OUTDOOR LEAGUE RULES – 9v9
Soccer Spectrum is one of the oldest Indoor & Outdoor Soccer facilities in North Texas, established in 1986. In 2021 Soccer Spectrum started a new chapter to its proud legacy, bringing a renewed energy and vision for the next 30 years.
The following is a comprehensive list of rules relating to 9v9 soccer:
Soccer Spectrum reserves the right to modify league rules at their discretion and will update the website accordingly in the best interest of our guests. Soccer Spectrum reserves the right for any final decision on suspensions, rule discrepancies, and/or controversial issues that may arise during or after play, with the exception of suspensions sent directly to NTX Soccer by referees.
OUR CURRENT DIVISIONS:
● Men’s Over 30 (each team will get 2 exemptions over 28) - Sunday
● Men’s Over 40 Pure age Div (each team will get 2 exemptions over 38) - Sunday
● Men’s Over 50 Pure Age Div (each team will get 2 exemptions over 48) - Sunday
● Men’s Over 40/50 Combined Age Division (no exemptions Ages 40+) - Sunday
ROSTERS:
● Max Roster Size: 21
● All league rosters will lock after the last regular season game. Team captains Must invite/drop players accordingly before the deadline via their Daysmart team profile.
- The roster lock requirements extend to any quarter-final, semi-final, and final games across all divisions. Consolation games are exempt from this requirement.
● Players may not be rostered on multiple teams within the same division at any time. Players found playing on multiple teams within the same division will be pulled and any points they scored removed from the games standings. Multiple offenses will result in suspensions and penalties.
- A player may not be dropped from one team in a division and added to another team in the same division during the season.
- A player may only play on one team in a division during a season.
● Captains are responsible for ensuring their team's Daysmart roster are up to date during the season as well as before/during playoffs & finals.
● Spectrum Personnel will only add players to the roster manually at the request of the team captain. If your roster is at the max capacity of 21, players must be dropped before adding or requesting to add more players.
● Guest players are allowed in outdoor 9v9 games.
- A maximum of 3 guest players are allowed in any championship game.
GUEST PASS POLICY:
● Teams are allowed to have Guest Pass Players play with them. Guest Players are not permanent members of a roster until the player registration fee is paid in full.
● Guest Pass Players may not purchase a guest pass for multiple teams in the same division. A player may only purchase guest passes and play for one team in a division in a season.
● Guest Passes must be purchased at the front desk or gatehouse before game-time. Players must be age-pure to the league (no age exemptions).
● A team must have a minimum of 9 fully paid rostered players to be eligible to purchase guest passes at a rate of $25 per guest pass. The player must still provide a valid NTX ID card to the referee(s).
● A team that does not have a minimum of 9 fully paid rostered players will be required to purchases guest passes at a rate of $50 per guest pass. This pass will provide the player with a temporary NTX ID card to present to the referee(s) if the player does not already have a valid NTX ID Card.
● All guest players must have an NTX Membership in one of the above mentioned formats and an active Daysmart account to purchase a guest pass.
TEAM STRUCTURE:
● There will be a maximum of 9 players per team on the field at any one time.
● Each team may field 8 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper on the field at one
time.
● Teams must have at least 7 players to play the game; otherwise, it will be a
forfeit.
LEAGUE GAMES:
-
Men’s Over 30 - The match will consist of two halves (2x40) with a 5-minute halftime.
-
Men’s Over 40/50 - The match will consist of two halves (2x40) with a 5-minute halftime.
-
Outdoor 9v9 will be 9 games guaranteed. All teams will receive 1-2 Playoff games based on their league standings.
-
Field size is approximately 165’ x 240’
-
Goals are 9’ x 24’.
-
A size 5 ball will be used. Game ball will be provided by the teams. Each team should bring one (1) soccer ball to each game.
-
Soccer Spectrum is not responsible for lost or damaged soccer balls.
-
Regular season games that end in a tie are considered a "draw". No overtime will be played in the regular season.
-
Slide tackling is NOT permitted in any division (except reasonable play by a goalkeeper inside their box or to save a completely uncontested ball from going out of bounds, as determined by the referee).
-
Each team should bring two sets of matching jerseys (light and dark). The home team (1st team listed) is required to change uniforms if jerseys between opposing team's conflict.
-
All players must wear shirts (no shirts vs. skins).
-
A breakout line (off-side line) is implemented in the last 1/3 of the field. Markers are used to determine this line.
-
All USSF Rules apply - US Soccer: www.ussoccer.com - The following notes are for clarification only. Soccer Spectrum will no longer be doing kick-ins but will be complying with USSF rules and doing throw-ins instead.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
● Substitutions are unlimited during the games and are made at any stoppage of play.
● Referees must be informed when the substitutions are being made.
● All substitutions must be made at the halfway line.
● Exiting players may leave the field from any side, not just halfway line.
EQUIPMENT:
● The goalkeeper must wear a different colored jersey.
● No watches or jewelry.
● Casts and braces may be wrapped at the referee’s discretion.
● All players must wear shirts (no shirts vs. skins).
● Each team should bring two sets of matching jerseys (light and dark). The
home team (1st team listed) is required to change uniforms if jerseys between
opposing team's conflict.
GAME CLOCK:
● The game clock on the scoreboard runs continuously throughout the game.
● Teams are to be on the field ready to play at their scheduled time with NTX ID cards in the referees possession.
● The clock can only be stopped at the referee’s discretion.
- The clock will only stop at the referee discretion for injuries & extenuating circumstances
- The clock will remain running through red card ejections
SCORING:
● Goals will always count as one (1) point.
● PK's will always count as one (1) point.
CARDS & PENALTIES:
Yellow Card Consequences:
-
A yellow card is a warning on the field.
-
After a second yellow card players will automatically be given a red card and will be ejected from the game, the same as receiving a straight red card.
-
Offensive language is considered to warrant an ejection. Any offensive or threatening language directed towards officials, opponents, staff, or spectators will result in ejection from the game and facility.
-
Soccer Spectrum does not tolerate violent conduct, verbal abuse, threatening behavior, racist/hateful language, or spitting at or near officials, staff, or opponents.
-
Any violations of the above infractions may result in temporary or permanent suspension from our facility.
Red Card Consequences:
- The player is ejected from the game and cannot return. They must leave the field immediately.
- Players ejected with red cards for violent conduct, fighting, or threatening others must leave the facility at the time of ejection.
- A team that receives a red card will play short one player. (one player down per red card received)
- The clock continues to run during a red card ejection and all player ID cards for the offending team are held until the player receiving the red card is identified. The player receiving the red card will have their NTX ID card held by the referee after the game to make a red card report.
Red Card & Return To Play Processes:
-
A red card report will be submitted by the referee(s) after their shift and submitted to Soccer Spectrum.
-
Suspension periods and fines for Red Cards that are not escalated to NTX Soccer will be determined by Soccer Spectrum. The red card report and any relevant data relating to the ejection will be reviewed and a decision sent out to the offending player within 48 hours stating their suspension period and fine amount. Players receiving red cards over the weekend will be contacted the first following business day.
-
Referees reserve the right to escalate any red card to NTX Soccer at their discretion. Red cards escalated to NTX Soccer must be appealed and cleared through NTXSoccer.org via the suspensions & appeals process before a new ID card can be printed and the player returns to play at Soccer Spectrum
-
Spectrum does not utilize VAR to overturn referee decisions. VAR is used at Soccer Spectrums discretion for security and safety measures only.
-
-
A red card ends the offending players current and active NTX membership and a new card must be purchased after the suspension period is up and any relevant fines are paid. A player may not return to play until their suspension period has been fulfilled and any relevant fines paid. Red card suspensions and restrictions apply across all divisions, leagues, and days. Fines may be paid in person or over the phone at (972)-644-8845.
-
Requests, complaints, information, and appeals relating to red cards may be sent to info@soccerspectrum.com
ANY AND ALL FIGHTS THAT RESULT IN BENCH CLEARING WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF THE GAME. THE GAME WILL NOT BE SCORED (IF BOTH TEAMS ARE INVOLVED) IF ONLY ONE TEAM, THE TEAM THAT DID NOT CLEAR THE BENCH WILL BE AWARDED THE WIN. THIS WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE TEAM(S) BEING SUSPENDED FOR A MINIMUM of 1 WEEK FROM ALL SOCCER SPECTRUM GAMES WITH A $100.00 FINE PER PLAYER.
● Delay of game is called when:
- The defending player lines up closer than 5 yards for a free kick deliberately delaying the restart will result in a caution.
- A player taking longer than 6 seconds to put a free kick in play after
having been signaled to do so by the referee.
- The goalkeeper not distributing the ball outside the box within 8
seconds of possession with hands the opposing team receives a corner kick.
FREE KICKS:
● An INDIRECT free kick will be given to the opposing team at the top of the penalty box if either of the following infractions occur:
-
-
Keepers using their hands when a ball is passed back to them by a teammate unless it is played back to them via head, chest, or thigh.
-
The keeper taking longer than five seconds to put the ball back in play once they have handled it.
-
-
All other free kicks are DIRECT (awarded for fouls/rule violations)
-
Opposing players must be at least 8 Yards away before kickoff.
-
8 Second rule for ball in keepers hands if called the opposing team is awarded a corner kick.
PENALTY KICKS:
● A penalty kick shall be awarded when a foul occurs in the penalty box.
TEAM REGISTRATION:
● Team Captains must register their team at Daysmartrecreation.com
● Individual Player Fee is $175.
● Players may not take the field unless their fee has been paid before
the start of the first game or a guest pass has been purchased. Up to 3 guest passes only will be allowed per team on playoff games.
● Referee Fees are included. Three referees are guaranteed per game with one Center and two Linesmen.
● No partial payments are allowed.
ID CARDS:
● NTX Soccer ID card is required to play at Soccer Spectrum. Each player must submit their own valid ID card to the referee(s) and be registered on that team in order to be eligible to play.
● Cards are valid for one year from August 31st - August 31st of the following year.
- Cards may be purchased for the new soccer year beginning in July of the current year for the next year.
● Adult cards are $25.00 the price of the card remains the same regardless of when it was purchased.
- A government picture ID is required for registration in all adult leagues.
- Youth leagues (U17 and younger) may bring a birth certificate, school ID, or government ID for proof of age.
● Soccer Spectrum will take your photo and produce the ID.
● Players, coaches, referees, staff, and approved media personnel with valid ID cards are the only people allowed on the fields. No children or spectators are allowed on the fields. Players without valid ID Cards will be instructed to leave the sidelines and watch from the Outdoor patio area off the fields.
● Should you have any questions regarding ID cards contact Soccer Spectrum or the NTX Soccer office in Frisco at (972)-323-1323.
NO CARD, NO PLAY, NO EXCEPTIONS
Driver's Licenses and other forms of ID are not accepted on the field for play.
RESCHEDULES:
●Soccer Spectrum no longer accepts reschedule requests. All games scheduled are final. If you have a specific schedule request, please make sure that you make your request at the time of renewal or signing up. These can be sent to info@soccerspectrum.com Any requests made after the schedule is posted will not be changed.
FORFEITS POLICY:
● A forfeit will be awarded if an opposing team is not ready to play within 10 minutes of a scheduled start time. A single point will be awarded to the ready team at the 5 minute mark during this 10 minute period.
● The clock starts at the scheduled kickoff time and time will not be made up if
a team shows up late.
● A forfeit will go down as a 3-0 win for the team that was prepared to play on time.
● If both teams do not show, and/or are not ready to play – neither team will be
awarded any points, leaving their games scored 0-0. Each team will have to pay a $50 forfeit fee.
● For any team that forfeits a game less than 48 hours before, a forfeiture fee of $100 will be charged to the team. A credit of $65.00 will be awarded
to the team that showed up for their committed match. (The forfeit fee minus ref fees) If a team still has a balance due past the 3rd game, they will not receive credit.
● Teams that forfeit multiple times during the regular season may not be allowed to participate in Post Season.
● Teams that forfeit more than once in a season a team may be subject to
being removed from the league without a refund.
RENEWALS:
Each team has the opportunity to let Soccer Spectrum know that they will be renewing for the next season, by week 3-5 of the current season. If a team has not let us know by week 5, in week 6 we will allow new teams to take the spot for any team that has not renewed. A deposit of $100.00 is required to hold your spot. This deposit will go toward team fees. Teams with fully paid deposits on the waitlist will be given priority in placement starting week 6.
REFEREES:
● Referee Fees are included as part of your league fee.
Soccer Spectrum does not tolerate violent conduct, verbal abuse, threatening
behavior, racist/hateful language, or spitting at or near officials, staff or opponents under any circumstances.
CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT
● Semi-finals for the “Championship” round
○ 1st vs 4th
○ 2nd vs 3rd
○ Final game - 1st vs 2nd
We also MAY offer a consolation game based on available space with the following format:
● Semi-finals for the Consolation round (when applicable)
○ 5th vs 8th
○ 6th vs 7th
● Ties - For any playoff or championship games that ends in a tie, the game will go straight to a PK shootout with all players on the field shooting once first including the goalkeeper, before the cycle repeats.
● If no winner is decided after five (5) kicks, teams shall continue alternate kicks until a winner is decided. All players on the lineup are eligible to take part. A player of the same team takes another kick after five (5) players of his team have made an attempt and may repeat again after an additional five (5) players. All players on a team must shoot unless injured as determined by referees.
- Penalty kicks must first be taken by all the players on the field, including the goalkeeper, before players on the bench are eligible to take shots.
STANDINGS
● Standings are determined by wins, losses, and ties.
- WIN = 3 points
- TIE = 1 point
- LOSS = 0 points
- FORFEIT = 3-0 win (worth 3 points)
● The best overall team record determines playoff positioning. In the event of a tie in records, the following tie-breaking system will be used:
A) head-to-head play B) Goals differential C) Goals for D) Goals Against
DIVISIONS & RESTRICTIONS:
Individuals may play on different teams provided:
- They are on the team roster
- They are not playing on two teams within the same division.
-
If you are a rostered and active A division player on any night, you are only allowed to also play in B divisions on any night. You are not permitted to play on a team in a C division or lower.
-
- The only exception to this rule is goalkeepers. Goalkeepers can play on any division, just not more than one team in the same division.
-
- To provide the most fun and competitive environment for all teams, Soccer Spectrum reserves the right, if necessary, to place teams in the appropriate division based on the level of play and /or ability of the players.
RE-STARTING THE GAME
● USSF Rules apply - US Soccer: www.ussoccer.com
INJURY & CONCUSSION PROTOCOL:
● Injured players may make a secondary insurance claim through NTXSoccer.org via the insurance claims forms sections. A valid NTX membership is required. Claims made are handled solely through NTX Soccer organization.
● Players who are suspected of having sustained a concussion shall be
removed from play immediately.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Our inclement weather policy may be found here:
https://soccerspectrum.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/22723000967956-INCLEMENT-WEATHER-POLICY