Alliance rules and regulations
Mission
The mission of NMSA is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of Northern Michigan’s youth through the sport of soccer.
Purpose
- Provide youth soccer teams throughout Northern Michigan with an opportunity to play each other in an organized format.
- Allow teams to play regular games at an appropriate level of competitive within their age grouping.
- Improve communication and cooperation between soccer communities in Northern Michigan.
Policies and Procedures
- All teams must be registered with Michigan State Youth Soccer Association through a club or organization and be eligible to compete in league play.
- MSYSA soccer registration is year long (August 1st – July 31st) for the player to their club or organization.
- NMSA registration is separated by fall and spring schedules to allow for different age groups based upon high school seasons by gender and in recognition that some team formations will adjust for each season.
- Age groups range from U10 to U19 with scheduling to occur in groupings based upon field size and age appropriateness. (U9/U10, U11/U12, U13/U14, U15 & above).
- Coaches will have final approval of which teams they play against in their schedule to allow for appropriate competition levels by team make up and level.
- Each team must register by the deadline and pay the team registration fee ($15).
- Teams must submit their official Got Sport roster to NMSA a minimum of one week before the first scheduled games of the season (even if that team is not scheduled on opening weekend). Any roster adjustments made throughout the season will require a new official roster to be submitted to the NMSA. Late rosters will be charged a $25 late fee.
- When possible, teams play a three team round robin series at a single venue. In smaller division age groups, a home/away may be more appropriate.
- Girls games are scheduled for Saturdays, Boys for Sundays – unless agreed upon by both coaches and the venue – assuming the movement does not take the opportunity away for field or officials from the opposite gender.
- One team official must attend the mandatory NMSA meeting prior to each seasons scheduling.
- The host team/club will schedule and coordinate referees for all games at their venue. Each team will pay for half the referee fees per game, or in the instance of a three 3 round robin the teams can agree to each pay one full game. Teams should have exact change for the officials and not expect them to make change for you.
- All referees must be current ‘USSF’ Certified.
- Risk management cards, issued by MSYSA are required for any adult working with the players and in the team technical area during competition. This includes coaches, assistant coaches, managers, trainers, or other parent volunteers who may be on the team sideline. Referees may request to see any persons risk management card, and if a card is not present the individual will be removed.
- In addition all coaches, managers and club personnel who may have contact with youth players must complete annual Safe Sport training. It is the club/organizations responsibility to ensure all their coaches and managers are up to date on risk management, heads up concussion and Safe Sport.
Playing Rules
- All players must have a current passcard. Passcards are to be checked by the referee prior to the game. If a player does not have a current passcard present they cannot play.
- Roster Limits. NMSA recommends following MSYSA guidelines with regard to maximum roster size, but the Alliance, which promotes player development, also recognizes that in certain situations it is not in the best interest to exclude players from opportunities. Therefore, teams may include players over the roster maximums for NMSA games as deemed appropriate by their organization.
- MSYSA maximum roster sizes (U10 – 12 players, U12 – 16 players, U14 – 18 players, U16 & up 22 players).
- Minimum roster sizes to start and continue a game (U10 – 5 players, U12 – 6 players, U14 & up – 7 players).
- Guest players must have approval from the loaning and receiving club. Team officials must possess an official Got Sport roster with all listed players present at games.
- NMSA games follow FIFA Laws of the game, MSYSA rules (including US Soccer Player Development Initiatives) and the following accommodations:
- Adequate playing time for all team members to foster player development, sportsmanship and competitive spirit.
- Coaches and officials may agree to shorten the length of halves prior to the start of said half as necessary for the situation (i.e. low players and treacherous weather).
- 4 goal lead. If a team has earned a 4 goal lead they should remove one player from their side of the field and make other appropriate adjustments to their line up to foster development, sportsmanship, and maintain a game environment to promote learning. This should include moving key players into new positions, substitutions of players, and coaching tactical modifications (i.e. minimum number of passes before they can shoot, need to switch the ball through their defensive unit before can attack up the opposite side or other scenarios appropriate for the team).
- More than a 4 goal lead. Coaches should continue to remove a player for every goal that is scored above the differential until the minimum number of players on the field exists.
- 11v11 – 7 player minimum, 9v9 – 6 player minimum, 7v7 – 5 player minimum.
- Game Lengths and Ball Size
- U9/U10: 2 – 25 minute halves, 5 minute half time. Size 4 ball
- U11/U12: 2 – 30 minute halves, 10 minute half time. Size 4 ball
- U13/U14: 2 – 35 minute halves, 10 minute half time. Size 5 ball
- U15 & up: 2 – 40 minute halves, 10 minute half time. Size 5 ball
- Referee Fees
- U9/U10 - $60 per game. $30 center referee, $15 assistant referee *2
- U11/U12 - $75 per game. $35 center referee, $20 assistant referee *2
- U13/U14 - $90 per game. $40 center referee, $25 assistant referee *2
- U15 & up - $110 per game. $50 center referee, $30 assistant referee * 2
- Red card reports
- If a red card is issued the center referee must notify the Northern Michigan Soccer Alliance within 24 hours of game completion by completing the Red Card Report form at www.northernmichigansoccer.com or emailing nmsocceralliance@gmail.com
- Coaches are encouraged to notify their club/organization of any red cards and follow the organization’s discipline structure.
- The NMSA President will follow up with club/organization directors following any red card reports and should any sanctions need to be issued discuss that within 5 days of the red card report. There is no direct sanction for red cards, but should an extreme issue arise, sanctions may ensue (i.e. red card for fighting and game suspensions).
Discipline and Appeals
- NMSA’s mission is to provide an enjoyable, age-appropriate, developmental environment for playing the game of soccer. The underlying principle is: ‘Let the players play the game.’ It is recognized that incidents may occur that will upset or cause disagreement between the party’s involved. It is not acceptable as a spectator, coach or player to exhibit behavior verbally, non-verbally or physically that is inappropriate and not in keeping with the spirit of the game. The referee has the authority, per FIFA, to issue cautions or send-offs to players and remove coaches or spectators. Should spectators become abusive, it is expected that the referee crew and coaches will work together, unilaterally to solve the problem before play continues. If a solution cannot be obtained, then the referee has the authority to suspend/cancel further play and report the incident to the NMSA. No winner declared.
- Problem players/coaches/parents. All situations are best handled as close to the problem as possible. First as coach to parent, player or coach or as referee to player, coach or parent. Each coach is responsible for the actions and personal conduct of their players and spectators. If the situation cannot be handled the coaches and referees should report the situation to the head of the club/organization and the NMSA President.
- Any appeal must be made in writing to the NMSA current President at nmsocceralliance@gmail.com
Last Update
Rules and Regulations updated 09/15/2022