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

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.