Massachusetts Adult Soccer

Football Alliance of New England will NOT operate in 2023.  

 

Please check back later in the year for an update for 2024.

Welcome to the FA1 Soccer League website. Based in the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the FA1 is an amateur league focused on bringing competitive soccer back to it's original home, much like our ancestors did in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Our league is governed by Massachusetts Adult State Soccer Association and we are affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation.

Two years removed from the collapse of Ligas Unidas Soccer Association (LUSA), a new league based in Southeastern New England emerged from the rubble, as the Football Alliance of New England (FA1) kicked off its inaugural season on May 30, 2015.

The then six-team, USASA-affiliated league was comprised of sides from Boston, Providence, New Bedford, Fall River, Cranston and Taunton. Each club played a ten-game regular season, and was entered in a league-wide cup tournament, the FA1 Cup.

Since then, the FA1 has continued to expand and the league has entered its 7th successive year of play. Despite COVID-19 effecting many clubs and leagues locally and nationally, the FA1 was able to attract seven sides for the 2020 season that started in August and ended in November. Those sides were from Providence, New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton and competed for the FA1 League Title, that was retained by Providence City F.C.

2015 League Winners: New England Navigators

2016 League Winners: New England Navigators

2016 League Cup Winners: New England Navigators

2017 League Winners: Providence City F.C.

2017 League Cup Winners: Franklin Gators S.C.

2018 League Winners: Providence City F.C.

2019 League Winners: Providence City F.C.

2020 League Winners: Providence City F.C.

2021 League Winners: Fall River F.C.

2021 League Cup Winners: Providence City F.C.

2022 League Winners: Providence City F.C.

2022 League Cup Winners: Providence City F.C.

Individual Players: If you're an individual player looking to join a team, please reach out to our Facebook or Instagram page.

Teams: If you're interested in entering a team into the FA1 or need information about the League, please send an e-mail to football.alliance.1@gmail.com. Note that the League accepts new teams at the start of the season only and that the number of openings is limited.

League Bylaws

CHAPTER 1 - ARTICLE OF ORGANIZATION

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 PURPOSE

The Football Alliance of New England ("FA1") organizes, facilitates, administers and governs an amateur adult soccer organization.

1.1.2 DISTRIBUTION

A complete set of by-laws will be made available to each member team and affiliated associations. A copy will be supplied on request to any other group or individual that may interact with the FA1. A copy of the by-laws shall be posted on the league's website and available for download.

1.1.3 HEADQUARTERS/MEETING ORGANIZATION

The headquarters of the FA1 will be within the Greater Metropolitan Taunton area of South Eastern Massachusetts. The FA1 shall hold a minimum of one meeting annually as well as any other meetings deemed necessary by League Executives.

1.1.4 VOLUNTARY NATURE OF OFFICE

Holding an office in the FA1 is strictly voluntary. No officer or director shall receive compensation of any type beyond reasonable reimbursement for expenses incurred by them on behalf of the FA1.

1.1.5 MEMBERSHIP

Any amateur adult team agreeing to abide by the by-laws of the FA1 shall be eligible. Acceptance into the FA1 shall be at the sole and absolute discretion of the League Executives. Failure by any team (or team's member) to abide by these by-laws may result in disciplinary action by League Executives, in its sole discretion, which may include (but not be limited to) expulsion from the FA1 of the team or team member.

1.1.6 FISCAL YEAR

Fiscal year to end on December 31 of each year.

1.2 CONSTITUENCY AND GOVERNING BODY

1.2.1 CONSTITUENCY

It is mandatory that at least one team member be in attendance for any FA1 meeting.

1.2.2 VOTING POWER

Each team will have one (1) vote. A Quorum must be maintained for all votes. A quorum is a simple majority of all teams in the FA1.

1.2.3 EXECUTIVE BOARD/ELECTED OFFICERS

The constituency shall elect the following officers to comprise the Executive Board: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Referee/Game Coordinator and Webmaster. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting and term of office will be one (1) year. No person may hold more than two (2) officer positions concurrently and no officer shall cast more than one vote in League Executive voting, regardless of the number of offices held. The League Executives do not cast votes in league wide voting although officers may vote as representatives of their teams.

1.2.4 EXECUTIVE DUTIES AND POWERS

The League Executives shall be empowered to conduct the business of the FA1 (including governing and administering the league) between Annual Meetings. It may not authorize assumption of liability. League Executives may set fees and administer and enforce fines and penalties for infractions of the then current FA1 By-Laws and FIFA Laws of the Game.

1.2.5 RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS

Upon the resignation of an officer prior to completion of term, League Executives may appoint an interim officer until the next Annual Meeting.

1.2.6 OFFICERS' DUTIES AND POWERS

Officers shall perform the following duties and receive a reimbursement of expenses as indicated:

President:

1. Chair League Executives

2. Preside over all meetings

3. Act as official representative to all external organizations

4. Cast a vote to break a tie

5. Assume duties delegated by League Executives

6. Draft season schedule and arrange details of Cup final

Vice President:

1. Act as President when President is absent or incapacitated

2. Preside over appeals and disciplinary committees

3. Act as new team coordinator

4. Organize and schedule Cup Competition

Immediate Past President:

1. Chair any meeting when the President and Vice President are unable to attend

2. Subject to availability and ability, assist the President as requested

Secretary:

1. Coordinate game schedules for FA1 and Cup play

2. Preside over all votes at meetings

3. Initiate all communications to members

4. Manage disciplinary investigations and hearings

Treasurer:

1. Maintain appropriate financial records and reports for the FA1

2. Collect and disburse FA1 funds as authorized

Referee/Game Coordinator:

1. Maintain all intra league records including weekly league tables

2. Manage rosters and game reports from teams and officials

Webmaster:

1. Maintain the FA1 web site (www.fa1-league.sportsengine-prelive.com)

1.2.7 HEARINGS COMMITTEE

The Hearings Committee will resolve protests and disputes that arise through FA1 Activity (FA1 Activity shall be determined to be any activity that occurs from the moment the first player arrives at the match facility until the last player leaves the match facility). The decisions of the Hearings Committee are final, subject to a petitioner's right to appeal as described herein.

1.2.7.1 Committee Membership

The Hearings Committee shall be comprised of any three unaffected League Executive Members. The Secretary shall record and document the actions of the Hearings Committee. If a Hearings Committee member has a vested interest in the outcome of the protest, that member will be disqualified from participating ruling on that protest. Reasons for disqualification may include association with one of the teams or players involved in the protest, or association with a team that could benefit from the ruling in league standing or in some other way.

1.2.8 ANNUAL MEETING

All FA1 meetings shall be held at times and locations designated by League Executives. The Annual Meeting of the voting constituency of the FA1 shall be held prior to the start of the spring portion of the season. The order of business shall be as follows:

1. Roll call of members

2. Unfinished business

3. Reports of officers

4. Financials

5. Committee Reports: Protest, New Teams, Division Protest, Fields

6. Election of Officers

7. Amendments of by-laws

8. New business

9. Adjournment

Attendance at the Annual Meeting is mandatory. Other FA1 meetings may be called and be mandatory. Failure of a team to attend a mandatory FA1 meeting will result in a fine of one hundred dollars ($100). Teams failing to have representation at the meeting forfeit their right to appeal any vote taken at that meeting.

1.2.9 SPECIAL MEETING

Special Meetings may be called by a majority of the League Executives, or by a majority of the constituency. The order of business shall be as follows:

1. Roll call of members

2. Declaration of need for meeting

3. Discussion

4. Adjournment

1.2.10 METHOD OF VOTING

Each team shall be entitled to one (1) vote cast by the person delegated to represent that team. Any team representative may request a secret ballot for any vote and paper ballots will be provided for that vote.

1.3 MISCELLANEOUS

1.3.1 AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS

Before entering into any material written agreement or contract with a third party, League Executives will supply a copy to all members and receive approval by a majority of the membership.

1.3.2 AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

The amendment of these by-laws may only be done at the Annual meeting with the approval of a simple majority of the membership if a quorum is present.

CHAPTER 2 - RULES OF THE FA1

2.1 ORGANIZATION

2.1.1 DIVISIONS

This League will have two divisions in 2021. They will divided into divisions based on point standings within the FA1's previous season. 

2.1.2 TEAM PLACEMENT

Any team entering the League will be placed in the lowest division.

2.1.3 POINT STANDINGS

Point standings will be based on:

WIN = 3 points

TIE = 1 point

LOSS = 0 points

A forfeit will be recorded as a 3-0 score, with three points awarded to the winner and two points deducted from the forfeiting team.

Totals for the regular season games will determine the standings, with the top six teams forming Division 1 for 2021. In the event of a tie, the following will be used to determine the rank:

1. head to head competition between the tied teams

2. goal differential for the tied teams in league play

3. goal differential for the tied teams in head to head play

4. goals scored during league play

2.1.4 PROMOTION/RELEGATION (TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN 2022)

In order to ensure competitive soccer, League Executives will establish procedures for promotion of the top team or teams in each division and the relegation of the bottom team or teams. These procedures will be agreed upon by a simple majority vote at least two weeks prior to the scheduled start of the season. The following items also apply:

a) Any team may decline promotion once; a consecutive finish results in a mandatory promotion. In the event a team declines promotion the placement would then be offered to each subsequent team in order of their record.

2.1.5 SEASON/SCHEDULE

The season will start in the spring, from the first week in May to the end of August; games shall be played on Saturdays and Sundays beginning between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Additionally, games may be started before 12:00 p.m. with the approval of the away team manager and league official. The deadline for field assignment is two (2) weeks prior to the start of the season.

2.1.6 CUP PLAY

If possible, a Cup competition is scheduled for the entire FA1 at the Annual Meeting and will be played during the season. Rules for Cup games will be the same as regular FA1 matches except in cases of a tie. In this case, two (2) fifteen minute overtime periods will be played with the FIFA Golden Goal rule in effect. If no goal is scored during overtime, each team will take five (5) penalty shots. If the score is still tied, teams will take alternate sudden death penalty shots until a winner is determined. Loss of a game results in elimination from the Cup competition.

2.1.7 TEAM ADMITTANCE

Teams applying for admittance will be reviewed by League Executives and rejected/recommended to the constituency. Unless opposed, admission will be granted based on available openings and agreement by the team to abide by FA1 By-Laws. New teams requesting admittance to the League must pay a $100 non-refundable bond at the time of application. If the team is refused membership, the fee shall be refunded in full.

Each team must designate a team owner and a team manager. The team owner has financial responsibility and can keep the team name and current standing of the team, or do as he/she wishes with the name, as long as the team is in good financial standing with the League.

2.1.8 TEAM COMPOSITION

All players must be registered prior to participating in League play. Players cannot be registered with more than one team at the same time. There is no minimum or maximum number of males or females required on each team. Team composition is entirely the right of each individual team to determine.

2.1.9 TRANSFERS/ADDITIONS

2.1.9.1 Additions to the Roster

Additions to a team's FA1 Roster will be handled through the Massachusetts State Soccer Association's website. To add a player, the team manager must enter the player's information via the appropriate section of the website and provide a valid MASS Soccer registration number for the player. A player is not authorized to play until confirmed by the FA1. Once confirmed, the player's name will appear on the team's official FA1 Game Roster (see Section 2.3.4).

2.1.9.2 Transfers

A player who transfers between teams may not be transferred again to any team until one game has been played by both the old and the new teams. A team must pay a non-refundable transfer fee of $50 to FA1. A player who appears on the roster for a Cup game for one team is ineligible to play in the Cup for any other team during that year. Failure to abide may result in a fine or forfeiture by League Executives.

2.1.10 TEAM RESIGNATIONS

Any team resigning from the League prior to the end of the season shall forfeit all games, points, and fees. If a team resigns from the League within two weeks of the start of the season, its FA1 registered players are not eligible to play on another team for the first two weeks from signing.

2.1.11 COMPLIANCE AND SANCTIONS

All teams in the League agree to abide by these by-laws

2.1.11.1 Infractions

Infractions of FA1 By-Laws or FIFA Laws of the Game will be subject to disciplinary action as recommended by the Hearings Committee.

2.1.11.2 Needs of the League

Failure of a team or team member to meet the needs of the FA1 (as determined by the League Executives) may result in disciplinary action by League Executives. Continued non-compliance shall make the team or team member subject to further disciplinary action by League Executives, at its sole discretion, including, but not limited to: team or team member suspension, team fines, team point deduction, additional team red cards, team or team member probationary periods, or the expulsion of the team or team member from the FA1. The constituency acknowledges and understands that certain situations may arise where the FA1 is required to take immediate action to protect the interests of the FA1 and its members. 

2.2 FEES AND COSTS

2.2.1 LEAGUE FEES

League administration costs will be set and confirmed by the constituency at the Annual Meeting. Appropriate team registration fees will be confirmed and paid by a deadline to be set by the Treasurer. The deadline will be at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of each season. Teams failing to pay full fees and all accumulated fines, including failure to report score fines, will forfeit all games until the fees and fines are paid in full. This provision does not supersede Rule 2.2.2 regarding the referee forfeiture bond, that requires any use of this bond to be repaid within two weeks of the forfeited game, where failure to comply will result in forfeiting of all games until the bond is replenished.

2.2.2 FORFEITURE BOND

A forfeiture bond of $200 will be paid by each team and held in escrow for referee payment should the team default and forfeit a game. Any use of this bond must be replenished by the forfeiting team within 2 weeks of the forfeit. Failure to comply will result in forfeiting of all games until the bond is replenished.

2.2.3 AFFILIATION

Cost of affiliation will be confirmed at the Annual Meeting.

2.2.4 REFEREE FEE

The referee fee is set and confirmed by the constituency at the Annual Meeting.

2.3 PRE-GAME RESPONSIBILITIES

2.3.1 SCHEDULE

It is the responsibility of the home team manager to confirm (by phone or email) the time and location of the game with the opposing manager at least seventy two (72) hours prior to the game.

2.3.2 FIELD AND EQUIPMENT

Each team is required to secure a permit for a home field on which to play all their scheduled home games. Teams may play on any FIFA approved surface. The field shall be a minimum of 100 yards in length with a width of not less than 50 yards. Minimum acceptable field markings will be side and goal lines, mid-field line, and penalty areas. Minimum field equipment will be goals and goal nets. The home team must provide two game balls of NFHS standard or higher.

2.3.2.1 Field Safety

All managers should determine the safety of the field before the game and should take into consideration the following factors: crowd control, police presence, if necessary, and condition of the field playing surface. Any manager who has a concern about the personal safety of his or her team has the right to request of the opposing team's manager to re-schedule the game at another time and/or field. If at any time during the game, an unsafe situation arises, a manager may request of the referee (whose decision is binding) and opposing manager to halt the game and finish play at another agreed upon time. It is ultimately the responsibility of the home team manager to assure the safety of the field/playing surface.

2.3.2.2 Field Location

In order to maintain the geographic integrity of the league, no FA1 team may schedule a home game at a field located greater than 60 minutes driving distance (as determined by Google Maps under ideal traffic conditions) from the Taunton District Court House in Taunton. If the field is located greater than 60 minutes driving distance (as determined by Google Maps under ideal traffic conditions) from the Taunton District Court House, then the window specified in Section 2.1.5 in which games shall be played on Saturdays and Sundays will be adjusted with the approval of the away team manager and the League official.

2.3.3 UNIFORMS

Uniforms shall consist of uniform shirts of matching color with unique permanent numbers on the back. Shorts and socks, while not required to match exactly, should not create confusion as to which team the player is on. Teams should make an effort to coordinate shirt color in advance of the match. In the event of opposing teams having the same color shirt, it is the responsibility of the visiting team to change shirts. Players shall be allowed to wear spandex or other non-dangerous supporting material during FA1 games. All players are required to wear shin guards and appropriate footwear.

2.3.3.1 Alternate Shirt

Each team is required to own two (2) complete sets of distinctly colored uniform shirts. This will enable them to change shirts if their primary color conflicts with that of the home team. If the visiting team's shirt color conflicts with the primary color of the home team, the visiting team does not have an alternate set of shirts to change into, and no arrangement was made beforehand with the home team, then forfeit rules of section 2.3.9 will apply.

2.3.4 GAME ROSTERS AND PLAYER IDS

FIFTEEN (15) MINUTES PRIOR to kickoff, each manager will provide the referee and opposing team with an official printed FA1 Game Roster for their respective teams. Game Rosters are printed from the MASS Soccer website and list the first name, last name, shirt number, date of birth, and MASS Soccer registration number of every player authorized by the League to play for that team. The Game Roster must be presented to the referee exactly as supplied by the League and WITHOUT ALTERATION to any of the players' names. However, alternative shirt numbers may be written on the Game Roster if necessary. Prior to the start of the game, each player listed on the Game Roster must also produce a form of identification consistent with those listed as acceptable on the Game Roster with which the referee can confirm their identity.

2.3.4.1 Use of Ineligible Players

Any player who does not appear on the official printed Game Roster, or who cannot present a form of identification consistent with those listed as acceptable on the Game Roster prior to entering the game, or who is currently under suspension by the League is considered INELIGIBLE. Any team found using an ineligible player will be penalized with the following guidelines:

If player is registered player in the FA1, but is not on the game day roster then the team will forfeit the game.

If the player is not registered in the FA1 and is not on the game day roster then the team will forfeit the game and 9 points.

If an unregistered player attempts to use a card that is not their own, then the team will forfeit the game and 9 points, plus the player whose card was used would be suspended for 3 games.

If an already suspended player plays in a game, then the team will forfeit the game and lose 6 points and the suspension of the already suspended player will be lengthened by 6 games.

The team will also be assessed a $200 fine.

Any situations under the guidelines will be discussed by the League Executives to determine the best course of action according to bylaw 2.1.11.2 Needs of the League.

2.3.4.2 Use of an Unofficial Game Roster

Any team which attempts to use a game roster other than the official printed FA1 Game Roster as defined in Rule 2.3.4 (Game Rosters and Player IDs) will forfeit the game and be fined $50. Repeated offenses are subject to an League Executives hearing which may result in additional fines and/or point deductions as deemed appropriate in their sole discretion.

2.3.5 TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING REFEREES

2.3.5.1 Referee Fee

The game fee is $100 for the referee and $60 for each of the two assistant referees, totaling $220. Prior to the beginning of the game, each team will give the referee one-half of the referees' fees ($110).

2.3.5.2 Referee Notification

It is the home team's responsibility to communicate any field or time change with the referee assignor no less than five (5) days before the game. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit of the game.

2.3.5.3 Protests of a Referee Fee Payment

Protests concerning payment of a referee's fee are to be submitted to the Hearings Committee for resolution.

2.3.6 CANCELLATION

If the referee declares the field unplayable (for any reason other than those described in 2.3.2) BEFORE the game starts, the game is considered to be cancelled and must be rescheduled by the team managers for a later date. See Rule 2.3.7.2 (Rescheduling a Cancelled or Abandoned Game).

If the game is cancelled by the referee before the start due to an unplayable field, the referee and the assistant referees (if present) are entitled to half of their normal fee, paid by both teams. However, the referee may not cancel a game more than fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled start time and must ensure that both team managers are aware of the decision.

In cases where games are cancelled ahead of time because of field closure, it is the home team's responsibility to notify the referee, assistant referees, and Referee Assignor a minimum of two hours before the scheduled start time. Referees and assistant referees who arrive at the field because they were not informed of a cancellation are entitled to receive half of their normal fee, paid by the home team.

The notification mentioned above must be via one of the following methods:

1. Email as long as there is a return email confirming that the cancellation notice was received and/or

2. A phone call, preferably talking to the other person or having them return your call to confirm that they received the cancellation notice.

2.3.6.1 Abandoned Games

A game is considered to be abandoned when halted by the referee after kickoff due the condition of the playing field or its surroundings, or due to weather conditions.

Any red cards awarded in a game which is subsequently abandoned will stand.

If the referee abandons the game before the start of the second half, the game must be rescheduled and replayed as if it had never started.

If the referee abandons the game after the second half has commenced, the remaining portion of the game must be rescheduled and played to completion at a later date. The rescheduled portion of the game commences with the score as it was at the point of abandonment. Only players who were eligible to play in the abandoned game may play in the rescheduled portion.

2.3.7 RESCHEDULING

Rescheduling of a game presents particular problems and should only be done with good reason. A lack of players on game day is not an acceptable reason to reschedule a game. All rescheduled games must be rescheduled within seven (7) days of the originally scheduled match (this includes notification to League Executives of the rescheduled date, time and location of the match which will result in assignment of officials) and must be played before the end of the season in which the game was scheduled.

2.3.7.1 Prior Knowledge of Need to Reschedule

If a team is aware in advance that it will be unable to play a regularly scheduled game, the game may be rescheduled with two (2) weeks prior notice to the opposing team manager and Referee Assignor. If the reschedule is requested by the visiting team, the home team has the right to ask the visiting team to provide (and pay for) a field for the rescheduled game. Any rescheduling of the match must be completed according to section 2.3.7 above.

2.3.7.2 Rescheduling a Cancelled or Abandoned Game

In the event that a game must be rescheduled due to cancellation or abandonment, the rescheduling must be completed according to section 2.3.7 above.

2.3.8 REFEREE NO-SHOW

Any referee or assistant referee who fails to arrive within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off is not entitled to a fee. In the absence of the referee, one of the assistant referees may assume the responsibilities of referee and be entitled to the referee fee. If no referees are present fifteen minutes after the scheduled kick-off, at the discretion of both of the opposing managers a referee or referees may be appointed and the match played. Alternatively, the managers may mutually elect to re-schedule the match.

2.3.9 TEAM FORFEIT

If within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, but before the game commences, the referee determines that a team is unable to play due to an insufficient number of eligible players, unsuitable uniforms, inadequate player equipment, or unsuitable field preparation, the team will forfeit the match. The referee and assistant referees are entitled to their game fees, to be paid in full by the forfeiting team. If neither team is able to satisfy these conditions for play, then each team will pay its half of the referee fees and each receive a forfeit. No match shall commence more than fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time unless mutually agreed to by both managers and the officials.

2.3.9.1 Forfeiture Penalties

A team forfeit in a FA1 game shall result in an automatic two-point deduction. Additionally, a team forfeit in a FA1 game or a Cup game shall result in a fine of according to the following pay structure:

First Game: $100

Second Game: $200

Third Game: $200 + automatic one year probation if the team continues in the FA1.

Subsequent Matches: $200

Any team assessed three (3) forfeits, including Cup games, during one full season, shall be subject to suspension or dismissal from the League. Payment of any penalties assessed under this by-law must be paid under the two week deadline outlined in 2.2.2.

2.3.10 DELAYED START

If the start of the game is delayed (but in no event longer than fifteen (15) minutes) the home team may ask the referee to shorten the half time break as necessary to complete the game on schedule. However, the minimum halftime break shall not be less than five (5) minutes.

2.3.11 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION

The consumption of alcoholic beverages before, during, or after a game is banned unless specific permission is given by the home team's manager.

2.3.12 Code of Conduct

No participant shall:

Physically attack any participant, official or spectator. This includes but is not limited to threatening to or actually striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise touching or subjecting another person with physical contact in a threatening or alarming manner.

Use obscene language or gestures, harassing, insulting, taunting or challenging language, racial, ethnic or sexual slurs, or unsportsmanlike demonstrations whether towards another player or as an act of dissent concerning an official's decision.

Use unnecessary roughness or attempt to injure an opposing player during or after play.

Throw or cause to be deposited any unnecessary object onto the field of play.

Violate any applicable open container ordinance, or other state or local alcohol or drug laws, while at a sports venue, or enter the field of play while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Display other unsportsmanlike conduct before or after games or events, or while at a sports venue during a scheduled activity, game, match or event.

2.4 GAME RULES

2.4.1 FIFA

All League games including Cup games shall be played in accordance with the current FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) Laws of the Game, except as may be amended by the FA1 By-Laws.

2.4.2 SUBSTITUTIONS

Free substitution will be allowed at goals, goal kicks, and half time. A team may also substitute during their own throw-in and during the opposing team's throw-in if the opposing team substitutes at that time. If play is stopped due to injury or if a player receives a yellow card, the injured or carded player may be substituted and the opposing team may elect to match this substitution.

2.4.3 CONDUCT

Penalties for misconduct are as follows:

2.4.3.1 Player Penalty

For the purposes of this rule, no distinction is made between regular FA1 games and Cup games.

Any player receiving a red card is suspended for the next game.

Any player receiving a red card for Violent Conduct, Spitting, or Serious Foul Play as formally noted in the Referee's Report is suspended for the next two (2) games and is subject to additional disciplinary action which may include further suspension or dismissal from the FA1.

Any player receiving a second red card in a season is suspended for the next three (3) games (except if the second red card is for Violent Conduct, Spitting, or Serious Foul Play in which case the additional suspension shall be for an additional two (2) games for a total of five (5) games).

Any player receiving a third red card in a season is suspended for the next five (5) games and is subject to additional disciplinary action which may include further suspension or dismissal from the FA1 (except if the third red card is for Violent Conduct, Spitting, or Serious Foul Play in which case the additional suspension shall be for an additional three (3) games for a total of eight (8) games).

Suspensions in effect at the end of the season will be carried over and served at the start of the following season. Changing teams will not void the suspension.

Any player receiving a red card who gives a false name or who refuses to leave the field will be dismissed from the FA1.

2.4.3.2 Expulsion Penalty

Expulsion is defined as an order given by the referee to someone to leave the field of play and its surroundings, including the sideline or substitutes' bench, during a game. Someone who is expelled from a game may give instructions to a chosen replacement before leaving the field of play and its surroundings but must not further influence the game in any way.

If the expelled person is a registered player, the expulsion will count as an individual red card as defined in Rule 2.4.3.1 (Player Penalty).

If the expelled person is not a registered player, the expulsion will count as a team red card. The expelled person will be banned from the field of play, sideline, and substitutes' bench for one (1) game and is subject to additional disciplinary action which may include further suspension, team fines, or team dismissal from the FA1.

2.5 POST-GAME

2.5.1 HEARINGS

A team may request a hearing for any action resulting from FA1 activity. To be considered an official hearing request, the hearing request must be sent in writing by email to the President by the second business day following the game's end or notification of punishment causing the hearing request. A $200 fee payable to the FA1 must accompany all hearing requests. If the hearing request is upheld, this fee will be refunded. A hearing request is considered to be upheld if the Hearings Committee changes any part of the original ruling.

The Hearings Committee ruling will be delivered as soon as possible once all necessary information has been gathered and discussed.

2.5.2.1 Red Card Protests

For hearing requests involving a red card, if the Hearings Committee has not made a ruling by the start time of the first game in the player's suspension period AND the request was received at least 48 hours before the start time of the game, the suspended player may play in that game and any subsequent games until the Hearings Committee makes its ruling. If the Hearings Committee subsequently upholds the suspension, the suspension period recommences with the game which immediately follows the ruling.

2.5.2.2 Hearing Committee Appeals

A team may make a one-time appeal of a Hearings Committee ruling. Such appeals are allowed only when a team believes the FA1 By-Laws or the FIFA Laws of the Game were misapplied, or if significant additional evidence relevant to the original hearing issue becomes available. Whenever possible, the appeal will be heard by three different League Executive members (who did not participate in the original hearing), subject to maintaining three unaffected voting members. The Hearings Committee ruling appeal must be sent in writing to the President within one week of the initial ruling, accompanied by a $75 fee payable to the FA1. If the appeal is upheld, both this fee and the fee submitted with the original hearing request will be refunded. If still unsatisfied with the ruling a team may appeal any FA1 ruling to the Massachusetts State Soccer Association.

2.6 REFEREES

FA1 games are officiated by one referee and two assistant referees.

2.6.1 REFEREE REQUIREMENTS

Referees are requested to be at the game twenty (20) minutes before kick-off time to complete field and equipment inspections prior to kick-off. If the field is not properly lined and equipped, the official may decide not to play the game. If he is willing to play the game his comment should be noted on the Game Report and both managers must agree.

Fifteen (15) minutes before kick-off the referee should inspect players for uniforms and shin guards and match the identity of each player against the names listed on the Game Roster by checking a valid driving license, passport, or some equivalent government-issued picture ID.

2.6.2 COMPLIANCE AND SANCTIONS

Compliance with the FA1 By-Laws is mandatory and sanctions will be administered by League Executives in their sole discretion.