Any coach, participant or spectator who, in the judgment of TMSSC staff, engages in an attempt to fight immediately before, during, or after an TMSSC contest is suspended from further participation in TMSSC activities. No refunds are issued for ejections, suspensions, or expulsions. The suspension for fighting is 365 days. Based on an individual's prior record, reinstatement meeting, and precedent cases, a decision is generally rendered within 72 hours. Written notice and/or a phone call regarding suspensions are made to the individual at the email address or phone number provided. Behavior classified as fighting includes, but is not limited to:

• striking or attempting to strike an individual
• engaging an individual in a combative manner
• throwing a punch at an individual
• spitting at an individual
• kicking or attempting to kick an individual
• brandishing a foreign object or weapon with intent to harm, injure, or intimidate an individual
• retaliating against an aggressive act  

CHAPTER 2004-276 
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: This act shall take effect October 1, 2004- 
Providing enhanced penalties for the offense of assault, battery, aggravated assault, or aggravated battery if the offense is committed upon a sports official; 
Section 1. Section 784.081, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 
784.081 Assault or battery on sports officials or employees; reclassification of offenses- 
If such offense is committed upon the sports official when he or she is actively participating as a sports official in an athletic contest or immediately following such athletic contest, and when the person committing the offense knows or has reason to know the identity or position or employment of the victim, the offense for which the person is charged shall be reclassified as follows: 
(1) In the case of aggravated battery, from a felony of the second degree to a felony of the first degree. 
(2) In the case of aggravated assault, from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the second degree. 
(3) In the case of battery, from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the third degree. 
(4) In the case of assault, from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Protest Procedures:

• player-eligibility protests must be made before the game begins, or immediately following the entrance of a protested player
• during a game, a verbal protest must be made to an official or staff member once play ceases and before the next live ball situation
• using foul/abusive language will invalidate a captain's protest
• protesting a judgment call is prohibited
• if the official or staff member finds the protest valid, they will overturn the call
• If the protested call is not overturned, the team captain must submit a written protest via email to a TMSSC Director within 24 hours of the protested game
• captains must protest a score via email within 24 hours of posting

We strive to provide the best officiating crews at affordable prices.  No official is perfect, and in any given game there will be a number of disputed judgment calls.  Please keep in mind that our officials love their sport as much as you do, and they respect the integrity of the game.  Every official strives for perfection, and player feedback is essential in making improvements.  However, during/after games is not an ideal time to provide feedback to an official.  Rather, we encourage all players (not just captains) to submit written evaluations of league officials to TMSSC Directors.

Every player must wear their TMSSC-issued team uniform on the field (goalies will wear an appropriate goalie uniform). The team captain will designate a TMSSC uniform color. If one or more players do not bring their uniform on a given week, they may exchange shirts on the sideline in order to participate. Teams cannot wear their uniforms inside-out.  Additional uniforms may be purchased for $10 each. Teams must give TMSSC staff advance notice if they wish to purchase/acquire additional uniforms.

If a team is shorthanded and picks up other league members, those other league members must wear their own designated team uniform. 

Shinguards are required for all leagues and tournaments.  TMSSC does not supply/sell shinguards. It is the responsibility of each player to provide his/her own shinguards.  Shinguards must be made of a durable plastic material and must not pose a danger to anyone on the field.

Metal spikes/cleats are prohibited. Sandals, watches, jewelry, and other items deemed dangerous are prohibited while participating in sports with TMSSC. 

• (11v11 Men’s Leagues) A three referee system will be utilized, including a center referee and two assistant referees.
• (9v9 and 11v11 Coed Leagues) A two referee system will be utilized, with equal responsibility in rule enforcement.
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) One referee will be in charge of rule enforcement. 
  Game time will be kept on the field by a referee. Stoppage time will be added at the referee’s discretion.
• (11v11) A game will be divided into two (2) periods of forty (40) minutes each. At twenty (20) minutes into each period, the referees may grant a water break for excessive heat.
• (9v9, 7v7, 6v6, 5v5) A game will be divided into two (2) periods of twenty five (25) minutes each.
• Time runs continuously unless there is an injury or unexpected interruptions. There are no time outs.
• There will be five (5) minutes between halves.
• There is no overtime/shootout for regular season games.

• Playoff games that are tied at the end of regulation time will proceed into overtime and, if needed, a shootout to determine a winner. 
• Overtime will consist of one 5-minute “golden goal” period. The first team to score a goal will win the game. The choice of ends and the kickoff will be decided by a coin toss. 
• If the game remains tied at the end of the overtime period, the game will proceed into a5-person shootout. The winner of a coin toss will choose which team shall kick first in the shootout. Each team captain shall designate five (5) players to shoot for his/her team. The goalkeeper may be one of the shooters. Goalkeeper changes may occur only at the beginning of the shootout.
• (11v11)The designated players must have been on the field of play (in the game) at the end of the overtime period. 
  (9v9, 7v7, 6v6, 5v5) Any player, on the field or on the sideline, may participate in the shootout. 
• Each team has a total of five (5) shots. Teams will alternate after each shot. Each shot shall follow the procedure for a penalty kick. 
  (Coed Leagues) A minimum of 2 women must participate in the shootout.
• If the score remains tied following the first shootout, a sudden victory shootout will occur in which the game is won if, after ANY equal number of shots, the tie is broken.
• (Men’s Leagues) During the sudden victory shootout, teams may use any player(s) in any order.
• (Coed Leagues) During the sudden victory shootout, a woman must kick every shot or every other shot. 

• Substitutions must be announced to the referee.  The referee will determine when it is appropriate to grant entry.
• Teams may request a substitution on a goal kick, corner kick, kick-in/throw-in, after a goal, after an injury, after a caution, or at half-time.
• Players entering and leaving the field must do so at the halfway line.
• There are no substitutions for an ejected player.

• A coin toss will determine possession and choice of ends. Possession and ends will change in the 2nd half. All players shall be within his/her half of the field. (11v11, 9v9) Opponents of the kicking team must be outside of the 8-yard center circle until the ball is kicked. 
  (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) Opponents of the kicking team must be 5 yards from the ball until it is kicked.
• The ball must be kicked forward, one revolution, for the ball to be in play (penalty- rekick).The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until a teammate or opponent has touched the ball (penalty- indirect free kick)
• (9v9, 7v7, 6v6, 5v5) A goal cannot be scored by a kickoff.

• A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line (within the posts and cross bar).
• (9v9, 7v7, 6v6, 5v5) A goal cannot be scored from beyond the halfway line.  The ball must contact an offensive player in the opponent’s half of the field.
• (Coed Leagues) A male goal is worth one (1) point. A female goal is worth two (2) points. A female goal is scored as a direct result of a female kick or header. Deflections off of a female are worth one (1) point.
• (Coed Leagues) An “own goal” by a female is worth one point. 
• After a goal, the opposing team will have possession from the halfway line.

• A penalty kick is awarded after a serious or intentional rule infraction takes place in the penalty area by the defensive team. A penalty kick can be awarded regardless of the position of the ball, if the infraction by the defending team is committed in the penalty area. It is not awarded for infractions that call for an indirect free kick.
• (11v11, 9v9) The penalty kick shall be taken from anywhere on the penalty mark, twelve yards from the goal line. 
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) The distance of the penalty mark is determined by the size of the field and the size of the goals. Restrictions on the number of steps for the kicker may be imposed by the referee.
• The penalty kick may be taken by any player of the offended team on the field of play at the time of the offense.
• (Coed Leagues) If a female is awarded a penalty kick, and she takes the penalty kick and scores, the penalty kick is worth two (2) points.
• All players except the goalie must stay outside the penalty area. 
  The goalkeeper must stand on the goal line and may not move forward until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper may move laterally.
• The kicker must wait for the referee’s whistle. The kicker must kick the ball forward. Any action to deceive the goalkeeper by the kicker is illegal.
• Following the kick, the ball shall be deemed in play if it remains on the field of play. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player (either team). 
• For any infringement by the defending team, the kick shall be retaken if a goal has not resulted. For any infringement by the attacking team other than by the kicker, the kick shall be retaken if a goal has resulted.

• An indirect free kick is a free kick from which a goal may not be scored unless the ball is touched by another player from either team.
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) All free kicks are indirect.
• (11v11, 9v9) A direct free kick is a free kick from which a goal may be scored against the offending team.
• A free kick may be taken by any offensive player.
• When a player is taking a free kick from within his defensive penalty area, the ball must be kicked beyond the penalty area and all opponents must be outside the penalty area.
• The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken. The kicker shall not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player (either team). The ball may be kicked in any direction.

• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) After the ball has wholly crossed the sidelines, hit the net out of play, or struck the wall above the line, the team that did not touch the ball last shall be awarded the kick-in.
• On a kick-in, the ball must be placed on the sideline at the point the ball crossed, and the ball must be stationary before being kicked (penalty- rekick).

• A goal kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and was last touched by an offensive player.
• The ball is then placed anywhere within the goal area (box).
• The ball is not in play until it has gone outside the penalty area (penalty- rekick).
• The player taking the goal kick cannot retouch the ball until another player has touched it.
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) A goal kick cannot cross the halfway line without touching a teammate/opponent(penalty- indirect free kick).

• A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and was last touched by a defensive player. The ball must be placed on the ground on the quarter circle near the corner post.
• The kicker cannot retouch the ball until it is touched by another player (either team). Corner posts (flags or cones) cannot be removed to take a corner kick.

• (11v11, 9v9) On all free kicks and corner kicks, every defender must be at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked, unless the defender is standing on their goal line between the goal posts.
• (7v7) On all free kicks, corner kicks, and kick-ins, every defender must be at least 6 yards away from the ball until it is kicked, unless the defender is standing on their goal line between the goal posts. 
• (6v6) On all free kicks, corner kicks, and kick-ins, every defender must be at least 3 yards away from the ball until it is kicked, unless the defender is standing on their goal line between the goal posts.
• (5v5) On all free kicks, corner kicks, and kick-ins, every defender must be at least 1 yard away from the ball until it is kicked, unless the defender is standing on their goal line between the goal posts.

• (11v11, 9v9) After the ball has wholly crossed the sidelines, on the ground or in the air, the team that did not touch the ball last shall be awarded the throw-in.
• The thrower must face the field of play and have both feet touching the ground out of bounds or on the touch line when the throw is made.
• The thrower must use both hands equally and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
• An improper throw will result in the award of the throw to the other team.

• (11v11, 9v9) Offsides is determined by the referees according to current FIFA definitions and guidelines.
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) Offsides is not enforced.

• Except on a free kick or throw-in, the team that was clearly in possession of the ball at the time of the suspension shall be awarded an indirect free kick from the spot the ball was at the time of the suspension.
• If neither team was in clear possession of the ball, the referee shall drop the ball at the place where it was when play was suspended, and the ball is in play when it touches the ground.
• If play was stopped with the ball in the goal area, the ball is dropped at the nearest point outside the goal area.

• The goalkeeper has possession (control) of the ball when he or she is touching the ball.
• From the moment the keeper takes control of the ball with his/her hands within his own penalty area, he/she must release the ball into play within 6 seconds (penalty- indirect free kick).
• (11v11, 9v9, 7v7) A keeper may not, after releasing the ball into play, touch the ball again with his hands before it has been touched by another player of the same team outside the penalty area or by an opposing player either inside or outside the penalty area.
• (11v11, 9v9, 7v7) If the goalkeeper plays the ball to a teammate and the teammate passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, he/she may not use their hands to play the pass (penalty- indirect free kick).
• (11v11, 9v9, 7v7) The goalkeeper shall not touch the ball with his/her hands via a throw-in/kick-in from his/her own team or a deliberate kick by a teammate (penalty- indirect free kick).
• (6v6, 5v5) A goalkeeper may use his hands/hands on any ball inside the penalty area, including pass-backs from teammates and kick-ins.
• (6v6, 5v5) A goalkeeper cannot repeatedly pass back and forth between a teammate, while using his/her hands to stall or run the clock out (penalty- indirect free kick).
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) After handling the ball, a goalkeeper cannot  pass/punt/drop-kick the ball from his/her penalty area to the opponent's half before contacting a teammate/opponent (penalty-indirect free kick).

• Slide tackling is prohibited in all soccer leagues and tournaments. A slide tackle occurs when a player (including a goalie outside the penalty area) leaves his/her feet and leads with his/her feet to play the ball while the ball is in the proximity of another player (contact is not required).
• If a slide tackle is deemed malicious (playing the player and/or playing the ball from behind an opponent), a red card will be issued to the offending player.

• Dangerous Play - all high kicks above the waist in a dangerous manner (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Charging (No Possession)- No player may charge an opponent not in possession of the ball, including the goalkeeper (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Obstruction - the intentional act by a player, not in possession of the ball or not attempting to play the ball, running between an opponent and the ball or using the body as an obstacle (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Goalkeeper holding the ball longer than six (6) seconds after he/she receives it (penalty- indirect free kick).
• (11v11) Goalkeeper touching the ball with his/her hand when received by throw-in or deliberate kick from a teammate (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Interference (goalkeeper) - No player of the opposing team shall interfere with a goalkeeper in possession of the ball (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Delay of Game - No player or team shall unnecessarily delay the playing of the game (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Kicking/Striking an Opponent – No player may intentionally attempt to kick or strike an opponent. The goalkeeper may not intentionally strike or attempt to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at the opponent (penalty- direct free kick).
• Tripping/Jumping- No player may intentionally jump at nor trip an opponent (penalty- direct free kick).
• Charging (Possession) – No player may charge an opponent. Offenses include violently and/or dangerously charging a player or charging from behind (penalty- direct free kick).
• Holding/Pushing/Impeding – No player may use his/her hands or arms to hold, push, or impede an opponent (penalty- direct free kick).
• Intentional Hand Ball – No player may handle, carry, strike, or propel the ball with a hand or arm (penalty- direct free kick).
• Unintentional Hand Ball- the ball strikes the hands or arms of a player who has not moved the hands or arms to play the ball (no penalty).

• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) A player who receives a white card must exit the game without a substitution for two (2) minutes or an opponent’s goal, whichever comes first.
• (7v7, 6v6, 5v5) A player who receives a yellow card must exit the game without a substitution for five (5) minutes.
• Two (2) yellow cards or one (1) red card will result in an ejection and/or a suspension.
• An ejected player may not be replaced by a substitute. Teams will play (finish the match) a player down for each ejection.
• An ejected player but must abide by all spectator rules. If an ejected player, while on the sideline or in the stands, uses foul/abusive language toward a referee, spectator, or opponent, then that player will be ejected from the park/facility. That player must vacate the premises of the park/facility within one (1) minute, or his/her team shall forfeit the game.
• Two (2) red cards in one season may result in a 3 game suspension. Three (3) or more red cards in one season will result in expulsion from the league and a future suspension.
• A referee may issue a white (advisory), yellow (caution), or red (ejection) card for the following offenses:

(White) Abusive/vulgar language towards a teammate, opponent, or spectator 
(White) Dangerous or aggressive foul. 
(White) Slide tackling in vicinity of an opponent. 
(Yellow) Dangerous or aggressive slide tackle. 
(Yellow) Intentional hand ball outside of the penalty area. 
(Yellow) Leaving or exiting the field without a referee's permission. 
(Yellow) Encroachment on free kicks. 
(Yellow) Unnecessary delay of game. 
(Yellow) Abusive/vulgar language towards a referee. 
(Yellow) Persistent infringement of the rules of the game. 
(Yellow) Showing dissent toward a referee's call, by word or action. 
(Red) Intentional hand ball within penalty area during a goal-scoring opportunity . 
(Red) Excessive abusive/vulgar language. 
(Red) Persistent misconduct after receiving a caution. 
(Red) Violent or serious foul. 
(Red) Violent slide tackle. 
(Red) Holding/pushing/impeding an opponent during a goal-scoring opportunity (penalty- direct free kick or penalty kick).