RULES OF THE GAME
By-Laws for the Charlotte Women’s Soccer League

Match Length:
40 minute halves and a 5 minute maximum halftime rest period.  There is a 15 minute wait period at the beginning of a match to achieve 7 players, this time is included in the 40 minute half.  If after 15 minutes a team does not have the minimum 7 players it is recorded as a forfeit.  The teams can and should still play by mixing players.

A tie is recorded during regular season play, if at the end of the two 40 minute halves the two teams have the same number of goals.  During playoffs, two 5 minute golden goal periods will be played and then penalty kicks if necessary, to break a tie.

If a game is suspended in the first half and cannot be re-started the game will be made-up.  If the game is suspended in the second half the score at the stoppage will be the final result.

Substitutions:
Any team can substitute at the beginning of either half time period, goal kicks, after goals, or during stoppages of play at the referee’s discretion (ie. injury).

On throw-in’s and corners only the team in possession of the throw-in or corner can initiate substitution.  If the throw-in/corner team decides to substitute, then the opposing team has the option of substituting as well.

**Please note that the purpose of the following rules are to facilitate the safety of all players in the league, especially considering most of us are getting older, have jobs, kids, or other responsibilities that require us to be capable of walking the next day.

Slide Tackling - There will be NO slide tackling by any field player anywhere on the field within two yards of another player.  Goalkeepers are allowed to slide tackle ONLY inside the penalty area (inside the 18 yd box). Infractions will result in a free kick or possibly a card.

Endangering the Goalkeeper – “The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of her hand or arm, possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball… but does not include rebounds.” (FIFA 2005)  Any infringement on the keeper while they have possession will result in a free kick and possibly a card.

Equipment – It is a requirement to wear shin guards.  No jewelry is allowed.  If a ring cannot be removed, then sufficient tape must be applied to cover all of it and provide a protective barrier.

Cards - If three yellow cards are received in a season, the player must sit out the next match.  If a red card is received the player must sit out the remainder of the match it was received and the following match.  If two red cards are received in a season, the player forfeits participation for the remainder of that season.

Environment:
The captains and the referee’s each have the authority to stop or suspend play for environmental concerns including:  lightning, hurricane, safety issues etc.  

Free Kicks:
Any Free Kicks (except penalty kicks and goal kicks) awarded inside the penalty box will be taken outside the penalty area at the 18 yd. line. 
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