Rules of The Game

    • Player Age Requirements

      • Outdoor = Ages 25+. Each team is allowed 2 “babies” - “babies must be at least 20 years of age)

      • Indoor Essex Junction Division = Ages 25+. Each team is allowed 2 “babies” - “babies must be at least 20 years of age)

      • Indoor Shelburne Division = Ages 18+ . U18 players are allowed but all “mixed age teams” will be subject to US Safesport rules.)

      • Number of players on the field

        • Outdoor and Essex Junction Indoor Division = 7 field players + 1 goalie

        • Shelburne Indoor Division = 6 field players + 1 goalie

      • 12 player minimum roster is required. Team fee covers up to 15 players. Max roster size is 20.

      • We play on U12 Size Fields (approx 50 yards wide by 75 yards long / Indoor 40 yards wide by 75 yards long

      • Goal: 6.5' tall by 18' wide

      • Game length - Two 27 minute halves.

      • Under NO circumstance may anyone, other than sanctioned, registered, league players and referees be allowed on the field of play during league play.

      • By virtue of registering with the league, all players commit to adhering to and obeying all league rules and policies.

    • League matches feature two twenty-seven minute halves.

    • Playoff formats / game times may vary from regular session games.

    • If a playoff match remains tied at the conclusion of regulation time, teams will go to penalty kicks. During all preliminary playoff games, a 3 shot format will be used to break the tie. Should the score remain tied after 3 shots, a new player from each team will shoot in a single elimination format to break the tie. If the championship match is tied after regulation time, a 5 pk format will be used to break the tie. Players are not allowed to shoot twice until every player on the team has taken one shot. Goalies included. Only players who are on the field at the conclusion of regulation time will be allowed to shoot in the first round.

    • Participants in Elite 8 Outdoor and Elite 8 Indoor “Essex Division” must be at least 25 years of age to participate.

    • Participants in Elite 8 Shelburne Indoor Division must be 18 years of age.

      • U18 players are allowed to play but any “mixed age team” will be subject to US Safesport rules. Please contact league management for more info or scroll down to the section below titled “US Safesport”.

    • Any player who turns 25 (or 18) during the season will be considered “of age” and allowed to play.

    • “Outdoor Season” is defined as May through October. “Indoor Season” is defined as November through April.

    • Elite 8 Outdoor and Junction Indoor Division teams are allowed up to 2 players per roster below the age of 25 - also known as “babies”. No players below the age of 20 will be allowed to play. Don't even ask!

    • The Elite 8 requires rostering a minimum of 12 players. 14 are recommended. 15 is covered under the team fee. 20 players max.

    • All players are required to register on an official Elite 8 team roster and with the VSSA in order to play. NO registration, NO play!

    • Team Managers / Captains are required to submit their rosters on Official E8SL roster form prior to the first game of any session. We require participants names, date of birth and email. This information allows us to track registration. One player per roster must be listed as your “full time goalkeeper”.

    • Any team caught playing with non registered players will result in a 0-3 forfeit loss.

    • Teams will be allowed to add players to their roster during the first four weeks of a session if needed, but only if the league is notified. Should you add players to create a roster of more than 15 players, a $40 fee will be charged for each additional player.

    • No roster changes will be allowed after the fourth week of a session unless injuries result in a roster dropping below 10 players, or a request is made to, and approved by the league. The only exception to this rule pertains to goalkeepers.

    • Players are not allowed to double roster within the league on multiple teams.

    • All players should be prepared to provide photo ID before each game, or proof of registration.

    • All players must wear league issued jersey or may be asked to provide proof if ID.

    • All players must wear their current session, league issued jersey for all games. This jersey will act as your player ID, but an official ID check may be requested at any time by the league or referee for proof of registration.

    • Players are not allowed to share jerseys during game play.

    • If you did not receive a jersey please contact the league and you will be provided one.

    • Shin pads made of a “suitable, certified and acceptable material” are mandatory and must be worn during game play.

      • Shinpads are NOT a piece of cardboard, or a credit card, or a paper clip stuffed into your socks. Shin pads must be made of plastic or rubber. Not metal or aluminum or cardboard.

    • If your team is light on numbers during regular session league games ONLY, teams may borrow other registered E8SL players so that your team has up to two (2) subs for that game. BUT you must have a minimum number of rostered / registered players for the game to count.

    • Rostered player minimums are as follows:

      • Elite 8 outdoor (8v8), teams must have a minimum of 6 rostered players, and can borrow to have up to 10 players / 2 subs max.

      • Elite 8 indoor 25+ league (8v8), teams must have a minimum of 6 rostered players, and can borrow to have up to 10 players / 2 subs max.

      • Elite 8 indoor 18+ league (7v7), teams must have a minimum of 5 rostered players, and can borrow to have up to 9 players / 2 subs max.

    • When borrowing players, you may only borrow one (1) player from another team. For example, if you need to borrow two (2) players, each player borrowed must come from a different team.

    • The only exception to the borrowing rule pertains to goalies. If your registered / rostered goalie cannot make a game you may borrow another league goalie, regardless of how many rostered field players you have for that game. Each team must designate one player on your roster as your “full time goalie”.

    • Borrowing players is to be used as a safeguard to ensure your team has access to a full side on game day. Borrowing may not be utilized on a weekly basis. If you find your team needs to borrow players on a routine basis, you must contact league management and we’ll help you find players to roster permanently.

    • "Borrowed Players" are defined as currently registered Elite 8 league players from another currently enlisted Elite 8 team, within your league. NO players from off the street are allowed to play.

    • Borrowed players must be from your league, no cross league borrowing allowed.

    • If a team borrows players and then their rostered players show up after the game has started, you may no longer play the borrowed players. Rostered players always take priority. You must send the borrowed players home.

    • Borrowing Process

      • Borrowed players may only come from other currently enlisted Elite 8 teams within your league.

      • You may not borrow the same players 2 weeks in a row.

      • To borrow a player, please contact League Management 24 hours prior to your scheduled kick off. Let the league know how many players you need, then borrow as needed from other teams or resort to the call up list if available.

      • If you need help finding a borrowed player/s, the league will assist you.

    • You must uphold the league age rule when borrowing. Meaning, if you have 2 rostered “babies” playing, you may not borrow additional “babies”.

    • Unregistered players, also known as “off the street players” are strictly prohibited from Elite 8 League play, at all times.

    • Player borrowing is ABSOLUTELYNOT allowed during playoff / tournament matches. That includes goalies. No Exceptions!!!

    • Infractions to any of these rules will result in a 0-3 forfeit loss for the infracting team.

    • Win = 3 points

    • Tie = 1 point

    • Loss = 0 points

    • Forfeits count as a 0-3 loss for the team who forfeits.

    • “Unannounced No Show forfeits” will be scored as a 0-5 loss for the team who does not show. See additional rules below.

  • League payment must be made in full prior to a team’s third match. Any violation of this policy will result in possible sanctions by the E8SL management and game forfeiture. For payment info please contact league management.

  • In order for a player to be eligible to play in the end of session tournament they must have played in a minimum of 1/3 of the regular session games. Ie. in a 12 game session, a player must participate in 4 regular session games in order to play in the tourney. If a player is sidelined due to injury, they are excluded from this rule and may play in the tournament with less than the required minimum games played, but must notify the league prior to the tournament.

    • Teams must have at least 6 rostered players to conduct a scored match. If your team has less than the minimum required players on site at the time of kick off and cannot borrow players to field a full side within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time, your team will automatically accept a 0-3 forfeit loss. You may then play a “friendly game” vs your opponent. The game clock will start promptly at the scheduled kick off time.

    • All teams have paid to play. If for any reason your team is not able to play a game you may be held responsible for covering fees and / or fines.

    • If you cannot field a full team (meaning, you have less than the required minimum number of players for a game to be official), you may request a reschedule. A formal request must be submitted to the league at least 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled kick off. In order for a reschedule to be granted the following conditions must be met -

      • Field space and officials must be available at no additional cost to the league.

      • The team requesting the reschedule must propose two alternate make up dates / times. If the requested make up dates are not accepted by the opposing team the reschedule will be declined. If no alternate time can be agreed upon, the game will be scored a 0-3 loss for the team who requested the reschedule.

      • All reschedule arrangements must be finalized prior to the originally scheduled kick off time / date.

      • If a game is not able to be rescheduled, the league will attempt to cancel the referee and field reservations.

      • If the league is able to cancel the referees and field reservation prior to the scheduled match, and does not incur any associated expenses, the league will reimburse the opponent $100 for the missed game. The team who requested the reschedule will also pay $100 to their opponent for the missed game.

      • Reschedule requests will not be honored for disciplinary scenarios.

    • If your team is an “Unannounced No Show” - meaning your team does not notify the league that you are unable to field a team, at least 48 hours prior to game, or your team does not show up with enough players to conduct the game, the No Show team will suffer a 0-5 forfeit loss, you will receive 0 sporstmanship points for that match, you will forego the ability to win any session prizes.

      • Additionally your team will be held responsible for rescheduling the missed game, covering all associated game fees (referees and field rental) and or paying a $250 fine to your opponent.

      • If the penalty fee is not paid, or the game has not been rescheduled before your next match, your team will not be allowed to play any remaining games until acceptable arrangements have been made with the league and the opposing team.

      • If the penalty is not paid within 2 weeks of the No Show Game, your team may be subject to expulsion from the league.

    • All games will be played regardless of weather, so long as the facility is open and field conditions are safe.

    • Cards - yellow and red cards follow FIFA rules with the exception of league specific rules.

    • Yellow Cards - When a player is issued a yellow card the infracting player may be asked by the referee to sit for 2 minutes (off the field of play / sideline). Another player will be allowed to sub in for the player during that time. Carded players must be welcomed back onto the field of play by the referee, not on the fly. The 2 minute sit rule does not apply to goalkeepers. 2 yellow cards = a Red card. See Red card rules below.

      • If a player receives a yellow card, is asked to sit out for 2 minutes and there are no substitutes available, the team will play down a man until the carded player serves the 2 minute penalty and is granted permission by the referee to re-enter.

    • Red Cards - Any player who is issued two yellow cards in one game, or a straight red card will be expelled for the balance of the current game. This may result in the team who was issued the red card to finish the match a player down.

    • Two yellows that result in a red are not considered automatic grounds for the infracting player to sit out the following game, or for the team to play a man down. The referee will make the decision to allow the team to replace the red carded player or if they have to play a man down for the rest of the match.

    • A player who receives two yellow cards may be required to sit out the next game if the referee and the league deem that an additional probation is appropriate based on the severity of the cards issued.

    • Any player who receives a straight red card must sit out the following match.

    • Depending on the severity of the infraction, players may be issued additional suspensions by the league.

    • Red cards issued to the same player in two or more consecutive games may result in that player receiving additional suspensions from the league.

    • When a player is issued a card (yellow or red) during match play they will be asked to provide their jersey number and / or legal first and last name to the referee for Vermont State Referee Association game reporting purposes. The game will be paused and will not restart until the player (or team manager) provides the players legal first and last name. If the carded player refuses to provide their name, they will be issued a red card and ejected from the game immediately. If the team manager or captain does not provide the requested information they too may be issued a red card and ejected from the game. If the player continues to disrupt the game and does not exit the facility, the referee will call the game off, the offending team will suffer an automatic forfeit loss recorded as a 0-5 score for the offending team. If a game is called off, the offending team may be issued a fine to cover the cost of the game for their opponent as a result of the game not being played in full.

    • If a team or player feels they have a valid reason to appeal a card and/or suspension they may do so by filing an official appeal to the league.

    • For players participating in multiple Elite 8 / Elite 11 leagues, single game suspensions do Not carry over between leagues, however card tallies do. Meaning if you are issued a single game suspension in one league, you are still allowed to play in the other. However if a player is issued cards in both leagues back to back, multi league suspensions may be issued. Cross league suspensions are at the sole discretion of league management.

    • All other FIFA rules apply. Exceptions and / or “house rules” have been noted in this document.

    • The Elite 8 is serious about respect and safety between players, officials, spectators and league management, and employs a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for deliberate, intentional unsportsmanlike, racially charged behavior and/or derogatory comments, mistreatment of officials and / or players, spectators and physical violence. This applies to actions both on and off the field of play.Derogatory, racist, threatening, offensive comments, gestures or physical actions made by any player, official, referee, team manager, league official, spectator, or anyone in anyway associated with the Elite 8 Soccer League are strictly prohibited. If a player commits such an act, the referee will issue an immediate red card and submit a report to the league. Disciplinary action will be taken with the offending player. At a minimum, if found guilty of "verbal or physical abuse or misconduct" a two (2) game suspension may be administered.

    • The referee report in these situations may be looked to as the sole guiding report if a league representative did not witness the incident. The league will do its best to take all parties feedback into account prior to making a decision. If needed, an incident report may be submitted to the league’s referee assigner and / or the State Referee Association to evaluate and provide guidance pertaining to appropriate disciplinary action.

    • Zero tolerance rules apply to spectators as well. Referees and league officials have the right to ask spectators to leave the field and surrounding areas. If a spectator refuses to leave, the game will be suspended until the infracting spectator exits.

    • Soccer is a "physical game" but there is a distinct line between "acceptable physical play” and excessive force or violence. Violence and physical attacks of any kind - kicking, punching, biting, choking, elbowing or any other form of deliberate physical abuse made with the intent to intimidate or harm another player is strictly prohibited during play or on site at any Elite 8 function. "Excessive physical violence" is defined as any form of physical attack or action outside that of "standard game play" and will be penalized by league management on a case by case basis. Under no circumstance will any act of violence be tolerated. If a player, team manager or person associated with the league is found guilty of excessive physical violence during league play they will be immediately issued a red card. A suspension may be issued for a minimum of 2 games. The league maintains the sole discretion to issue penalties and suspensions for infractions related to the ZERO TOLERANCE rule.

    • In the case of a “Zero Tolerance” infraction the league will issue a formal written notice of suspension to the player(s) before the next match on their schedule. In order to come to a conclusion on how the situation will be handled, the league may turn to the officials game / incident report(s), other league players in attendance, as well as spectators if needed. Written reports may be requested from witnesses, to be taken into consideration.

    • Following the completion of a suspension, the guilty party may be allowed back into the league but will remain on a "no exceptions" / "no strikes" probationary period for the balance of the season. A season is defined as “all indoor games” or “all outdoor games” remaining that year. If the player commits another similar infraction they may be banned from the league for a minimum of 6 months or longer.

    • If a player is serving a suspension they will be allowed on site as a spectator but are not allowed to participate in game play or in a management role or sit on the team bench side. And of course, they remain obligated to adhere to the leagues misconduct and "Zero Tolerance" policy.

  • All players are required to register with the VSSA prior to participating in Elite 8 league play. If a player is not registered with the VSSA by the end of the 4th week of any given session they will not be allowed to play until they have done so. If a player has not registered before the roster lock date they may no longer be eligible to play for the remainder of the session. See our registration page for details. Playing with unregistered players after week 4 of a session will result in a 0-3 forfeit loss.

    • All games start and end on the referees whistle, and conclude on buzzer, clock, horn or whistle. A referee may add stoppage time after the buzzer by clearly communicating with both teams that the game will be extended. During indoor play, the referee may choose to end the game on either the buzzer or their whistle, but must communicate with both teams before the end of the match.

      • A kickoff will start the game and restart the game after a goal is scored.

    • Opening kickoff will be made by the “home team”. Home team has the option to choose which side of the field they kick off from. The second half will be started by the Away team.

    • All game clocks will start at the scheduled kickoff time. If a team is not ready to start on time with at least 6 rostered players the referee and teams may agree to start play with less than 6 players or the shorthanded team may suffer a 0-3 forfeit loss. All games must end at their originally scheduled time.

    • Teams are mandated to change directions at halftime for both indoor and outdoor play.

    • Restart from stoppage of play due of injury will be from the closet point to where the ball was played when the game was stopped and will be restarted as a drop ball to the team who had possession.

    • Side out: Throw Ins require defensive players to be 6 yards away from thrower.

    • For indoor play - If the ball contacts the ceiling or any structure or item attached to the ceiling, a throw in will be awarded from the sideline nearest to where the ball struck the ceiling.

    • Corner Kicks: When the ball crosses the end line having last been played by the defending team, a corner kick will be awarded to the attacking team. Defensive players must be 6 yards from the ball on the kick.

    • Goal Kicks: When the ball crosses the end line and was last played by the attacking team, the defensive team will be awarded a goal kick. The goal kick will be taken from inside the goalkeeper's "6 yard box" and is allowed to cross the midfield line in the air. Goal kicks do not need to exit the penalty box before being played by the kicking team. Defending players must stand outside the penalty box while the kick is being taken.

    • Penalty Kicks: All players must remain outside of the penalty box, except the shooter and the goalkeeper. The ball will be placed on the penalty spot by the official. (approx 9 yards from goal line)

    • Aside from a few “league specific rules” listed on this page, all current FIFA rules apply.

    • No punting or drop kicks are allowed during game play.

    • Goalie punts or drop kicks will result in an INDIRECT free kick just outside the penalty box.

    • After a save, the goalkeeper may throw or roll the ball back into play. Goalies may place the ball on the ground to kick it back into play. Goalie throws and kicks from the ground may cross the midfield line in the air.

    • After a glove save, the goalkeeper may place the ball on the floor and use their feet to dribble like a field player. Goalkeepers are not allowed to pick the ball up after they have deliberately played the ball to the floor. Any violation of this rule will be treated as a hand ball.

    • Unlimited substitutions will be allowed on any dead ball or during the run of play. Oncoming players may not enter the play as a means to deliberately gain a defensive or offensive advantage during the substitution. Any violation of this rule will result in a direct free kick from the spot of the infraction.

    • Players must enter the field within 6 yards of the midfield line on the bench side.

    • Players may exit the field along the nearest end or sideline.

    • Any player may substitute for the goalkeeper as long as the referee is informed beforehand.

    • Goalkeepers are only allowed to be subbed during a dead ball situation.

    • Players serving carded penalties may only reenter the game upon referee invitation following the completion of their penalty.

    • Each team may have no more than 7 field players and 1 goalkeeper on the field at any given time.

    • The only exception to this is during a “standard substitution”. Players substituting must enter and exit the field of play in a reasonable “on the fly” fashion, within 6 yards of the midfield line, and may not do so in a way that impedes or impacts the flow of play.

    • If too many players are on the field of play, the referee will award a direct free kick from the spot of the infraction. Teams will need to reorganize to 7 field players and 1 goalkeeper before play will restart. If the offending team creates a delay of game situation, cards may be issued and additional stoppage time may be added.

    • The referee has the right to stop play at any point during the game for injuries, fouls and or penalties. Play will resume on the referee whistle.

    • If a stoppage of play is required for penalties to be explained and or cards to be issued, play will resume upon the referee whistle after the penalties have been managed.

    • “On the fly substitutions” are NOT allowed during a referee stoppage of play. Substitutions during referee stoppages must be authorized and managed by the referee so he or she can maintain control of the situation and ensure that the correct number of players are on the field.

    • During a stoppage of play that involves a card/s being issued, the following sequence of actions should take place. The refs should stop the clock, manage the situation, remove the carded player, then allow a replacement, then announce added time if needed, and restart the game.

    • Any player who intentionally impedes play in an effort to “run out the clock” or to deny an opponent a scoring opportunity will result in a direct free kick from the spot of the infraction. It will be at the referees discretion to issue a card and / or add stoppage time to the clock. The referee will also notify players as to whether or not the half will conclude on his / her whistle, horn, or buzzer.

    • Throw ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, direct free kicks and indirect free kicks will be called by the game official and will follow FIFA rules.

    • If a ball hits the roof or structure attached to the roof during indoor play the opposing team will be awarded a throw in nearest to where the ball hit the structure.

    • During a free kick, defensive players must stand 6 yards from the ball until the ball has been played by the attacking team. Entering the 6 yard area prior to the kick may result in cards being issued.

    • If a team scores on an indirect free kick the goal will not count and the defensive team will be awarded a goal kick.

    • Goalie punts or drop kicks will result in an INDIRECT free kick just outside the penalty box.

    • There are two types of free-kicks in soccer: direct free kicks and indirect free kicks. The referee decides if it’s a direct free kick or indirect free kick based on the foul committed. A direct free kick is typically awarded if a player is careless, reckless, or uses excessive force during a game. An indirect free kick is typically awarded for non-dangerous fouls that may impede play.

    • There are 7 primary fouls that result in direct kicks, however there are many subtleties that will be taken into account. A referee will award a direct kick if a player is careless, reckless, or uses excessive force when committing these fouls:

      • Kicking or trying to kick an opponent

      • Tripping or trying to trip an opponent

      • Jumping towards an opponent

      • Charging at an opponent

      • Striking or trying to strike an opponent

      • Pushing an opponent

      • Tackling an opponent

    • An indirect kick is awarded for:

      • Offsides (but there are no offsides during Elite 8 league play).

      • Dangerous play without contact.

        • A dangerous play with contact will result in a direct kick.

      • Play that impedes an opponent, without making contact

      • Dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language, actions or other verbal offenses

      • Stopping the goalie from kicking the ball from their hands or kicking/trying to kick the ball when the goalie is releasing it.

      • Setting up a back pass. For instance, a player flicking the ball into the air for themselves so they can head it back to the goalie

      • An indirect free kick is awarded if the goalie:

        • Holds the ball for more than 6 seconds before releasing it

        • Handles the ball after releasing it before another player has touched it

        • Handles the ball when a teammate deliberately passes to them, a back pass

        • Handles the ball from a team mate’s throw in

  • There will be NO offside penalty calls during E8SL matches.

    • NO SLIDE TACKLING of any kind will be allowed during play.

    • All Slide tackles will result in a direct free kick from the spot of the infraction.

    • Slide tackles inside the penalty box will result in an automatic penalty kick.

    • Players are allowed to make a “sliding play” to maintain possession, to block a pass or shot, or to keep the ball in play, so long as there are no opposing player(s) within 2 yards of the play. Keep in mind, referees tend to call sliding plays very tight.

      • Goalies are allowed to "go to ground" in a "sliding manner" to perform a save inside the penalty box. If a goalie slides feet first or “studs up” it will be the decision of the referee to determine if the play is considered a "slide tackle" and penalty worthy.

    • Lunge or “stab” tackles are not considered slide tackles - and are legal. If a field player "lunges" or extends a leg toward the ball (which may result in their knee or other body part touching the ground) the motion does not automatically constitute a "slide tackle". Think of basketball, if one foot remains planted during the tackle, and no slide was performed, it is a legal tackle. If a players backside or hip intentionally touches the ground during the tackle in combination with a sliding motion, the referee may consider that a slide tackle. To be considered an undeniable slide tackle, forward progress towards the tackle must be made in a sliding fashion by the defender as they approach the player with the ball.

    • Slide tackles may result in a yellow or red card as per the referees discretion based on severity and repitition.

    • Each team is allowed one team manager or captain, and up to one assistant or coach. Team managers and coaches must introduce themselves to the head referee prior to the start of each game.

    • In an effort to reduce the amount of interaction between players and officials, and to reduce stoppages of play, the league asks that only the captain, team manager or assistant engage in conversation with the referee during game play.

    • To maintain a professional atmosphere, the league asks that players do not address the referee by his / her first name during game play, and for the referee not to address players by their first name during game play. Terms like Sir / Mam / Referee are recommended.

    • All players must wear matching, numbered jerseys. Players may not share a jersey during game play. if you are not dressed to play (including socks, shin pads and proper footwear) you will be asked to leave the team bench side of the field.

    • Only rostered players and team managers are allowed on the team bench sideline during game play. All spectators must be on the opposite side of the team bench. If you are not on the roster and not dressed to play you will be asked to leave the team bench side of the field. If you do not leave, the game will be stopped until all spectators have vacated the team bench side of the field. No second warnings will be offered, instead, your team will be issued a yellow card per infraction.

    • It is the responsibility of the team manager and / or coach of each team to control themselves, their players and their sideline, including substitutes, bench personnel and spectators.

    • If any individual associated with a team behaves in an inappropriate manner, such that the sideline behavior has a negative impact on the game, including any substitutes or non-playing personnel, whenever they exhibit misconduct, be it at the start, during, or at the conclusion of the game, the referee shall stop the game until such behavior has been managed. The referee will document the incident/s and report to the league. If the offense/s are ejectionable in nature, the referee has the authority to remove players, staff and spectators from the premises immediately.

    • All players and team managers who are not actively playing must remain on their respective bench. If more than 8 players or team staff are on the field of play at any given time, for any reason outside of a standard substitution, a direct free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the midfield dot. Any player who takes the field for any reason outside of a standard substitution may be issued a yellow or red card and potentially ejected from the game based on the circumstances. Additional penalties, cards and / or ejections may be issued based on the circumstances and according to the referees discretion.

    • All fans and spectators must remain on the opposite side of the players bench at all times during game play.

  • In an effort to deter unsportsmanlike conduct, referee mistreatment and unnecessary fouls, the league will track team and individual card accumulation. Penalties will be issued if a certain amount of “card points” is met or surpassed during the course of any given session. Each yellow card issued will be recorded as 1 card point. Each red card will be recorded as 2 card points. In addition to regular yellow and red card rules the following rules apply:

    • Any INDIVIDUAL PLAYER who accrues 5 “card points” during the course of one session will be required to sit out their next game. 

      • If that player accrues 2 or more additional card points during the course of that same session, they will be required to sit out a minimum of one additional game.

    • Any TEAM that accrues 10 “card points” during the course of one session will have one point deducted from their table standings at the end of the session.

      • If that team accrues another 2 card points during the course of that same session, they will have one more point deducted from their table standings at the end of the session.

  • Warnings issued to any sideline personnel such as a player coach, manager, spectator or substitute will be identified on the referee report as contributing to such cautionable issues. The team manager will be held responsible for such behavior and the referee report will be utilized in determining sanctions. Individuals identified may face disciplinary action, based on the incident report.

  • Ejections issued to any team personnel, player, coach, manager, spectator, or substitute will require their immediate departure from the field and will be noted on the referee report. If the infracting person is a player, coach or manager, a minimum of 1 game suspension will be issued based on the referee report and/or witness testimony.

  • An ejected player is also subject to additional game suspensions, up to and including banishment or expulsion from the league, depending on the nature, severity and impact of the incident. A single or first incident by itself may warrant permanent expulsion depending on its severity. The league directors and referees will make a determination based on a number of factors including but not limited to, the referee report, witness testimonials, and any other information that an investigation may reveal.

    • All players will be issued a match jersey on game night 1. Players are required to wear their assigned match jerseys during all games or may not be allowed to play.

    • The goalkeeper must wear a different colored jersey to distinguish themself from their team. Color may not conflict w/ opposing team.

    • In the event that two teams have the same colored match shirt, the away team must wear pinnies provided by the league.

    • Shin guards are mandatory and must be fully covered by socks during league play.

    • Game balls will be provided by E8SL.

  • Arm casts are at the discretion of the referee. Cast must be covered by a minimum of 1’ thick bubble wrap (or Foam). Safety of all players will be the priority.

    • Individuals using the Nordic Indoor Soccer Center, Tree Farm, Far Post Soccer Center, Shelburne Field House, Saint Mikes or any other official E8SL facility do so at their own risk. The property owners, league operators, staff of facilities and Elite 8 Soccer League, LLC assume no liability for injuries or accidents that may occur, for any reason, related to or unrelated to league play.

    • All participants are required to register with the VSSA and if needed, will make all game related insurance claims through the VSSA directly. All registered E8SL players have access to a $5,000 player accident insurance policy as part of the leagues affiliation with the VSSA. More information can be found on the VSSA page on elite8soccerleague.com.

    • Conduct within any facility rented by Elite 8 SL should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship. The E8SL and its facilities owners / operators / managers reserve the right to refuse play and service to anyone, for any reason. Please respect the property that you are visiting and adhere to all posted signs.

    • Please properly disposed of any trash that you bring into the facility.

    • Official League Jersey for every player.

    • 1 Game Ball Provided per Team (outdoor), House balls provided for Indoor sessions.

    • Access to $5,000 Player Accident Insurance policy as per VSSA league affiliation

    • In the event that a player, team manager, referee, or administrator wishes to register a formal complaint to the league that requires a response or resolution, the following steps must take place:

    • A formal complaint must be made in writing and submitted via email or written letter to:

      Hearings: Every case shall be heard by the Conduct Committee in the presence of all parties involved, provided they appear. The committee will review each case and implement disciplinary actions when it deems it appropriate. Involved parties will be notified by the E8SL management prior to the hearing. The Conduct Committee shall be comprised of E8SL President, facility management, officials, referee assigner, etc. Matters that fall under the jurisdiction of Vermont State Soccer Association, or State of Vermont Amateur Soccer Association may be referred to the Vermont Soccer Association or Vermont State Soccer Association for further action. Parties may appeal decisions rendered by the Conduct Advisory Committee. The Conduct Advisory Committee will review each issue on a case by case basis. All Conduct Advisory Committee decision on appeals will be final.

    • One referee will be assigned to each E8SL match.

    • Referees are required to operate the scoreboard (if available) and keep record of the game on league provided game sheets or Game Officials forms.

    • Referees shall record the game score, card points and sportsmanship points, and turn in game cards to the league staff at the end of each match and to their referee assigner.

    • Referees will include misconduct reports on their game card. Each report will list the names of infracting players.

    • The Elite 8 / Elite 11 strictly follow all USASA & VSSA guidance related to US SafeSport and mandate that all “applicable players” do the same. USASA / Elite 8 / Elite 11 prohibits conduct that includes bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, and sexual misconduct, as those terms are defined by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. For a list of all the types of prohibited conduct, see the SafeSport Code at: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/response-andresolution/safesport-code/.

    • As a means to protect youth players within the Elite 8 / Elite 11 and to make “applicable adult players” aware of the issues surrounding the topics of bullying, sexual misconduct, etc, within activities related to mixed rosters, any team that consists of players featuring both MINORS (17 and younger) and ADULTS (18 and older), all adult players MUST complete the US SafeSport course in order to participate in Elite 8 / Elite 11 activities.

    • The Elite 8 / Elite 11 will adhere to and uphold all US Safesport related policies found here.

    • Specifically, league management will be responsible for performing the background screening and maintain a record of the results for adults registered with teams having one or more U18 player(s); collect and maintain a file of applicable certificates of SafeSport training for these adults; and How the adjudication will be handled for a person who does not pass Screening Test 1 or 2 and how the associated records will be maintained.

    • For all information regarding the US SafeSport requirements please contact league management.

    • To put some relevance to this topic here is an article that explains some of what has contributed to this problem.