League Rules & POLICIES

Click here for the TCSL Administrative Rules.

Administration and Management, Scheduling & Communication, Game Officials, League Discipline, Player Transfers & Recruiting

TCSL Policy on Misconduct Against Referees

Click here for the TCSL Competition Rules.

Equipment, Rosters, Competition Rules (i.e. modifications to the Laws of the Game), Severe Weather Policy

TCSL Code of Conduct

FIELD STANDARDS

Clubs are asked to adhere to these minimum requirements.

“CLUB LINESPEOPLE”

What to do in the event that a full complement of referees is not present

Age GroupMinimum RefereesMaximum RefereesIf Missing Referees
9U/10U11Match should be played, facilitated by coaches
11U/12U13If one (1) CERTIFIED referee, each team to provide a "Club Linesperson" to assist center referee
13U/14U13If one (1) CERTIFIED referee, each team to provide a "Club Linesperson" to assist center referee
15U-19U1*3If one (1) CERTIFIED referee, each team to provide a "Club Linesperson" to assist center referee

*It is TCSL’s strong preference to prioritize 15U-19U matches to be played with three (3) certified referees.

Club Linespeople Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Center Referee by indicating if the ball is in/out of play (the Referee will provide a flag to use);
  • The Club Linesperson is NOT to call offside or assist with the calling of fouls.

RECRUITING POLICIES

It is the TCSL philosophy that player development occurs at the club level.

To that end, it is TCSL’s goal to provide a structured league environment for member clubs to participate in, so that clubs can develop their players to their highest potential. All participants are expected to hold themselves to a high standard at all times. Adult participants are expected to be role models AND LEADERS WITHIN THE SOCCER ENVIRONMENT.

5.2. Bound to Member Club

Players will be considered members of a club when they have finalized one of the following: 

  1. Signed the club registration form, electronic or otherwise.
  2. Paid a commitment fee to register for the upcoming season. 

A tryout fee does not register a player to a club, this is merely a fee to tryout.  

9U-11U players will be bound to the club from the 1st day of their registration (after July 25) through the first day of tryouts for the following soccer year. 

12U+ players will be bound to the club from the 1st day of their registration through the last day of TCSL play such as Final 4 championships. 

5.3. Player Transfer Process

Any player bound to a Member Club cannot transfer once registered to the Member Club except in exceptional circumstances. 

Such circumstances are:  

  • A change of living location that makes it difficult to commute to current Club; or 
  • A team that player registered for does not come to exist; or
  • Both Clubs agree to any player transfer after a player is bound to a Member Club. 

Any disagreement regarding a player transfer will be resolved by the TCSL League Office. 

The Player Transfer Form will be used for player transfers and both Member Clubs must fill out and sign all parts.  

5.4.1. Player Contact Initiated by Adult 

Coaches and adults (including Club personnel, and parents of players) are not allowed to contact any players from another TCSL Club as long as the player(s) in question are bound to another Club.  

5.4.2. Contact Initiated by Player 

If a player initiates contact with a coach during regular season play, the coach must ask the player in writing if they are committed to another TCSL Club.  If so, then the player will be asked to inform their current Club in writing of their intent to try-out for another Club before any further action may be taken, and the current Club must agree in writing to said tryout or training.   

SEVERE WEATHER POLICY

 

5.1. Lightning Policy

The safety of the players, coaches, management and spectators are of primary concern during any weather event that occurs during a match. The Referee has final say over delaying a game due to weather (with the exception of TCSL-sponsored tournament events, where tournament administrators own this responsibility). Waiting to stop play and clearing the area may result in a serious injury or loss of life. Act responsibly when dealing with such events during all games.

For all TCSL league matches that are scheduled by the home club, who is also responsible for assigning referees to the match, any visible lightning should result in an immediate suspension of the match with all players, coaches, spectators, and referees seeking shelter immediately. The match may not resume until 30 minutes has elapsed since the last lightning strike.

For all TCSL-administered tournaments, any lightning that is tracked via an approved application within eight (8) miles of the facility will result in an immediate suspension of the match with all players, coaches, spectators, and referees seeking shelter immediately. The match(es) may not resume until 30 minutes has elapsed since the last lightning strike.

5.2. Hot Weather/Heat Index

Teams and Referees should reference the heat index as reported by OSHA.

  • Up to 89 degrees: normal play.
  • 90-99 degrees: two-minute water breaks (running time); each half shortened by five minutes.
  • 100-105 degrees: two-minute water breaks (running time); each half shortened by 10 minutes.
  • 106 degrees and above: play suspended
5.3. Cold Weather
  • “Feels like” temperatures of 40 degrees and higher: normal play.
  • “Feels like” temperatures of between 33 degrees and 39 degrees: each half shortened by 5 minutes.
  • “Feel like” temperatures of 32 degrees or below: play suspended

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

 

Social media is a wonderful tool to celebrate your club’s success. As TCSL does, various social media platforms provide an opportunity to celebrate our sport and the joy it brings. Clubs are reminded about TCSL’s stance on social media etiquette.