League Policy and Procedure

Game Schedule and Policies

Game Schedules: Please check the game schedules regularly on the Schedule page of this site. Schedules are subject to change due to weather or other scheduling conflicts, which may impact the season's timeline. Each team plays one game per week, with game days rotating.

Game Invitations: Weekly, your team captain will send game invitations, typically 4-5 days before the next game. Invitations may be sent via apps like Evite, Spond, Bunchbowl, or others. Check your email and respond promptly through the app to indicate your availability. All players must respond to the invitation no later than 48 hours before game time. Last-minute responses are discouraged; captains need adequate time to organize the team and may reach out to guest players if necessary.

Team Organization Apps: Your team captain may use specific apps for team management. Ensure you have an account set up with your email or phone as required.

RSVPs: Responses to game invitations must be either "yes" or "no." "Maybe" responses will be treated as "no." Failure to RSVP 48 hours before game time for two consecutive games may result in removal from the team or the league. Team captains need an accurate headcount by this deadline.

Guest Players: If your team is short on players, the team captain must request guest players from the league commissioner or administrator at least 24 hours before game time. Specify the number needed, positions (e.g., GK, Def), and shirt color required.

Game Attire: All players must wear shin guards, soccer cleats, and team jerseys during games. Wristwatches, caps, keys, phones, or any items in pockets are not permitted during play.

Registration: All players must be registered members of FO50SL before participating in any games. Registration is completed online. [Click here to register]

Attendance: No player may participate in a game without prior registration with the league and confirmation by the team captain. Guest players must adhere to all league rules.

Age Eligibility: All players must be aged 50 years or older. Team captains must ensure no player under 50 participates. Opposing team captains may request to verify the age of suspected young players with official identification. Any violations will be reported to the league disciplinary committee for action.

Forfeits: A team will forfeit a game if they start with fewer than eight rostered members at kickoff. The forfeiting team must pay a $75 penalty to the league, and the game will be recorded as a 3-0 loss.

Player Safety: FO50SL prioritizes player safety by adhering to rules set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and implemented by FIFA and US Soccer. Additional safety rules may be implemented as needed.

• Yellow Cards: Result in a 5-minute sit-out with a replacement.

• Red Cards: Result in immediate removal from the game without replacement. A one-week suspension and a $30 penalty to the league must be paid before returning.

• Red card: accumulating two red cards in a season will result in a suspension for the entire season.

• Additional Penalties: Further suspensions and penalties will be determined by the league disciplinary committee based on the nature of the incident. The league management reserves the right to permanently suspend any player deemed unsafe or exhibiting aggressive behavior towards teammates, opponents, referees, or league management.

Special Rules: Slide tackles are prohibited. Slide kicks are allowed but must be performed away from opponents. 

Dues: Dues are payable twice a year at the beginning of the Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter seasons. As a nonprofit organization, FO50SL relies on dues to cover overhead expenses such as referee fees, field permits, USASA Membership, website expenses, administrative costs, and registration expenses. We strive to keep costs minimal, ensuring we remain the most cost-effective league per game in the region.

Payment: All payments must be made in full and on time through our new registration system. Online payments can be made via credit or debit cards.

This comprehensive guide ensures clarity and adherence to FO50SL's policies, promoting fair play, safety, and organizational efficiency within the league.