Players need to have a valid GSSL player card (or proof of GSSL membership – if using a temporary pass) to participate in the GSSL. Referees are instructed to review player cards/passes and team rosters before the start of the game. Players can purchase or renew their player card on the GSSL website online card purchase page.
Under the rules, players are required to have matching, numbered jerseys. The home team (team listed first on the schedule) must provide a game ball, and in case of a jersey color conflict, the home team must change. It is not necessary to have two sets of jerseys but carrying an alternate shirt of the same color is suggested.
Game rosters must be completed with each player’s name and corresponding jersey number. Teams should arrive at the game prepared with game rosters completed. If teams are not prepared, games may need to be shortened as we only have 100 minutes allocated for each game. Game rosters are mandatory for liability and referee game recording reasons.
Emergency Contact Information: We highly encourage team managers to create and maintain an emergency contact list for teammates. If there is an injury/concussion sustained that requires medical attention, you don’t want to be left scrambling to source the emergency contact information.
Concussion Protocol: If a referee suspects a player may have suffered a concussion during a match, they are authorized to send the player off and are required to retain the player card of the possibly concussed participant.
Please be courteous and respectful to referees. If you have a comment or complaint about a referee, please email your feedback to soccer@gssl.org.Managers should be the only team representative that can question a referee about a call (when the time is appropriate). Players should not surround referees and challenge a referee’s decision. Referees need to be respected. If we receive reports of referees being mistreated by a team, the team will be reprimanded or penalized. In the instance of a referee no-show, teams are expected to play the game. If possible, recruit someone from each team to referee a half -or- self-officiate and report the game score and send in the game rosters. Games will not be rescheduled in the event of a referee no-show.
Lighting and After-hours field contact information: If your team incurs any issues with field lighting, the afterhours contact information is available on the GSSL website. Please note that the lights are typically programmed to come on 15 minutes before the start time if there are no user groups scheduled before your game.
If there are youth or high school groups on the fields prior to your game, please be considerate when warming up. If games are delayed because youth are slow to leave the field, please notify soccer@gssl.org. We will address the situation with the field schedulers – no need to cause any friction with other user groups.
Per GSSL Rule 2.3: Each team, club, and other members organizations or associations shall be responsible for the conduct of its players, coaches, managers, and supporters to ensure their actions on or off the field do not bring disrespect upon the GSSL.
Link to GSSL Rules
Poor Air Quality and Excessive Heat Conditions: The GSSL does not typically cancel games unless the field scheduler/representative decides conditions are unsafe. Most field schedulers/representatives have been understanding about cancellations for air quality and extreme heat conditions, especially in recent years.
We encourage you to communicate with your opponent and decide what is best.
Given the high demand for fields, it may not be possible to reschedule games canceled due to poor air quality and excessive heat.
Forfeits: if teams need to forfeit, please try to provide 24 business hours' advanced notice – so we can notify the referee. If advanced notice is provided, the forfeit fine may not be imposed. Please email forfeit notices to soccer@gssl.org – to ensure the GSSL staff receives the messages. Teams that fail to provide notice of forfeiture will be assessed a $150.00 fine.
Team managers may want to consider contacting the opposing team - to let them know about player shortages in advance. The GSSL allows players to sub for other teams (so long as the player meets the age/eligibility requirements for participation).
Free Agents: The GSSL has a pool of available players that are eagerly waiting to join a team. If your team needs a few players to bolster your roster, send an email to soccer@gssl.org with your request (position/experience/competitive level/etc.).
Underage Goalkeeper Rule Modification: The underage goalkeeper rule allowance for divisions with age eligibility requirements has been revised. Underage goalkeepers must stay on their half of the field (no dribbling up the field or scoring/free kicks).
To ensure managers are receiving GSSL communications, they need to allow emails from
no-reply@teamsideline.com and no-reply@gssl.org.
This is the email address that sends out notices (to managers) about game
changes and league announcements