CMSSL/OBSL League Rules

1. Referees
   • Central Maryland Short-Sided League (CMSSL) plays a combined schedule with Olney/Bethesda Soccer League (OBSL).   For all league games, the home team is either a CMSSL team or an OBSL team based on the league schedule and the field where the game is played. Referee assignments for CMSSL home games will be made by the home team.   Referee assignments for OBSL home games will be the responsibility of the OBSL referee assignor. 
   • Each CMSSL club is responsible for providing licensed referees for its home field.  For all CMSSL/OBSL games, referee fees are payable in cash and in advance of each game directly to the referee.   Referees will normally be paid $30.00 per game ($15.00 per team).
   • Abuse of referees by coaches or spectators will not be tolerated. Any such behavior will be referred to the CMSSL or OBSL Rules and Disciplinary coordinator for investigation and possible sanctions. All game results will be final, and no game result will be subject to protest.
2. League Officials and Coordinators
   • The CMSSL President and OBSL League Administrator serve as coordinators for the combined Central Maryland - Olney/Bethesda league.   CMSSL teams should consider the CMSSL President as their primary point of contact.  OBSL teams should utilize the OBSL League Administrator as their primary point of contact.
3. Cancellations
   • Games may be canceled for inclement weather or dangerous conditions by the home club, the referee (at the field), or the CMSSL President or OBSL League Administrator.  Cancellations (other than by the referee at the field) should occur no later than two (2) hours prior to the first scheduled game. The home team coach for the first game will be deemed the club representative and will have the responsibility for notifying all affected coaches (both home and away) scheduled to play at the affected field location, as well as each affected age group coordinator. If a team has not been notified of a cancellation, the coach should assume the game will be played as scheduled.
4. Field Set Up/Take Down
   • For CMSSL home fields, field set up and take down is the responsibility of the home club.   For OBSL home fields, field set up and take down is the responsibility of the designated team. The field is to be properly cut and lined, the goals and flags in good condition and properly positioned, and the field safe for play. The home team is to provide the game ball. The recommended field and goal size is detailed on the website.
5. League Communications
   • Teams will receive communications (other than game cancellations) from the league via email. Each team is to provide two (2) points of contact who regularly read their email. Upon receipt of a league communication, an acknowledgment should be sent to the age group coordinator who is the primary league point of contact.
6. Score Reporting
   • The league operates under an online system.   Winning coaches are responsible for logging in their game results no later than 9:00pm on the day of the game. If the game ends in a tie, the home team coach is responsible for logging in the result no later than 9:00pm on the day of the game.   
7. Player Passes
   • Teams will obtain MSYSA approved player passes for each player prior to their first game of the season. Player passes will be available for inspection at each game. For the girls divisions, player passes will be inspected by the referee prior to each game. For the boys divisions, player passes will be available for inspection by the opposing team manager prior to each game, if they so desire.   Any irregularities or questions will be reviewed by the referee at the game, who will have final say over the eligibility of the player in question.
   • Club Pass System --- Carded players on CMSSL U-9 through U-12 teams are permitted to guest play on any other CMSSL U-9 through U-12 teams within their Club for which they are age qualified.  However, WAGS or NCSL carded players are not allowed to play on a CMSSL team in a league game.   As in WAGS/NCSL, the main objective of the Club Pass System is to allow coaches to move players freely within their own Club based on specific team needs and in the interest of player development. 
8. Scheduling
   • All age groups will be scheduled for eight (8) league games each season based on the number of teams entered and the alignment of the divisions within the respective age groups. Every effort is made to accommodate schedule relief requests submitted by the deadline. No game rescheduling will occur except for (a) rain-outs/dangerous field condition cancellations, or (b) in exceptional circumstances and with the prior approval of league officials.
9. Game Verification
   • The home team is to contact the opposing coach no later than Wednesday of each week to verify game time, location and team colors.
10. Team Sportsmanship Liaison
    • Each CMSSL team is to appoint a Team Sportsmanship Liaison (TSL), who is responsible for maintaining a touchline atmosphere appropriate for a youth soccer match. Inappropriate or extreme touchline behavior and/or abuse of a referee will not be tolerated.
11. League Rule Clarifications
    • ALL teams are expressly prohibited from recruiting players from other CMSSL or OBSL teams. Clubs with participating teams in the league are expressly prohibited from recruiting teams.
    • Substitutions - a substitution may be made for a player who receives a caution (yellow card) at the time the caution is issued
    • Minimum players - the minimum number of players required to field a team and avoid a forfeit is four (4) for U-9 and U-10 games; five (5) for U-11 and U-12 games.
    • Disciplinary Action - any player or team official who receives a red card (ejection) or two cautions (yellow cards) in the same game is ejected from the current game and is suspended from the following league game
    • Throw-Ins - referees will only allow one opportunity to throw a ball into play correctly
    • Kick-off - no goal may be scored directly from a kick-off
    • Touchlines - both teams are to take position on the same touchline, separated by the mid-field line. Coaches and players may not cross the mid-field line. Spectators are to take position on the opposite touchline. Teams and spectators are to remain between the top of the two penalty areas and behind the spectator lines three (3) to five (5) yards from the touchline
    • Player equipment - Player safety is the responsibility of the referee and shall remain so. Necklaces, earrings and other jewelry must be removed before a player will be allowed to play. Players wearing “soft” arm casts will be allowed to play. It is highly recommended that players wearing eye glasses wear sports glasses for protective measure. Mouthpieces are not required for players having tooth braces.
    • Except as provided above, the league shall operate under the FIFA Laws of the Game.