A. INTRODUCTION
A.1 – All teams under the jurisdiction of this Association shall play under FIFA rules as set forth by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Amateur Division, unless changes are specified herein as otherwise.
A.2 – In the event of any organization, team, player, official member, referee or spectator being proven guilty of any violation of the Laws of the Game, Rules, Regulations, By-Laws of this League, or of the NCASA or USSF, the ABASA Board shall have the power to order the offending party to be removed from this Association, suspended for a stated period or dealt with in such manner as the Board may deem proper through its Discipline and Appeal Committee (“D & A Committee”). Any organization, team or player playing with or against the offending team, or player, shall also be dealt with, as the Board or D & A Committee may deem proper.
A.3 – The player assumes all risks, responsibility and liability for loss, damage or injury to himself while engaged as a player for the team or in using the property and facilities of the ABASA or of any entity allowing ABASA use of such property and facilities, whether such loss, damage or injury be occasioned by the team, its agents, employees or otherwise. The ABASA disclaims any and all claims for damages and costs arising out of such loss, damage or injury.
A.4 – The ABASA will make available limited medical coverage through the insurance programs sponsored by or provided by the NCASA and/or USSF. A player is only covered upon signing the official NCASA Registration Form and complying with the insurance requirements set out by the NCASA and the insurance provider.
A.5 – Every team is responsible for the conduct of its players, staff and spectators. As such, each team is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators from threatening or assaulting officials and players before, during or after the conclusion of games.
A.6 – The referee is required to include incidents of misconduct by players or fans in his match report. Such cases shall be investigated by the Board and/or D & A Committee and punished as allowed in its governing documents.
A.7 – The Association shall be entitled to publish in the press or in any other manner it may see fit league results, photos, information, etc.
A.8 – In cases of charges pressed against an affiliated team, official or individual, ABASA shall have the power to call upon parties involved to produce any book, letter or document and/or any other evidence the Board may require.
B. LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION
B.1 – ABASA will announce season dates, reserve fields, maintain relationships with city and county agencies, provide registration materials, book referees, track and publish team standings, collect player fees, submit team registration materials, maintain league compliance with NCASA Rules and Regulations, hold individual and team disciplinary hearings, enforce the Laws of the Game, the Rules of the Leagues, and issue fines, suspensions, and other disciplinary action to individuals and teams as it deems necessary to fulfill the mission of ABASA.
B.2 – ABASA will strive to offer the following Leagues for play, although others may be implemented depending upon demand:
- B.2.a – OPEN 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (at least 6 teams per Division)
- B.2.b – COED 1st, 2nd and 3rd (at least 6 teams per Division)
- B.2.c – WOMEN’S (at least 6 teams)
- B.2.d – OVER 40 1st & 2nd (at least 6 teams per Division)
B.3 – In most instances, Leagues will be authorized if 6 or more teams express interest and register on time, field space permitting.
B.4 – All Leagues will conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game with exceptions (number of players, length of matches, substitution limits, etc.) determined as needed for a particular League and/or tournament.
B.5 – ABASA reserves the right to evaluate matches and league standings to determine if promotion and relegation of teams within League Divisions is necessary or if a team demonstrates that it should be in a division other than the one it has registered. The decision of the ABASA Board will be final in these matters. Any team promoted or relegated will not be allowed to circumvent such decision by changing the team name or by any similar action designed to change the outcome of the team’s move. For promotion within the Open League (and any other specified Leagues) divisions, total points accumulated throughout the tournament will determine who will be promoted.
B.6 – ABASA promotion and relegation as outlined in the Rules of Play may take place during the mid- season break and between seasons, at the discretion of the Board.
B.7 – Any team player, team or coach participating in a game outside the sanction of ABASA/NCASA is not covered by the NCASA Insurance Policy.
C. MATCHES and GAME PLAY
C.1 – Match length: 11v11—2, 45 minute halves with a 10 minute halftime interval 8v8—2, 35 minute halves with a 10 minute halftime interval. Halftime can be shortened upon approval by both teams and match official.
C.2 – Both teams are to be ready to play at the scheduled start time. Minimum players for 11v11 is 7 and minimum for 8v8 is 5. If one team is short (less than seven players for 11v11 and 5 for 8v8), a (10) ten-minute delay period will begin.
- C.2.a – For 11v11 matches: If the team that is short players cannot field 7 players within 10 minutes past the start time their opponent will have the option of accepting a forfeit at that time or delaying further for as long as 30 minutes past the original start time. In the event that the match begins 30 minutes past the original start time two 35 minute halves will be played, with a 5 minute halftime.
- C.2.b – The referee is permitted to deduct an equal amount of time from each half once the game is past 5 minutes of the scheduled kick off. For both 11v11 and 8v8: after the halves have been shortened 5 minutes each, the next 5 minutes will be deducted from the usual 10 minute halftime interval.
- C.2.c – For 8v8 matches: If the team cannot field the minimum of 5 players within 10 minutes of the scheduled start their opponent will have the option of accepting a forfeit at that time or delaying further for as long as 30 minutes past the original start time. In the event that the match begins 30 minutes past the original start time two 25 minute halves will be played, with a 5 minute halftime. As soon as the team that was short has enough players to start the match, it will begin.
- C.2.d – The referee is permitted to deduct an equal amount of time from each half once the game is past 5 minutes of the scheduled kick off. For both 11v11 and 8v8: after the halves have been shortened 5 minutes each, the next 5 minutes will be deducted from the usual 10 minute halftime.
C.3 – If the team does not have enough players after the delay, the match is a forfeit and the winning team is awarded a 3-0 victory (if the forfeiting team has had any past game forfeitures within that season, it may be fined a $100.00 forfeiture fee).
C.4 – No scheduled games shall be postponed or re-scheduled without the consent of ABASA.
C.5 – Postponement policy:
- C.5.a – League rep must be notified a minimum of five days in advance of game
- Step 1: The league rep must approve, taking field space into consideration.
- Step 2: If there is field space available, the opposing captain must agree to a postponement.
- Must be finalized by 48 hours prior.
- If reschedule is not approved, the team that originally applied for the reschedule will have the option to either play the game as scheduled or forfeit the match.
C.6 – Teams must identify Home and Away uniform colors with their registration. When jersey colors of the competing teams are the same, the home team must change or provide satisfactory identifying marks.
C.7 – The referee shall have the right to call off the game due to adverse weather. The Association, in cooperation with City and County officials, who own the fields, will when possible update the ABASA web site at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled start of matches.
C.8 – Player substitutions shall be permitted as allowed for in FIFA Regulations with the following exceptions:
C.8.a – There is no limitation on re-entry
C.8.b – There is no limitation on the number of substitutions during the match
C.8.c – Any team deemed guilty of time-wasting during substitution is subject to the discipline of the referee, who may also add time to the match to make-up for the wasted time as he sees fit
C.9 – Standings shall be determined by awarding three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie, zero (0) points for a loss.
C.10 – Should two or more teams be tied on points at the end of the season, the following Tie-breaker format will apply:
C.10.a – Head to Head
C.10.b – Best Goal Differential
C.10.c – Most Goals For
C.10.d – Least Goals Against
C.10.e – Least Yellows
C.10.f – Least Reds
C.10.g – Coin Toss
C.11 – Should two teams be tied at the end of a playoff or tournament match, the following tiebreaker format will apply:
C.11.a – For 11v11 leagues: Two 10 minute extra time periods played under the Golden Goal standard” if no goal is scored then penalty kicks (best of 5). – (unless this standard is waived by the Board and notice is provided prior to the match). If tied after 5 penalty kicks, sudden death format will begin to determine the winner.
C.11.b – For 8v8 leagues: Teams will play one 10 minute extra time period under the Golden Goal standard, if no goal is scored then penalty kicks (best of 5). –(unless this standard is waived by the Board and notice is provided prior to the match). If tied after 5 penalty kicks, sudden death format will begin to determine the winner.
i. Note: at the end of the extra-time period(s), only the players on the field will be allowed to participate in the kicks. Substitutions will not be permitted for the kicks.
C.12 – A player will not be allowed to play without appropriate attire as spelled out in Law IV — Players Equipment.Matching team jerseys with numbers on the back are requisite to play. If applicable, Referees may allow “similar” jersey colors with the approval of the opposing team Captain prior to the game beginning.
C.13 – The number on the back of the jersey may only be handwritten or taped with the approval of the Referee.
C.14 – A game is considered complete at the end of the first half. If, for any reason, a game is terminated by the referee after the first half and before the end of regulation play, the score will stand as it is and the game will be considered complete.
C.15 – Forfeited games may still be played as a friendly with the approval of the ABASA Site Coordinator and/or team captains. Referees will not be required to referee the match. However, the field must be cleared at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game.
C.16 – Players will report to midfield to await substitution. Referees and Assistant Referees will administer the substitution in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game.
C.17 – Any player, coach, or supporter ejected from a match must immediately leave the premises. Failure to do so will result in the match being terminated.
C.18 – Teams are responsible for removing trash from the field after the game and parking cars in designated parking areas.
C.19 – Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at playing sites.
D. TEAM and PLAYER ADMINISTRATION
1. An Open League team may have any combination of male or female players on the field at any one time. There are no gender restrictions on team composition in the Open League.
2. Coaches’, Assistant Coaches’ and Team Managers’ Passes or official NCASA match rosters accompanied by a valid form of identification (government issued ID or an USSF/NCASA issued player pass) will be presented to the referee on the field. Failure to present a valid USSF/NCASA player pass or valid government ID will disqualify a player from a contest. ABASA must certify the passes before use.
3. For a player to participate in a game the photo on the Player Pass or ID must clearly match the player’s face, the name on the Player Pass or ID must appear on the roster, and the number on the roster must match the number on the player’s jersey.
4. Hand written changes or additions to match rosters will not be accepted on game day at fields, unless so authorized by an Officer of the Board. Hence, players not appearing on the official NCASA match roster will be ineligible to play on that game day. Digital match rosters will not be accepted. NCASA match rosters must be presented in paper form to the officials.
5. Player passes are issued at the beginning of the NCASA calendar year in February. Even if the player pass is issued at a later date that player pass is only valid for that calendar year. It will be at the discretion of the ABASA Board or of NCASA to reissue or revoke player passes.
D. TEAM and PLAYER ADMINISTRATION
1. An Open League team may have any combination of male or female players on the field at any one time. There are no gender restrictions on team composition in the Open League.
2. Coaches’, Assistant Coaches’ and Team Managers’ Passes or official NCASA match rosters accompanied by a valid form of identification (government issued ID or an USSF/NCASA issued player pass) will be presented to the referee on the field. Failure to present a valid USSF/NCASA player pass or valid government ID will disqualify a player from a contest. ABASA must certify the passes before use.
3. For a player to participate in a game the photo on the Player Pass or ID must clearly match the player’s face, the name on the Player Pass or ID must appear on the roster, and the number on the roster must match the number on the player’s jersey.
4. Hand written changes or additions to match rosters will not be accepted on game day at fields, unless so authorized by an Officer of the Board. Hence, players not appearing on the official NCASA match roster will be ineligible to play on that game day. Digital match rosters will not be accepted. NCASA match rosters must be presented in paper form to the officials.
5. Player passes are issued at the beginning of the NCASA calendar year in February. Even if the player pass is issued at a later date that player pass is only valid for that calendar year. It will be at the discretion of the ABASA Board or of NCASA to reissue or revoke player passes.
E. Player Registration (Specific)
1. Players must be at least 18 years old to play in ABASA. The player can be 17, but they must turn 18 within the calendar year of their participation.
2. Players are only allowed to register with one team in each league.
3. Upon registration, each player will be provided with an USSF/NCASA player pass.
4. A release for an amateur player is required when a player changes teams during the season. There are no team transfers allowed during the course of a season without Board approval.
5. Players for a team that disbands will automatically be released unless the team or player is under suspension.
6. Players are automatically released at the end of their team’s season.
7. All player releases and transfers must go through and be approved and certified by the ABASA Board.
8. Previously unregistered players may be added to a team roster during the season up until the deadline set each season by the Board. In order to be eligible for post-season tournaments, players must have played with his registered team at least once during the regular season.
9. Players may transfer teams at the discretion of the Board prior to the fourth game of the season.
F. Fines and Suspensions
1. If a team forfeits two or more games in a season, the team runs the risk of losing their spot in the division the following season at the discretion of the ABASA Board.
2. A team not appearing for a scheduled game more than once during a season may be fined or may face disciplinary action at the discretion of the ABASA Board.
3. Any player accumulating three (3) yellow cards during a season shall stand suspended for at least one (1) game immediately after accumulation of the third yellow card. From thereon, every time that player accumulates two (2) more yellow cards within that same season, they shall be suspended for another game. If a player is sent off during a match when they return from suspension they will still have the same number of accumulated yellow cards as before the suspension. The Board’s D & C Committee shall be the final arbiter on any additions or enhancements to this rule.
4. A player who has been sent off shall automatically stand suspended for (1) game. If further punishment is necessary, the incident will be reviewed by the D & C Committee, which shall be the final arbiter on any addition to the length of the suspension. A player who is ejected from a match due to violent conduct will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games. ABASA will notify NCASA D & C of the incident and the player may be suspended for more games by NCASA.
5. For threatening or abusive action towards match officials before, after or during a match, a separate referee abuse report may be filed with NCASA.
6. ABASA reserves the right to call a disciplinary meeting, through the D & C Committee, with the player(s) involved, and referee(s) to investigate any incident deemed worthy of investigation.
7. This Association shall recognize suspensions or rulings of other state-affiliated leagues of which they have been notified.
8. The ABASA Board reserves the right to sanction all players and teams as a result of a disciplinary hearing.
9. Sanctions may consist of warnings, suspension, probation, fines, loss of points from the offending team, expulsion from ABASA, or any penalty deemed fit by the Board and/or the Disciplinary Committee.
10. It is ABASA’s policy to only hear appeals on multi-game suspensions. Yellow cards or one-game suspensions are not appealable.
G. Appeals
1. A protest of a match or appeal of a sending off may be made pursuant to the published D & C Committee rules and regulations.
2. Any grounds for protest of a match must be made to ABASA, at the time the offended party is made aware of a perceived injustice.
H. Referees
1. All ABASA game officials must be certified and registered through USSF.
2. ABASA will conduct all payment with referees.
3. It is the responsibility of the referee to enforce the Laws of the Game, and any addendums to the LOTG which may apply on a league by league basis.
4. The referee is required to file an online match report. Game score as well as other related incidents including severe injuries, accidents, cautions, and send offs shall be reported.
5. Any act(s) of unruly conduct from players, coaches, or fans is also to be reported.
I. Important Things to Remember
1. Shin guards are mandatory for all ABASA matches, socks must cover guards. No exceptions. No guards, No play!
2. No changes in the game schedule are permitted without permission of the Association’s Office.
3. Games will be postponed ONLY for inclement weather (check the web site) or for reasons deemed acceptable by the ABASA Board.
4. All efforts will be made to re-schedule matches cancelled due to inclement weather. In the event matches cannot be made up, the Board will hear recommendations from the League Representative and/or team captains of the affected teams, about how to address such unscheduled matches.
5. Any team found to be in grossly negligent disregard for the facilities on which we play will be subject to review by the Board and disciplined as the Board sees fit.
6. All players, team organizers/officials and spectators are responsible for knowing and complying with the County of Buncombe ordinances relating to conduct on public property. All members of the Board of Directors of ABASA are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the corporation. Failure to do so may constitute grounds for removal from the Board of Directors. ABASA will not, as a matter of policy, sponsor or schedule games with teams not affiliated with
the NCASA or USSF. ABASA teams that play unaffiliated teams will do so without the authorization of the ABASA, and will not be covered by the NCASA insurance policy.
