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Officiated Soccer at Downsview Park (Formally known as Sports Leagues Canada)

There is only one format of Officiated Soccer under Sports Leagues Canada and JAM rules. The format is described in its entirety below. These rules have been modified from the original Sports Leagues Canada Rule Book, but the majority of the information has remained the same through the transition of League Management.

JAM is for Everyone – Inclusion Statement

Our program offerings are designed to be inclusive for all members of the JAM community. Our goal is to create a welcoming gender policy that uplifts and supports each player where they are at. To ensure we can offer something for everyone, our programs may be offered in the following formats: Mixed-Gender, Women's, Men's, and Open.

Many of our league rules specify gender-based roster requirements, the goal of which is to ensure that each player has an equal opportunity to be included in gameplay.

Everyone participating in a JAM program is welcome to compete based on their gender identity and gender expression; regardless of their gender assigned at birth. Members whose gender identity does not align with the binary man/woman construct are welcome to play in all our mixed-gender and open programs.

Nonbinary, trans, genderqueer, and all other players who identify as a gender minority can count towards the roster minimums for either men or women in our mixed-gender leagues.

The Facility - The Hangar

All games will take place at The Hangar Indoor Turf Fields. Please be aware of the specific rules in regards to the facility:

• Individuals using the facility do so at their own risk. The operator assumes no liability for any injuries or accidents, which may occur. As well, conduct within the facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
• No food, drinks, chewing gum, or spitting is permitted on the playing surfaces.
• No foul, abusive, racial, or derogatory language allowed.
• The facility accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen personal property. We strongly suggest that no valuables be taken into the facility. Players are advised to take all personal property with them to the bench areas by the field
• All major accidents and injuries must be reported to an SSG staff immediately after an incident has occurred.
• The facility has a first-aid kit and defibrillator. It is the responsibility of each team to also maintain their own first-aid kit for treatment of their players. However, the SSG staff member will have a standard first aid kit with them to provide to league players, if needed.
• No use of video recording devices inside our soccer facility unless a facility staff member grants permission.
• The Hangar is a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free facility. No alcoholic beverages, smoking/vaporization is allowed on the premises. Any violation of any published rules and regulations will result in severe monetary fines and penalties as well as suspensions and possible banning from The Hangar, a Federal Government Property. 
• Participants and spectators are to be advised that The Hangar is a private facility and anyone who does not act or behave in an appropriate manner can be disqualified from participation in SSG leagues and also barred from entering the property and premises. Any such decision to bar any individual from the facility will be the decision of the facility management and is non-appealable.

Game Time

All matches of Officiated Soccer will be 55 minutes in length, including two 25-minute halves and 5-minute halftime. Please arrive early to ensure you get the full use of your allotted field time. In the event of a delay to start of a game, the referee may shorten each half to no less than 15-minutes per half; this is subject to the League's approval. 

• Additional time may be added to the end of each half at the discretion of the referee
• Additional time may be added on to the end of each half for the taking of an awarded penalty kick 
• If a game cannot be completed due to circumstances beyond the League's control, the entire game shall be rescheduled, unless 30-minutes of playing time, in a regular length game, or two thirds of the available playing time in a shortened game has elapsed, when the score at the time shall be considered official. Also, if a game is abandoned due to the actions of one of the teams, the game may be scored as a 5-0 default in the favour of the other team. All reschedules are based on the discretion of League Management and they have the right to refuse a reschedule in extenuating circumstances. 

Kickoff: The player kicking the ball may not touch the ball a second time until another player touches it. Players may not cross the midline until the ball is kicked and clearly moves. The ball may be kicked in any direction.

Defaults: If your team is in danger of forfeiting due to lack of players, please contact the JAM as soon as possible. Forfeits are recorded as a 5-0 score. Forfeits occur because:

• A team is unable to field at least four ready players within 5 minutes of a game’s scheduled start time.
• A team loses enough players during a game that they are unable to field at least four eligible players.
• A player on the team has deliberately broken any rule regarding registration, eligibility, or a team causes a game to be terminated.
• Teams are not paid up to the financial amount due by that game.

Teams are responsible for making sure that they are playing on the appropriate field at their scheduled time and are playing against their correct opponents. 

No Shows: Teams are required to contact The JAM (toronto@sportsocial.club) if they are unable to field a team that night. Teams are not allowed to default a game without giving advanced notice. Teams are subject to a $50 fine if they fail to provide 48 hour notice of a forfeit.  Fines must be paid prior to the next game.  Multiple defaults or no-shows may lead to your team being removed from the league, without refund.

Players

• A full squad consists of six (6) players on the field at once, one of which being the goalkeeper. A team roster can consist of up to a maximum of eighteen (18) players.
• A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than four players. 
• No player may play on two teams in the same division. No one may switch teams after having played for one team in the same session.
• Unlimited substitutions shall be permitted. Subsitutions are continuous during play and all players must enter and exit the field of play at the halfway line only when the player they are subbing off is within 1 meter of the touchline nearest the team's bench. Substitution of goalkeepers must be reported directly to the referee and made during a stoppage.  

Roster Numbers

Each Mixed team plays with a maximum of five field players and a designated goalkeeper on the field, with a minimum of two women or gender minority players and two men or gender minority players on the field at all times. A mixed team can play with a minimum of four field players and a goalkeeper, as long as roster minimums are met. 

Player Registration

Anyone entering the player bench or the field must have a valid Toronto JAM profile with a photo uploaded and must be on the official online team roster.

Player Identification

In the event where verification of a player’s age is needed, one of the following forms of identification is acceptable:

• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Original Birth Certificate with Raised Seal
• School ID with Birth Date

Any player who is discovered to have lied about their age or identity to play in any league will be removed from the league with possible further disciplinary action against the Team Representative.

Player Eligibility

• A player must be at least eighteen (18) years old to play in any Toronto JAM League.
• If a player has been paid to play professional (indoor or outdoor) soccer within the last 6 months or is currently playing professionally, they are only eligible to play at the highest level in each league available.
• The league may restrict advanced players from playing in leagues two or more levels down.

Goaltenders

A team must have a designated goalkeeper on the field at all times. The goalkeeper must wear a jersey colour that distinguishes them from all other field players and from the referee. A team may never have more than one goalkeeper on the field at one time. The goalkeeper may play the ball with their hands so long as the ball is not intentionally passed to them by a teammate’s foot pass. The goalkeeper may distribute the ball by rolling, throwing, punting, or drop-kicking. They may drop the ball to their own feet and kick or dribble the ball.

If a goalkeeper receives a two-minute penalty which the referee tells them to serve, then the goalkeeper must be substituted as quickly as possible.

All substitutes must remain seated on their respective bench unless partaking in active substitutions.

Deadlines

The following deadlines will be enforced to all divisions. The JAM reserves the right to deny a player the ability to play if these deadlines are not met. Using any ineligible players will result in a default loss. 

• Photo's - All players on the team roster must have an uploaded photo on their TJAM profile by the 5th week of play. Any player to not have an uploaded photo will be considered ineligible. 
• Roster Freeze - All players must be active on the team roster by the 9th week of play. After the 9th week of play, players will not be allowed to add an individual to the team roster and will be considered ineligible. 

Team Captain Responsibilities

Team Captains/Representatives are encouraged to be an active playing participant on their teams. If the registered team representative is a non-player, the team must declare a co-captain team. It is the expectation of the League office that Team Representatives will embody the philosophy of the JAM, which are fun, safety and enjoyment of the game of soccer for all.

Team Captains are responsible for the following:

• League fees are paid on time
• Player jersey numbers are recorded on the game sheet before kick-off
• Making sure all team players on the roster are registered with the league and have an updated profile picture
• Making sure that only registered players are on the bench during the game
• Spectator behaviour
• Communicating any potential forfeit with the league with appropriate advance notice

If a team’s registration fees are not paid according to our deadline the team may be prohibited from playing and therefore taking a 5-0 forfeit loss or dropped from the league without a refund.

Refunds/Returned Cheques

• No refunds are given to suspended players. If a player who joined a team which registered as a “regular team” wants a refund, the player must arrange to get the payment from the team’s authorized Team Representative. If a team deliberately forfeits two games in a season or decides to drop out of a league, they may be replaced and no refund is given. In addition, they may not be allowed to register a team again.
• If any player’s or team’s cheque is returned, that player or team will be suspended from playing until payment is made.
• A $50 returned cheque charge is assessed in addition to the amount of the original cheque.

Equipment/Set-Up

• Teams are required to provide their own soccer ball for all league games. All soccer balls that are being used in the game must be approved by the Official before kickoff.
• The ball shall be spherical (Size 5 Ball); the outer casing shall be leather or other suitable materials. No materials shall be used in its construction which might prove dangerous to the players.
• On-coming players should refrain from kicking soccer balls along the outside of the touchline.

Uniforms and Equipment

Members must follow the following Uniform and Equipment Guidelines:

Uniforms

• Players must be dressed in identical jerseys with different numbers on their back. The team representative is responsible for filling each game sheet with the correct jersey number to each player
• Goalkeepers must wear colours distinguishing them from all other players and referees
• Players may not switch shirts and wear a different number than that on the team roster form.
• In the event that both teams are wearing similar colours, team representatives will conduct a coin flip or a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to determine the Home and Away Team. The Away team will be provided pinnies from the referees. It is highly recommended that teams bring two sets of jerseys with different colours to wear in this situation. 
• It is mandatory that players wear shorts, stockings and shin guards of an appropriate size. Shin guards must be worn on both legs and must be totally covered by socks.
• Socks must be matching.

Equipment

• Outdoor cleats are prohibited.
• No jewellery, watches, or activity tracking devices are allowed.
• No headwear, caps, bandanas, or metal hair clips can be worn
• No sleeveless jerseys, casual dress pants, or dress shorts can be worn.
• No eyewear can be worn with any type of hard material deemed by the referee as a potential danger to the player or others. Sports goggles are acceptable. Eyewear must be tied at the back of the head.

Braces and Casts

Knee braces and casts are allowed to be worn at our soccer facility provided that they are covered and properly padded by a force-absorbing material that covers all rigid exterior sides and edges. THE REFEREE WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION AS TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF ANY CAST OR KNEE BRACE. NO HARD CASTS ALLOWED.

League Format

The following will define the League format which may differ from standard SSG Soccer Leagues:

Schedule and League Format

The schedule and formats for a league may vary from season to season, depending on the number of teams in a league. Please check with the Toronto JAM Head Office for the format of your league. Schedules are available on the Toronto JAM website.

Note: If your team has a scheduling request please make sure its mentioned to Toronto JAM Head Office before the league schedule is made, and we will try to accommodate you. Please note that all special requests are ‘requests’ and may not be accommodated.

Standings

Leagues are set up on a 'Best Record System'. A team’s record is the total number of points earned per game:

• Win = 3 Points
• Tie = 1 Point
• Loss = 0 Points

Tie Breakers

A team shall be awarded three points for a win, and one point for a tie. In the event of a tie in the league standings at the end of the season, the tie will be broken according to the following:

• Most Wins
• The winner of the head to head competition between the two tied teams only. (when more than two teams are tied, rule iii applies)
• Goal Differential throughout the entire season.
• The team with the most goals for throughout the entire season.
• The team with the least goals against throughout the entire season.
• A coin toss in the presence of both team representatives and the league.

Playoffs Format

The top 4 teams at the completion of the regular season will compete in finals (1 v 4 and 2 v 3). Both winning teams go through to the championship final. Losing teams will play consolation games.

Teams that don’t finish in the top 4 will play in consolation games.

Game Sheets

• Both teams must fill in the jersey numbers of their players on the game sheet located with the SSG Representative prior to kickoff.
• All players entering the field of play must be on the game sheet before playing
• Everyone on the team’s bench must be identified on the game sheet.
• The game will not commence until BOTH teams have filled out their appropriate information on the game sheet, however, the score clock will start at the scheduled game time.
• If teams are found to have used a player that is not on the game sheet, the delinquent teams will forfeit the game by a score of 5-0. If the team loses by a score greater than the forfeit score, the original score will stand.

Rules

The following are the specific rules of play for this league: 

The Ball

1. The ball shall be spherical; the outer casing shall be of leather or other suitable materials. No material shall be used in its construction which might prove dangerous to the players. The ball must be approved by the Referee (Size 5 Ball).

Number of Players

1. A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than six players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than four players.
2. Unlimited substitutions shall be permitted. Substitutions are continuous during play and all players must enter and exit the field of play at the halfway line only when the player they are subbing is within 1 meter of the touchline nearest the team’s bench. Substitution of goalkeepers must be reported directly to the referee and made during a stoppage.

Offside

1. There shall be no offsides in indoor soccer.

General Rules

1. Teams must provide each player with identical jerseys with different numbers on their back.
2. The goalkeeper must wear a contrasting numbered jersey, which must also be different from the opposing team.
3. In the event, a game is abandoned because of spectator interference, or the referee is concerned for the safety of any person(s) in the facility the League Committee shall decide the result of the game, which may include rescheduling the game. If two thirds or more of the game has been played, the score shall stand and the offending team shall be subject to any disciplinary sanctions deemed appropriate by the League Committee. In the event the offending team is winning at the two-third mark of the game, the team may be subject to, but not limited to, a 3 – 0 default loss.
4. The team official, who for whatever reason during a game withdraws his team from the game prior to its official ending, may be subject to disciplinary action depending on League/Discipline Committee findings up to two hundred dollars ($200.00).
5. A grace period of (5) five minutes will be allowed in the event that a team has less than four players at the appointed kick-off time. The defaulting team shall forfeit the game and the points will be awarded to the opposing team. The score shall be recorded as a 5-0 score in favor of the opposing team. In the event that both teams have less than the minimum required players, no points will be awarded.
6. Teams forfeiting games must pay 100% of the game officials’ fee and may be subject to a fine of up to two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) to their team. A team forfeiting three games could be suspended from further play by the League Committee. To avoid additional fees, any forfeiting team must notify the league at least 48 hours before the start of their match. A team will be subject to a $50 fine if they fail to provide 48 hours notice of a forfeit.  All fines must be paid prior to the following game.
7. All information on the game sheet must be printed legibly and must be completed. Any incomplete or illegible game sheets(s) may subject the team to a fine, disciplinary action/forfeiture of the game, or both.
8. The team officials are responsible for all players on the team, at all times, and shall conduct themselves in a reasonable manner in accordance with the rules and regulations of the League, and shall confine themselves to the team bench or technical area along with the players. The team official shall only enter the field of play when authorized by a game official. Prohibited entry may be sanctioned with a fine of up to two hundred dollars ($200.00) subject to the discretion of the League/Discipline Committee.
9. The player’s team bench shall be deemed to be an area designated as such by the League. Only the players and team officials entered on the game sheet are allowed on the team bench. Any game abandoned by a game official will be dealt with by the League/Discipline Committee. 
10. A team found guilty of causing a game abandonment will forfeit the points and be subject to a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00). In the event that both teams are found guilty, no points will be awarded, and both teams will be subject to a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00).
11. A player or team official impeding, harassing, or otherwise intimidating a game official, member of staff assigned to assist the game official, opposing team official or opposing player, will be subject to severe disciplinary action, including a fine to the team of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00).
12. All games will be played as scheduled unless, at the discretion of the League committee, postponement is necessary due to unavoidable circumstances.
13. Postponed games must be played as rescheduled by the League. Failure to comply could result in no points being awarded and penalties/fines imposed. In the event the game is rescheduled on a day that is not your regular assigned game-day, the League will give a minimum of one-week advance notice of date and time.
14. The use of shin guards is mandatory. Outdoor cleats and jewelry are PROHIBITED.
15. In the event that an elimination game is tied at the end of regulation, the outcome will be determined by penalty kicks. Teams will take 3 penalty kicks and then if it is still tied it will go to sudden death where teams will choose 1 kicker at a time until a team wins.
16. In the event that a team fails to complete the schedule, all games played by that team shall be declared void and the results deleted from the standings (5-0 loses). All fees paid by such team to the League shall be forfeited.
17. No game official, player or official of any team shall bet on any soccer match under the jurisdiction of the JAM.
18. Use of foul or abusive language, spitting and fighting at The Hangar or in the JAM league is strictly prohibited. All such incidences will be treated in accordance with the Hangar facility and the JAM rules and policies.
19. Mixed teams must field a minimum of two (2) women or gender minority players and two (2) men or gender minority players at all times. If only one (1) woman or gender minority or one (1) man or gender minority is present the team will play one (1) player short (Short-handed). If a team has zero (0) women or gender minority players or zero (0) men or gender minority players present, the team will default the game.
20. The League Committee’s decision is final.

Discipline

1. All mandatory enforcements will go into effect starting on the next scheduled league or cup game, no exceptions.
2. All players receiving a yellow card will serve a two-minute penalty. If a player is given a red card, he shall leave the playing area immediately. The guilty team shall place a player in the penalty box for the full five minutes, no matter how many goals are scored against them. After the five minute periods, the team shall return to full strength, excluding the player that received the red card. If a goalkeeper receives a two-minute penalty, his time may be served by another player on the field. For a red card, he will be ejected from the game and will not be allowed to come back to play.
3. Red card decisions made by the disciplinary committee will be final and no further appeal will be considered.  All red cards are accompanied by a $50 team fine that must be paid prior to the next game.
4. Any player or team official reported for violent conduct during a match, who is found guilty of such conduct, may be suspended for the remainder of the season.
5. Every team is responsible to the League for the actions of its players, team officials and team spectators and is required to take all precautions necessary to prevent its players and spectators from abusing, threatening, poaching or assaulting officials, staff members, and/or players. Failure to control team players and spectators may result in a fine up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) subject to the discretion of the Disciplinary and League Committee.
6. Players and team officials suspended from the League shall not take part in any soccer activities in respect to the League, until the completion of the suspension
7. The League has the right to levy monetary fines against players, teams or their officials where it is necessary to maintain a higher degree of control over the game of soccer. Teams may be required to pay bonds for current or future participation.
8. The JAM Discipline Committee reserves the right to suspend and expel teams and/or players that who have acted in a manner that may be deemed dangerous to the facility and/or facility staff. Teams and players on teams instigating and/or participating in fights/brawls may be immediately suspended and/or expelled from further play with NO refund of league fees.

Protests

1. Each protest arising from a game in the competition shall be submitted in writing to the JAM league bearing the submission date, within 48 hours of the completion of the game to which it relates. A protest fee of five hundred dollars ($500) must accompany the protest letter.
2. In all protests, the League committee shall determine whether there is any merit to the protest before convening an investigation. If it is determined that there is no merit to the protest, the fee shall be returned with the committee’s explanation.
3. A game can only be protested by the teams directly involved in the protested game.
4. Protest of a decision by a Referee will not be entertained.

Administrative

1. Absolutely no changes to the final schedules will be entertained.
2. Any complaints (other than protests), about Referees and/or games, must be put in writing and submitted to the League office within 48 hours of the game being played. Results of the game will not be changed. Only legitimate complaints will be entertained. Long protracted discussions or venting of opinions of Referees decisions will not be entertained.
3. Only the League Committee is empowered to deal with complaints. Only the League Committee can determine which complaints are frivolous and which complaints are genuine. The committee’s decision is final.
4. All fines are due and payable before the team’s next scheduled game. Failure to remit payment on time could render the team suspended from further League participation until payment is received by the League. Games scheduled during such a period of suspension will be considered forfeited and applicable Rules and Regulations will take effect.

Regular Season Matches and Playoffs Tiebreak

Regular Season Matches can end in a tie. There must be a winner in a playoff match. In the event that the match ends in a tie, teams will partake in the following tiebreaker:

• In the event that an elimination game is tied at the end of regulation, the outcome will be determined by penalty kicks. Teams will take 3 penalty kicks and then if it is still tied it will go to sudden death where teams will choose 1 kicker at a time until a team wins.