Rules, Guidelines, and Policies

SISL SEASONAL RULES & INSTRUCTIONS TO TEAMS*
*these are in addition to FIFA governing rules
Revised January 11, 2022

Player registrations:

Players are to register during the league scheduled registration period. You must use a unique email address separate from your captains. This is the only way the SISL board can communicate with you.

You must be 16 years of age prior to stepping on the field or older to play in the Southern Idaho Soccer League. Minors will need to have parental consent.

Southern Idaho Soccer League, Inc. does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, nationality, creed, color or religion.

All fees are non-refundable.

The treasurer will close out the books at the end of each season. Financial payments and dues must be addressed and paid by the end of the season. *Disciplinary is a separate system.

Team Registrations:

Teams must register by the date set forth by the league each season. Remember that the SISL is an invitational league and there is no guarantee that your team will be automatically accepted. There are several factors that are taken in consideration including but not limited to the following:

  • Is your team in bad standing with the league?
  • Were there disciplinary actions taken against teammates last season?
  • Are the brackets even in the division you are applying for?
  • Is there space available to add another team?
  • Are there enough fields and referees to handle the number of teams?

A complete team registration consists of:

  • Team fee
  • online registration form

Payment of Fees to SISL: All fees will be made in the following methods: online through Stack Sports, cashiers check, money order, or cash. Personal checks will not be accepted.

Awards:

Awards will be given to teams placing first and second in their respective divisions. The awards will be given to team representatives at the preceding season’s General Captain and Player Meeting. Awards that are not retrieved prior to the start of the next soccer season will be recycled.

Rescheduling Games:

Teams wishing to reschedule league games must contact the League Scheduler a minimum of 4 days prior to game to be rescheduled. The team making the request must pay a $40.00 rescheduling fee. The opposing team must agree to reschedule the match. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Jewelry:

Jewelry and fitness wearables (including but not limited to: Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, etc.) need to be removed or covered. If a referee determines it is dangerous, despite being covered, the player will not be allowed on the field until removed. The referee may send a player off the field during a game to remove jewelry. Players need to clarify with the referee when they check in to see if they meet approval for safety. This is at the referee’s discretion. Do not argue!

CO-ED for Prime Time Summer coed Rec – 7v7

Must have minimum 3 women and maximum 3 men on the playing field, excluding the goalkeeper

  • A woman’s goal will count as two (2) goals.
  • A man’s goal will always count as one (1) goal.
  • In the event of a deflection by the defense, the last offensive player touching the ball will determine the number of points awarded.
  • Any goal scored directly by defender shall count as one goal.
  • Penalty kicks may be taken by either male or female, but a PK shall always count as one goal.
  • No individual male player shall be allowed to score more than three (3) points in any game (including overtime).
  • All drop balls MUST be taken by TWO (2) female players.

Game Scores:

League standings will be updated weekly. Contact the league scorekeeper with any questions or discrepancies. The scores are entered into Arbiter by the game officials. In the event of a tie for 1st place: Total Points for the season (using the current 3 point system), if still tied then Head to Head result for tied teams, if still tied then Least Goals scored on the team for the season, if still tied then Most Goals scored by the team for the season, if still tied the winner of the league will be determined by a coin toss by the President of the SISL.

Net & Flags:

Are the responsibility of each team. The net and flags must be league approved. Corner flags must be 50 inches tall with flag and must be in good repair. The net must be in good repair and must be secured to goal frame and have at least 5 ground fasteners. You must have a net and two (2) corner flags for each game.

Soccer Field Locations:

Can change with each season. Please see the website for fields to be used for each season and the locations. Schedules are posted on the web page with field locations.

Keeping fields clean:

All teams are responsible for keeping the areas around the soccer fields clean. If you bring it then remove it. Teams that leave trash can be placed in bad standing and face suspension. (Look under Disciplinary Action.)

General Playing Rules:
SISL IS A NO TOLERANCE LEAGUE

  • Teams are required to provide a team roster in color at each game. Roster to be printed weekly. Print date will be on the roster. Roster must have team name, individual player’s names, pictures, and jersey numbers. Players not on roster shall not play.
  • Only the player wearing the captain’s armband is allowed to talk to the official during the game.
  • Players may change teams only once during the season. Those players cannot change to a team in a lower division.
  • All team players must wear the same colored jerseys with numbers on the back of the uniform. Duplicate jersey numbers are not allowed.
  • When both teams have the same primary jersey color, the Home Team will have choice of jersey color. The team listed second must have alternate colored jerseys available. Check the ‘Team List’ to avoid conflicts in jersey color.
  • Players must wear shin guards. Shin guards must cover at least half of the leg shin. Socks must cover shin guards.
  • Players with bleeding wounds must leave the field immediately. The player may be allowed to return when blood is removed and the wound has stopped bleeding.
  • Player substitutions can be made at any stoppage of play (at the referee’s discretion), after goals are scored or to substitute an injured player.
  • All teams in the open league can have a maximum roster of 22 players. EXCEPTION: SISL sponsored teams. Contact the executive board for roster adjustments.
  • All players in the O30 League must be at least 30 years of age during the course of the calendar year. Calendar year is January 1st through December 31st.
  • When O28 and O30 divisions have A & B divisions, premier players cannot play in O28B or O30B.
  • All players in the O40 League must be at least 40 years of age during the course of the calendar year – EXCEPT the goalie (must be O30 during the course of the calendar year and can only play goalie position).
  • There is a no slide tackle rule in the Men’s Over 40 league divisions. Slide tackles will result in a yellow and an indirect kick for the opposing team.
  • All players in the O50 league must be at least 50 years of age during the course of the calendar year – EXCEPT the goalie (must be O48 during the course of the calendar year and can only play goalie position).
  • All players in the women’s O28 league must be at least 28 years of age during the course of the calendar year EXCEPT the goalie (can only play goalie). Women’s O28 7V7 division, the goalie cannot cross the half line, therefore entering the offensive half of the field.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION:

  • CONTACT FOR FINES & DISCIPLINARY FEES – See the web page for contact information. REMEMBER, you are the one responsible for taking the action to contact the league about your disciplinary issues.
  • Individuals must request their own appeal hearing.
  • Red card or other misconduct penalties may be appealed to the SISL Disciplinary Board. To file an appeal you must contact the league disciplinary chair, (disciplinary@sislsoccer.com) by Monday evening post game. Appeal hearings will not take place within 72 hours of the infraction.
  • State Appeals: Go to the web page for further information.
  • SISL disciplinary actions may be appealed to the Idaho State Soccer Association, contact Paul Scherer at 208 376-1635 for more information.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION INVOLVING CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS:

Cautions/Yellow cards:

  • Players receiving an accumulation of three (3) Yellow cards during one season will be assessed a $50 fine, to be paid prior to signing up for the following season. Individuals can pay the fine at any time. But it must be paid prior to registering for the next season of play. The 4th & 5th yellow cards are $10 each.
  • Players receiving more than five (5) Yellow Cards in a season will sit out the remainder of the season, the next season, and will be assessed a $40.00 fine. All fines must be paid prior to a player card being released to play in the league.
  • Yellow cards = 1 pt. Red cards = 3 pts. Red cards resulting from a 2nd yellow = 2 pts.
  • Teams receiving more than 10 POINTS in a season will sit out the following season, unless the Disciplinary Chairperson offers the team a bond option. This is up to the Disciplinary and Executive Board and is offered on a case-by-case basis. The individual players must pay the fines as outlined above.
  • Should a player receive a second caution or yellow card in a game and thus be ejected from the game; the fine is the same as a red card. Unless the second card is a direct red for violent conduct then the player is fined for both the caution and the violent red card.

Ejections/Red Cards:

  • Issuance of a Red Card is a minimum of one game suspension and a $40.00 fine to be paid prior to the player playing after the sanction is fulfilled.
  • If you receive a red card, contact disciplinary@sislsoccer.com. They can assist you with the process. To file an appeal, you must contact the league disciplinary chair by the Monday evening immediately following the game in which the red card was received.
    Check the Disciplinary Fines list as needed on the website.
  • Red cards only affect the LEAGUE in which it’s received. A Violent Red Card affects ALL LEAGUE play.
  • It is the team captain/player’s responsibility to confirm with the referee if a red card issued during a game is a straight red or a violent red. The penalties are very different.
    The league will not grant an appeal after the allowed request deadline due to this oversight. Red Cards issued for violent conduct will be an automatic suspension for the remainder of the season and the next season. Players will have to pay a $100.00 fine prior to registering after the suspension is served.

Any player receiving more than one Red Card per season will sit out the remainder of that season and the next season. Prior to registering this player must pay a $50.00 fine after the suspension is served unless the second red card was for violent conduct then that player would pay the $100.00 fine.

There are 7 instances a red card is given by a Referee:

  • Serious foul play (such as dangerous tackles from behind).
  • Violent conduct (over aggressive behavior fighting, throwing elbows, ect.)
  • Spitting on players, referees or others.
  • Denies obvious scoring opportunity with use of hand ball.
  • Denies obvious scoring opportunity with any free kick foul.
  • Foul language or verbal abuse of opposing players or referees.
  • For a second caution or Yellow Card in a game.

Fines are due 48 hours before your next scheduled game in order for you to be released to play.

Southern Idaho Soccer League has a Referee Abuse Policy and Idaho State Soccer Association has a different Referee Abuse Policy. It is possible to get sanctioned by both for the same offense if it meets the criteria, ie: double penalty.

SISL REFEREE ABUSE BEHAVIOR POLICY

  • SISL will not tolerate any abuse of our officials. Any aggressive communication directed at the officials is unwelcome and will draw a potential sanction from the league for players or teams that show such disrespect for the game.
  • There will be no appeals recourse for such sanction.
  • The sanction can include fines and or removal from play for any number of games as decided by the board. Fines start at $50.00 and will go up from there exponentially for repeated offenders and for team actions.
  • All players, coaches, team managers and or team captains are on notice that SISL will not accept treating officials with disrespect, aggression, intimidation, abusive language, dissent or constant jabbering directed at referees.
  • The players wearing the captain’s armband are the only ones to address the official and the only reason that team captain is able to communicate with the official is so the official can communicate with the captain that it is time to reign in a player or the team.

HOW TO REPORT ISSUES RELATING TO THE REFEREE ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY

Go to the league web page for SISL Referee Abuse Report, and report the issue you observed. Only league officers and officials, referees, and team captains reporting on your own team are authorized to report these abuses.

On the SISL Referee Abuse Report – You will be expected to provide the following information:

  • Name of the player, spectator, coach, captain, sub, or fan):
  • Player jersey number:
  • Name of team the person is aligned with:
  • Date:
  • Time (AM/PM):
  • Field Location:
  • Observed offense (e.g. disrespect, aggression, intimidation, abusive language directed at a referee, dissent, or constant jabbing directed at the referee):
  • Name of person reporting the observed incident:

Give as much information as you can. We know you may not have it all.

Process followed for sanctions:

  • The report is sent to the Disciplinary Chairperson.
  • The report is reviewed by the disciplinary and executive board to determine if referee abuse took place. Potential players, and/or teams may be sanctioned.
  • The Disciplinary Chair sends out notice of fines or other sanctions due.
  • All fines to be paid right away (before the team/player can play again).
  • If you play in a game before you have paid your fine or sat out your sanction then you can be removed from the team roster for the rest of the season.
  • There are no appeals allowed for these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • There are no appeals. NONE! – so do not ask.
  • Yes, whole teams can be fined or face sanctioned games.
  • All reports are reviewed by a league officer.
  • Minimum fine is $50.00 but can be more depending on continuance or severity.
  • Yes teams can be fined for spectators/fans actions.

NOTE: SISL encourages all our referees to card any kind of dissent, abuse or any type of aggressive behavior directed at our referees.

IDAHO STATE SOCCER ASSOCIATION RULES ABOUT REFEREE MISTREATMENT

MISCONDUCT TOWARD GAME OFFICIALS

SECTION 1. Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after the match, including travel to and from the match. Misconduct may occur also at times when directly related to duties of a game official as a referee.

SECTION 2. WHO IS A REFEREE? All currently registered USSF referee, linemen, 4th official or others duly appointed to assist the officiating in a match; any non-licensed, non-registered person serving in and emergency capacity as a referee; and any club linesman.

SECTION 3. WHAT IS AN ASSAULT? Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence upon a referee, includes but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee; hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting at or on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury, damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, et.

SECTION 4. WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR AN ASSAULT ON A REFEREE? The player, coach, manager or official committing the referee assault is automatically suspended for at least one (1) year from the time of the assault, unless serious injuries are inflicted, then the minimum suspension period will be at least (5) five years. The State Association cannot shorten the minimum periods of suspension but can provide for longer periods of suspension.

SECTION 5. WHAT IS AN ABUSE? Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act which implies of threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment. Abuse includes, but is not limited to, the following acts committed upon a referee; using foul or abusive language toward a referee; spewing any beverage on a referee’s personal property, or verbally threatening a referee. Such verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm, i.e. “ I’ll get you after the game”, or “ you won’t get out of here in on piece”.

SECTION 6. WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR ABUSE? The minimum suspension period for referee abuse shall be at least three (3) scheduled matches. Of course the State Association can provide for longer periods when circumstances warrant.

MISCONDUCT TOWARD PLAYERS, ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS, LEAGUES, ETC.—The intent is to insure that the game of soccer is enjoyed by all that choose to participate in a civilized and gentlemanly manner and that the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship prevail.

SECTION 1. Individuals that bring the game into disrepute and cause other problems for players, teams, leagues, or the Association can be sanctioned.

SECTION 2. Teams that bring the game into disrepute and cause other problems for teams, leagues or the Association can be sanctioned.

SECTION 3. Leagues and affiliate associations that bring the game into disrepute and cause other problems for the Association can be sanctioned.

SECTION 4. Types of problems that can be sanctioned include but are not limited to the following: fighting, intimidation, bench clearing, failure to pay dues or fines, excessive forfeiture of games (excessive is three (3) or more games in a season) , failure to comply with previous sanctions, failure to comply with league and Association rules, Federation policy, etc.

SECTION 5. Sanctions can include but are not limited to the following: suspension from playing in a determined game or number of games, forfeiture of game or number of games, fines ranging from the amount of the registration to one hundred times the registration fees, setting and collecting bonds from individuals, players, teams, leagues and affiliates, exclusion from participating in the Association for a determined number of games, days, months, years or for life, etc.

Striking a referee will result in a minimum one-year suspension and a minimum $500.00 fine. Players understand that they may face stiffer penalties from the State Association. USSF Referee Abuse Policies (see Policy 531-9).

All disciplinary matters are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Disciplinary and Executive Board have the right to adjust any penalty as they see fit.

PLAYER, TEAM and FAN BEHAVIOR:

Player Behavior:

  • Players from teams that are sanctioned may register to join another team with a limit of 3 from the original team roster.
  • If an upper division dissolves, players from those teams may register to join teams in the next lower division, with a maximum of 3 total that can be added to a lower team’s roster.

Team Behavior:

  • Any team found guilty of team violence will be suspended for the remainder of that season and the next season. This includes all players rostered on that team. Upon returning this team will pay a performance Bond that will be returned after one year if there have been no repeat of such incidents and as long as no red cards were issued to players on that team in that time.
  • When teams enter the field in bench clearing type actions they are considered guilty of team violence even if punches are not thrown. Entering the field is prohibited!
  • Teams that use Ineligible Players in league games will forfeit the game and pay a minimum $40.00 ineligible player fine, a forfeit fee, plus any additional player fines.
  • Team Forfeits: DO NOT PAY THE REFEREE IF YOU HAVE A FORFEIT GAME. The referee should contact the disciplinary chairperson and will be paid by the SISL treasurer. Teams forfeiting league-scheduled games will pay full cost of referees (example: Men’s Premier referee cost: $144) plus $10 administrative expenses. Additional fines and penalties may occur. Payments will be made to the LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY CHAIRPERSON—By the Wednesday PRIOR to their next scheduled game.
  • Non-payment will result in subsequent forfeitures. Multiple forfeitures will place the team in bad standings with the league. Additional costs, fines, and/or sanctions may apply.

What is a forfeit?

  • A team that doesn’t show-up for a league-scheduled game.
  • A team having less than 7 players on the field at game time.
  • A team that does not have a printed color roster with numbers.
  • A team that uses ineligible players in league games will forfeit the game, plus a $40 fine.
  • A 15 minute grace period rule applies per FIFA.
  • A team not paying referees at game time can be expelled from SISL, with no refund of team or player fees. Game will count as a forfeit win for the opposing team.
  • A team or team fans involved in violent altercation with referees, players or other spectators will be fined or suspended from SISL, with no refund of team or player fees.

Fan Behavior:

  • Fan Violence: Will not be tolerated!
  • Teams are responsible for their fans. Fans are not allowed on the field before, during or after the game. Fans that accost opponents, players, teams fans from other teams referees or league officials will be considered guilty of violent and aggressive behavior and the team they are associated with will sit out the remainder of that season and the next.
  • Just entering the field is deemed as violent or aggressive behavior. Depending on the severity of the actions the sanctions may be longer. Upon returning this team will post a performance bond that will be returned after one year if there have been no more fan incidents and if there are no red cards issued to players on that team.

Playing on two teams:

Players can not play for more than one team at a time in the same league. Players in the open league (Premier, Div I, II, III) can also play in the over 28/30 league, the over 40 league, over 50 league, coed league, and/or walk soccer. THESE ARE SEPARATE “LEAGUES” GOVERNED BY THE SISL

Passes can be obtained for tournament travel by contact the player registrar at player@sislsoccer.com

Team Payment to Referees:

  • Teams are responsible for payment of the referees prior to each game. Failure to do so MAY lead to removal of the team from the league. Team and player fees are non-refundable for such disciplinary action.
  • Referee payment must be received before kickoff. A 15 minute grace period will be allowed. If payment is not received after the 15 minute grace period has expired, the game will be ruled a forfeit and the forgetting team will be responsible for the forfeit fine.
  • See the FEE Structure for Referees on our Referee page: sislsoccer.com/Referees

Referees play for free!:

  • Referees that officiate and play in the SISL will have his or her players fees paid for by the League in appreciation for their extra efforts promoting adult soccer.
  • Players who do not pay a player fee and do not fulfill their obligation (4 games per season) will be assessed that player fee amount BEFORE they can register for the next season.

Trash:

  • We use public park facilities at the discretion of the parks department.
    Teams that leave litter at the fields can be suspended for the remainder of that season and the next.
  • Teams are responsible for their fans and spectators so if fans leave trash the team can be held accountable and suspended.

MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

Just because a certain offense is not listed does not mean the league cannot take actions against the guilty party or parties. Actions unbecoming will lead to fines and possible suspensions from league activities. Read our League Code Of Conduct.

SISL Appeals Policy and Procedures:

Per SISL Bylaws suspensions rendered by the League can be appealed or a hearing called. (Please note that disciplinary action taken as a result of a caution or ejection resulting in sanctions of one year or less are not appealable per USSF Bylaw 705. But you have a right to a hearing if you so desire through the Disciplinary Committee)

Upon receipt of a League imposed suspension, other than for a Caution or Ejection of less than one year, for which you propose to appeal or to be heard the following Procedures must be followed.

  • You must respond in writing to the SISL Executive Board within 10 days of the action taken.
  • You must present not less than six (6) copies of your response to the suspension/allegations.
  • You must provide not less than six (6) copies of the rules of the organization against whose decision you are appealing or for which a hearing was called.
  • You must present a $100.00 appeal/hearing fee in the form of a cashiers check, or money order. This is a non-refundable fee.

The following process will be used during the appeal:

APPEAL HEARINGS

The hearing shall proceed in accordance with the Southern Idaho Soccer Leagues hearing rules and procedures. All Federal, State or local Rules of Evidence or Civil Procedure shall not be applicable.

Your only hearing option for sanctions from referee issued Cautions and Ejections that do not go past one year will be the League Disciplinary Committee and its Chairperson. You are not allowed to appeal such sanctions or action further to the league or the state association.

  • There is a $40.00 Disciplinary Hearing Fee that must be paid prior to the start of any hearing. The fee can be paid by cash, cashiers check or money order. Online payment is also available if you request to be invoiced by Disciplinary.
  • All fines or fees must be paid in cash, cashiers check or money order only.
  • Each party may have an individual present at the hearing to assist the party in presenting the parties case. The person assisting the individual is not allowed to speak, question the parties and or witnesses.
  • During the hearing, the party may confer briefly with the individual who is assisting before making statements or requests or prior to responding to a question. The hearing panel may limit the frequency and duration of the conferences so as not to unduly interfere with the proceedings.
  • If there is confusion or concern, the party may request a recess to confer with the individual assisting the party. Such a request should be granted unless the number of requests by a party becomes unreasonable or the length of the requested recess is deemed by the hearing panel to be unreasonable.
  • An individual assisting a party may prepare written materials for the party and collect documents for the party. However, the party must submit or present the materials and documents as materials and documents of the party, and not of the individual assisting. The party has complete responsibility for those materials and documents and is subject to questioning about them.
  • All documents must be submitted in English.
  • The league will respond with a written reply within 10 days. Should the hearing uphold the sanction the party will be informed of any subsequent action they could take should they wish to pursue the issue further.

Who to contact about referee assignments: