It’s just soccer, so we'll keep it simple... And fun!
Player Age Requirements
Outdoor Mens 8v8 League = Ages 25+ (each team is allowed 2 “babies” - “babies must be at least 20 years of age)
Indoor Junction 8v8 Division = Ages 25+ (each team is allowed 2 “babies” - “babies must be at least 20 years of age)
Indoor Shelburne 18+ Division = Ages 18+ (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.)
Number of players on the field
8v8 Outdoor and Junction Indoor Division
7 field players + 1 goalie
7v7 Shelburne Indoor Division
6 field players + 1 goalie
We require 12 players on your roster. We recommend 14 on your roster. Less than that and you run the risk of being shorthanded. Max Roster size is 20.
U12 Size Fields Outdoor (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 halves 27 minutes in length.
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.
Each team has a captain or a team manager. In an effort to reduce the amount of interaction between players and officials, that have a tendency to result in stoppages of play, the league asks that only the captain or team manager engage in conversations with the referee during game play.
In an effort 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.
General Rules of Play
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 regardless of game play. If a team is not ready to start on time, the referee and opposing teams may agree to wait to start play. If a game has not started within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time, the team who is not ready will forfeit a 0-3 loss.
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 where the ball was played when stopped and will be restarted as a drop ball to the team who had possession, unless play stopped do to the ball going out of bounds.
Side out: Throw Ins, defensive players must 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 sideline adjacent 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 kick dot by the official. (approx 9 yards from goal line)
Any player who intentionally impedes play in an effort to “run out the clock” and or 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 or the horn / buzzer.
Aside from a few league specific rules listed on this page, all current FIFA rules apply.
Uniforms
All players must wear their current session, league issued jersey for all games. This will act as your player ID, but an ID may be requested at any time by the league for proof of registration.
If you did not receive a jersey please contact the league and you will be provided one.
Shinpads are mandatory and must be worn during game play.
Handling the ball by Goalkeeper
No punting.
Goalie punts or drop kicks will result in an INDIRECT free kick just outside the top of the penalty box arc.
After a save the goalkeeper may throw or roll the ball back into play but may not dropkick, or punt the ball. Goalies may place the ball on the ground to kick it back into play.
Goalie throws may cross the midfield line in the air, the ball may also be placed on the ground and kicked to begin play again after being legally caught.
After a glove save, the goalkeeper may place the ball on the floor and use their feet 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.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions will be allowed on any dead ball or during the run of play, but, the oncoming player may not enter the play as a means to deliberately gain a defensive or offensive positioning advantage during the substitution. Any violation of this rule will result in a direct free kick from the spot of the infraction.
Players may exit the field along the nearest end or sideline.
Players must enter the field within 6 yards of the midfield line on the bench side.
Any player may substitute for the goalkeeper as long as the referee is informed beforehand.
Goalkeepers are only allowed to be subbed for during a dead ball situation.
Players serving carded penalties may only reenter the game upon referee invitation following the completion of their penalty.
Too Many Players Violation
Each team may have no more than 7 field players and 1 goalie on the field at any given time, for any reason.
The only exception to this is during “standard substitutions”. 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 enter 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 can restart. If the offending team creates a delay of game situation, cards may be issued and additional stoppage time may be added.
Stoppage of Play
The referee has the right to stop play at any point during the game for injuries, fouls and or penalties. Play will resume on their 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 involved cards 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 (only in the case of a goalie being carded), then announce added time if needed, then restart the game.
Free kicks / Throw ins / Direct & INdirect Fouls
Throw ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, direct free kicks and indirect free kicks will be called by the official as per FIFA rules.
If a ball hits the roof during indoor play the opposing team will be awarded a throw in adjacent from where the ball hit the roof.
During a free kick, defensive players must stand 6 yards from the ball until the ball has been played by the attacking team.
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 arc.
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 a player makes. A direct free kick is typically awarded if a player is careless, reckless, or uses excessive force during a game. This usually happens when a player tries to get the ball from an opposing player. An indirect free kick is typically awarded for non-dangerous fouls that may impede play.
There are 7 main fouls that result in direct kicks, however there are many subtleties that will be taken into account. A referee gives direct kicks 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 and before another player has touched it
Handles the ball when a team mate deliberately passes to them, a back pass
Handles the ball from a team mate’s throw in
Offsides
There will be NO offside penalty calls during E8SL matches.
No Slide Tackling
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 tightly.
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 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 to touch the ground) the motion does not immediately 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.
Fouls, Misconduct & zero tolerance policy.
The Elite 8 is very serious about respect and safety between players, officials, spectators and league management is expected at all times.
The Elite 8 has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for deliberate, intentional unsportsmanlike, racially charged behavior and/or derogatory comments, mistreatment of officials and / or players, spectators and for physical violence. This applies to actions both on and off the field of play (including match facilities both on field, around fields, parking lots, etc.)
Mistreatment of any player, official, referee, league management or anyone associated with the Elite 8 Soccer League is absolutely unacceptable. Fair Play and Respect are a top priority of the league and will be strictly upheld.
Yellow Cards - When issued a yellow card, based on the referees discretion, the infracting player may be asked to sit for 2 minutes (off the field of play / on the 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.
Cumulative Team Yellow Cards - In an effort to reduce unsportsmanlike conduct, referee mistreatment and unnecessary fouls, teams who accrue multiple yellow cards in a single game will be subject to ascending “time outs. The following is at the discretion of the referee based on the severity and the nature of the fouls.
First Yellow = the player who commits the foul sits for 2 minutes. The team is allowed to sub a player in to replace him.
Second Yellow = the player who commits a foul sits for 2 minutes and the team may NOT sub a player in to replace him.
Third Yellow = the player who commits a foul sits for 5 minutes and the team may NOT sub a player in to replace him.”
It’s pretty simple. Keep stacking up yellows and your team will play more minutes man down.
Red Cards - Any player issued two yellow cards in one game or a straight red card will be expelled for the balance of the current game, resulting in the team who was issued the red card to finish the match a player down. Any player who receives a red card must also sit out his / her following match. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the player may be issued additional suspensions by the league. Red cards by 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 does not provide the requested information, they too will be issued a red card and ejected from the game. If the player or team manager 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. If the offending team is losing when the game is called, the score will be recorded as is. If there is no score, or the offending team is in the lead, the score will be recorded as a 0-5 loss 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 your opponent, for the game not being played in full.
If a team or player feels they have a valid reason to appeal a red card and/or a red card suspension they may do so by filing an official appeal with the league. For an appeal to be evaluated - the league, the game official and both teams must agree that the foul or infraction was not “suspension worthy”. If the carded foul was intentional, dangerous, issued for dissent or derogatory behavior, your appeal will likely not even be reviewed.
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.
Derogatory, Racist, Threatening or Offensive comments, gestures or 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 and will not be tolerated for any reason. 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 abuse" a two (2) game minimum suspension will be administered. The referee report in these situations may be looked to as the sole deciding 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 its decision.
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 "standard & 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 league 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 defined / 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 will 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" policy 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 will be banned from the league for at least 6 months based on the leagues judgment of their offense or may be banned indefinitely.
All fans and spectators must remain on the opposite side of the players benches at all times during game play.
All players and team managers who are not actively playing must remain on their respective bench. If more than 8 players per team 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.
Under NO circumstance will anyone, other than sanctioned, registered, league players and referees be allowed on the field of play during the course of Elite 8 play.
The E8SL rents the facilities we play at and we must also follow individual rules of the host facilities. If a referee, E8SL management or host facility representative feels that a form of misconduct has taken place during a game, or after a game, the player or team manager will be immediately issued a red card and a report will be filed with the E8SL and host facility. An advisory committee will meet to review the incident and may administer additional sanctions to the player or team manager.
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. And of course, they remain obligated to adhere to the leagues misconduct and "Zero Tolerance" policy.
All other FIFA rules apply. Exceptions and / or “house rules” have been noted in this document.
Cumulative Cautions
Should any player receive 5 cautions in a season, he or she will be suspended for 1 game subsequent to their receiving the 5th caution. Should any player receive 8 cautions in a season, he or she will be suspended for 2 games subsequent to them receiving the 8th caution.
Immediate Expulsion From The League
An ejected player is also subject to additional multiple game suspensions, up to and including banishment/expulsion from the league, depending on the nature, severity and impact of the incident they were involved in and/or created. To be clear, a single and first incident by itself, could possibly warrant permanent expulsion. The league directors will make such a determination by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the referee report, any witness testimonies, and any other information that an investigation may reveal.
Sideline & Spectator Control & Suspension
It is the responsibility of the team manager and coach of each team to control themselves and their sideline, including his substitutes, bench personnel and spectators. Any of these individuals, who may cause the sideline to behave in an inappropriate manner, such as causing the sideline behavior to be considered as bringing the game or sidelines into disrepute, this includes 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 document the incident or incidents and inform the league directors. If the offenses are ejectionable in nature, and if they are committed by registered players, they will be suspended accordingly. If they are not registered players, then fines will be issued to the team accordingly.
Sideline Cautions & Warnings
Warnings issued to any sideline personnel of a team, such as coach, manager, spectator or substitutes will be identified on the referee report as contributing to such cautionable issues. The team management will be held responsible for such bad behaviors and the referee report will be utilized in determining sanctions. If the individual is identified, then he/she will be facing some sort of disciplinary sanction, dependent on the incident report.
Sideline Ejections & removals
1 game minimum suspension, per person
Ejections issued to any sideline personnel of a team, such as a coach, manager, spectator or substitutes will require their immediate expulsion from the field and be noted on the referee report and if they are a player, coach or manager on the team, a minimum of 1 game suspension, with the actual number of games of suspension determined by the league director, based on the referee report and/or witness testimony.
A team official that has been dismissed during a match, must immediately leave the facility.
The League Director will inform the Referee Administrator and the team official of the expelled team official’s next opponent that the team official cannot participate in the forthcoming game.
If the team official should show up at the game site, and in any way officially participate in the game, his or her team will automatically forfeit the game.
Rosters, League Age policy, player restrictions
Male participants of Elite 8 Outdoor and Elite 8 Indoor “Junction Division” must be at least 25 years of age to participate. Male participants of Elite 8 “Shelburne Division” must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Minors are allowed to play in Elite 8 Shelburne Indoor Division but must follow Safesport guidance.
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.
Male participants in the 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”.
Mens 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. 20 is the 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. (Contact league management for a roster form). 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 for the team who commits the infraction.
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 player beyond 15. Fees will be used to cover league fees, registration, jersey and insurance.
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, each game or may be asked to provide proof if ID.
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. Goalkeepers and players who were sidelined due to injury are excluded from this rule. (Ie. in a 12 game session, a player must participate in 4 regular session games to play in the tourney.)
Player Borrowing
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.
In order for your game to count and be scored, your team must have a minimum number of rostered players on hand at the start of the game, prior to borrowing. 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, you cannot borrow multiple players from one 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, but 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 from 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 ABSOLUTELY NOT 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.
VSSA Registration (mandatory & For your safety)
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. See our registration page for details. Playing with unregistered players after week 4 of a session will result in a 0-3 forfeit loss.
iNDOOR GAME SCHEDULING
Due to the fact that our indoor league is played over multiple nights per week, scheduling scenarios can lead to certain teams having more late starts than others.
Should the team count require it, to keep scheduling fair - the following will take place…
For the first indoor session in any given year, team names will be drawn at random to determine “late starts”. Typically, most teams will have 3 late starts, some have 4, some have 2.
The team who earns the top table seed during session 1 will automatically earn the fewest “late / 10pm starts” during session 2.
The team who comes in last place in session 1 will automatically earn lowest priority for “late / 10pm starts” for session 2.
If a new team enters the league for session 2 that team will automatically earn lowest priority for “late / 10pm starts”.
As often as we can, we try to ensure that teams do not have more than 3 late starts for two consecutive indoor sessions.
NISC Waiver (Indoor sessions only)
All participants are required to sign the NISC waiver prior to participating. Mangers/Coaches will be emailed a link to distribute to their players. For more information, visit out "Register" page.
League Payment
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.
Player Equipment
All players will be issued a match jersey upon registration. 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.
Soccer balls are not allowed to be used outside of the field netting. (Nordic Indoor Soccer Center Only).
Referees
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 and turn in game cards to the league staff at the end of each match and to their ref assigner.
Referees will include any ejections misconduct reports on their game card. Each scorecard will list the names of players ejected from the previous week. Abuse of referees in any form, will not be tolerated by the E8SL and its affiliates. Players or spectators in violation will be asked to leave the facility or premises.
Scoring
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 Tiebreakers for playoff seeding & or table results
1. Winner of Head to Head Result
2. Most Sportsmanship Points
3. Goal Differential
4. Most Goals Scored
5. Fewest Goals Allowed
6. Flip a Coin
League Games / Playoffs
League matches will be two twenty-seven minute halves with running time.
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.
In order to participate in a playoff or tournament game, a player must have participated in a minimum of 3 regular session games.
Arm Casts
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.
Facility Rules
Individuals using the NISC, Tree Farm or any other official E8SL facility do so at their own risk. The property owners, leagues, operators, and staff of The Nordic Soccer Center, the Nordic Soccer Club, Tree Farm Recreational Facility and Elite 8 Soccer League, LLC assume no liability for injuries or accidents that may occur.
All participants are required to register with the VSSA and 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 the NISC, Tree Farm and any other official E8SL facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship as is on the field. All play must be conducted as set forth in the “Rules” as outlined in this document. The E8SL / NISC / Tree Farm reserve the right to refuse play and service to anyone. Please respect the property that you are visiting and adhere to all posted signs within the facility. Kicking soccer balls outside of the playing field is not permitted (NISC Indoor only).
Please properly disposed any trash that you bring into the facility.
No outdoor footwear is allowed on the turf (NISC Indoor).
CANCELLATIONS, FORFEITS & No Shows
Teams must have at least 6 rostered players to conduct a scored match (essex leagues) and 5 in the Shelburne league. Player borrowing is allowed when teams are shorthanded. See rules above in the player borrowing section. If your team has less than the minimum required players on site at the time of kick off and can not borrow players to field a full side, your team will automatically accept a 0-3 forfeit loss.
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 as per the following scenarios.
If you can not field a full team for a game, you may request to 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 NOT be reimbursed 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. Any prizes won by your team will be handed over to your opponent from the No Show match.
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 $200 fine.
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.
ALL REGISTERED PLAYERS RECEIVE
Official League Jersey
1 Game Ball Provided per Team (outdoor only), House balls provided for Indoor sessions.
Access to $5,000 Player Accident Insurance policy as per VSSA league affiliation
Grievance Policy & Issuing a complaint
In the event any player, team manager, referee, or administrator wishes to register a formal complaint regarding actions of another team or player during the course of an E8SL event, the following steps will take place:
Formal complaint must be made in writing and submitted via email or written letter to
Mike Nick Elite8SoccerLeague@Gmail.com.
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.
US Safesport
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 with both MINORS (17 and younger) and ADULTS (18 and older), all adult players on an applicable roster 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.
