Bylaws

Bylaws

Note: The BASL Executive, though expected to adhere to these by-laws as closely as possible, can make exceptions if it feels they’re warranted in the BASL’s spirit of fairness and sportsmindedness.

By-law 1: Player eligibility and criteria

1. Individual registration only

The BASL accepts only individual player registrations and not full-team registrations, because it assembles teams itself to keep competition as even as possible (see By-law 4: Team rostering and rebalancing).

2. No play-together requests

Generally, the League doesn’t grant play-together requests (see By-law 4, item 5: Team rostering and rebalancing), except for

  • new players needing to be assigned to the same team as the BASL player who recruited them and is responsible for their behaviour (see 4. below, two seasons) and
  • b. players registered under the father-son clause (see 3 c. and d. below).

3. Ages allowed: The BASL is open to

  • goalkeepers 18 and older or, if the EC deems necessary for a particular season, 16 and older, provided the keeper’s parents consent to his playing
  • outfield players 23 and older and
  • six sons 18 to 22 of outfield players for the outdoor season
  • eight sons 18 to 22 of outfield players for the indoor season
  • more than six or eight sons, as applicable, if the EC, in consultation with the ad hoc team-making committee, feels no imbalances or unfair advantages will result.

4. New players

  • Invitation needed: To register as full-timers or spares, new players to the BASL generally require an invitation from at least one long-time League member who’s in good standing with the BASL. New players sponsored by a current BASL player get to play on his team for their two first seasons.
  • Probation for two seasons: New players remain on probation for their first two seasons, and they are notified of this status when they first register.
  • Recruiter responsible for behaviour: League members who recruit a new player must make sure that player adheres strictly to the BASL’s code of conduct and are held accountable if the new player proves disruptive and undisciplined.
  • Recruiting restrictions apply: Generally, players should recruit no more than one player per season, and new players are not allowed to recruit until their probation ends.
  • Unsponsored new players start as spares: To allow new players to join without a sponsor but be properly vetted for attitude, the BASL can allow them to register as spares while also requiring them, at its discretion, to provide reliable character references (referees, former coaches, ex-BA players, etc.).

5. Caliber of player accepted depends on attitude

Because the BASL is a recreational league focused on participation and not on intense competition, it generally doesn’t accept current men’s premier and men’s competitive 1 players unless senior BA members can vouch for their character, and the League Management Board (EC, team managers, other senior players) is convinced the player in question has the right attitude and approach to join the BA (for instance, plays very cleanly, avoids going out to score five goals a game and encourages players of all levels by passing the ball to them).

6. Priority for returning players an option

As an incentive to sign up early, the EC can grant a priority registration period to returning players from the current and previous season.

By-law 2: Registration process and rules

1. Registration period for indoor

Registration usually starts in September and ends when all player spots are filled or when the EC closes them because of time constraints.

2. Registration period for outdoor

Registration usually starts in March and ends when all player spots are filled or when the EC closes them because of time constraints.

3. Number of players per season and per team depends on actual registrations

  • The indoor season generally consists of 88 players forming eight teams with 11-man rosters, including the goalkeeper.
  • The Saturday outdoor season generally consists of 108 players forming six teams with 18-man rosters, including the goalkeeper.
  • The Wednesday outdoor season generally consists of 100 to 112 players forming six to eight teams, including the goalkeeper.
  • The EC can adjust the number of teams and roster sizes if circumstances dictate (fewer registrations, extra player for a team with absentee issues, etc.).
  • Replacing players: If a team loses a player for any reason, the decision to replace that player, and with whom, generally rests with the EC, but as much as possible in consultation with the League Management Board (see item 10. below, as well as By-law 5, item 5: Player withdrawals, dismissals and replacements).

4. Notifications to players required: The EC must

  • notify players of the current and previous seasons by email and other platforms, at least one week before registration opens officially for the upcoming season, and
  • confirm to players by email that their form and payment have been received.

5. Registration takes place online

Registrations take place online through the platform or website provided by the BASL (TeamSnap, for example), with any early-bird discounts, late-registration penalties and special processing fees clearly indicated.

6. Form and fee required at the same time

Players must both complete the League’s online registration form and pay the applicable fee, plus processing fees, by credit card (see By-law 3, article 2) to be considered as officially registered and eligible for a spot on a team.

7. Ontario Soccer registration by BASL is compulsory

The EC must ensure that all BASL players are registered with Ontario Soccer (formerly the OSA), either by doing so on its own directly with OS or by going through a third-party affiliate soccer organization.

8. Priority registration for returnees an option

The EC can decide to grant a priority registration period to returning players if it sees fit, with usually seven calendar days making up the priority period.

9. First registered and paid, first served

Taking item 8 above into account, if more players register than there are spots, the time stamp on the players’ form and payment determines who gets in. The remaining registrants go onto the waiting list, automatically qualify as spares and can be invited to play week to week as the need arises.

10. Waiting list players are assigned based on skill match and sign-up date

A player’s rank on the waiting list for full-time play depends on the time stamp on his form and payment. However, the BASL can offer him a full-time spot only a) if his skill level roughly matches that of the player being replaced or b) if the League thinks his addition might help with rebalancing, be it to make the team stronger or weaker as needed (see By-law 5, Player withdrawals, dismissals and replacements).

By-law 3: Fees, payment methods and refunds

1. Fee determined annually by the EC

Fees for the indoor and outdoor seasons, including any early-bird discounts, are set by the EC and undergo a review once a year at an SAGM.

2. Fee payments must be online, by credit card and at the same time as registration

The League accepts only online credit-card payments, with the applicable processing fee added to the BA fee; players must pay at the same time they submit their sign-up form to secure their spot.

3. What fees generally include

BASL player fees generally cover a) field and dome rentals, b) referees, c) Ontario Soccer (OS) registration and insurance, d) team jerseys (must be returned), e) game balls, f) extra field lining for outdoor, g) team equipment and safety kits, h) championship awards, i) trophy engravings, j) best-team-name prizes, k) Spirit of the League awards, and l) other expenses the EC feels necessary.

4. Goalkeeper fees differ, including free registration and play for spare keepers

Because keepers don’t receive team shirts and because they are harder to recruit and retain, their fees are lower than what outfield players pay; the BASL usually provides free play and registration (no Ontario Soccer fee) to spare keepers, provided league finances allow.

5. Fees for spares are per game, in advance

Spares pay a non-refundable OS registration fee; they then receive an invoice for and pay the applicable per-game fee by credit card in advance and as instructed on the invoice. If they play two games of indoor on the same night, they pay a package fee unless the EC rules otherwise. Spares found to be in significant arrears in their fee payments do not get offered more games until they pay in full.

6. Fees for replacement players (late admissions) are prorated

Waiting-list players assigned to a team after the regular season has started pay a pro-rated fee based on the actual number of regular-season games remaining.

7. Ontario Soccer (OS) registration fee compulsory and non-refundable

The OS portion of the BASL fee is non-refundable and deducted from the amount owed to players who withdraw before the deadlines specified below.

8. Refunds depend on when and why

  • Before games start: Players forced to withdraw before the official start of a season receive a full refund, minus the applicable OS fee.
  • During the season
    • Players forced to withdraw from the BA because of injury or illness before September 1 for outdoor and before March 15 for indoor receive a pro-rated per-game refund for the remaining regular-season games.
    • For withdrawals related to work, new scheduling conflicts or other personal reasons, players can receive a pro-rated per-game refund, minus a possible administrative fee.
    • For expulsions or suspensions from the BASL, no refund whatsoever is granted (see also By-law 5, Player withdrawals, dismissals and replacements).

By-law 4: Team rostering and rebalancing

1. Rostering: three sets of drafted teams voted on by EC and Rostering Committee

The process, step by step

  • The BASL president and the Executive Committee (EC) recruit an ad hoc team of senior players (eight to ten) and asks one of them to act as chair; this group is called the Rostering Committee (RC); its members do not have to be the same every season, but some consistency is advised, and participants must know most players in the BASL well.

 

  • The EC selects the new season’s team managers (TMs) and gathers them for a draft-based roster-building exercise where the TMs select three sets of possible teams for the season.

Draft details

    1. A TM can’t draft the same player more than two times.
    2. The Father/Son play-together rule (see Item 5 below) applies during the draft: If you pick the dad, you automatically get the son, or vice versa if you select the son. You therefore skip the next round.
    3. The Sponsor/New Player play-together rule (see Item 5 below) applies during the draft: If you pick a player who’s sponsoring a new BAer still on probation (1st or 2nd season), you get the recruit as well, or vice versa if you pick the recruit. You skip the next round.
    4. The draft follows the Snake method: In the first round, managers select in order of lowest-ranked to highest-ranked in the league player-rating list; in the second round, the order is inversed, with the top-ranked manager picking first, and so on in each successive round of drafts until all rosters are full.
  • After the draft, the RC can, at its discretion, submit the proposed teams by email to three or four other senior BA players for general feedback, using this consultation to make final adjustments until a consensus is reached.

 

  • Finally, the EC and the RC vote on the three sets of possible teams, and the set garnering the most votes becomes the squads for the upcoming season.

2. Team rebalancing done after four to six games

After five or six games each season, current team managers, Executive members and invited senior members gather to reassess each team’s performance and to reassign players, if needed. The rule of thumb is to keep reassignments to a strict minimum and to do them only once per season, however.

3. Adding extra players to rebalance allowed

The League can also add extra players to squads, beyond the usual maximum of 18 for outdoor and 11 for indoor to resolve attendance issues that affect performance, including excessive absences of weaker players that allow a team to play mostly with its stronger players and thus get better results. However, the managers of the teams in question are consulted about this option before a decision takes place. See By-law 5, item 5: Player withdrawals, dismissals and replacements.

4. Disagreements on rebalancing options must generally be resolved by consensus,

5. Play-together pairings allowed mostly in two situations only

Play-together requests are generally NOT granted, and any exceptions remain at the discretion of the EC, in consultation with team managers. The following are immediately acceptable exceptions:

Other requests can be granted in special circumstances considered reasonable by the EC, but they must NOT become the norm.

By-law 5: Player withdrawals, ejections and replacements

1. Withdrawals usually get refunded and replaced

Players who withdraw from the BA qualify for refunds as described below. The EC can replace them by a roughly equivalent player on the waiting list (see items 5. and 6. below).

  • Before games start: Players forced to withdraw before the official start of a season receive a full refund.
  • During the season: Players forced to withdraw from the BA because of injury or illness before September 1 for outdoor and before March 15 for indoor receive a pro-rated per-game refund for the remaining regular-season games.

For withdrawals related to work, new scheduling conflicts or other personal reasons, players can receive a pro-rated per-game refund, minus a possible administrative fee.

2. Dismissals because of unsignaled absences or not indicating availability in time = no refund

If a player misses three or more games without informing his manager beforehand, the manager must notify him that a fourth such absence might result in a request to the EC to send the absentee player to the spares list and to replace him with a comparably skilled player from the waiting list.

The EC’s decision to replace a no-show player is final, and this player does not qualify for a refund (see By-law 3, item 8. Refunds).

3. Dismissals because of poor attitude = at BASL discretion and no refund

The BASL reserves the right to expel players whose behaviour or actions fail to live up to its standards of respect, fair play, safe play and team spirit. Dismissals for these reasons usually start with and go through either the BASL’s Executive Committee, Disciplinary Committee or League Management Board (LMB), or all three. Expelled players do not qualify for a fee refund. See By-law 3, item 8. Refunds.

4. Dismissal requests by members of the General Assembly (GA) need 10 signatures

Players at large can ask the EC to consider dismissing an allegedly problem player if they collect ten or more signatures in a formal complaint submitted by email to the EC.

The BA’s final decision on the matter must come from a vote among current team managers and the EC; everyone involved, except the BA president, gets one vote; in case of a tie, the president of the BA can either cast the deciding vote or ask another BA player to do so.

5. Replacement players… parity first, but rebalancing an option

Teams losing players for any of the reasons listed in 1 to 4 above generally qualify to have them replaced by someone on the waiting list (see By-law 2, items 3 d. and e.: Registration process and rules), provided the new player doesn’t undermine team parity.

For instance, C-level players generally cannot be replaced by A-level players or vice versa, unless the EC deems it acceptable under the circumstances to adjust a team that might be either struggling or overly dominating compared with others.

6. Waiting-list recruits chosen by registration time stamp if equal

When two or more waiting-list players qualify as potential replacements, the one who registered first (time stamp) is offered the full-time spot; see By-law 2, item 9: Registration process and rules.

By-law 6: Spare players and spares coordinators

The BASL allows players to register as week-to-week call-ins if they’re unable to commit to full-time play with a team. This by-law details the role of spares coordinators and the registration, fee structure and assignment of spare players themselves.

1. Registration form required for all spares, but spare goalkeepers play for free

Spares must complete the BASL’s registration form and, except goalkeepers, pay the applicable Ontario Soccer fee to be officially registered; outfielder spares then pay a per-game fee set by the EC; for the indoor season, the EC can charge a reduced fee for outfielder spares who play two games the same night.

2. Waiting-list players also go automatically to the spares list

The BA automatically adds to the spares roster any registrants who’ve been placed on the waiting list for lack of full-time spots. This allows waitlist players to get games under their belt as they wait for a spot to open.

3. Spares must enter their availabilities and absences as far in advance as possible in TeamSnap

As a rule, spares need to indicate as early as possible when they’ll be away or available, specifically through the TeamSnap application. If they fail to do so and consistently change their status at the last minute (less than 48 hours), they go to the bottom of the call-up list and may no longer be offered games.

4. Spares coordinator

The EC or the GA must elect or appoint a spares coordinator, whose role is to a) assign spares, in consultation with assistant coordinators (see below), to teams that so qualify; see 4. and 5. below for the criteria, and b) recommend longer-term player replacements during the season. His term of office is two years and renewable.

5. Assistant spares coordinator

The EC or the General Assembly recruits at least one player to help assign spares with the main coordinator week to week, and to fill in for main coordinator in his absence.

6. Outfielder spares are allowed…

  • on teams below fourteen (14) players, including the goalkeeper, for the outdoor season, including Cup play
  • on teams below nine (9) players, including the goalkeeper, for the indoor season, including Cup play
  • as medium-term replacements: if a team will be missing a player for several consecutive games because of injury or other extenuating circumstances, the spares coordinators and the EC can choose one player of equivalent strength from the spares list and assign that player for the entire absence, based on the actual length of the absence and other factors seen as relevant at the time (record, standings, team attendance, etc.).
  • as game-day on-the spot spares: the spares coordinator can invite specific spares out any given week and, at his discretion, assign them a game on the spot as circumstances dictate; if the spare comes out but doesn’t get a game, the spares coordinator notifies the treasurer that the spare’s next game is free.

7. Keeper spares are allowed…

  • regardless of a team’s roster number during both the indoor and outdoor regular seasons and during each season’s Cup play (see c. below for Cup finals)
  • for the indoor season, to come from another team, be it that team’s actual keeper or an outfielder agreeing to play in goal if the actual keeper is away and no one from the spares list is available; however, the spare keeper isn’t allowed to switch to the outfield in this case.
  • for the indoor and outdoor cup finals, the Executive Committee must appoint two replacement keepers from other teams to step in in case one or both finalists’ regular keeper can’t play and no keeper from the spares list is available; if both keepers need to be used, EC members whose team isn’t involved decide which one plays for whom.
  • as outfielders, free of charge, for other teams, but only if no other regular spares on the list are available.

8. Reassigning outfielder spares allowed after their initial posting

9. Criteria for assigning spares

  • Like for like is always the objective: As much as possible, the spares coordinator must assign spares that match the skill of the absent player or keeper.
  • Smallest roster should get priority: Teams with the most absences normally get the first spares. Managers should also give up an outfielder spare they’ve been assigned if, at game time, their opponent has fewer players on their bench, but only if it doesn’t create a significant advantage for that opponent; good faith is expected between the managers.
  • Teams with equal numbers should share a spare: When both teams have an equal number of absences, and only one spare is available between them, the spare should play one half for each team if the score is close; however, the spares coordinator can decide that the available spare goes for the entire game to the team that’s lowest in the standings. Good faith is again expected between the managers.
  • Spares assignments usually take place two days before the game in question: So that spares assignments remain as fair as possible, they generally happen no sooner than two days before the game, even if the spares coordinator knows before then that certain spares are available; that said, the coordinator can assign a spare earlier in the week if circumstances allow.
  • Like for like not guaranteed if a spare cancels last minute: If a spare becomes unavailable right before game time, the coordinator strives to find a replacement, but teams can’t expect an ideal match at that point; the goal will be to simply fill the open spot.

By-law 7 : Point accumulation and tie-breaking criteria

1. Points for regular-season games (indoor and outdoor)

  • Wins: three points
  • Ties: one point
  • Losses: no points

2. Points for cup round-robin games (indoor and outdoor)

  • Wins: six points
  • Ties: three points
  • Goals for: one point per goal to a maximum of three per game (regardless of the final score)
  • Shut-outs (clean sheets): one point per shut-out (including a 0-0 tie)

3. Tie-breaking criteria, in order (regular seasons, outdoor Founders’ Cup and indoor Investors Cup)

  1. Head-to-head results between the teams involved
  2. Goal differential (goals for minus goals against)*
  3. Fewest cards (for cup play, cards received then also count)
  4. Most goals for**
  5. Fewest goals against
  6. Most wins
  7. Most ties
  8. Fewest losses
  9. Best-of-five penalty kicks after the final regular-season or round-robin cup game
* In cup play, the maximum goal differential recognized per game is +4 to -4.
** In cup play, the maximum number of goals credited per game is four, but only three points are ever awarded per game for goals scored.

4. Tie-breaking in cup finals

  • Indoor cup final: No extra time. Best-of-five PKs, followed by sudden-death alternating PKs if needed. The pre-final friendlies are usually shortened to provide enough time for PKs in the final if needed.
  • Outdoor cup final (Wednesdays): No extra time. Best-of-five PKs, followed by sudden-death alternating PKs if needed.
  • Outdoor cup final (Saturdays): No extra time. Best-of-five PKs, followed by sudden-death alternating PKs if needed. The pre-final friendlies are usually shortened to provide enough time for PKs in the final if needed.

5. Abandoned games and forfeits

  • All abandoned games are considered official after one full half of play: If a game ends because of bad weather or extenuating circumstances (other than a forfeit by one team) after one half has been played, the score at the time the game ends dictates the results and the points awarded in the standings, be it for the cup or the regular season.

 

  • All abandoned games before half time result in a tie and the following points:
    • Regular season: one point for each team
    • Cup play: three points for each team
    • Goals for and against in regular season: no limit
    • Goals for and against in cup play: maximum of +3 or -3
    • Shutout/clean sheet: No point is awarded in the cup in this case, as the time played is too short.
  • Forfeiting teams get zero points in both cup and regular-season play: Teams forced to or choosing to forfeit any game come away with zero points and zero goals for.

 

  • Forfeit points for regular-season games
    • A 3-0 win on the scoreboard, regardless of the score upon forfeiting
    • Three points for the winner
    • Three goals for the winner
    • Zero goals against for the winner
    • Three goals against for the forfeiter.

 

  • Forfeit points for cup games
    • 3-0 win on the scoreboard
    • Total points awarded : 10
    • Six points for the win
    • Three points for the scoreline
    • One point for the shut-out.

By-law 8: Post-season cup play

1. Rationale: So that teams whose regular season went poorly because of heavy absences, injuries or plain bad luck get a chance to compete anew and vie for “prizes,” the BASL holds a post-season tournament where its squads, usually divided into two pools based on league standings, challenge for the Investors Cup (Thursday indoor), the Founders Cup (Saturday outdoor) and the Wednesday Outdoor Cup.

2. Founders Cup (outdoor) format: Usually, teams 1, 3 and 5 play in one in one pool and teams 2, 4 and 6 compete in the other pool. Each team plays the other two teams in its pool, plus a crossover game with a team in the other pool, as follows: 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, and 5 vs 6. The top team in each pool competes in the cup final.

3. Wednesday Cup (outdoor): Usually, the teams play a three-game round-robin against three of the five other teams in the league; the top four teams then qualify for a semi-final in week 4 (1vs4, 2vs3), with teams 5 and 6 playing a friendly. In week 5, the winners of the semi-final play in the cup final, preceded by friendlies between the semi-final losers and teams 5 and 6 from the previous week.

4. Investors Cup (indoor) format: Usually, teams 1, 3, 5 and 7 make up Pool A, and teams 2, 4, 6 and 8 make up Pool B. Each team plays the other three teams in its pool, with the teams finishing first and second qualifying for a semi-final, as follows:

Semi-final 1 – Winner A vs 2nd Place B
Semi-final 2 – Winner B vs 2nd Place A
The four other teams play a friendly before the semi-final fixtures on the second-last night of indoor, and the six non-finalists play a friendly before the cup final on the last night of indoor.

5. Indoor friendlies shortened for non-qualifying teams to allow for PKs in semis and finals: Because of time constraints in the dome, indoor friendlies may end 10 minutes early so that semis and finals can start early and allow for PKs after regulation time.

6. Points for cup round-robin games (indoor and outdoor)

  • Wins: six points
  • Ties: three points
  • Goals for: one point per goal to a maximum of three per game (regardless of the final score)
  • Shut-outs (clean sheets): one point per shut-out (including a 0-0 tie)
  1. Head-to-head results between the teams involved
  2. Goal differential (goals for minus goals against)*
  3. Fewest cards (for cup play, cards received then also count)
  4. Most goals for**
  5. Fewest goals against
  6. Most wins
  7. Most ties
  8. Fewest losses
  9. Best-of-five penalty kicks after the final regular-season or round-robin cup game
* In cup play, the maximum goal differential recognized per game is +4 to -4.
** In cup play, the maximum number of goals credited per game is four, but only three points are ever awarded per game for goals scored.

By-law 9: Forfeits and abandoned games

1. Abandoned games are considered official after one full half of play: If a game ends because of bad weather or extenuating circumstances (other than a forfeit by one team) after one half has been played, the score at the time the game ends dictates the results and the points awarded in the standings, be it for the cup or the regular season.

  • Regular season: one point for each team
  • Cup play: three points for each team
  • Goals for and against in regular season : no limit
  • Goals for and against in cup play: maximum of +3 or -3
  • Shutout/clean sheet: No point is awarded in the cup in this case, as the time played is too short.

 

3. Forfeiting teams get zero points in both cup and regular-season play: Teams forced to or choosing to forfeit any game come away with zero points and zero goals for.

  • 3-0 win on the scoreboard, regardless of the score upon forfeiting
  • Three points for the winner
  • Three goals for the winner
  • Zero goals against for the winner
  • Three goals against for the forfeiter.
  • 3-0 win on the scoreboard
  • Total points awarded : 10
  • Six points for the win
  • Three points for the scoreline
  • One point for the shut-out.

 

By-law 10: Rules of play for 7v7 and 9v9 soccer

  • 7v7: Players kick the ball in. Opponents must be at least five yards from the ball in all directions.
  • 9v9: Throw-ins are taken. Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball in all directions.
  • Keepers CANNOT pick up kick-ins or throw-ins from their team.
  • If a kick-in or throw-in from touch does not enter the field, the kicking or throwing team cedes possession of the ball to the opponent.

2. Balls over the end line: These result in either a goal kick or a corner kick (see 7), as in outdoor soccer.

3. Balls touching the ceiling or overhead mesh (indoor): Outside of the penalty areas, teams that send the ball into the ceiling or overhead mesh give up an indirect free kick to the opponents; inside the penalty areas, a goal kick or a corner kick is awarded, depending on the team having last touched the ball.

  • Kick-offs may be forwards, sideways or backwards.
  • All players must be in their own half of the field,
  • players of the non-kicking team must remain at least five metres (7v7) and eight metres (9v9) from the ball until it is kicked off.
  • The ball is in play as soon as it moves after contact.
  • The kicker must wait until another player contacts the ball before touching it again.
  • Scoring from a kick-off in 7v7 : NOT currently allowed.
  • Scoring from a kick-off in 9v9: Allowed.

5. Challenges on keepers: Specific to the BA League, players must not collide with or bump into keepers who call for the ball early and clearly. Referees determine if the keeper has done so properly and if any challenge could have been avoided or not. Managers must clearly explain this rule to both their keepers and outfield players.

6. Corner kicks: Corner kicks are direct and must be taken where the goal line and the touch line intersect (7v7), whether a corner arc is provided or not.  In 9v9 the corner must be inside or on the arc line. Opponents must be at least five yards from the ball in 7v7, and eight yards from the ball in 9v9.

  • 7v7: usually one third of a regular pitch for width, and fully across for length
  • 9v9: usually one half of a regular pitch for width, and fully across for length

8. Free kicks: Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded according to the Laws of the Game (LOGs). Opposing players must be five yards from the ball in 7v7, and eight yards away in 9v9. Stretching arms or legs into the protected zone is considered encroachment and can result in a yellow card (see also Balls touching the ceiling or overhead mesh (indoor)).

9. Game ball: The BA League provides official game balls. Failing that, the ref chooses among those offered by the teams.

10. Game duration: Five-minute warm-up, two 25-minute halves, with a two- or three-minute rest at half time. There is no added time for any reason; stoppage for injuries must be absorbed in the 50 minutes allotted for the game.

  • In 7v7: Goal kicks are indirect (no scoring allowed) and can be taken anywhere in the penalty area.
  • In 9v9: Goal kicks are direct (scoring allowed) and can be taken anywhere in the penalty area.
  • 7v7 rosters = 11, including the keeper
  • 9v9 rosters = 15, including the keeper
  • 7v7 on the field = six outfielders, plus a keeper
  • 9v9 on the field = eight outfielders, plus a keeper
  • Minimum number needed
    • 7v7 = five players, including the keeper
    • 9v9 =  seven players, including the keeper.
    • Teams under the minimum number required five minutes after the scheduled start time forfeit (see By-law 9).

13. Off-sides: Off-sides do not apply in BA 7v7 and 9v9 soccer, but the League frowns upon players who stand in deep offside positions simply to interfere with or screen goalkeepers or to deflect shots or free kicks. Managers must make sure their team does not abuse the “no off-side” rule.

  • Distance from goal for PK: The penalty is taken ten paces from the middle of the goal line (indoor: ignore the marked penalty spot).
  • Distance from ball for non-kickers: Players from both teams must stand at least five yards (7v7) and at least eight yards (9v9) behind the ball until the kick is taken.
  • Carded player must leave the soccer facility: Players receiving a red card must leave both the field and the soccer facility for the rest of  the game, so they cannot stay to watch.
  • Short-handed play after a red: The team plays one man short for five minutes, regardless of how many goals it allows.
  • Too few players after a red-card dismissal results in forfeit: The game ends if the dismissal leaves the team below the minimum number of players required. It thus forfeits to the opponents.
  • No short-handed play if a substitute is dismissed: Team members on the bench are substitutes, not players. If a substitute is dismissed, his team does NOT play short-handed.

16. Referee decisions and authority: All BA referees are provincially registered, and the BASL supports and respects their decisions. They are instructed to both reprimand and, if need be, quickly yellow-card or even red-card players or subs whose attitude or style of play violates the spirit of the league.

17. Rule changes: During the season, the League might have to amend the rules of play. Team representatives are notified accordingly if that happens. Managers and coaches must make sure their players know the rules, both FIFA’s and those specific to BA 7v7 and 9v9 play.

18. Scoring interdictions: Scoring is NOT allowed from

  • a centre kick-off in 7v7 (allowed in 9v9)
  • a goal kick in 7v7 (allowed in 9v9)
  • an indirect kick
  • a kick-in (7v7)
  • a throw-in (9v9)
  • a goalkeeper’s throw.

19. Sliding saves by keepers: Provided they lead with their hands, keepers can slide to the ground to make a save or claim an errant ball inside the penalty area. As with regular FIFA LOGs, they must always contact the ball first and not the attacker to avoid conceding a PK.

20. Sliding tackles: Sliding tackles are not allowed; infractions result in a direct free kick to the opponents.

21. Sliding to save a ball from going into touch or across the goal line: This is permitted if it does not endanger other players (referee’s discretion).

22. Spares assignment (see also By-law 6): Teams are automatically assigned “similar caliber” spares by the spares coordinator when their game-time roster is down to

  • eight outfield players in 7v7 and
  • 12 outfield players in 9v9.

23. Spitting (facility rules): Spitting on the turf is prohibited. Facility officials therefore reserve the right to ban players caught spitting, and referees can also yellow-card players for spitting.

24. Substitutions: Substitutions are unlimited and can take place at any time, even during play (on-the-fly). However, players must substitute at their bench area near the halfway line. Neither the player entering nor the player leaving can interfere with the play while both are on the field. Illegal substitutions can result not only in an indirect free kick from where the ball was last played, but also in a yellow card (caution) if the referee feels the infraction was cynical.

25. Yellow cards (cautions): Players receiving a yellow card must leave the field for two minutes (the referee times the sanction), and their team plays short-handed for that time, subject to the specifications below:

  • If the opponents score before the two minutes expire, the penalty is considered served and the player (or a substitute) returns to play on the ref’s signal.
  • If no goal is scored during the two-minute penalty, the penalized player or substitute must wait for the referee’s signal to return to play.
  • Yellow card plus penalty kick: If a defending player commits an infraction punished by both a penalty kick and a caution, he leaves the field to serve a two-minute sanction, which begins only after the penalty kick is taken. If a goal is scored on the penalty kick, the two-minute sanction is considered served and the player can return to play. If the penalty kick is unsuccessful, the sanction begins right after. The referee signals when the two minutes have been served; see a) above.
  • Keepers getting yellow cards: If a keeper receives a yellow card, a player on the field at the time of the foul must leave and serve a two-minute penalty. The caution is under the keeper’s name, not under that of the player serving the penalty.
  • Keepers getting second yellow card: If a keeper receives a second caution in the game, he gets a red card, is sent off, and his team must appoint another keeper, as well as play short one man for the rest of the game.
  • Substitutes getting yellow cards: If a substitute is cautioned, his team does NOT play short-handed for a two-minute penalty. The referee notes the substitute’s name, jersey number and offence.
  • Two yellows to the same team within two minutes are served consecutively: If two players from the same team receive yellow cards within two minutes of each other,
    • the first carded player leaves the field to serve his two minutes as outlined above, and
    • when the second player gets a yellow, he must exit the field immediately, leaving his team two players short.
    • The second penalty does not start until the first penalty is served or a goal is scored.