Rules, Regulations and Policies

⚽ Rules

Quick "cheat sheet" of division rules

Ontario Soccer is guided by the FIFA Laws of the Game in relation to the metrics of soccer fields. Participants should refer to 'Law One' of the FIFA Laws of the Game which detail the size, surface, goals and markings related to a soccer field. https://www.ontariosoccer.net/referee-rules

⚽ Regulations

Concussion Code of Conduct - (Rowan's Law) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bx7GDtIyoKI2t1LLU4LrKeyjRwC_12ru/view?usp=sharing Concussion Resources - https://www.ontario.ca/page/rowans-law-concussion-awareness-resources

⚽ Game Cancellation Policies

Soccer games can play in the rain. Only lightning and thunder should stop a game. 
If lightning or thunder occur during the game, wait 15 minutes to see if it stops so that the game can continue. The referee is responsible for calling the game off. (They may consult with you). 

Lightning Safety/ Severe Weather Policy - https://docs.google.com/document/d/13QW4HbL5GXGX8S-0UeVa785qXiiFuCBzPPxmzhEIDb8/edit?usp=sharing

Avoiding and Preventing Heat Related Injuries When Playing Soccer - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zduUUmVgqUFSjIn_zcrRtsRAq6CJZ_J2/view?usp=sharing

If a home game needs to be cancelled (due to lightning or heat):
1) Connect with other teams coach - hopefully you can find their contact on their club's website. 
2) Find a date to reschedule. (Fields need to be available and referees need to be booked)
3) Message the Coach Coordinator to let them know - Alycia Nafziger [email protected]
4) MOST IMPORTANT - Email Referee Coordinator - Brennan Kuepfer [email protected]. We don't want our refs standing out in the rain waiting for teams to show up. 

⚽ SWRSA League Heat Advisory Rule:

🔥 14.12 Heat Advisory Policy: In the event of a heat advisory (as issued by Environment Canada) it is MANDATORY for match officials to provide water breaks as follows:

1️⃣ At the midway point of each half

2️⃣ Provide a 60 second break

⏱️ Game clock is stopped during mandated water breaks

🚨 This is MANDATORY for player safety and cannot be ignored.

💧 If a heat advisory has not been issued and team officials are seeking water breaks, the request to the match official should occur prior to the game. These water breaks will be permitted at the discretion of the referee.

👥 The safety of players, coaches, management, and spectators is the primary concern in any weather event during all matches sanctioned by Southwest Soccer.

⛅ The Match Official has the final say over delaying or restarting a match due to weather. Waiting to stop play or not waiting to start play may result in a serious injury or loss of life. Match Officials are expected to act responsibly when dealing with such events during matches they are controlling.

Stay safe and hydrated! 💦🧊