| NCWSSL |
| NORTH COUNTRY WOMEN'S SUMMER SOCCER LEAGUE |
NORTH COUNTRY WOMEN’S SUMMER SOCCER LEAGUE
2010 RULES & REGULATIONS
1. League setup – The league consists of 12 teams, and is split into two divisions, East and West. Each team will play a
16-game regular season, and will face each team in its division twice, and each team in the opposite division once. Games
may be played at neutral sites with approval of the Commissioner. It is the teams’ responsibility to set up neutral field
games.
East Division: Akwesasne, Canton, Colton-Parishville, Norwood-Norfolk, Potsdam 1, Potsdam 2.
West Division: Edwards-Knox, F.C. Freeze, Harrisville, Heuvelton, Ogdensburg, Star Lake.
2. Playing rules – Standard NFHS (high school) rules, unless amended herein.
3. Game time – Games begin at 6:30 PM. SEVEN (7) players must be on the field in order to play. Teams are allowed a
15-minute grace period to produce a 7-player team. If a team does not have the required 7 players by 6:45 PM, the game
will be declared a forfeit. Team captains MUST communicate with each other the day before or the day of the game
(directions, field location, etc.). REGULARLY SCHEDULED GAMES MUST BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE.
In an extenuating circumstance, BOTH team captains must agree to a makeup date and get approval from the
Commissioner.
4. Clock – The officials will keep time on the field. Forty-minute, running time halves will be used. The referees may stop
the clock for cards, injured players, or delay of game.
5. Ties – REGULAR SEASON: One, 10-minute sudden-victory (first to score wins). PLAYOFFS: Two, 10-minute sudden
victory overtimes followed by a shootout if necessary. In the case of a tie after two overtimes in the championship game, co-
champions will be declared.
6. Substitutions – Unlimited subs whenever the ball goes out of bounds.
7. Timeouts – One timeout per half is permitted. Either team may call the timeout, but only one per half is allowed.
8. Jerseys – If a conflict arises pertaining to color, the AWAY team must change shirts or wear pinnies. All jerseys are
required to have numbers on the back that correspond to a given player on that team’s roster for the duration of the season.
9. Rosters – Teams may have a maximum of 30 players. Use of non-roster or suspended players will result in a forfeit.
Temporary rosters are due on Saturday, May 29. Final rosters are due by Saturday, July 3. If the rosters are not in at that
time, the temporary roster on the Web site becomes final—no exceptions. Players may play on only one team. If a player
plays for any team, that player may only play for that team for the remainder of the season. Playing for a second team
results in a forfeit for the second team for each game played with that player. It is the responsibility of the team captain to
ensure that players have not played for other teams in previous games. If a captain has a complaint about illegal or
ineligible players, the protocol is to confront the captain of the other team at the game. If a complaint is to be made, it must
be made to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the incident. Players must be 16 years of age or older to play. Captains
are responsible for ensuring that all of their players have personal accident insurance (league insurance is general liability
insurance, not accident insurance).
10. Fields – Two nets and four flags are required. If no flags are available, cones may be used. The field must be in
playable condition (i.e. mowed and lined). Referees have the right to call a forfeit against the home team if the field is
completely unplayable.
11. Weather – In the case of games which are pre-empted by weather: if the game has played through the entire first half
(40 minutes), then the score stands and the game is considered official. If the game is halted prior to the end of the first
half, then the entire game must be replayed (red and yellow cards will be recorded in this case). Thunder and lightning
necessitates that all contests be suspended. The occurrence of thunder and/or lightning is not subject to interpretation or
discussion – thunder is thunder, lightning is lightning. If lightning and/or thunder is observed, the game will be suspended
immediately. Players and spectators shall be directed to report to a shelter. The officials shall make every reasonable
effort to resume and complete the contest, with full consideration of the weather and site conditions. The officials shall wait
30 minutes from the time the last boom is heard and/or the last strike is seen before starting or resuming play.
12. Referees – A two-referee system will be used during the regular season and the first and second rounds of the
playoffs. A three-referee system will be used during the playoff semifinals and final. All referees’ decisions are final.
13. Yellow/Red cards – Any player who receives two yellow cards in one game must sit the remainder of the game, but
may participate in the following game. The carded player's team will not play a player down. Red cards follow standard
NFHS rules, with the carded player sitting out the remainder of the game and the team’s next game, and the player’s team
will play one player down the rest of the game. The accumulation of 5 yellow cards in the season will warrant a one game
suspension. Any red card received will result in a one-game suspension; 2 red cards = 2 game suspension, 3 red cards =
suspension from the league (for a period decided upon by the Commissioner, at least for the remainder of the season).
Dissenting by word or action against the referee’s call(s) may result in a yellow or red card, as well as possible suspension
as deemed necessary by the Commissioner. There are no team red cards—if a team is deemed sufficiently out of control by
the referee, the game may be terminated.
14. Scores – On the night of the game, the home team is responsible for reporting game scores. Teams must e-mail or call
the score in to the Commissioner (315-344-4052, or andy@nacswimming.org). Do this by 10:00 PM that night. Captains
should also report scores to the Ogdensburg Journal or Potsdam Courier-Observer (315-393-1000, or sports@ogd.com).
Up-to-date team standings will be kept on the league Web site, www.nacswimming.org/ncwssl.
15. Shin guards – Mandatory for all players.
16. Equipment – All players will be checked for jewelry, shin guards, and proper cleats before the game starts.
17. League money – Will be held in a checking account under the North Country Women’s Summer Soccer League. Half
of the league dues must be paid by Thursday, May 27. The remainder of league dues must be paid by Saturday, June 26.
18. All-Star game – Will be played at 6:30 pm on Tues. July 6 at SUNY Potsdam. Each team is allowed to select 4 players
to send to the game. Team captains must declare their all-stars to the commissioner by Saturday, July 3. Teams will be
split by division, with the East Division all-stars playing the West Division all-stars. The East Division will be the home team,
and will wear WHITE uniforms. The West Division will be the away team, and will wear DARK uniforms (dark blue, black or
brown). Players are responsible for bringing their own t-shirts to wear at the game.
19. Doubleheaders – In extenuating circumstances, and with the approval of the Commissioner, teams may elect to play a
DOUBLEHEADER. Doubleheaders will be two, 60-minute games (two, 30-minute halves, running time). Each 60-minute
game counts as a full game in the standings. If overtime is needed in either game, there will be one, 5-minute sudden
victory overtime (for each game if needed). Doubleheaders will begin at 6:15 PM. There will be a 10- minute rest period
between Game 1 and Game 2.
20. Offensive language – Will not be tolerated. Any vulgarity or fighting may result in suspension from the league as
adjudicated by the Commissioner, without further appeal.
21. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs – Public facilities, including high schools and colleges in New York state, are drug-
free zones. No alcohol, tobacco, or any other drugs are permitted on school grounds under any circumstances.
22. Suspension – Players may be suspended for accumulating yellow/red cards, or for serious offenses, as determined by
the Commissioner. Suspension for the remainder of the season is the usual result of an accumulation of cards, although
the Commissioner may assign a more serious penalty. In the cases where players accumulate enough cards for suspension
for the remainder of the season AND no additional penalty is assigned, players are usually eligible to return to the league
the following year with a probationary status.
23. Reinstatement into the league – Players suspended due to an accumulation of cards are usually eligible to return to
the league the following year on a probationary. Players that are suspended due to serious infractions (fighting,
inappropriate language, exposure of body parts, etc.) will be suspended for a minimum of one calendar year. After one
calendar year, players may appeal for reinstatement. Players wishing to be reinstated must send a formal letter requesting
reinstatement to the Commissioner. The league captains (all teams) will review cases for reinstatement before the season
begins. A vote of the team captains will determine whether or not the player will be reinstated. A two-thirds majority of votes
in favor of reinstatement will allow the player to return to the league with a probationary status. In the case where a
reinstatement request is rejected, the player may request reinstatement again one calendar year from the decision.
24. Probation – All suspended players returning to the league will be held to a high standard of sportsmanship.
Accumulation of cards for probationary players is as follows: 3 accumulated yellow cards = 1 red card, 1 red card = 2 game
suspension, 2 red cards = season suspension. Additionally, the Commissioner may review the player’s probationary status
at any time before, during, or after the season.
25. Points earned – 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie.
26. Playoffs – All teams are eligible for playoffs. Teams will be seeded in their respective divisions according to their total
points earned in the regular season. For the first and second rounds, the higher seed will host the game. The semifinals
will be played at SUNY Potsdam. The final will be played at St. Lawrence University.
SEEDING PROCEDURE: First round: #6 @ #3, #5 @ #4, #1 and #2 byes (East and West divisions). Quarterfinals: #3/6 @
#2, #4/5 @ #1 (East and West divisions). Semifinals: 2/3/6 vs. 1/4/5 [East and West Division finals]. Final: East winner vs.
West winner.
27. Determination of playoff seeds – Ties between two teams with the same number of points at the end of the regular
season are decided in the following order: 1) head-to-head record (in the case teams in a tie for first place, tiebreakers are
used to determine the playoff seed only, while co-division champion status is awarded); 2) goal differential in head-to-head
games (aggregate score). In the case of a tiebreaker between two teams who split wins, then aggregate score is used (i.e.
Team A won the first game 3-2, Team B won the second game 4-2, the aggregate and tiebreaker would go to Team B 6-5).
In the event that each team won 1 game, but one team had a forfeit, then the tiebreaker is awarded to the team that did not
forfeit (i.e. Team A wins 1-0 by forfeit in the first game, team B wins 6-0 in the second. Even though the aggregate would be
6-1 for Team B, due to their forfeit, Team B would lose the tiebreaker); 3) Overall average goals per game scored; 4) Coin
flip.
28. League contact information – Commissioner, Andy Devins, (315-344-4052 or andy@nacswimming.org);
Assignor, Bill Dyke, (315-384-4389 or dykersoctf@yahoo.com).
2010 RULES & REGULATIONS
1. League setup – The league consists of 12 teams, and is split into two divisions, East and West. Each team will play a
16-game regular season, and will face each team in its division twice, and each team in the opposite division once. Games
may be played at neutral sites with approval of the Commissioner. It is the teams’ responsibility to set up neutral field
games.
East Division: Akwesasne, Canton, Colton-Parishville, Norwood-Norfolk, Potsdam 1, Potsdam 2.
West Division: Edwards-Knox, F.C. Freeze, Harrisville, Heuvelton, Ogdensburg, Star Lake.
2. Playing rules – Standard NFHS (high school) rules, unless amended herein.
3. Game time – Games begin at 6:30 PM. SEVEN (7) players must be on the field in order to play. Teams are allowed a
15-minute grace period to produce a 7-player team. If a team does not have the required 7 players by 6:45 PM, the game
will be declared a forfeit. Team captains MUST communicate with each other the day before or the day of the game
(directions, field location, etc.). REGULARLY SCHEDULED GAMES MUST BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE.
In an extenuating circumstance, BOTH team captains must agree to a makeup date and get approval from the
Commissioner.
4. Clock – The officials will keep time on the field. Forty-minute, running time halves will be used. The referees may stop
the clock for cards, injured players, or delay of game.
5. Ties – REGULAR SEASON: One, 10-minute sudden-victory (first to score wins). PLAYOFFS: Two, 10-minute sudden
victory overtimes followed by a shootout if necessary. In the case of a tie after two overtimes in the championship game, co-
champions will be declared.
6. Substitutions – Unlimited subs whenever the ball goes out of bounds.
7. Timeouts – One timeout per half is permitted. Either team may call the timeout, but only one per half is allowed.
8. Jerseys – If a conflict arises pertaining to color, the AWAY team must change shirts or wear pinnies. All jerseys are
required to have numbers on the back that correspond to a given player on that team’s roster for the duration of the season.
9. Rosters – Teams may have a maximum of 30 players. Use of non-roster or suspended players will result in a forfeit.
Temporary rosters are due on Saturday, May 29. Final rosters are due by Saturday, July 3. If the rosters are not in at that
time, the temporary roster on the Web site becomes final—no exceptions. Players may play on only one team. If a player
plays for any team, that player may only play for that team for the remainder of the season. Playing for a second team
results in a forfeit for the second team for each game played with that player. It is the responsibility of the team captain to
ensure that players have not played for other teams in previous games. If a captain has a complaint about illegal or
ineligible players, the protocol is to confront the captain of the other team at the game. If a complaint is to be made, it must
be made to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the incident. Players must be 16 years of age or older to play. Captains
are responsible for ensuring that all of their players have personal accident insurance (league insurance is general liability
insurance, not accident insurance).
10. Fields – Two nets and four flags are required. If no flags are available, cones may be used. The field must be in
playable condition (i.e. mowed and lined). Referees have the right to call a forfeit against the home team if the field is
completely unplayable.
11. Weather – In the case of games which are pre-empted by weather: if the game has played through the entire first half
(40 minutes), then the score stands and the game is considered official. If the game is halted prior to the end of the first
half, then the entire game must be replayed (red and yellow cards will be recorded in this case). Thunder and lightning
necessitates that all contests be suspended. The occurrence of thunder and/or lightning is not subject to interpretation or
discussion – thunder is thunder, lightning is lightning. If lightning and/or thunder is observed, the game will be suspended
immediately. Players and spectators shall be directed to report to a shelter. The officials shall make every reasonable
effort to resume and complete the contest, with full consideration of the weather and site conditions. The officials shall wait
30 minutes from the time the last boom is heard and/or the last strike is seen before starting or resuming play.
12. Referees – A two-referee system will be used during the regular season and the first and second rounds of the
playoffs. A three-referee system will be used during the playoff semifinals and final. All referees’ decisions are final.
13. Yellow/Red cards – Any player who receives two yellow cards in one game must sit the remainder of the game, but
may participate in the following game. The carded player's team will not play a player down. Red cards follow standard
NFHS rules, with the carded player sitting out the remainder of the game and the team’s next game, and the player’s team
will play one player down the rest of the game. The accumulation of 5 yellow cards in the season will warrant a one game
suspension. Any red card received will result in a one-game suspension; 2 red cards = 2 game suspension, 3 red cards =
suspension from the league (for a period decided upon by the Commissioner, at least for the remainder of the season).
Dissenting by word or action against the referee’s call(s) may result in a yellow or red card, as well as possible suspension
as deemed necessary by the Commissioner. There are no team red cards—if a team is deemed sufficiently out of control by
the referee, the game may be terminated.
14. Scores – On the night of the game, the home team is responsible for reporting game scores. Teams must e-mail or call
the score in to the Commissioner (315-344-4052, or andy@nacswimming.org). Do this by 10:00 PM that night. Captains
should also report scores to the Ogdensburg Journal or Potsdam Courier-Observer (315-393-1000, or sports@ogd.com).
Up-to-date team standings will be kept on the league Web site, www.nacswimming.org/ncwssl.
15. Shin guards – Mandatory for all players.
16. Equipment – All players will be checked for jewelry, shin guards, and proper cleats before the game starts.
17. League money – Will be held in a checking account under the North Country Women’s Summer Soccer League. Half
of the league dues must be paid by Thursday, May 27. The remainder of league dues must be paid by Saturday, June 26.
18. All-Star game – Will be played at 6:30 pm on Tues. July 6 at SUNY Potsdam. Each team is allowed to select 4 players
to send to the game. Team captains must declare their all-stars to the commissioner by Saturday, July 3. Teams will be
split by division, with the East Division all-stars playing the West Division all-stars. The East Division will be the home team,
and will wear WHITE uniforms. The West Division will be the away team, and will wear DARK uniforms (dark blue, black or
brown). Players are responsible for bringing their own t-shirts to wear at the game.
19. Doubleheaders – In extenuating circumstances, and with the approval of the Commissioner, teams may elect to play a
DOUBLEHEADER. Doubleheaders will be two, 60-minute games (two, 30-minute halves, running time). Each 60-minute
game counts as a full game in the standings. If overtime is needed in either game, there will be one, 5-minute sudden
victory overtime (for each game if needed). Doubleheaders will begin at 6:15 PM. There will be a 10- minute rest period
between Game 1 and Game 2.
20. Offensive language – Will not be tolerated. Any vulgarity or fighting may result in suspension from the league as
adjudicated by the Commissioner, without further appeal.
21. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs – Public facilities, including high schools and colleges in New York state, are drug-
free zones. No alcohol, tobacco, or any other drugs are permitted on school grounds under any circumstances.
22. Suspension – Players may be suspended for accumulating yellow/red cards, or for serious offenses, as determined by
the Commissioner. Suspension for the remainder of the season is the usual result of an accumulation of cards, although
the Commissioner may assign a more serious penalty. In the cases where players accumulate enough cards for suspension
for the remainder of the season AND no additional penalty is assigned, players are usually eligible to return to the league
the following year with a probationary status.
23. Reinstatement into the league – Players suspended due to an accumulation of cards are usually eligible to return to
the league the following year on a probationary. Players that are suspended due to serious infractions (fighting,
inappropriate language, exposure of body parts, etc.) will be suspended for a minimum of one calendar year. After one
calendar year, players may appeal for reinstatement. Players wishing to be reinstated must send a formal letter requesting
reinstatement to the Commissioner. The league captains (all teams) will review cases for reinstatement before the season
begins. A vote of the team captains will determine whether or not the player will be reinstated. A two-thirds majority of votes
in favor of reinstatement will allow the player to return to the league with a probationary status. In the case where a
reinstatement request is rejected, the player may request reinstatement again one calendar year from the decision.
24. Probation – All suspended players returning to the league will be held to a high standard of sportsmanship.
Accumulation of cards for probationary players is as follows: 3 accumulated yellow cards = 1 red card, 1 red card = 2 game
suspension, 2 red cards = season suspension. Additionally, the Commissioner may review the player’s probationary status
at any time before, during, or after the season.
25. Points earned – 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie.
26. Playoffs – All teams are eligible for playoffs. Teams will be seeded in their respective divisions according to their total
points earned in the regular season. For the first and second rounds, the higher seed will host the game. The semifinals
will be played at SUNY Potsdam. The final will be played at St. Lawrence University.
SEEDING PROCEDURE: First round: #6 @ #3, #5 @ #4, #1 and #2 byes (East and West divisions). Quarterfinals: #3/6 @
#2, #4/5 @ #1 (East and West divisions). Semifinals: 2/3/6 vs. 1/4/5 [East and West Division finals]. Final: East winner vs.
West winner.
27. Determination of playoff seeds – Ties between two teams with the same number of points at the end of the regular
season are decided in the following order: 1) head-to-head record (in the case teams in a tie for first place, tiebreakers are
used to determine the playoff seed only, while co-division champion status is awarded); 2) goal differential in head-to-head
games (aggregate score). In the case of a tiebreaker between two teams who split wins, then aggregate score is used (i.e.
Team A won the first game 3-2, Team B won the second game 4-2, the aggregate and tiebreaker would go to Team B 6-5).
In the event that each team won 1 game, but one team had a forfeit, then the tiebreaker is awarded to the team that did not
forfeit (i.e. Team A wins 1-0 by forfeit in the first game, team B wins 6-0 in the second. Even though the aggregate would be
6-1 for Team B, due to their forfeit, Team B would lose the tiebreaker); 3) Overall average goals per game scored; 4) Coin
flip.
28. League contact information – Commissioner, Andy Devins, (315-344-4052 or andy@nacswimming.org);
Assignor, Bill Dyke, (315-384-4389 or dykersoctf@yahoo.com).