Rules and Policies
General Rules
- No smoking on or near any fields.
- No dogs allowed on or near any fields.
- No bicycles allowed on any fields. Please chain them to the nearest fence.
- Turf shoes are allowed on all fields.
- Cleats may only be worn on Dyckman, Jacob Schiff, Thomas Jefferson, 101/RSP, 107/RSP, and 103/RSP Fields
Referee's Rulings
A referee's rulings in West Side Soccer League are the final word, and may not be reversed after the game. Arguing a referee's decision is considered dissent, which will not be tolerated. Nevertheless, a t half time and after a game, a polite, non-aggressive approach to a referee to discuss an incident will generally be allowed.
Referees will not permit a game to start on a field where there is any hazard to the players. Players must wear shin guards, and the shin guards must be completely covered by socks; no player may wear jewelry (including watches, rings, bracelets, and earrings of any kind), plaster casts or baseball cleats. Only goalkeepers may wear hats. No helmets of any kind may be worn by any player. A player who is bleeding must leave the field and is considered injured; the bleeding must be stopped and the wound/cut bandaged before the player may return. Coa ches Not Allowed on the Field of Play Coaches may not enter the field of play without the referee's permission. Even when a player is injured, a coach must have the referee's consent=2 0to enter the field. At the quarter break, since the clock does not stop, coaches should make substitutions and direct players from the sidelines. Coaching will only be done from the sidelines by the assigned coach and assistant coach. No coach or parent will coach, cheer or in any way interfere with the players from behind the goal.
Injuries
The referee decides whether an injury is serious enough to (a) stop the game or (b) call for help. Coaches tend to any injury. Coaches may enter the field to tend to an injured player only when invited by the referee.
Substitutions
In West Side Soccer League games, all players who are present at the line-up must play at least three quarters. Substitutions are permitted at quarter breaks and at halftime. No substitutions may be made at other times except for an injured player. 0A
Game Duration
Referees will end each game before the next game is scheduled to begin. If a game begins late, the referee will inform both coaches that the game will be shortened.
Requests and Team Assignments
Every year WSSL receives numerous requests concerning team assignments. These requests are simple to make but they are not easy to grant. WSSL generally does not accept requests, except in the case of twin siblings. Further, WSSL does not accept conditional registrations, such as a registration conditional on a player being on a particular team or with a particular player or not practicing on a certain day.
We reserve the right to cancel the registration of any player if we believe that the parent or guardian is harassing the division director about team assignments. Please remember - our division directors are volunteers and we ask you to be polite and understanding.
We reserve the right to adjust teams after the season has begun if necessary to balance teams. We draft teams to be equal but teams can become unbalanced if, for example, a strong player drops out after teams have been assigned.
Jewelry
WSSL has an absolute prohibition on players of any age wearing any form of jewelry other than medical bracelets. This ban includes, in particular, studs worn in newly pierced ears (or other body parts). NO EXCEPTIONS!! No one has authority to waive this rule. Medic Alert bracelets may be worn, but must be taped down for the safety of all players.
Volunteers
Our program depends on volunteers. Each family is required to volunteer for two roles. Please sign up to be a referee, a coach, a program administrator, or even a sponsor for players who need help (both in our Region 611 and our sister program in Harlem).
Registration Form/Medical Release
Before a player may play or practice, a parent (or the player if 18 years old) must sign a standard form of registration form/medical release. Your coach or division head can provide you with the necessary form to sign.