Rules
Oshawa Indoor Soccer League
Playing Rules and Regulations
2024-2025Season
League Management:
Aaron Chandler (Program Coordinator – League Director)
(905)436-3311 ext. 2749
Chris Humphries (League Convenor)
Oshawa Kicks Soccer Club (League Sanctioned Club)
Discipline Chair
(905)429-2424
The Facility
The Civic Recreation Complex is located at 99 Thornton Road South. The complex is home to Centennial Pool, a twenty-five (25) yard, six (6) lane pool with separate warm teaching pool. It has men’s, women’s and family change rooms and deck-level unisex sauna.
Overseeing the pool is a 2,000 square foot Fitness Centre with cardio, strength training equipment and free weights. The complex also includes an Aerobics Studio for yoga, cardio and strength training programs.
The Civic Dome is another feature of the complex which accommodates five (5) indoor tennis courts, 220 metre four (4) lane indoor track, two (2) international squash courts, two (2) program rooms, and men’s and women’s change rooms.
The complex offers eight (8) meeting rooms including a room equipped with Smart Board Technology and another with a ceiling mounted projector. Both of these rooms are outfitted with speakers and hearing assists. The complex also offers a Rec Room with eight (8) computer stations, two (2) large screen TVs and gaming consoles.
Civic Fieldhouse
An international FIFA size 100 metre x 70 metre artificial turf playing field; can be configured into one (1), two (2) or four (4) fields with power assisted curtaining.
Permanent full field markings for international soccer, men’s field lacrosse and for women’s field lacrosse.
Quarter field markings for soccer; quarter field size is forty-six (46) metre x thirty-three (33) metre.
One (1) full field and four (4) quarter field scoreboards.
Climate-controlled for warm and cold weather use.
Public address system.
Four (4) change rooms, two (2) referee rooms and two (2) public washrooms.
Temporary storage cubicles for sport teams and for individuals.
Perimeter spectator seating; bleacher stands can accommodate approximately 200.
Wireless throughout.
Artificial Turf Rules & Regulations
To protect the field surface, maximize the life of each field, the City of Oshawa asks that every team official, player, spectator, and parent be aware of the following conditions of field use and list of forbidden items.
Rules & Regulations
All users and spectators must follow these rules:
Each group must leave the Artificial Turf field five (5) minutes before their end time to allow transition time between groups.
Groups must not enter the field area until their start time.
Footwear on artificial turf fields must be moulded rubber cleats, turf shoes or running shoes. Metal cleats and screw-in plastic cleats are forbidden. This rule will be strictly enforced. Home teams must inform away teams of this rule and make sure referees enforce the rule. Players found with metal cleats or screw-in stud footwear on an artificial turf field will be assessed damages, and home teams and referees will be liable for the suspension of field privileges.
The only beverage permitted on the turf is water (in plastic or aluminum bottles).
Everything brought in to the enclosure is to be removed from the enclosure at the end of your use of the field. This includes all equipment, clothing, water bottles, bags, tape and garbage.
Spectators must remain on the outside area of the field.
Goals are never to be dragged on the turf.
Please do not allow players to pick or pull grass fibres or infill material on the field.
Staff must be immediately alerted to any instance of blood or vomit on the field.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed on artificial turf fields:
Dogs or pets of any kind.
Food or beverages, including gum, seeds, nuts or sport drinks.
Folding chairs or any other type of outdoor furniture.
Footwear with metal cleats or screw-in plastic cleats.
Glass bottles or glass containers of any type.
Tents with spikes.
Tobacco products.
The Artificial Turf Sport Field Rules & Regulations are in effect at all times and apply to everyone using the field.
Alcohol & Smoking – Zero Tolerance
Alcoholic beverages, smoking or illegal substances of any kind are strictly prohibited in all areas of Civic Recreation Complex (including the parking lot and change rooms). If the referees/officials suspect any player or team to be under the influence of alcohol or a substance, players will be requested to leave the game immediately. If a team or both teams are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or a substance the game will be suspended. If the suspended game is more than 50% completed this game will be considered completed and the score will be entered as such. If the game is less than 50% completed it will be considered a default game for both teams and entered as such. The League will issue warning letters to individuals in violation of these rules. Further violations will be subject to loss of points in the standings and suspension or expulsion from league.
Damage to Premises
Any damage to Civic Recreation Complex or its property will be replaced at the cost of the offending individual or team. Further penalties as a result of the vandalism are at the discretion of the City of Oshawa.
Personal Property
The City of Oshawa accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen personal property. We strongly suggest that no valuables be taken into the facility.
Accidents
All accidents and injuries must be reported to League Management and to the Facility Staff, immediately after an incident has occurred.
League Overview & Administration
All games will be played on a quarter field in the Civic Fieldhouse.
Non-contact / Recreational environment.
Players in the Co-ed Adult leagues must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
Players must sign Roster & Game Sheet.
Fighting & Dangerous play will not be tolerated.
Season Awards: Playoffs Champions.
Notices
All Players should check the league bulletin board and internet for any postings concerning game changes, standings and league news. All players should provide an email address to receive changes. Team Representatives are encouraged to check in with the League Convenor before each scheduled game and communicate all concerns to the League Director.
Code of Conduct
This is a Recreational Soccer League. Please remember to treat officials, opposing players and facility staff with fairness and respect. During the course of the game, the referees’ decisions are FINAL.
A sample of some of the behaviours that will not be tolerated on City property include but are not limited to:
Verbal abuse
Profane language
Threatening
Physical contact
Acts of aggression
Acts of frustration
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Infractions of the Player Code of Conduct may result in expulsion or suspension from the league for the current season and future seasons for both individual players or the team as a whole. Interpretation of all infractions is at the sole discretion of the City of Oshawa.
Team Registration
Official Team Registration Forms must be received accompanied by a 50% deposit payment three (3) weeks prior to the commencement of the league. Final payment is due November 1, 2024..
Team Player Registration
Each player on a team must complete a Team Player Registration Form before playing.
Registration and Payment Procedure
Registration and payments can be made at the Civic Recreation Complex located at:
99 Thornton Road South, Oshawa
Payments can be made via cash, cheque, debit or Visa/MasterCard/American Express. Cheques are made payable to City of Oshawa.
Team Schedules & Statistics
All schedules and team standings will be provided by the League Convenor.
Printed copies can also be supplied if required. Schedules will be e-mailed to all team reps prior to the start of the season. It is the responsibility of each team captain to communicate this information to their teammates.
Team Roster
Official Team Roster Forms must be completed in full and returned to the League by the first game of the season. Players not listed on the final roster will not be eligible to play for the team in the playoffs. A team may carry up to sixteen (16) players on their roster. Changes will be permitted after the third game of the season ONLY at the discretion of the League Convenor. Changes must be received seventy-two (72) hours prior to a game in order for players to be eligible. All players must be eighteen (18) years of age or older by the start of the regular season to compete in league play.
Players cannot be added to your roster after November 15. Only in extreme circumstances may this be reviewed.
All players must carry proof of identity and can be asked to provide this at any time by the League Convenor.
Callups
Any players subbing in on another team must sign the Game Sheet prior to the game and must be registered to the league. Callups may only be used as needed in the regular season.
Callups cannot be used for playoff games. Only rostered players to your team are eligible for a playoff game.
Season Awards
Awards will be issued to all Playoff Champions.
Change Rooms
Teams must vacate change rooms within fifteen (15) minutes after their game. Only specific male and female change rooms will be assigned. Teams will not have assigned change rooms.
End of League Review
The City of Oshawa will review the conduct of each player and each team to ensure the rules and regulations of the Oshawa Indoor Soccer League have been adhered to. The City reserves the right to decline the registration of an individual or entire team for violating the rules and regulations detailed in this document.
Game Preconditions
Players’ Equipment
Players shall not wear anything which is dangerous to themselves or another player.
The basic compulsory equipment of a player shall consist of a numbered shirt, shorts, stockings, shin guards and footwear. The footwear shall be appropriate to the indoor game and the playing surface. Players of the same team shall not have the same uniform number.
Shin guards, which must be covered entirely by the stockings, shall be made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, polyurethane or similar substance) and shall afford a reasonable degree of protection.
Team colours shall not conflict with each other or with the referee.
Jersey Requirements
In the event two (2) teams are wearing similar colour jerseys, the team listed as the Visitor on the Game Sheet shall change jerseys or wear pinnies supplied by the League.
Player Injury – Blood Drawn
If a player is cut during a game and blood is drawn, the player must leave the field to clean and bandage the wound prior to being allowed to return to the game. The City of Oshawa staff are on site and trained in Standard First Aid. Staff are equipped with first aid materials.
All rules will be enforced in accordance to the spirit in which League Management deems appropriate.
Game Sheet
All players must sign the Game Sheet prior to the start of each game. All Game Sheets will be available through the League Convenor prior to each game.
Players not listed or who have not signed the Game Sheet will not receive credit for points or attendance.
All late players must see the referee at half time to sign the Game Sheet.
Entry onto Field
Players are NOT permitted to enter onto the field until five (5) minutes prior to their scheduled game.
Game Length
Each game consists of two (2) equal periods of twenty-five (25) minute halves; total of fifty (50) minutes of game time. At half time the interval shall not exceed three (3) minutes except by consent of the referee. A pre-game warm-up is at the discretion of the facility.
Overtime – Playoffs Only
In a game requiring a winner to be declared, one (1) sudden death overtime period of five (5) minutes shall be played. If at the end of overtime the game is still tied, there will be a three (3) player sudden death shootout; best of three (3). If the game is still tied, there will be a one (1) player sudden death shootout until the game is won. No player may shoot again until all players from their team have shot. Any penalty in the five (5) minute overtime, that has not expired, will eliminate the penalized player from shootout participation. There is no overtime in the regular season games.
Player Lateness
Players arriving late can participate in the game. Late players must see referee after the game to sign the Game Sheet.
Defaulted Games
The following situations will result in a defaulted game:
If either team does not have a minimum of five (5) players in which two (2) MUST be female players on the field by ten (10) minutes after the scheduled start of the game.
If a player who has been ejected from the game for any reason does not leave the field in a timely manner (discretion of the referee). It is the team’s responsibility to ensure an ejected player leaves the playing surface and returns to change room.
If a team chooses not to continue a game after an injury to any of their players.
If either team cannot field five (5) players at any point during the game due to players being ejected or injured.
If either team refuses to continue the game for any reason other than safety concerns agreed to by the referees and League Convenor.
If either team fails to meet the financial payment terms of the league.
If a team uses a non-registered player or uses a callup that is not eligible.
If your team is unable to field a team please email the League Convenor forty-eight (48) hours in advance so that the other team can be notified.
For a team to be considered “in attendance,” as of the official game start time, they need to have a minimum of five (5) players.
League Management will outline the specific season’s defaulted game policy at the Team Representative Meeting.
In a situation where one (1) team defaults, the game will be cancelled and a scrimmage may be played. The game result will be listed as a 3-0 win for the non-offending team. The game will not be rescheduled.
In a situation where both teams default, the game will be cancelled and a scrimmage may be played. The game result will be listed as a 0-0 default with no points being awarded. The game will not be rescheduled.
Goal Differential
The maximum game goal differential for any regular season game is five (5) goals (e.g. If the final score is 12-0, the official game score will be 5-0). This rule is in place to de-emphasize the need to run up the score.
Ties in Standings
In the event of a tie in the standings at the conclusion of the regular season or after a playoff round-robin, the following steps (1-5) will be used to break the tie:
- Best record in head-to-head games amongst the tied teams.
- Most wins.
- Least goals against.
- Largest goal differential (goals for minus goals against).
- Coin toss.
Note 1: If there are still teams tied after a step (i.e. no single team is advanced), only the tied teams from that step move on to the next step of the procedure.
Note 2: Each time one (1) team has been advanced using this method (i.e. a tie has been broken) the remaining teams that are tied will revert back to Step 1) to break the remaining tie(s).
Note 3: Goal differential shall not exceed +5 in any playoff game.
Note 4: If all tied teams have not played head-to-head, Step 1) will be skipped and the process will begin with Step 2).
Although the scoring system awards two (2) points for a win and one (1) point for a tie, standings and playoff rankings will be determined via winning percentage within your division to allow for occasions where teams move from one (1) division to another during the season.
Final regular season standings and playoff rankings will be determined by a team’s winning percentage (WPCT) against teams in their current division.
Reseeding of Divisions
The League reserves the right to reseed divisions at any time. The League will review the divisions throughout the season.
League Playing Rules
FIFA Laws of the Game
All games are to be played under the recognized FIFA Laws of the Game. However, the following rules have been adapted for the facility and may differ from those of similar indoor facilities.
Field of Play
The field of play shall be on one (1) quarter field in the Civic Recreation Complex Fieldhouse. Dimensions of the quarter field are: Length forty-six (46) metre, Width thirty-three (33) metre.
Goal Area
Indicated in red.
Penalty Area
Indicated in red around the goal area.
Touch Line
Indicated in white on the outside of the field and the red line on the inside of the field.
Goal Line
Indicated in white on the outside of the field and the curtain on the inside of the field.
The Ball
A regulation soccer ball shall be used (same as outdoor ball). The City of Oshawa will provide the game ball.
Players
Each team will have a total of seven (7) players on the field including the goalkeeper. The maximum number of players that can dress in a game is sixteen (16); fifteen (15) plus the goalkeeper. A team can have a roster up to sixteen (16) people.
For All Co-Ed Games
Maximum four (4) male players. Minimum two (2) female players. A minimum of five (5) players is needed to start the game. If the team is not able to comply with this rule within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled start time, then the team that is short players will forfeit the game
Note: Female goalkeepers ARE counted towards the minimum.
Substitutions
Unlimited “on the fly” substitutions are permitted. However, any player who is leaving the field must be within three (3) metres of their team bench before the substitute may enter the field. Otherwise an illegal substitution will occur.
Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that the referee is informed before the change is made, and provided also, that the change is made during a stoppage of the game.
Teams cannot make substitutions through the game official (referee) causing play to be halted at any time. (e.g. a game official will not hold the play for teams to make substitutions after a goal or during a goal kick).
The Authority of the Referee
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Rules and Regulations of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at their discretion, on the advice of the League Convenor, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.
Powers and Duties
The Referee:
Enforces the Rules and Regulations of the league.
Controls the match in cooperation with the League Convenor.
Ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements as indicated under Player’s Equipment.
Acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match.
Stops, suspends or abandons the match, at their discretion, for any infringements of the rules and regulations.
Stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind.
Stops the match if, in their opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that they are removed from the field of play. (An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted).
Allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in their opinion, only slightly injured.
Ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped.
Allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time.
Punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one (1) offence at the same time.
Takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable behaviour and sending-off offences. They are not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play.
Takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at their discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds.
Acts on the advice of the League Convenor regarding incidents that they have not seen.
Ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play.
Indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped.
Provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players and/or team officials and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match.
Start of Play
A coin is tossed and the team that wins the toss decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match.
The other team takes the kick-off to start the match.
The team that wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second half of the match.
In the second half of the match, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals.
Kick-off
A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:
At the start of the match.
After a goal has been scored.
At the start of the second half of the match.
At the start of each period of extra time, where applicable.
A goal may not be scored directly from the kick-off.
Procedure:
All players must be in their own half of the field of play.
The opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four and a half (4.5) metres or five (5) yards from the ball until it is in play.
The ball must be stationary on the centre mark.
The referee gives a signal.
The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward.
The kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.
Infringements/Sanctions
If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player:
an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred
In the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure:
the kick-off is retaken
Dropped Ball
If, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the playing rules and regulations, the match is restarted with a dropped ball.
Procedure:
The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.
Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.
Infringements/Sanctions
The ball is dropped again:
if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the ground
if the ball leaves the field of play after it makes contact with the ground, without a player touching it
Ball Out of Play
The ball is out of play when:
it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air
it makes contact with the perimeter curtain or building structure / lights / roof
play has been stopped by the referee
Ball in Play
The ball is in play at all other times, including when:
It rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar or corner flag post and remains in the field of play.
It rebounds off either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers will have a maximum of six (6) seconds to distribute the ball out of the penalty arc area once they have gained possession of the ball (either in their hands or at their feet). If the goalkeeper takes possession of the ball outside the crease, they may dribble the ball back into the crease and then use their hands. If more than six (6) seconds elapses, the opposition shall get a free kick from the free kick mark at the top of the penalty arch.
Fouls and Misconduct
Free Kicks
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven (7) offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
- Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.
- Trips or attempts to trip an opponent.
- Jumps at an opponent.
- Charges an opponent.
- Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent.
- Pushes an opponent.
- Tackles an opponent.
A free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following three (3) offences:
- Holds an opponent.
- Spits at an opponent.
- Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within their own penalty area).
A free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred
Slide Tackling vs. Sliding
No player can touch the turf with any part of their body (other than their feet), when they are within one (1) to two (2) strides of the ball. If a defender slides and blocks a ball from entering the goal, a penalty kick will be awarded. Goalkeepers are permitted to slide tackle while making a save, as long as they are in the crease area and if the slide tackle is not considered by the referee to be reckless or dangerous.
Penalty Kicks
A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by a player inside their own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.
Free Kick
All free kicks shall be classified as "indirect" (i.e. a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been played or touched by a player other than the kicker before passing through the goal).
When a player is taking a free kick inside the player's own penalty area, all of the opposing players shall be at least five (5) metres from the ball and shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball has been kicked out of the area. The ball shall be in play immediately when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area. The goalkeeper shall not handle the ball, in order to kick it into play. If the ball is not kicked directly into play, beyond the penalty area, the kick shall be retaken.
When a player is taking a free kick outside the player's own penalty area, all of the opposing players shall be at least five (5) metres from the ball, until it is in play, unless they are standing on their own goal line, between the goal posts. The ball shall be in play when it is kicked and moves.
If a player of the opposing team encroaches into the penalty area, or within five (5) metres of the ball, as the case may be, before a free kick is taken, the referee shall delay the taking of the kick, until the playing rule is complied with.
The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken, and the kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player.
Notwithstanding any other reference in these playing rules to the point from which a free kick is to be taken:
- Any free kick awarded to the defending team, within its own goal area, may be taken from any point within the goal area.
- Any free kick awarded to the attacking team within its opponent's penalty area shall be taken from the penalty-area line, at least one (1) metre from the goal-line, at the point nearest to where the offence was committed.
- Any free kick awarded for an infringement along the curtain shall be taken at a point one (1) metre into the field of play.
Infringements/Sanctions
If the kicker, after taking the free kick, plays the ball a second time before it has been touched or played by another player, a free kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the spot where the infringement occurred. If the offence is committed by a player in the opponents' goal area, the free kick shall be taken from any point within the goal area.
Penalty Kick
A penalty-kick shall be taken from top of the penalty area and, when it is being taken, all players with the exception of the player taking the kick, properly identified, and the opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty-area, and at least three (3) metres from the spot of penalty kick. The opposing goalkeeper remains on their goal line, facing the kicker, between the goal-posts, until the ball is kicked. The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward; it shall not be played a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. The ball shall be deemed in play directly after it is kicked and moves. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty-kick. When a penalty-kick is being taken during the normal course of play, or when time has been extended at half time or full time to allow a penalty-kick to be taken or retaken, a goal shall not be nullified if, before passing between the posts and under the crossbar, the ball touches either or both of the goal posts or the crossbar, or the goalkeeper, or any combination of these agencies, providing that no other infringement has occurred.
Infringements/Sanctions
For any infringement of this playing rule:
- By the defending team, the kick shall be retaken if a goal has not resulted.
- By the attacking team other than by the player taking the kick, if a goal is scored it shall be disallowed and the kick retaken.
- By a member of both teams, the kick, if taken shall be retaken.
- By the player taking the penalty kick, committed after the ball is in play, a player of the opposing team shall take an indirect free kick from the spot where the infringement occurred, subject to the over-riding conditions imposed in taking a free kick.
Throw In
A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line (outside field) or makes contact with the touch line curtain (inside field), either on the ground or in the air.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
A goalkeeper, within their own penalty area, cannot handle a ball received directly from a throw in by a teammate.
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
Faces the field of play.
Outside field, has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line.
Inside field, has part of each foot either on the red line or on the ground outside the red line.
Holds the ball with both hands.
Delivers the ball from behind and over their head.
Delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play.
All opponents must stand no less than two (2) metres from the point at which the throw-in is taken.
The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.
After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line (outside field) or makes contact with the goal line curtain (inside field), either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.
The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team
Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area
Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line (outside field) or makes contact with the goal line curtain (inside field), either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored.
A goal may not be scored directly from a corner kick.
The ball must be placed within one (1) metre of the point at which the touchline and goal line meet nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line.
Opponents must remain at least five (5) metres from the ball until the ball is in play.
The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team.
The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.
The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.
Disciplinary Sanctions
The yellow card is used to communicate that a player has been cautioned.
The red card is used to communicate that a player has been sent off.
Only a player may be shown the red or yellow card.
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.
A player who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a teammate, the referee, or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed.
Cautionable Offences
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following six (6) offences:
- unsporting behaviour
- dissent by word or action
- persistent infringement of the playing rules and regulations
- delaying the restart of play
- failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in
- slide tackles or attempts to slide tackle
Sending-off Offences
A player is sent off if they commit any of the following seven (7) offences:
- Serious foul play.
- Violent conduct.
- Spitting at an opponent or any other person.
- Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within their own penalty area).
- Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick.
- Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.
- Receiving a second caution in the same match,
A player who has been sent off the field must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area.
League Discipline
All league discipline is dealt with through the league’s Discipline Chair and governed by the published rules and regulations as set out by Ontario Soccer Published Guidelines in Section 12.0 Discipline (https://www.ontariosoccer.net/governing-documents-discipline).