Laws of the Game
SportXpo – 6v6
Winter 2015/16
1. ADMINISTRATION
1.1. TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
All team captains must be present at the Annual General Assembly (if applicable).
The team listed as “home” on the QSL schedule online, is responsible for changing jerseys or
wearing pinnies in the case of both teams wearing clashing colors.
Both teams are responsible for printing out an up-to-date (within 48 hours of the following
match) game sheet and handing it in before the start of the game.
All players returning from a suspension over one year in length must pay a $100.00 re-entry
fee.
All league trophies must be replaced if lost or broken.
1.2. GAME SHEETS
There may be up to 14 players on each team’s respective game sheet.
There is a limit of 25 players on each team’s respective roster.
All new players should be added on the roster, through the Captain Portal, by the team
captain, prior to printing the game sheet - Any new players, not indicated on the game
sheet must be added by hand (in legible block letters) prior to the game.
All players must have valid identification (Medicare, Driver’s License or Passport) at every
game.
Any team playing an illegal player will be fined $100.00. A second offence will lead to
automatic dismissal.
1.3. PERSONNEL ON THE BENCH
All teams are permitted to have two non-playing personnel on the bench per game. Their
names must be indicated on the game sheet with their “staff” role clearly indicated.
All players serving a suspension are not permitted to be on the bench. They are permitted
to stay in the stands and may not step on the field until the game is over.
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No children, friends or family members are permitted on the bench. Each person sitting on
the bench must be clearly identified on the game sheet.
1.4. ROSTER CHANGES
Teams may freely add or remove players from their roster until game number 15.
After that point, there can be no further changes to the roster.
A player is eligible for playoff competition once he/she has participated in 6 games during
the regular season with the same team.
1.5. WITHDRAWAL OF TEAMS
In the event of a team being expelled or withdrawn from the league, its paid fees will not be
refunded.
If an expelled team has played an equal number of games against each opponent, its games
will count towards the remaining teams’ final standings.
If an expelled team has not played an equal number of games against each opponent, its
games will be omitted from the remaining teams’ standings.
2. EQUIPMENT
The compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following items:
 A jersey or shirt with sleeves
 Shorts
 Socks
 Shin guards
 Footwear
Pants may only be worn by the goalkeeper, while he/she is in the goal. Tights are not
considered pants, and they are legal if worn under shorts.
Shin guards must be covered entirely by the socks. They must be made of rubber, plastic or
a similar suitable material.
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The use of 6-stud cleats, cleats with long-stud screw-ins or any shoes with metal on the sole
is strictly prohibited.
Only non-metal sports goggles or contact lenses are permitted.
Any knee brace must be taped and wrapped.
Players may not participate in games if they are wearing a cast on an injured limb, unless
the referee permits it.
3. COMPETITION FORMAT
3.1. POINT SYSTEM
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3 points are awarded to the winning team of a regular season match.
2 points are awarded to the winning team of a regular season match in overtime.
1 point is awarded for a draw; or a loss in overtime, of a regular season match.
0 points will be awarded to the losing team of a regular season match.
3.2. TIE-BRAKER
If teams are tied on points at the end of the regular season, the QSL’s standard tie-breaker
system will determine the final standings.
1. Most total wins
2. Head-to-head results
3. Goal Differential (+/-)
4. Goal Ratio (GF/GA)
5. Best disciplinary record (Red cards (2pts) + Yellow cards (1pt))
3.3. ADDITIONAL GAMES
All divisions will play 20 games, regardless of the number of teams in the division. To ensure
parity in scheduling the additional games, a formula has been adopted using the teams’
standing as of the week prior to the additional games being played. (See appendix for
details)
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4. LAWS OF OUR GAME
4.1. START OF THE MATCH
Each team will field 6 players at a time, including 1 goalkeeper (clearly identified at all
times).
A game will not begin until each team has a minimum of 4 players present.
All players arriving after kickoff must present themselves to the referee before the start of
the second half.
In the event of less than 4 players being present at kickoff time:
 After 5 minutes – the team in question will give a goal to the opponents.
 After 10 minutes – the team in question will give a second goal to the opponents.
 After 15 minutes – the team in question will forfeit the match by the score of 3 to 0,
and be subject to a $50.00 fine.
Upon the second forfeited match, the team will be fined $100.00.
In the event of a third forfeited match, the team will be fined $150.00 and risks being
ejected from the league.
All players arriving late must check in, with the match official, prior to participating in the
match.
4.2. DURATION OF GAMES
Each game will consist of 2 halves of 25 minutes each
If the two teams are within 2 goals of each other, the final 2 minutes of the second half will
be played with stopped time.
If the score is tied after 50 minutes, the game will end in a draw.
During stopped time, the clock will stop any time the referee whistles, and restart upon the
restart of play.
If a game is terminated before full time for any reason, it is considered valid if 35 minutes
have been played. If 35 minutes have not been played, the game will be rescheduled.
Note: If the game is terminated due to violent or inappropriate behavior by both teams, the
game will not be rescheduled and will not count regardless of the amount of minutes
played. Both teams will receive a forfeit loss.
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4.3. PENALTIES
When a penalty is called, the team receiving the penalty must play one-man down for the
duration of the penalty, unless they concede a goal, which will end the serving of the
penalty.
If a penalty is called in a situation of advantage, the referee will allow the play to continue
until the penalized team gains full possession of the ball. If a goal is scored during this
period of time, the penalty will be annulled. In the event that a card was merited, the player
in question will still receive the appropriate card.
Goals only end the serving of the penalty when there is a numbers up advantage on the
pitch. If a goal is scored when numbers are even, regardless of the number of players
serving penalties, none of the penalties being served will be ended.
If both teams receive penalties at the same time, both teams will continue to play with full
numbers. Any goal that is scored during the time which the penalties are being served, will
not affect the duration of the penalties in question, as there is no advantage to either team.
5 minute penalties for red-card offences must be served in their entirety. A goal scored by
the opposing team will not end a penalty of this severity.
4.4. FOULS/CARDS/PENALTIES
A player may receive a red card and an automatic 5 minute penalty if:
 He/she is guilty of a caution when he/she is the last man between the opponent and
the goal, and he prevents a goal scoring opportunity.
 He/she is guilty of a handball offence, which is intentional in nature and prevents an
opponent’s goal scoring opportunity.
 He/she is guilty of a tackle or challenge deemed dangerous or with the intent to
injure.
 He/she is guilty of severe unsportsmanlike conduct, violence or referee abuse.
If a player receives a yellow card, for a lesser infraction, an automatic 2 minute penalty will
automatically be awarded as well.
If a player/staff member on the bench receives a penalty for whatever reason, a player who
was on the field at the time of the infraction must serve the penalty.
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If a player/staff member protests a penalty call excessively, abuses the official or behaves in
a flagrant unsportsmanlike manner; the referee may issue an additional 2 minute penalty,
or a red card and an additional 5 minute penalty.
All instances of delay of game will result in a 2 minute penalty. Persistent delays, may result
in a yellow card.
4.5. BOARD PLAY
Caution and respect must be demonstrated at all times when play is close to the boards.
The QSL will treat this very seriously.
Any player who pushes another player into the boards from behind or in a vulnerable
position will receive a yellow card and a 2 minute penalty. If the push is flagrant, the referee
may issue a red card and a 5 minute penalty.
Players, both offensive and defensive cannot, keep both of their hands on the boards for an
extended period of time to gain an advantage.
Using both hands on the boards to shield the ball or to push someone off the ball will
receive an automatic 2 minute penalty.
A player placing both his hands on the boards briefly for safety or to slow down is allowed
to do so.
4.6. SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions may take place at any time during the run of play, or during a stoppage. The
player exiting the field must be entirely off the field prior to the entrance of the substitute.
A team finding themselves with 7 players on the field at any time, will be handed a 2 minute
penalty.
4.7. STOPPED BALLS
All kickoffs from center permit the players to pass the ball forward or backward, to start the
play. A goal scored from kickoff is valid. (Direct)
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Goal Kick:
A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. (Direct)
During a goal-kick, an opposing player must stand five (5) yards from the Goalkeeper’s
placement of the ball, as long as it is inside the box.
Foul:
If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution, a direct free kick will be given to
the opposing team.
Contact with Ceiling:
A direct free kick will be awarded within three (3) feet of the boards closest to the point of
contact.
Out of bounds:
A direct free kick will be awarded within three (3) feet of the boards.
4.8. SLIDING
Slide tackling is strictly prohibited. A sliding action is considered a tackle if a player lunges at
an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using
one or both legs.
Slide tackling will be penalized by a two (2) minute penalty.
If a slide tackle occurs inside the box, a penalty shot will be awarded to the opposing team.
A player may slide to block a shot or save the ball from going out of play. There is no
infraction if the slide was not intended to dispossess the opponent of the ball.
A player on the ground may not attempt to play the ball if there an opponent within playing
distance. If there is no opponent is in the vicinity of the ball, no foul will be called.
4.9. GOALKEEPER-SPECIFIC
The goalkeeper is not allowed to pick up any ball passed intentionally from one of his
teammates by foot.
 If this occurs inside the penalty area, a direct free kick will be given from the edge of
the penalty area and a two (2) minute penalty will be assessed.
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If this occurs outside the penalty area, a direct free kick will be given from the spot
of the foul and a two (2) minute penalty will be assessed.
All penalties called against a goalkeeper must be served by another player who was on the
field at the time of the penalty call.
A goalkeeper controlling a ball outside of the area, is not allowed to carry it back into the
area and pick it up. This is considered a delay of game and a two (2) minute penalty will be
awarded.
A ball thrown by the goalkeeper, which enters the opponent’s goal, without touching any
other players will be considered valid. A ball in the goalkeeper’s hand is always considered
in play.
4.10. PENALTY KICK
There is no additional penalty awarded when a penalty kick is awarded, unless the foul
merits a card. In this case, the team in question will serve a penalty appropriate to the card.
(2 minutes for a yellow and 5 minutes for a red)
When a penalty kick is awarded, the result on the action will either be a goal or a goal-kick.
The play is whistled down immediately after the ball has either crossed the goal line (in the
goal or otherwise), been saved by the goalkeeper or mishit by the shooter.
There are no rebounds or corner kicks occurring as a result of the penalty kick.
4.11. THE MERCY RULE
In the event of a ten goal difference in score, the referee will end the game and apply the
“Mercy Rule”. The statistics from that game are valid.
If the teams decide to finish the match in friendly play, all yellow cards accumulated will
continue to be counted.
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4.11. CO-ED SPECIFIC RULES
There must be a minimum of two (2) females on the field at all times. In a situation where a
team does not have the required minimum, play will be stopped until an additional female
is substituted into the play.
In the case of a red card being shown to a female, the team is permitted to continue the
game with one (1) less female than normally required.
Males are prohibited from striking the ball violently if a female is standing in the trajectory
between the ball and the net, at the moment of the shot. This rule does not apply if a
female is a part of a wall, during a free kick; nor if a team’s goalkeeper is a female.
5. THE QSL CUP
The QSL cup is a single elimination tournament.
All QSL Cup games will be fifty (50) minutes in duration. A In the event of a draw, a three (3)
shot, penalty shootout will determine the winner.
In a division with eight (8) to ten (10) teams:
Six (6) teams qualify for the cup. The top two (2) teams get a bye into the semi-finals. The
next four (4) teams will play in the first round.
In a division with seven (7) or less teams:
Four (4) teams qualify for the cup, and play in the semi-finals.
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6. APPENDIX
6.1. ADDITIONAL GAMES
Ten (10) team division: Each team will play each opponent twice. The remaining 2 games
will be scheduled as follows, based on the standing at the end of week 18:
1st place will play –
2nd place will play –
3rd place will play –
4th place will play –
5th place will play –
6th place will play –
7th place will play –
8th place will play –
9th place will play –
10th place will play –
2nd, 10th
1st, 9th
4th, 8th
3rd, 7th
6th, 6th
5th, 5th
8th, 4th
7th, 3rd
10th, 2nd
9th, 1st
Eight (8) team division: Each team will play each opponent three times, totaling 21 games.
The final game of the third round of games will be omitted from the schedule.
Six (6) team division: Each team will play each opponent four times, totaling 20 games.
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