RULES & REGULATIONS
Overview
All CJSL league games are played under the FIFA Laws of the Game, as recognized by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and US Youth Soccer (USYSA).
Game Guidelines
Age Group Standards of Play
Use this guide for all standards of play for different age groups- U7-U19 (Roster size rules, field dimensions, match duration, referee fees, etc..
Duration of Games
Games may not be shortened by more than ten (10) minutes under any circumstances. Each match must consist of two (2) equal halves.
Waiting Period
There is no waiting time for the start of games under the jurisdiction of this league. Teams are expected to be ready to play at the scheduled kickoff time.
Halftime
The referee has the authority to shorten the halftime intermission if necessary, such as when the match start is delayed or conditions require it.
The haftime should not exceed five (5) minutes.
A minimum intermission of five (5) minutes must be granted if requested by either team.
Minimum Number of Players Required
7v7 Games: Minimum of 5 players
9v9 Games: Minimum of 6 players
11v11 Games: Minimum of 7 players
Match Day Game Rosters / Cards with Photo ID
CJSL Clubs must present hard copies (color or black & white) of either:
Match Day Game Roster with Photo ID (MDGR) - Example
Team Roster with Photo ID - Example
Digital/electronic versions are not allowed.
Rosters must include:
Game details
Age group
Player numbers
Coach’s signature
Any player or adult not listed on the roster is not permitted on the team sideline or bench.
For each match, teams must bring two (2) physical copies:
One for the referee
One to exchange with the opposing team
NO PHYSICAL COPY = NO GAME = FORFEIT
Failure to Appear for a Scheduled Game
A team that fails to appear for a scheduled league match will be fined $100 plus the full cost of referees. The fine increases by $50 for each additional forfeit within the same season.
Breaking Off of a Game
Under no circumstances may a team break off a game without referee approval. Any team that does so will automatically forfeit the match and may face additional penalties, including fines or suspensions.
Forfeited Games and Loss of Points
If a game is forfeited or ruled a forfeit by the arbiter, the opposing team will be awarded a 2–0 win, and the forfeiting team will be fined $100 and required to pay full referee fees.
Failure to Control Parents and Sidelines
The playing field must be protected from public interference. Both clubs are responsible for their supporters’ behavior. If verbal or physical altercations arise involving parents or spectators, penalties may include fines, forfeits, or loss of points.
The league will not tolerate abuse directed at referees. Reports from match officials detailing inappropriate parent behavior, field encroachment, or threats to safety will lead to disciplinary action. This may include loss of points, suspensions, or fines.
Game Misconduct – Coaches, Players, Bench Personnel
Clubs are ultimately accountable for the conduct of their coaches, players, parents, and spectators. CJSL adheres to the ENY Zero Tolerance Policy and US Soccer Policy 531-9.
Referee No Show
For U9–U14 Matches:
If the assigned referee does not show, the coaches or managers must mutually agree on a substitute referee.
This person does not need to be a certified referee (can be a coach, parent, or responsible adult).
If no agreement can be reached, a coin toss may be used to select the referee.
The agreed-upon individual must officiate the entire game.
Splitting halves between teams is strongly discouraged.
Matches played under these conditions are considered official.
Scheduled games may not be downgraded to friendlies.
After the match:
Winning team must report the score.
If tied, both teams must report the score.
If the teams fail to agree on a referee:
Both teams will be fined $50.00.
The match will be rescheduled, unless it is proven that one team refused to play.
For U15–U19 Matches:
Games may be officiated by a 1-, 2-, or 3-person crew.
If no referee is present, the game must be rescheduled according to the Game Change Policy.
No reschedule fee will be charged if the match is postponed due to a referee no-show.
Game Change Policy
Submitting a Request
All game change requests must be submitted online via the Game Change Request Form
Requests made through email, text, or phone calls will not be accepted.
Valid Reasons for Game Changes
State Cup Conflicts
Changes to game date, time, or location
Weather-related issues
Religious holidays
Permit or field issues (must provide proof, e.g., email from Parks Dept.)
Request Deadlines and Fees
Submit at least 7 days before the scheduled game: No fee
Submit within 7 days of the game: $100 fee plus full referee fees, billed via GotSport
Procedure
Contact the opposing team to agree on new game details (date, time, location)
Once agreed, submit the Game Change Request Form with all details
Unacceptable Reasons for Game Changes
Coaching conflicts (arrange for another club coach to cover)
Player availability issues (teams can use players from other teams within their club)
Conflicts with games from other leagues
Additional Notes
Games will not be rescheduled without mutual agreement and submission of the change request form
Referees are assigned two weeks in advance; cancellations without a submitted request may result in responsibility for referee fees and a $100 forfeit fee
Allow 48 hours for processing; you will receive an email notification upon approval
Player Misconduct Policy
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and competitive environment for all players. To uphold the integrity of the game and protect everyone involved, CJSL enforces strict disciplinary consequences for player misconduct on and off the field. Below are examples of offenses and their corresponding penalties.
| Misconduct | Description | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting or Physical Confrontation | Punching, kicking, or physical attacks during or after a game; intentional involvement in a physical altercation | 4-game suspension (doubles with repeat offenses); up to full season suspension for severe cases. Club fines: $100–$500 |
| Serious Foul Play or Violent Conduct | Tackling from behind without intent to play the ball; deliberate kicking or tripping | 2-game suspension (doubles with repeat offenses) |
| Threatening Language | Verbal threats or incitement to violence | 3-game suspension |
| Racist or Discriminatory Behavior | Racial, ethnic, religious, gender-based slurs or gestures—during games, online, or in communications | CJSL Supervisory Hearing, 8-game suspension, and $1,000 club fine |
| Spitting on a Person | At any player, coach, or official | 4-game suspension |
| Rough Play | Repeated reckless or dangerous play | 2-game suspension |
| Insults to Opposing Players | Offensive or vulgar remarks | 2-game suspension |
| Offensive Gestures | Obscene or mocking hand gestures | 3-game suspension |
| Unsporting Behavior | Includes diving, time-wasting, goal celebration infractions, or trickery | 2 yellow cards = 1-game suspension |
Appeal Process
A. Reconsideration Before the Arbiter
A written request with specific reasons must be submitted within 14 days of the decision.
No fee required.
B. Appeal to the CJSL Appeals Committee
Must be submitted within 14 days of the second decision.
Fee: $50.
C. Appeal to Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA)
Must be submitted in writing within 3 days of the appeals committee decision.
Fee: $250.
All clubs have the right to appeal a disciplinary decision, following this outlined process.
Playing Field
Field Dimensions and Equipment
Field size, goal measurements, and markings must follow FIFA regulations
For Small-Sided Games, we follow USYSA Guidelines
CJSL allows the following:
Cones for corner flags
Flat vinyl markers for sidelines and goal boxes
Bow-Net style goals (age-appropriate)
Home Club Responsibilities
Ensure clear and complete field markings
Keep the field safe and free from public encroachment
Both clubs are responsible for the conduct of their fans
Teams must be on the same side, with spectators on the opposite side
Uniforms
Teams must appear in complete uniform attire for all games. Players not in proper uniform may be ordered off the field by the referee. The referee must remove any player whose attire could cause confusion or errors in judgment during the match.
If the competing teams have similar colors, it is the home team’s responsibility to change uniforms or provide clear identification marks. The home club will not be penalized for any time lost due to resolving uniform conflicts.
Heading Policy
As per the USYSA Heading Policy:
Players aged 10 and under are not permitted to head the ball in any match or competition. They are also prohibited from practicing heading in any organized team setting.
If a player aged 10 or younger deliberately heads the ball during a match, the referee shall award an indirect free kick to the opposing team at the spot of the infraction. If the header occurs inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick will be awarded outside the penalty area nearest to where the infraction occurred.
Players aged 11 and 12 are permitted to head the ball during matches and competitions. Heading may also be practiced during team training; however, coaches must monitor all heading activity to ensure no player heads the ball more than 25 times per week across all settings.
Players aged 13 and older are permitted to head the ball without restriction during matches, competitions, and organized practice sessions.
Protests
All protests arising from an infringement of the Laws of the Game are subject to a $50.00 protest fee.Appeals must be emailed to the Arbiter within three (3) days of the game. Upon receipt, CJSL will invoice the appealing club via GotSport. Appeal emails must be sent to the Arbiter, League President, League Office, and the club or individual involved. If grounds for protest arise before the start of a game, they must be immediately submitted in writing to both the referee and the opposing team before kickoff. The formal protest must then follow the same appeal process outlined above.
Claims: All claims related to incorrect or missing player registrations (i.e., player eligibility) must be accompanied by a $25.00 fee per player. Claims must be filed with the Arbiter within seven (7) days of the game.
Damages: Requests for damages — such as those resulting from the non-appearance of a team — must be presented in writing to the Arbiter. No fee is required for damages claims.
Player Eye-Wear
Referees will inspect all eyewear before the match to ensure it meets safety standards. If the referee determines that any eyewear is unsafe, the player will not be allowed to participate until a safe alternative is provided.
Allowed:
Sports glasses with flexible frames
Sport goggles
Contact lenses
Not Allowed:
Standard rigid frame glasses
Player Movement
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is committed to creating the best possible environment for player development. Our Player Movement Guidelines are designed to provide transparency for players, families, clubs, and leagues—fostering trust, clarity, and informed decision-making.
We believe in putting the player first. These guidelines empower players to make choices aligned with their developmental goals, while helping clubs support those choices responsibly.
Stability is critical. Players are encouraged to remain with the same club for at least half of the season, as consistency is key to long-term growth.
By following these principles, CJSL aims to support and nurture every player’s aspirations—ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Overview
Once a player is registered in GotSport and paid for by their club, they are committed to that club for the entire CJSL season, unless they qualify for the exceptions outlined below.
Player Transfers Within the Season
A player may change clubs during the season if CJSL approves the move, and the move occurs during the Open Player Transfer Window.
All communication regarding player movement must be open, respectful, and transparent:
Communication between clubs must occur via email.
The requesting club must contact the player’s current club first—before speaking with the player or family.
A Player Release Form must be completed by the new club and approved by the current club.
CJSL reserves the right to intervene at any point during this process.
Special Player Transfers Outside the Open Window
CJSL may grant a player transfer outside the normal window under the following circumstances:
Documented lack of playing time or developmental opportunity
Proven negative relationship with the current club, such as being excluded from games, training, or tournaments
Transfers will not be approved if:
The player owes the current club any unpaid fees (e.g., tuition, uniforms, tournament costs)
The transfer would cause the current team to lack the minimum number of players to compete
Transfer Calendar
July 1 – August 31: Open Transfer Window
Players are free to register with any CJSL club. Registration becomes effective August 1. Once registered, players must wait for the next open window to switch clubs.
September 14 – December 31: Closed Window
Clubs may not contact players registered with another CJSL club during this period.
Clubs may speak to other clubs to express interest or arrange trials only after the closed period ends. No direct communication with players is permitted.
January 1 – February 28: Open Transfer Window
Clubs must ask all trialing players if they are registered with another CJSL club.
A release can be requested only after the current club is contacted and all financial and team requirements are met.
Players may only transfer with an approved Player Release Form.
March 1 – June 30: Closed Transfer Window
Same rules as the Fall Closed Period. No communication with players from other CJSL clubs until the window reopens July 1. Club-to-club discussions may occur in preparation for the Open Window.
Guest Players
Coaches are permitted to add club guest players to the Match Day Game Roster with Photo ID (MDGR/ID), but they must provide proof that the players:
Are registered within the same club, and
Are of the correct age or younger (maximum two years younger)
Accepted Proof of Eligibility
Physical laminated player cards with photo from the team the player is coming from
A copy of the team roster, with the guest player’s name clearly circled
Note: Players must be the correct age or up to two years younger than the team they’re guesting for. For example, a U9 player can guest for U11, but not for U13 or older.
Guesting Up or Down by Level
A player cannot guest down from a higher-level team in the same age group.
Examples:
A “D1-A” player cannot play for a “D2-B” or “D3-C” team
A “D2-B” player can go up to “D1-A” but not down to “D3-C”
A “D3-C” player can play up for “D2-B” or “D1-A”
Players from the same club, playing on two different teams in the same division and level, are not permitted to guest for the second team.
Dual Player Registration Clarification
Players CANNOT be dual registered on two CJSL clubs that are both playing in CJSL
A player CAN be dual registered if one team plays in a higher-level league such as EDP
Example: If Team A (CJSL team) is playing in CJSL and Team B (also a CJSL team) is playing in EDP, a player may be registered to both teams. However, for State Cup, the player must choose one team only—they may not compete for both.
AED Compliance
Compliance with New York State Public Health Law (PHL) Section 3000-F is mandatory.
What the Law Requires
As of May 21, 2024, all children’s camps and youth sports programs in New York must ensure:
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available at all games, practices, and events
Certified personnel are present who can operate an AED
An implementation plan is in place for AED usage
Why It Matters
Player and participant safety is our top priority. Quick access to an AED, combined with trained personnel and a clear response plan, greatly improves survival rates in cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
This requirement is enforced by:
New York State Department of Health
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA)
CJSL and other youth soccer leagues
League & Referee Policy
As recommended by ENYYSA: “All leagues, clubs, and teams must have an appropriate number of AEDs on-site for tournaments, games, practices, and training sessions. Failure to comply may result in game cancellation, forfeiture, or other penalties. Teams must notify the referee before the game starts if an AED is not available and ensure that it is documented in the official referee report.”
Get Compliant
CJSL member clubs are responsible for confirming AED access at every game and event. If you’re not yet compliant: