches, spectators, etc.) brings a dog to ANY of the soccer fields.
    • A team does not provide a pre-printed game card.
    • A team plays a player not registered. The team also forfeits that game and will be charged a forfeit and a general fine. The team can not play their next game until they have paid their fines.
    • A team that fails to provide corner flags (or cones) for a game ($25 fine).

Fine Structure

    1. General fine: $25 - 50 (depending on infraction)
    2. Forfeit fine: $50
    3. Appeal fee: $100
    4. Late fee: $50
    5. Refund: $50
    6. Protest fee: $100

Protests

Only violations of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Game Rules of this League as they apply to the game of soccer shall be proper subjects of protest. Intention to file protest must be put in writing on the line-up card before leaving the playing field. The 1st Vice President of Disciplinary Matters must receive the protest and a protest fee (refundable if upheld) in writing within 72 hours of the action subject to protest. For more details please see bylaws, Protest - Section 4 J.

Appeals

An appeal can be lodged against a protest decision or a decision by ExComm (Section VI.J.1) or the Disciplinary Committee (Section III.B.G). Appeals must be submitted in writing to the League President within one week of the decision subject to appeal, along with an appeal fee, which is refundable if the appeal is upheld.

Rules & Practices Governing Red/Yellow Cards, Discipline and Conduct

Red Cards - A red card will result in a mandatory one-game suspension. Further suspension may be required depending on the severity of the infraction. The offending player may appeal to the league President in writing, within 48 hours for a Disciplinary Board review. The Disciplinary Board cannot revoke the mandatory one-game suspension.

Yellow Cards - Any player receiving two yellow cards within a season or three yellow cards within two consecutive seasons must submit a written statement to the Executive Committee explaining the circumstances leading to the yellow cards. The player will automatically be on probation for one season, in addition to the current season. Any additional yellow or red card while on probation can result in termination from the league.

Conduct

Occasionally, there are problems with inappropriate conduct and comments of players, coaches, and spectators. Teams are asked to monitor the conduct of their coaches, players, and fans so that there is no need for official procedures.

If a player has a concern about another player's conduct during a game, the appropriate procedure is for her to inform her team captain, who can then alert the referee.

Reporting Injuries & Player Safety

If a player is injured during a match, the referee needs to note the following information on the game card.

  • Player's Name
  • Player's Jersey Number
  • Name of Team
  • Nature of Injury

Injury Process

  1. The team representative (or affected party) must fill out and sign the Incident Report Form within a week of the incident.
  2. Send the filled-out Incident Report to the VP of Discipline, Susan Hopkins, at vpdiscipline@ggwsl.org.
Other Issues Related to Injury
 
In addition to an apparent injury, if a player subs out for injury, it must be noted on the game card.

Forfeit Procedure

How to Forfeit a Match

Please reach out as early as possible if a forfeit cannot be avoided. The League requires at least 48-hours notice  to cancel a game without incurring referee fees.

  1. Email forfeit@ggwsl.org AND the opponent's team representatives. You must be logged in to access your opponent's contact information.
  • The Forfeit@ggwsl.org email notifies referee assignors and league officials.

 

Fall 2022 Update - Starting a match (with a minimum of 7 players) and turning it into a friendly at halftime

 

The match will start as usual if a team has the minimum number of players, 7 but not a full 11.

At halftime, the captains discuss, and if both teams agree, the official score is recorded as it stands at the half, and the remainder of the match is played as a friendly.

The standard rules still apply.

-There is a cap of 5-goal differential regardless of how many goals are scored.

-During the friendly, the referee will continue to officiate. Still, teams are encouraged to play for fun and in a competitive spirit by giving the team lower numbers of players or removing numbers from their team.

-Goals during the second-half friendly will not count.

We ask that if a team knows ahead of time that they will be low on numbers, they notify the opponent ahead of time so the opponent can also prepare (a team might not plan to bring 5 subs to a game if they know their opponent will only have 7-9 players).

Promotions, Relegations, and Divisions

Teams that win their division shall be promoted to the next higher division. Teams finishing at the bottom of their division shall be relegated to the next lower division. If BOTH teams agree that they would like to stay in their respective divisions, the promotion/relegation will not happen. If a team wins a division consistently over the course of 3-4 seasons, the Executive Committee may make the decision to move the team to the next higher division. Per our bylaws, further adjustments may be made as necessary to try to keep divisions to 6 teams.

 Copyright Ian Clarke
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