NCSL Rules for Referees
ALL FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME APPLY EXCEPT AS MODIFIED HEREIN.
NEW LAW CHANGES | |
BALL SIZE |
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HALF LENGTH |
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HALFTIME LENGTH |
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FIELD DIMENSIONS |
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GOAL SIZE |
Note | If there are two sets of lines, the outermost shall be used |
GRACE PERIOD |
Teams have 15 minutes after scheduled kick-off time to have 7 players ready to play. The game shall start as soon as 7 players are present. |
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER |
The league hotlines will post widespread closings. If there is no information on the hotlines, and the referee has not been called by the assignor, he/she shall go to the field. If the referee delays the start of a game or halts a game in progress, he/she should set a specific waiting period (generally 15 to 30 minutes) and then make a decision about continuing. A cancellation decision by the referee does not automatically affect following games. |
GAME REPORT CARDS |
The home team manager will provide the referee with an Official Game Report Card containing game information and team rosters. |
FIELD PREPARATION |
The home team is responsible for providing a safe and acceptable playing field. If the referee deems the field not playable or unsafe because of inadequately cut grass, or improper lines or nets, he/she shall abandon the game and mail the Game Report Card noting why the game was not played. Referees will be paid even if the game is not played. |
TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP LIAISON |
Each team will designate a TSL who will identify him/herself to the referee before the game. TSLs shall be responsible for ensuring spectators maintain proper sideline behavior and observe the spectator restraining line. |
SUBSTITUTIONS |
NCSL now allows substitutions at the referee’s discretion at any stoppage of play. Substitutions are no longer limited to goal kicks, kick-offs, and the team’s own throw in. The only limitation is that the entering player may not enter the game to immediately take a penalty kick. Special note for NCSL | This change has been modified by NCSL – players are still allowed to leave the field from wherever they choose, unless instructed by the referee. |
REPORTING GAME-RELATED PROBLEMS |
Referees must show all cards to coaches. |
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY |
The referee must check each team’s official state roster and player passes prior to the start of the match. Teams have 15 minute grace period to produce the official state roster and player passes. If not available for checking by then, the game shall be terminated and the league notified. |
UNIFORMS |
Shirts, except goalkeepers, must be numbered and must correspond with numbers on the Game Report Card. A player may not enter the game without a numbered shirt. |
TEAM AND SPECTATOR SIDES |
All teams shall be on one side of the field and spectators shall be on the opposite side (unless this is not possible due to geographic conditions). |
CONTACTS |
Contact your assignor for weather related information Check the NCSL homepage for weather related information on game days |