The HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE (referred to as "the league" hereon out) will be played following Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA) rules and regulations for amateur soccer. All disciplinary actions will be subject to FIFA standings.

• The league will promote friendly relations among its players, clubs, officials, and any other members within the community.
• Every person and organization affiliated with the league is obliged to observe the statutes, regulations, and principles of fair play, as well as the principles of loyalty and sporting integrity.
• The league will make available all the necessary means to resolve any internal dispute that may arise between its players, clubs, officials, and other members.

REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS

• Players must register and pay the registration dues before participation, without exception.
• All players or participants of the league must be at least 18 years old.
• Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of 16 players and no more than 22 players.
• Registration of an entire team can occur through a team captain or representative such as a coach or manager. Players can then be assigned to this team at the discretion of the team.
• Players can enroll individually to participate in the league.
• Players can register to play anytime during the regular season. Players must be properly registered and have participated in a match to be considered part of a team.
• Enrollment of players onto teams will conclude at the end of the last match of the regular season. No further enrollment of players can occur after the last regular season match during playoffs.
• Once a player has registered and played an official game as a registered player for a team they can not play for or join another team in the same division.
• Players are not allowed to transfer between teams without the league's approval and approval by the managers or coaches of both teams.
• A roster will be provided to the referee each week and all players will be required to show identification before the start of the match to verify player registration.

REIMBURSEMENTS, REFUNDS, AND UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

• All registrations and donations are final and nonrefundable.
• Under extenuating circumstances, the individual player should contact the league to request reimbursement or refund, which may or may not be provided at the league's discretion.
• In the event of an unforeseen circumstance impacting the league such as a major natural disaster or pandemic, the league will delay matches for a short time as appropriate to maintain public safety (e.g. 3 months) and then attempt to resume. Should the league be unable to continue or have to cancel for any reason, prorated refunds for the number of matches remaining, excluding expenses already incurred by the league, will be offered to each player or the team captain, the manager, and the coach to collect at their discretion.

GUEST PLAYERS

• In order for an unregistered player to participate in a match, they must pay the guest fee determined by the league, which includes the cost of the player's insurance.
• Each guest fee paid will go towards a player's season fee should they decide to join a team before the end of the regular season
• Guest players have no obligation to continue playing with the team they decided to guest play for.
• Guest players will count towards the maximum 22 player roster for a match but will not be considered registered until the individual player registration fee is paid in full.

RULES OF THE GAME

• The league will play soccer according to the rules of the game provided by FIFA.

DURATION OF GAME

• Matches will last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes.
• Each will be played with an interval of 5 minutes of rest after the first half.
• In the event of a tie during playoff matches, two 5-minute periods of overtime will be played. If a winner is still not decided after these two periods, 5 penalties will be taken per team. If the tie persists one penalty will be taken per team until a winner is decided.

PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

• The maximum number of players each team can field at one time during a match is 11 players per team. Each team will have 1 goalkeeper.
• The match will not start if one of the teams has less than 7 players.
• Unlimited substitutions are allowed, with the substitutes being welcomed on the field once prompted by the referee. If the player enters the field without the referee's permission then they may receive a caution (yellow card).

THE BALL, UNIFORMS, AND FIELD OF PLAY

• The game will be played with a size 5 soccer ball.
• Air pressure must be checked by game officials before each match starts.
• Each team must have similar or matching uniforms with numbers for their players. The opposing teams’ uniforms must be a different color. The visiting team will have to change jerseys if these uniforms are too similar.
• The field size will be a length of 115 yards and a width of 75 yards, with goals measuring 8 x 24 feet.

SANCTIONS

• The league may impose fines to players if the league feels that a member of a team’s actions are used in a way to cause purposeful physical, verbal, or mental harm to any player, club, official, or spectator during a match.
• Players or teams may also be fined for any destruction of property that they are responsible for.
• The following sanctions can be imposed upon players, managers, coaches, or any member of the team:

1. Warning
2. Expulsion
3. Suspension for matches

1) Warning

• The warning (“yellow card”) involves the exercise of refereeing authority during a match to sanction a player for less serious unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Two warnings in the same game determine the expulsion (“indirect” red card) and the automatic suspension for the next game.
• A player will be automatically suspended for the next match of the same competition if they have accumulated four warnings (yellow cards) in different regular season matches of the same competition.
• If a match is interrupted, the warnings imposed will be revoked and the game will be replayed. If the game is not replayed, all warnings will stand. If a player is guilty of serious unsportsmanlike conduct and is expelled from the field of play (“direct” red card), any warning (yellow card) previously received in the course of the same party will not maintain its validity.

2) Expulsion

• Expulsion is a decision of the referee, adopted during a match, which implies that the person in question must leave the field of play and its surroundings, including the substitutes’ bench.
• The ejected person must leave the facilities and the referee can pause the match until the ejected person has complied. Should the person fail to comply, then the referee can terminate the match and assign a forfeit to the team involved with the ejected person.
• In the case of players, the expulsion will be expressed through the display of a “red card”.
• A red card will be “direct” if it sanctions serious unsportsmanlike conduct in accordance FIFA with rule 12 of the rules of the game. It will be “indirect” if it is the result of an accumulation of two yellow cards in the same game.
• If the coach is sent off, he may give instructions to his replacement on the substitute bench and immediately leave the field of play. However, it must not disturb the other spectators or alter the course of the match.
• An expulsion, even the one carried out when it occurs in an interrupted and/or canceled match, will lead to an automatic suspension for the next match.
• When a player, coach, manager, or member of the staff of a team performs an act of misconduct in front of a referee, official, field delegate they may be suspended depending on the action.
• For actions against officials, suspensions will last at least 3 to 5 games for unsportsmanlike conduct (insults, gestures, etc.) with a match referee. At least 6 months in case it was (punches, elbows, kicks, etc.) against a referee or match official.
• The league may extend the duration of this suspension up to termination of further participation of a player or entire team based on the discretion of the league, specifically if acts of violence are involved or the safety of others is compromised.

3) Suspension for matches

• Anyone serving a suspension from the league cannot participate in league activities with their respected team until their suspension is over. Suspension may be for multiple matches depending on the action that led to suspension.
• Suspension at the end of each competition will be carried over to the next. Suspension for accumulation of yellow cards will not be carried over to the next competition.
• If the suspension entails a fine, the suspension will be extended until the fine is paid in full.
• Provisions not provided for in these regulations will be agreed upon by the league.

FORFEITS

• A forfeit assigned to a team will result in a 3-0 loss.
• Teams can still choose to play if deemed appropriate by the referees and both teams even after a forfeit is assigned.
• Should a team lack sufficient players to start a match by the designated start time, the referees can assign a forfeit to that team.
• Should both teams lack sufficient players to participate, the referees can disband the game 15 minutes after the start time and a 0-0 draw will be assigned.
• Should a team fail to comply with the registration of players or have ineligible players, a forfeit of the match will occur.

STANDINGS

• Teams will be ranked based on the amount of points accrued throughout the regular season as playoffs begin.
• A win during the regular season will award 3 points towards a team's standings, a draw will award 1 point, and a loss will award 0 points.
• Should a tie occur for points between two or more teams, the ranking will then be determined by the team with the higher amount of wins, which will receive the higher ranking for playoffs. Should a tie still occur, the team with the higher goal differential will be assigned the higher ranking. In the case of another tie, the league will determine the rankings for playoffs at their discretion and inform the teams of the rankings and the methodology.

Failure to comply with these rules and regulations can result in the termination of further participation of a player or entire team based on the discretion of the HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE. I understand that my ability to participate can be terminated at any time, for any reason, without refund, at the discretion of the HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE.

• No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the premises
• Trash must be collected and placed in proper receptacles with a $25 fine to teams that leave trash after their use of the facilities
• No fighting is allowed
• Noise must comply with the local ordinances, specifically for music and vehicles at the facilities
• A representative from the league will be present for all matches to ensure the safety and maintenance of the facilities, including opening and closing down the facilities before and after use.

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE athletic sports program, related events, and activities, the participant acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

1) The risk of injury from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and,

2) I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,

3) I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,

4) I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE their directors, officers, officials, agents, volunteers and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT AND CHOOSE TO VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OR EVENTS OF THE HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE.

5) I agree to the rules and regulations described above in order to participate in the HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE and I understand that my ability to participate can be terminated at any time, for any reason, without refund, at the discretion of the HAMPTON ROADS SOCCER LEAGUE.

ASSUMPTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT. IMPORTANT WAIVER, POLICY AND INSURANCE INFORMATION

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way with the United States Adult Soccer Association, Inc., its Affiliates, Member Teams, the Metropolitan DC- Virginia Soccer Association, Inc. (“MDCVSA”), and their respective related events, I acknowledge, appreciate and agree that:
1. I have read and agree to this release, assumption of risk agreement, and additional terms and disclaimers, and I recognize that I am giving up substantial rights by agreeing/signing. I agree that this form can be signed by me electronically as part of the MDCVSA registration process.
2. Prior to participation, I will inspect the facilities and equipment to be used and, if I believe that any condition is unsafe, I will immediately advise my coach and the match official of such condition and refuse to participate.
3. I understand the nature and limitations of the supplemental insurance coverage provided through the registration fee and agree to assume all additional responsibility for hazards incurred in the conduct of activities as well as transportation to and from activities.
4. I acknowledge and fully understand that the risk of injury or illness from the activities involved in programs like playing soccer are significant. I further acknowledge that I will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including the potential for permanent paralysis, permanent disability, and death, and severe social and economic losses that might result not only from my own actions, but from the action, inactions and negligence of others, the rules of play, the condition of the premises or field, and any equipment used. I accept full responsibly for my participation and the damages following
any injury, permanent paralysis, permanent disability, or death, or the injuries that I may cause others.
5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS the United States Soccer Federation (“USSF”), the United States Adult Soccer Association, Inc. Its Affiliates, Leagues and Member Teams, the MDCVSA, and their respective officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”) WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law;.
6. There may be risks that are not known to the RELEASEES (defined in Section 5) that are not reasonably foreseeable at this time.
7. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL OF THE FOREGOING RISKS, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS OF INJURY OR ILLNESS, both known and unknown to me at the time of this agreement, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation.
8. I willingly agree to abide by all the rules, regulations, policies and decisions of the USSF, the USASA, Its Affiliates, Leagues and Member Teams, the MDCVSA, and the affiliated league(s) in which I participate, and I agree to accept any disciplinary action taken by any of those organizations.
9. I understand that a photograph of my likeness may be requested and used on a Membership Card, or may be taken during MDCVSA sponsored events and games by MDCVSA affiliated photographers, and may be published through various MDCVSA affiliated media without compensation of any kind.

10. I agree that the Membership Card is non-transferable and is the sole property of the MDCVSA, and that as a result of a disciplinary suspension, my name, date of birth, and a photograph of my likeness may be posted on the MDCVSA website.
11. I agree that the MDCVSA and/or the league may each require proof of identification.
12. I agree that registration with the MDCVSA does not guarantee placement with a league or a team, as there may be additional requirements of the individual league or team.
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT. I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY AGREEING TO IT, AND I PARTICIPATE IN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

Notes on Insurance Coverage:
The MDCVSA currently provides Participant Accident Insurance (secondary coverage) to leagues that purchase it. Participant Accident Insurance generally covers medical expenses (within limits) for injuries sustained during sanctioned amateur soccer activities. Participant Accident Insurance is secondary coverage to a member’s primary insurance. If no primary insurance exists, then this becomes their primary insurance coverage. The Insurance carrier asks that Claims be filed within 30 days of the date of the injury, but may sometimes allow up to 60 days from the date of the incident for the claim to be received. Please follow the directions on the claim form posted at the MDCVSA website carefully so that the form can be processed correctly.