VDMSL Rules & Regulations

League Overview

  • VDMSL is an adult soccer league (18+)
  • Matches are played in 11v11, 7v7, 6v6, or 5v5 formats
  • All players participate at their own risk. The referee and league are not responsible for any injuries sustained during play

Team Registration & Rosters

  • Team captains must submit a complete roster before the season begins
  • Players may play for only one team per division. Once a player appears in a match for a team, they cannot substitute for another team in that division (including as goalkeeper)
  • Team captains must notify VDMSL via email ([email protected]) before any player participates in a match
  • Roster limits and call-ups:
Format Max Roster Size Max Call-ups (Regular Season)
11v11 22 players 6 call-ups
7v7 15 players 5 call-ups 
6v6 13 players 4 call-ups 
5v5 11 players 3 call-ups 

Minimum Player Requirements

Format Minimum Players to Start
11v11 7 players
7v7 5 players
6v6 4 players
5v5 4 players
  • Teams without the minimum number of players 10 minutes after the scheduled start time will forfeit the match by a default score of 3–0
  • Players must arrive before the start of the second half to be eligible to play
  • Teams that forfeit with less than 24 hours’ notice will receive a 1-point deduction in the standings. Repeated offenses can result in league removal

Player Attire & Equipment

  • Jerseys must have visible numbers
  • Shinguards are mandatory
  • Shorts or soccer pants are acceptable
  • Only athletic footwear is permitted — no casual shoes
  • Jewelry and regular glasses are not allowed
  • Sports glasses are permitted.
  • Away teams must change jerseys / wear pinnies if colors clash with the opponent.

Scoring System

  • Win: 3 points
  • Tie: 1 point
  • Loss: 0 points

Playoff Tiebreakers

  • Goal difference
  • Head-to-head results
  • Most goals scored

Gameplay Rules

  • The official game sheet must be signed by each team’s captain after every match to confirm attendance, goals and assists for their own team.
  • If a captain wants to contest a result they must contact the league by email ([email protected])
  • A maximum of two registered coaches are allowed on the bench per team.
  • Suspended players may not be on the bench during matches.
  • A player must participate in at least one-quarter (¼) of regular-season games to qualify for playoffs.
    Example: 14–16 game season = 4 minimum appearances
  • If a match is stopped due to force majeures and at least 75% of the game has been played, the score at the time the game was stopped will be the final result. The league reserves the right to review each case if deemed necessary.

Restarts & Free Kicks

  • Throw-ins are replaced by kick-ins (indirect free kicks).
  • All other restarts (kick-offs, goal kicks, corner kicks, and free kicks) are direct.
  • Opponents must be at least:
  • 5 yards away from the ball on all free kicks.
  • 2 yards away on kick-ins

Discipline

  • Any red card (direct or via two yellow cards) results in a minimum one-game suspension, with further discipline possible based on the referee’s report.
  • Accumulating four yellow cards in a season results in a one-game suspension.
  • Ejected players must leave the field and bench area immediately. Failure to do so may result in an automatic team forfeit and further disciplinary action.
  • Slide tackles are prohibited. Players may slide to block or save the ball only if no opponent is nearby, at the referee’s discretion.
  • Any player or coach who leaves the bench to engage in or escalate a physical altercation will receive a red card.
  • If a captain wants to contest a disciplinary decision they must contact the league by email ([email protected])
  • If the ball contacts the ceiling or overhead wires:
  • The restart is taken from the touchline closest to where the ball hit
  • If this occurs over the penalty area, play restarts with a goal kick or corner kick as appropriate

Zero-Tolerance Policy

VDMSL maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violence, abuse, harassment, or discrimination of any kind — both on and off the field. Violations may result in suspension or permanent removal from the league

Download a printable copy of the VDMSL rules & regulations.