Muslim soccer league rulebook

I. League Overview

League Structure:

2024 Fall season comprises of 10 teams.
Matches are played with 9 players on each side (9 vs. 9).

Team Requirements:

Each team must maintain a minimum roster of 12 players.
One coach can be added to the roster for no extra fee per team.
Players must be 16 years or older to participate.
The MSL board reserves the right to deny any individual from participating in the tournament or events.

Game Structure:

Matches consist of two 30-minute halves, separated by a 5-minute halftime break.
Unlimited substitutions per team are allowed, but each team is limited to 2 substitution stops per half. Injury subs are allowed only for the injured player.

Player Eligibility:

Players must be at least 16 years old to participate.
Each team is allowed up to 4 non-Muslim players.

Discipline:

Yellow Cards: A player shown a yellow card must sub out for at least 5 minutes to cool down. Accumulating 12 yellow cards per team during the regular season will result in a 1-point deduction.
Red Cards: A player receiving a red card must leave the field and the team's bench immediately. This results in suspension for the next game. Accumulating 4 red cards per team during the regular season will result in a 3-point deduction.
All card counts reset at the onset of the playoffs.

Season Duration:

The regular season is 9 weeks long.
Each team will play all other 9 teams that have registered.
Points: Win = 3 pts, Loss = 0 pts, Tie = 1 pt.
Top 8 teams with the highest points, goal differential, and player conduct (red and yellow card count) will advance to the playoffs.

Game Times:

Game 1: 4:45 - 5:50pm
Game 2: 6:00 - 7:05pm
Game 3: 7:15 - 8:20pm
Game 4: 8:30 - 9:35pm
Game 5: 9:45 - 10:50pm

Location:

All matches are held at the New Horizon School in Irvine, California.

Team Uniforms:

Teams must wear the custom jersey kits provided at the beginning of the season.
Goalkeepers must wear the provided colored pinnies.
All players must wear shin guards during matches.
All players must wear cleats (indoor or outdoor).
The league reserves the right to reject any jersey numbers or names that do not comply with league standards.

Awards:

Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top 3 teams in the league.

Division:

There is only one division in the league for this season.

II. Game Rules

Offsides:

Offside rules are in effect.

Slide Tackling:

Slide tackling is allowed, but it must be executed in a safe and controlled manner. Reckless slide tackles may result in disciplinary action.

Celebrations:

Celebrations are permitted and encouraged, but they must be conducted in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner.

Indirect Free Kicks:

Indirect free kicks will be awarded for fouls and rule violations.

III. League Administration

Scheduling:

The league organizer will create and distribute the match schedule for the regular season and playoffs.

Referees:

Certified referees will officiate league matches and enforce the rules of the game.

Protests and Disputes:

Any protests or disputes must be submitted in writing to the league organizer within 48 hours of the disputed match. The league organizer will review and make a final decision.

Code of Conduct:

All participants, including players, coaches, and spectators, are expected to adhere to high standards of sportsmanship and respect.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or banning from the league.

Safety and Medical:

In the event of injuries, appropriate medical assistance should be sought immediately.

IV. Disciplinary Actions

Physical Altercations:

Any physical altercations involving players will result in immediate suspension from the league. Suspension timeframes can vary depending on the situation.

Prohibition of Excessive Foul Language:

The use of excessive foul language during games is strictly forbidden. This includes but is not limited to foul language directed at referees, players, admins, and fans.

Altercations:

Striking or Attempting to Strike: Includes actions such as hitting or attempting to hit another player with arms, hands, head, legs, or feet, whether or not contact is made.
Instigating a Fight: Committing unsporting acts toward another player, such as pushing or shoving, which may provoke retaliation.
Retaliation: Players who retaliate are subject to the same rules and penalties as those who initiate the conflict.

Consequences and Suspensions:

Admin and board will examine altercations and conflicts on a case-by-case basis and determine the appropriate consequences for involved parties/individuals.
Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to:
- Yellow/Red cards
- Suspensions, which will be carried out starting with the next game a player is healthy and available to play. Suspensions can carry over to the next season in which the player participates.
- Complete ban from ALL MSL events.
- Any season/playoffs game ended prematurely due to conflict may result in a double forfeit by both teams involved.

V. Additional Rules

Equipment Inspection:

Prior to each game, a quick equipment check will be conducted to ensure all players have the required gear, including shin guards.

Match Duration:

The standard match duration includes injury time, as determined by the referee.

Forfeits:

In the event of a forfeit, a $100 fee will be assessed to the forfeiting team. No player who is not registered in the league can participate in the match.

Overtime and Shootouts:

Overtime and shootouts will only take place during the playoffs/postseason matches.

VI. Roster Changes

Roster Changes:

Teams can make up to three (3) roster changes before the replacement deadline. In a 9-game season, the deadline will be Friday before the 3rd game of the season.
Roster changes must be approved by Admin and must follow all eligibility requirements.
Roster changes may be requested only in cases of injury or medical conditions, and each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

VII. Amendments

Rule Changes:

The league organizer reserves the right to make rule changes or amendments as necessary for the fair and safe conduct of the league. Any rule changes will be communicated to all teams in a timely manner.

By participating in the Muslim Soccer League, all teams and players agree to adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in this rulebook. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or disqualification from the league. The league encourages a spirit of sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie among all participants.