Rules and Regulations

RULES AND REGULATIONS
(as approved June 9, 2026)

Summary of Changes for 2026-27

TRAVEL

a. 3.3 – Remove “Note to draft” remnant text from national travel increase.

AGM floor. 3.4 – In 2027, the league will pay half the entry fee for VMSL teams qualifying for provincials (c. $3K unbudgeted)

SCHEDULING

b. 4.1 – No change. Clarification re: “regular” home game times versus ad hoc games

c. 4.3 – No change. Clarification to distinguish from 4.4

d. 4.5 – No change. Clarification that Imperial Cup and Division 2 Cup follow the same incomplete game rules as Premier, Division 1 and 2

e. 4.12 – No change. Clarification to distinguish points in League play from points in Playoff Group and Cup Group play

CHAMPIONSHIP and TIE-BREAKING

f. 5.2 – No change. Clarification on playoff costs

g. 5.4 – Codifying current policy. Outcome of foregoing a PK shootout

PROMOTION, RELEGATION and VACANCIES

h. 6 – Comprehensive update to codify the current open age league structure (P-12, D1-12, D2-3x10, D3-4x10, D4-2x10) in response to a notice of member motion and also to make several clarifications. Section 6 more cleanly describes how 2026-27 will operate and how divisions will be determined in 2027-28. Essentially no change

CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES

i. 7.4 – assertion of the VMSL’s right to VMSL game video

FINES

j. 8.a & 8.e – Renumbered to 8.b and 8.a. Codification of longstanding policy that Forfeit fines double for no show / late notice forfeits. Formally defines no show / late notice as less than 180 minutes notice to the league

k. 8.j.i – Codifying current policy. Clarifying that a team found to have caused a game abandonment might not be charged referee and field fees on top of the fine (as it will depend on the whether the game was substantially played or not (e.g., >~60 minutes)

l. 8.k.i – New specific team fine for lack of technical area control leading to bench clearing mass confrontations

m. 8.r – New $50 fine for failure to provide video to the league

n. 8.s – New $10 Captains Armband fine

PLAYERS

o. 9.7 – No change. Clarification on technical area entry and control

p. 9.14 – Shortening of expected timeframe for referee to report red cards

SUBSTITUTIONS

q. 10.2 – No change. Clarification on re-entry of a substitution

DISCIPLINE COMMITTEES

r. 11.4 – No change. Explicit self-reference to VMSL Rules and Regulations added

AGE RULES / CAT / ICP

s. 15.1, 15.2 – Update O35, O45 and the modified O55 Division age rules (increment years of birth by one year except O55 which transitions to O54 from O53 by leaving the years the same). Also add language re: league communicating impacts if a masters division or section is added

t. 16.1 – Update U21 age rules (increment years of birth by one year)

Section 1 – Governance

1.1. The VMSL is a registered not-for-profit entity under the BC Society Act.

1.2. All competition in the league is governed by the VMSL Board of Directors.

1.3. The VMSL operates under its own Constitution and Bylaws, as well as pursuant to BC Soccer’s.

Competition Rules and Regulations

1.4. The VMSL operates solely as an amateur league and the payment of players is strictly prohibited as governed by the bylaws of BC Soccer and in particular BC Soccer Rule 5b (“An amateur player shall not receive any remuneration or consideration directly or indirectly from playing soccer except as provided in these rules”)

1.5 Discipline will be applied according to the VMSL Discipline Policies and Procedures.

Section 2 – League Fees

2.1. The Board of Directors shall establish the Annual Membership fees, subject to approval of the membership at the Annual General Meeting.  The fees shall be payable at a date fixed by the Board of Directors.

League Fees

(a) VMSL Team Registration fee: $450;
plus a Match Official management fee of $100;
plus a $50 refundable Referee Performance Report deposit;
plus a one-time $250 new team fee for new teams
(b) BC Soccer Team Registration fee: $50
(c) BC Soccer / VMSL Player Registration fee: $60 (VMSLsoccer.com returning player); $75 (player not already registered on VMSLsoccer.com within the previous two seasons); $25 Youth Pool Registration fee
(d) BC Soccer / VMSL Player Transfer fee: $25
(e) Fields fees will be charged according to a team’s usage of League field permits
(f) Performance bond per team: $1000 unless sponsored by an existing VMSL club who put their own bond at risk for one season in which case it is $500. (Note: some teams have $250 on deposit as opposed to $1000 or $500 based on the historical performance bond dollar amounts)

The bond may be increased by the Board of Directors for teams, who, by their conduct, show a disregard for the Laws of the Game, the Bylaws, and/or the Rules and Regulations of the VMSL.

Section 3 – Competition Prize Tokens and Provincial / National Competition Subsidies

3.1. Divisional competition prize money may be established and funded by the clubs within each division and shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.  The VMSL will match premier division prize money funded by the clubs.

3.2. The VMSL will match the BC Soccer travel grants (currently $500 per trip) that VMSL teams in provincial cup play receive for travel to Vancouver Island.

3.3. The VMSL will provide a travel grant ($5,000 within BC and $10,000 outside BC) to VMSL teams in national championship play.

3.4. The VMSL will pay half of the entrance fee for VMSL teams qualifying for provincial cup play [in 2027].

Section 4 – Schedule

4.1. (a) The VMSL Board of Directors shall be responsible for the scheduling of all VMSL games. Regular kickoff times for the VMSL are Fridays between 8 and 9 pm, Saturdays between noon and 8 pm and Sundays between 10 am and 8 pm. All other regular home game kick off times must be approved by the VMSL in advance of the season start.

(b) All make-up games, rescheduled games, or other ad hoc scheduling changes made by the Scheduling Secretary, including mid-week games, are not considered “regular” home games and will be scheduled at the discretion of the Scheduling Secretary.

4.2. The VMSL Board of Directors shall appoint all game officials. Match Fees for game officials are set by members at the VMSL Annual General Meeting for the upcoming season.

4.3. In the event that a match cannot continue through to full regulation time for reasons excluding player injury, such as inclement weather or extenuating circumstances (including but not limited to lighting issues), teams and officials must remain at the field and be prepared to complete the match at an alternative field.

Where the parties have confirmed with the League that no alternative field is available within 60 minutes of the stoppage to complete the match directly, its completion will be rescheduled for some other date/time designated by the VMSL.

4.4. In the event of an injured player within the field of play, teams and/or referees do not have the authority to suspend a match

(a) Teams must contact the league and adhere to Rule 4.10 regarding alternate field arrangements for completion of the match on the same day.

(b) Games may only be suspended due to injury with express league approval

(c) Costs for games suspended due to injuries may be passed on to the teams at the discretion of the league.

4.5 Incomplete Games

(a) Suspension of a Match – at the time a match is suspended:

  i. For Premier, Division 1, Division 2, Imperial Cup, and Division 2 Cup matches, team staff from both teams must review the game rosters of each team and confirm which players were checked in.

  ii. Completion will be rescheduled for some other date/time designated by the VMSL.

(b) Completion of a Match

  i.   The rescheduled completion will start at the same minute that the match was originally suspended and with the same score, accumulation of cards (if there were any).

  ii.   For games in the open age Premier, First and Second Divisions, and Imperial Cup and Division 2 Cup, the same players that were listed on the teams’ rosters and were present and checked in at the game at the time it was suspended will be the only players eligible to participate in the completion of the match.

  iii.  For games in all other divisions, teams may use any player listed and not suspended on the game day roster archived by the referee at the incomplete game, regardless of whether they were present or absent, checked in, crossed out or unmarked.

  iv.  A youth to senior permit duly completed for a game that ends up being postponed or is incomplete must be resubmitted and re-authorized for the rescheduled game or game completion if the rescheduled game or game completion takes place more than 72 hours after the originally scheduled game.

(c) The VMSL Board of Directors shall have discretionary power to decide whether unfinished games are to be replayed or the game declared officially completed.

(d) Further, with respect to player eligibility and discipline, the following applies to incomplete games:

  i.   If a player’s status has changed (e.g., they have transferred away to another club and/or league), the player cannot be used. If the player remains within the same VMSL club, a team can seek advanced written approval from the league to use the player. This applies to all players listed on the roster including youth callups, CAT players and ICP call ups.

  ii.   Unless the board determines otherwise (such as in the case of egregious and/or indefinite suspensions and players who have repeatedly failed to appear at a discipline hearing) and notifies both teams, it is the player's suspension status at the time of the game origination that determines the player's eligibility (with respect to Discipline) for the game completion.

  iii.   A red card received in the game origination will result in a discipline hearing and games served immediately following the game origination.

  iv.   A yellow card received in the game origination will result in a yellow accumulation suspension if it triggers a threshold and result in a game served immediately following the game origination.

  v.   A red card received in the game completion will result in a discipline hearing and games served immediately following the game completion.

  vi.   A yellow card received in the game completion will result in a yellow accumulation suspension if it triggers a threshold and result in games served immediately following the game completion.

  vii.   A yellow received in the game completion that combines with a yellow received in the game origination will result in a second caution red. In the case where the yellow from the game origination had already triggered a yellow accumulation suspension, the player will get credit for the game served and his yellow tally will be reduced by one (ie., the player will be made whole as if it was one game all along)

4.6  The VMSL Board of Directors may institute temporary rules to deal with interrupted schedules, determining which games must be played, where and under what conditions, and how points and league placements are to be awarded. This includes adjusting Cup and Playoff schedules and scheduling mid-week matches at league discretion on short notice.

4.7. Any team responsible for defaulting or otherwise cancelling a game, or a team abandoning or been found to have caused a match to be abandoned, will be charged with all the expenses incurred in preparation for such game as per Sections 8.e., 8.j.i, and/or 8.j.ii of the VMSL Rules and Regulations.

(a) The Board of Directors shall have the power to suspend or expel any member club who has defaulted and/or forfeited 3 or more games in one regular season.

(b) The Board of Directors shall have the power to suspend or expel any member club who has abandoned and/or been found to have caused to be abandoned 2 or more games over two seasons.

4.8. Changing and postponing matches:

In this section “match week” refers to the period from Wednesday to the following Monday.

(a) A home team may change the location and kickoff time of a match to another location and time within the same match week with no fewer than 14 days' notice to the Scheduling Secretary.

(b) A home team wishing to change the location and kickoff time of a match to another location and time within the same match week with fewer than 14 days notice must obtain a written agreement of acceptance from the opposing team before changes are made and is subject to the approval of the VMSL.

(c) An away team wishing to change the location or kickoff time/day of a match to another location or time/day within the same match week must apply in writing to the Scheduling Secretary no fewer than 14 days prior to the originally scheduled match. A written agreement of acceptance from the opposing team must be obtained before changes are made and is subject to the approval of the VMSL.

(d) All matches postponed to a later match week for non-discretionary reasons (i.e., cup play, field closures, lighting issues, etc.) will be rescheduled by the Scheduling Secretary during a match week where the two teams are not already scheduled to play.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), the two teams may agree to play the rescheduled match during a match week in which one or both of the teams is scheduled to play.

(f) All discretionary postponements to a later match week (i.e., those agreed upon by the teams) must be rescheduled within the structure of the VMSL’s 22 League Game match week schedule.

(g) Any discretionary postponement to a later match week that involves a team playing two matches within the same match week requires the written approval of that team.

(h) Any team wishing to change or postpone a match to a day or time outside the regular kickoff times for a VMSL match week must be prepared to supply their own field permit for the match and is subject to approval of the VMSL Executive.

(i) All rescheduled matches are subject to change at the sole discretion of the VMSL Executive and Scheduling Secretary in order to optimize the number of matches being played in a given match week, particularly as it pertains to completing the schedules at the end of the season.

(j) Schedule change requests are subject to a fee of $25.

4.9. In the event of inclement weather, or other conditions (e.g., smoke), teams must:

(a) Be in attendance and prepared to play at the scheduled field and wait for the decision of the referee as to whether the ground is in playable condition or not, unless previously advised to the contrary by the Scheduling Secretary regarding alternate playing arrangements.

(b) If the registered team staff members of the involved teams have been advised not less than 12 hours in advance of a scheduled match under threat from inclement weather by the Scheduling Secretary of an available alternate field and/or kickoff time the teams must either:

  i. Agree to move the match to the available alternate field and/or kick off time; or

  ii. Monitor and then attend at the originally scheduled field and, if the field is deemed unplayable, be prepared to play at the alternate field if the alternate field kickoff time is within two hours of the originally scheduled match and an official(s) can be provided.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the teams may agree to move the match to an available alternate field and/or kick off time with less than 12 hours notice, subject to the approval of the VMSL Executive.

4.10. In the event of a field related issue prior to kickoff including, but not limited to, a lighting issue, field damage, or a permit issue, teams must play the match at an available alternate field and/or kick off time if the alternate field kickoff time is within two hours of the originally scheduled match and an official(s) can be provided; or else forfeit the match.

4.11. The standing of teams resigning or removed from the VMSL before completion of the schedule will be expunged from the record as follows:

(a) If a resignation or removal occurs prior to the completion of the first round of the schedule, all results involving that team will be expunged from the league record.

(b) If a resignation or removal occurs prior to the completion of the second round of the schedule, only the second round results will be expunged.

(c) The same formula shall apply for any subsequent rounds. Note also that no more than three forfeited matches will be considered in determining whether a round of the schedule has been completed or not.

(d) The score, goal scorers and shutouts of games that are later expunged will be deleted so as not to impact standings, scoring races and shutout races.

(e) Discipline and fines incurred (as well as credit for games served) associated with games that are later expunged will not themselves be revisited or expunged.

(f) If all results for a team resigning or removed from the VMSL are expunged, that division or section shall be reduced in number. Promotion, relegation, and playoff formatting will apply to the reduced number of teams in the section or division (i.e., the last placed team in the reduced section or division will still be relegated and any resigned or removed teams will not impact this placing).

(h) If any results for a team resigning or removed from the VMSL remain (i.e., first round results), the resigned or removed teams shall remain in the division or section table and their total amassed points will determine their final position in the division or section standings. Promotion, relegation and playoff placings will apply as normal (i.e., the resigned or removed team will count as a relegated team if their final point total has them finishing in a relegation place in the standings).

4.12. Points in VMSL League play shall be awarded on the basis of three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a draw and zero (0) point for a loss.

4.13. Admission fees:

(a) In a regular VMSL game played in an enclosed park for which an admission is charged, the home team will retain the net gate.

(b) In regular VMSL games, which form part of a double header, and for which an admission fee is charged the net gate will be divided between the two home teams.

(c) In regular VMSL games played on open parks the home team is entitled to take and retain the proceeds of any moneys collected.

Section 5 – Cup and Division Section Championship and Tie-Breaking Procedures

5.1. At the completion of the league schedule, the team with the most points shall be declared the Division Section Champion.

5.2. In the event of two teams having the same number of points, the Division Section Champion, or other applicable relevant ties in the standings, shall be determined by the result of a one game playoff.

The game will be played on neutral ground, with extra time periods, and a penalty kick series if necessary.  The costs of the playoff will be shared among the teams.

If the Championship playoff does not affect promotion (e.g. in the case where both teams are being promoted) and the Board of Directors feels that there is not sufficient time to complete the playoff, the formula in 5.3 will be used to break the tie.

5.3. In the event three or more teams are tied for first place, or any other applicable relevant ties in the standings, a round-robin playoff will take place. Field and referee costs will be shared by the teams and the CAT system and ICP system and league suspensions will be in effect.  If the Board of Directors feels that there is not sufficient time to complete the round-robin playoff, the following rules will be used to break the tie:

(a) Total points in games played among tied teams.

(b) Goal difference (goals for minus goals against) in games played among tied teams.

(c) Goal average (goals for divided by goals against) in games played among tied teams.

(d) Average goal difference in all games played.

(e) Goal average in all games played.

If, after the round-robin playoff, two or more teams are still tied, the rules for breaking the tie will be the same as the ones above. When it is deemed impractical to play games to finalize placements, a points per game method, followed by the tie breaking rules listed in 5.3 will be used (for example, to determine provincial cup qualification or disposition of an incomplete season.)

5.4 Cup Group Stage Point System and Tie Breakers

All group stage matches in VMSL Cup or Playoff competitions will be 90 minutes.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes penalty kicks will be used to determine a winner. The point system for group stage matches in VMSL Cup competitions shall be as follows:

    3 pts for a win after 90 minutes

    2 pts for penalty kick win

    1 pt for a penalty kick loss

    0 pts for a loss after 90 minutes

If the teams neglect to complete penalty kicks when tied at full time of a VMSL Cup or Playoff group stage match, each team shall receive 1 point only.

In the event that two teams are tied at the conclusion of the group stage, the following rules will be used to break the tie:

(a) Total points in games played among tied teams. (Head to Head)

In the event three or more teams are tied, or if two teams are tied and the teams failed to complete a penalty shootout when tied head-to-head, the following rules will be used to break the tie:

  i. Total points in games played among tied teams. (Head to Head)

  ii. Average goal difference in all games played. (AGD)

  iii. Goal average in all games played. (GF/GA)

  iv. Fair Play Score (-1 Yellow, -3 second caution, -5 red); if the tied teams have not played the same number of games, then the total Fair Play Score will be divided by the number of games played to determine average Fair Play Score

  v. Drawing of lots

In the event that team records from multiple groups in a Cup competition must be compared (ie “best second place”) the following formula will be used to determine which team(s) advance:

  Among groups that have played the same number of group stage matches:

    i. Total points earned by the teams

    ii. Average goal difference in all games played. AGD

    iii. Goal average in all games played. GF/GA

    iv. Fair Play Score (-1 Yellow, -3 second caution, -5 red)

    v. Drawing of lots

  Among groups that have played a different number of group stage matches:

    i. Teams that have played the greater number of matches shall have their result against the last place team in their group excluded for the purpose of comparing records

    ii. Once all teams have been reduced to an equal number of matches played:

    iii. Total points earned by the teams

    iv. Average goal difference in all games played. AGD

    v. Goal average in all games played. GF/GA

    vi. Fair Play Score (-1 Yellow, -3 second caution, -5 red)

    vii. Drawing of lots

Section 6 – Promotion and Relegation and Vacancies

6.1. The VMSL League Open Age Promotion and Relegation format is based on the current Divisional Structure:

   Premier Division – 1 Section of 12 Teams

   Division 1 – 1 Section of 12 Teams

   Division 2 – 3 Sections of 10 Teams

   Division 3 – 4 Sections of up to 10 Teams, pending team registrations

   Division 4 – 2 Sections of up to 10 Teams, pending team registrations

If there are a different number of sections in any Division for any reason, including, but not limited to, low team registrations, or member approved divisional restructuring, the League will advise the impacted Division(s) of any changes to the relevant promotion and relegation structure for the Division(s).

6.2. At the end of each season, the VMSL shall promote and relegate teams as follows:

PREMIER <> DIVISION 1

(a) The two last placed teams in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1.

(b) The top two teams in Division 1 will be promoted to the Premier Division.

DIVISION 1 <> DIVISION 2

(c) The two last place teams in Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2.

(d) Division 1 Relegation Playoff - First Phase:

The fifth bottom team in Division 1 will have the right to host a playoff game against the fourth bottom placed team in Division 1.  If the fifth bottom team cannot provide a suitable venue (2.5 hour field booking) the league will schedule the game at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.  The winner of this playoff will retain Division 1 status for the following season, the losing team will advance to the Division 1 Relegation Playoff - Second Phase.

(e) Division 1 Relegation Playoff - Second Phase:

The third bottom team in Division 1 and the losing team from the Division 1 Relegation Playoff - First Phase will playoff over two-legs with each team hosting a game. 

  i. The third bottom team in Division 1 will have the right to host the first leg (standard 2 hour field booking).  The League will schedule the game at a neutral venue if necessary.

  ii. The losing team from the Division 1 Relegation Playoff - First Phase will have the right to host the second leg.  If the losing team from the Division 1 Relegation Playoff - First Phase cannot provide a suitable venue (2.5 hour field booking) the league will schedule the game at a neutral venue. 

  iii.  If the aggregate score is tied after 90 minutes of the second leg, then two 15 minute periods of extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.  An away goals rule is NOT in effect for the playoff tie.

The losing team of the Division 1 Relegation Playoff - Second Phase will be relegated to Division 2.  The winning team of the Division 1 Relegation Playoff - Second Phase will advance to the Division 2 Promotion Playoff - Final Phase.

(f) The winner of each of the Division 2 sections will be promoted to Division 1.

(g) The second placed teams in each Division 2 section, along with the best third place team, regardless of section, will enter the Division 2 Promotion Playoff - First Phase.

  i. The Division 2 Promotion Playoff - First Phase will feature two Semi-Finals and a Final.

  ii. The best Division 2 second place finishing team, regardless of section, will have the right to host the best Division 2 third place finishing team, regardless of section in Semi Final #1; the second best Division 2 second place finishing team will have the right to host the third best Division 2 second place finishing team in Semi Final #2.

  iii. The Semi-Finals will proceed directly to penalty kicks if tied after 90 minutes.

  iv. If either host team is unable to provide a suitable venue for the Semi-Final (standard 2 hour field booking), the League will schedule the game at a neutral venue.

  v. The two Semi-Final winning teams will advance to play in the Division 2 Promotion Playoff - First Phase Final; the two semi-final losing teams will remain in Division 2.

  vi. The Division 2 Promotion Playoff - First Phase Final will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.

  vii. The winning team of the The Division 2 Promotion Playoff - First Phase Final will advance to play off in the Division 2 Promotion Playoff - Final Phase; the losing team will remain in Division 2.

(h) The winner of the Division One Relegation Playoff - Second Phase and the winner of the Division 2 Promotion Playoff - First Phase will play off in the Division 2 Promotion Playoff - Final Phase.

The Division 2 Promotion Playoff - Final Phase will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.  The winning team will enter Division 1 and the losing team will enter Division 2.

DIVISION 2 <> DIVISION 3

(i) The last place teams from each Division 2 section will be directly relegated to Division 3

(j) The second and third last place teams in each Division 2 section, along with the two fourth last place teams with the lowest point totals, regardless of section, will enter the Division 2 Relegation Tournament.

  i. The eight teams will be divided into two pools as follows:

  POOL A:

    The 4th to last place team with the second most points

    The 3rd to last place team with the second most points

    The 2nd to last place team with the most points

    The 2nd to last place team with the fewest points

  POOL B:

    The 4th to last place team with the fewest points

    The 3rd to last place team with the most points

    The 3rd to last place team with the fewest points

    The 2nd to last place team with the second most points

  ii. Each team will play each of the other teams in their pool once.  Any game tied after 90 minutes will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.

  Points will be awarded as follows:

    3 points for a win after 90 minutes

    2 points for a win in a penalty shootout

    1 point for a loss in a penalty shootout

    0 points for a loss after 90 minutes

  iii. After group play, the final pool placings will yield:

    1st and 2nd place teams will remain in Division 2

    3rd place teams will advance to the Division 2 Relegation Playoff

    4th place teams will be relegated to Division 3

  iv. If any teams resign or are removed from the Division 2 Relegation Tournament, the League will review and advise the remaining teams of the impact to the competition and any changes to the format.

(k) Following Division 2 Relegation Tournament group stage play, the last placed team in each of the Division 2 Relegation Tournament pools will be relegated to Division 3.

(l) The two second last place teams in each pool of the Division 2 Relegation Tournament will advance to the Division Two Relegation Playoff.  The game will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.

(m) The winning team of the Division Two Relegation Playoff will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Playoff - Final Phase; the losing team will be relegated to Division 3.

(n) The winner of each of the Division 3 sections will be promoted to Division 2.

(o) The second and third placed teams in each Division 3 section will enter play offs for promotion to Division 2.

  i. The four second place teams will be seeded from first to fourth based on total points per game and using the tie-breakers in Rule 5.3, if necessary.

  ii. The four third place teams will be seeded from first to fourth based on total points per game and using the tie-breakers in Rule 5.3, if necessary.

  iii. The teams will participate in a Double-Knockout Promotion Tournament.

  iv. In the Division 3 Promotion Tournament, Initial Round the matches will be as follows:

    1st Ranked 2nd Place Team vs. 4th Ranked 3rd Place Team (Game #1)

    4th Ranked 2nd Place Team vs. 1st Ranked 3rd Place Team (Game #2)

    2nd Ranked 2nd Place Team vs. 3rd Ranked 3rd Place Team (Game #3)

    3rd Ranked 2nd Place Team vs. 2nd Ranked 3rd Place Team (Game #4)

  v. In the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Initial Round, 2nd placed teams will have the right to host the games (standard 2 hour field booking).  If any teams are unable to provide an appropriate venue, the League will schedule the game at a neutral venue.

  vi. Division 3 Promotion Tournament Initial Round games will proceed directly to penalty kicks if tied after 90 minutes.

  vii. Winners of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Initial Round games will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Winners Phase.

  viii. In the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Winners Phase the games will be as follows:

    Winner of Game #1 vs. Winner of Game #2 (Game #5)

    Winner of Game #3 vs. Winner of Game #4 (Game #6)

  ix. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Winners Phase games will be played at neutral venues.  If a game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.

  x. The winning teams of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Winners Phase will be promoted to Division 2.

  xi. The losing teams of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Winners Phase will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Finals.

  xii. Losing teams from the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Initial Round games will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Quarter-Finals.

  xiii. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Quarter-Finals will be as follows:

    Loser of Game #1 vs. Loser of Game #2 (Game #7)

    Loser of Game #3 vs. Loser of Game #4 (Game #8)

  xiv. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Quarter-Finals will be played at neutral venues and will proceed directly to penalty kicks if tied after 90 minutes.

  xv. Winners of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Quarter-Finals will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Finals; losing teams from the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Quarter-Finals will remain in Division 3.

  xvi. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Finals will be as follows:

    Loser of Game #6 vs. Winner of Game #7 (Game #9)

    Loser of Game #5 vs. Winner of Game #8 (Game #10)

  xvii. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Finals will be played at neutral venues and will proceed directly to penalty kicks if tied after 90 minutes.

  xviii. Winners of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Finals will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Final; losing teams from the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Finals will remain in Division 3.

  xix. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Final will be as follows:

    Winner of Game #9 vs. Winner of Game #10 (Game #11)

  xx. The Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Final will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.

  xxi. The winner of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Final will advance to the Division 3 Promotion Playoff Final Phase; the losing team will remain in Division 3.

(p) The winner of the Division Two Relegation Playoff and the winner of the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Final will play off in the Division 3 Promotion Playoff Final Phase.

(q) The Division 3 Promotion Playoff Final Phase will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.  The winning team will enter Division 2 and the losing team will enter Division 3.

DIVISION 3 <> DIVISION 4

(r) The bottom two teams in each Division 3 section will enter the Division 3 Relegation Tournament.

  i. The eight teams will be divided into two pools as follows:

  POOL A:

    The 2nd to last place team with the most points

    The 2nd to last place team with the fewest points

    The last place team with the most points

    The last place team with the fewest points

  POOL B:

    The 2nd to last place team with the second most points

    The 2nd to last place team with the third most points

    The last place team with the second most points

    The last place team with the third most points

  ii. Each team will play each of the other teams in their pool once.  Any game tied after 90 minutes will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.

  Points will be awarded as follows:

    3 points for a win after 90 minutes

    2 points for a win in a penalty shootout

    1 point for a loss in a penalty shootout

    0 points for a loss after 90 minutes

  iii. After group play, the final pool placings will yield:

    1st and 2nd place teams will remain in Division 3

    3rd place teams will advance to the Division 3 Relegation Playoff

    4th place teams will be relegated to Division 4

  iv. If any teams resign or are removed from the Division 3 Relegation Tournament, the League will review and advise the remaining teams of the impact to the competition and any changes to the format.

(s) Following Division 3 Relegation Tournament group stage play, the last placed team in each of the Division 3 Relegation Tournament pools will be relegated to Division 4.

(t) The two second last place teams in each pool of the Division 3 Relegation Playoff Tournament will advance to the Division 3 Relegation Playoff.  The game will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.  The winning team will remain in Division 3; the losing team will be relegated to Division 4

(u) The winner of each section will be promoted to Division 3.

(v)The two second placed teams in Division 4 will play off. The game will be played at a neutral venue.  If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will proceed to two 15 minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout, if necessary.  The winning team will be promoted to Division 3

(w) In all of the above cases, the placement of promoted or relegated teams into divisions with multiple sections will be decided by a random draw per Rule 6.4.

6.3. Vacancies in any Division, except the ones covered by Rule 6.2 shall be filled as follows:

(a) In Divisions impacted by inter-divisional promotion/relegation playoffs:

  i. the vacancy shall be filled by the team having advanced farthest in the applicable playoffs without having qualified for the division (i.e., the most “successful” playoff losing team).

  ii. If more than one team reached the same stage of the playoffs (i.e., two losing semi-finalists) and the applicable teams were in the same Division, the highest placed team by points per game, regardless of section, shall fill the vacancy,. Tie-breakers in Rule 5.3 will be used if necessary.  If the teams are not from the same Division then the league will review the circumstances of the vacancy, may arrange a further playoff if practicable, or otherwise advise how the vacancy is to be filled.

(b) In Divisions not impacted by inter-divisional promotion/relegation playoffs:

  i. The next place team by points per game, regardless of section, shall be promoted.

  ii. Where two or more teams are tied on points per game, regardless of section, then league tie-breakers in Rule 5.3 will be used.

(c) If there are more than two vacancies to be filled in a division, the VMSL executive reserves the right to review the totality of circumstances and advise the impacted divisions of how vacancies will be filled. When one or two vacancies are to be filled, they will go to teams next in line per 6.3(a) and 6.3(b).

6.4. Realignment within Divisions with multiple sections:

Teams remaining for the next season in a division that is broken into sections will be redistributed to newly formed sections based on their placement in the previous playing season.

The process to redistribute the teams will be based on a draw after placing the teams into various pots for the purposes of the draw based on past season performance (i.e., a seeded lottery). Where the standings from the previous season alone determine the placement of teams into pots, and two or more teams are tied in points standing and it affects which pot the teams go into, the formula outlined in Rule 5.3 shall apply. If teams do not re-register for the upcoming season, the teams in that section that were below the exiting teams generally move up in the section ranking. Each pot contains a number of teams divisible by the number of sections and as the teams are drawn from each pot they are placed into the sections in rotation.

6.4.1 Realignment of Division 2:

After the conclusion of the league schedule in each Division 2 section, the teams not participating in Promotion or Relegation playoffs will be placed into Realignment Placing Groups of four based on the final position in the section standings.  Tie-breakers as outlined in Rule 5.3 will be used if necessary.

The Realignment Placing Groups will be as follows:

  GROUP A

    The third place team with the second most points

    The third place team with the third most points

    The fourth place team with the most points

    The fourth place team with the second most points

  GROUP B

    The fourth place team with the fewest points

    The three fifth place teams

  GROUP C

    The three sixth place teams

    The seventh place team with the most points

Each team will play each of the other teams in their Realignment Placing Pool once.  Any game tied after 90 minutes will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.

  Points will be awarded as follows:

    3 points for a win after 90 minutes

    2 points for a win in a penalty shootout

    1 point for a loss in a penalty shootout

    0 points for a loss after 90 minutes

6.4.2 The pots to be drawn into the three Division 2 sections are constructed as follows:

    Pot A – the three directly relegated teams from Division 1 (3 teams)

    Pot B – the Division 2 Promotion Playoff Final Phase losing team; the three Division 2 Promotion Playoff First Phase losing teams; and the top two teams in Realignment Placing Group A (6 teams)

    Pot C – the bottom two teams in Realignment Placing Group A and the top team in Realignment Placing Group B (3 teams)

    Pot D – the bottom three teams in Realignment Placing Group B and the top three teams in Realignment Placing Group C (6 teams)

    Pot E – the bottom team from Realignment Placing Group C; the four surviving Division 2 Relegation Tournament Teams; and the Division 3 Promotion Playoff Final Phase winning team (6 teams)

    Pot F – the four teams promoted directly from Division 3; and the two Division 3 Promotion Tournament Winners Phase winning teams (6 teams).

6.4.3 Realignment of Division 3:

(a) Realignment of Division 3 based on four sections. The pots to be drawn into the Division 3 sections are constructed as follows:

    Pot A – the three directly relegated teams from Division 2; the two teams directly relegated from the Division 2 Relegation Tournament; the Division 2 Relegation Playoff losing team; the Division 3 Promotion Playoff Final Phase losing team; and the Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Final losing team (8 teams)

    Pot B – the two losing Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Semi-Final teams; and the two losing Division 3 Promotion Tournament Repechage Quarter-Final teams (4 teams)

    Pot C – the fourth and fifth placed teams from each section (8 teams)

    Pot D – the sixth through eighth placed teams from each section (12 teams)

    Pot E – the four surviving teams from the Division 3 Relegation Tournament (ie 1st and 2nd place in the Relegation Tournament Groups) (4 teams)

    Pot F  - the Division 3 Relegation Playoff winning team and the three teams promoted from Division 4.(4 teams)

Placements trickle down based on league placement should there be vacancies. Any new teams to the league filling Division 3 vacancies will form their own pot (which must be a multiple of 4) and any remaining (not a multiple of 4) will be first drawn into the incomplete pots at random.

If vacancies remain at the main draw, (and the remaining vacancies are not drawn into pots as “next team to register, second next team to register, etc. before the main draw) new teams registering for the league late will be assigned to the Division 3 sections via one or more supplemental random draws.

(b) If there are not four sections in Division 3, the league will advise the format for the composition of the pots to be drawn into the Division 3 sections prior to the draw.

6.3.4 Realignment of Division 4. The pots to be drawn into the two Division 4 sections are constructed as follows:

    Pot A – the three relegated teams from Division 3 and the Division 4 Promotion Playoff losing team (4 teams)

    Pot B – the third place teams from each section (2 teams)

    Pot C – the fourth and fifth placed teams from each section (4 teams)

    Pot D – the sixth through eighth placed teams from each section (6 teams)

    Pot E – the ninth and tenth placed teams (4 teams)

Placements trickle down based on league placement should there be vacancies. Any new teams to the league filling Division 4 vacancies will form their own pot (which must be a multiple of 2) and any remaining new team will be placed into the incomplete pot.

Section 7 – Clubs/Teams Responsibilities

The rules and regulations set forth in this Section are to be administered and enforced by the VMSL Board of Directors. Infractions may result in such disciplinary action as may be considered necessary.

7.1. Clubs failing to send a representative to any VMSL meeting will be subject to a twenty-five ($25) dollar fine per team not represented.

7.2. Every club is responsible to the VMSL for the actions of its teams, players, officials and supporters and is to take all necessary precautions to prevent behaviour that may bring the game into disrepute.

7.3. Any club, team, or individual who induces or attempts to induce a registered player of another club in the VMSL to leave his club without first giving seven (7) days’ notice in writing to the club for which the player is registered, shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and be dealt with as per BC Soccer Rule 6 - Poaching.

7.4. (a) The VMSL asserts, retains and reserves all rights to all League property including, but not limited to, the capture, broadcast, and distribution of VMSL organized League, Cup, or other matches.

(b) All teams may film or otherwise record their matches; however, all recordings must be provided to the VMSL for its unfettered use in marketing, reviewing, training, or other purposes.

(c) All decisions and reports of the Board of Directors, or any business transacted at any meeting, or any VMSL game coverage may be published at the discretion of the Board of Directors whether such publication shall or shall not reflect on the character or conduct of any club, player or spectator, and in the event of such publication, every club, player or spectator concerned or referred to therein shall be deemed to have assented to such publication.

7.5. Each club must, at least two weeks before the commencement of the season and in a form approved by the VMSL, submit a complete list of its officers together with the club mailing and email addresses and phone numbers to the VMSL Board of Directors. Any changes to this list must be communicated in writing or via electronic submission to the VMSL office immediately.

7.6. Any club wishing to change its name must apply to the VMSL for permission to do so. Every team is to provide a club crest (in digital format on a white background) for use on the VMSL website and VMSL digital ID cards. Every team in a club must use the same crest.

7.7. Every team must have a minimum of 12 players registered and a minimum of two properly registered team staff.

7.8. Every team must have available two sets of jerseys of substantially different colours.

7.9. If, in the opinion of the referee, a conflict of jersey colours exists, it is the responsibility of the away team to change jerseys.

7.10. Each player must have an easily identifiable number displayed on his jersey that corresponds with the number on the team list. The same number must not be allotted to more than one player in any game.

7.11. Each club is responsible for seeing that the players are properly dressed and equipped and is expected to do everything possible to make the game as attractive as possible for the spectators.

(a) In the Premier Division and the Imperial Cup, teams must ensure there are no conflicts of any kit component (socks, shorts, jersey) in all matches.

(b) In the Premier Division, home teams who will not wear their primary kit colours posted on their team page in any given home match are required to provide three days notice to away teams of the colour of the kit they will be wearing (socks, shorts, jerseys) so that the away team can plan its non-conflicting kit.

(c) In all divisions other than Premier, home teams may wear either of the kits displayed on their team page.  The away team MUST have available a kit with a jersey colour substantially different than either kit of the home team.  Teams are encouraged to proactively avoid conflicts of socks and shorts colours.

(d) Teams are encouraged to coordinate kit colours prior to matches to enable away teams to travel with one set of kit.  Home teams that confirm in writing to their opponents prior to a match which kit they will be wearing must wear their stated kit if wearing an alternate kit would cause a conflict in the opinion of the referee.

7.12. Team lists must be game-specific VMSL system-generated roster sheets properly printed on an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet showing duplicate rosters for the referee and your opposition. The list shall be printed legibly and shall state the numbers and full names of all eligible players that the team intends to use in the game. Players not listed on the team list will be considered ineligible for the game. CAT players, ICP callups, youth permit players should all be on the game-specific VMSL roster. Rosters should be printed only after all roster adjustments are final.

(a) Both copies of the team list shall be handed to the referee prior to the commencement of the game with enough time to complete a thorough check-in process. Once players have been checked in by the Referee on both copies of the Team List, a Team Official must sign both copies of the Team List to verify the validity of the Team’s Players and Staff checked in by the referee on the game specific Team List.

(b) The referee shall then sign both copies of the team list. He will retain one copy and, prior to the commencement of the game; give each team a copy of the other team’s list.

(c) In the case where a CAT, ICP, youth player or a new registration or player transfer is processed after the roster has been printed, the player can be used in the game if he shows up in the digital ID card deck. In this case, the player must be hand written onto the roster.

(d) A $10 administration fee shall be applied per player for any handwritten players appearing on the team sheet as the league will need to review each case to ensure the eligibility of the player(s).

7.13. The home team must make available two (2) VMSL-designated official match balls in good condition. The League will designate each season one specific ball make and model so that all divisions play each season with a single type of ball. For playoff games at neutral venues, both the home team and away team must each make available one VMSL-designated official match ball in good condition.

7.14. Each home team must provide the following (according to the Laws of the Game):

(a) The field must be properly marked to the referee’s satisfaction.

(b) Regulation size corner flags properly and securely placed.

(c) Goal nets in satisfactory condition and properly hung.

(d) Fields shall be booked for not less than 2 hours for a regular League games and not less than 2:30 hours for a Cup games where extra time is a possibility.

7.15. In all VMSL league games, it is the home team’s responsibility to pay the referee and the assistant referees before the game and no later than prior to the commencement of the second half of the game.

(a) In games without assistant referees, the teams are responsible for providing one club assistant referee each to call throw-ins only.

(b) Teams are responsible for ensuring that flags provided by the referee for use by club assistant referees are returned in proper condition to the referee at the conclusion of the match.

7.16. For all games, other than scheduled regular league games, the referee and assistant referee fees are to be shared equally by both teams, unless otherwise directed by the League. For cup games and playoff games at neutral venues, field fees are to be shared equally by both teams.

7.17. Playoff games are used to determine promotion status, championship status, relegation status and Provincial Cup and other qualification statuses.

(a) Playoff games, other than the promotion and relegation playoff games specifically outlined in Rule 6, are played at a neutral ground, with extra time periods, and a penalty kick series if necessary.

(b) The league will schedule two assistant referees regardless of the division involved. Field and referee costs are shared by the teams.

(c) Field set up is shared - one net and two flags per team. If a playoff game is scheduled on grass, lining is coordinated between the teams.

(d) For all Playoff games, other than those solely to determine Provincial Cup qualification, the CAT system, ICP system, league suspensions and youth permits are all in effect. For Playoff games that are solely to determine Provincial Cup qualification, youth permits will be in effect, but CAT, ICP and underage players shall be ineligible, and unless the League notifies the teams otherwise, league suspensions are not in effect.

7.18 For all VMSL games, every team, home or away, must bring a minimum of four flat cones to mark a technical area as directed by the referee (unless a technical area is already in place.)

7.19 For teams with home games scheduled on VMSL field permits, failure to pay the field deposit charge posted on their team page prior to the start of season (or other deadline set by the league) will result in those home games being subject to forfeiture at the league’s discretion, including penalties under Rule 8.e, until the field deposit is paid in full.

Section 8 – Club / Team Fines

Clubs / Teams found guilty of committing the following offences will be fined as follows:

8.a. Defaulting, forfeiting or cancelling a game

Penalty: Minimum $150 fine, plus cost of game official(s) and Field cost as well as any additional match associated costs, including, but not limited to, media costs. 3-0 result will be given to the opponent. (Note: $300 minimum fine for a forfeit in the VMSL Premier division and Imperial Cup). Fines escalate with repeat offences.

8.b. Team fails to appear for a scheduled game (no show / late notice)

Penalty: Minimum $300 fine, plus cost of game official(s) and Field cost. 3-0 result will be given to the opponent. Double the fine in the Premier Division.

8.c. Use of ineligible player

In instances where the League becomes or is made aware of the potential use of an ineligible player, without a formal Protest, the league will review the circumstances of the claim and any available evidence.  In these instances, the league retains the power to determine the eligibility of the player and the resulting sanctions, if any, to the team, team staff, and/or player.

  i. In cases where teams are determined to be liable for fielding an ineligible player, the following sanctions will apply:

    1) First Offence- Penalty: $250 fine, stripped of any points acquired in the game and a further deduction of three (3) points. 3-0 result will be given to the opponent.

    2) Second Offence- Penalty: $500 fine, stripped of any points acquired in the game and a further deduction of six (6) points.  3-0 result will be given to the opponent.

    3) Third offence- Penalty: the team shall be expelled from the VMSL, and its bond forfeited.

    4) Cup games- Penalty: $250 (First UIP) or $500 (Second UIP) fine and expulsion from further cup competition in lieu of point penalty. If a third UIP offence, the team shall be expelled from the VMSL, and its bond forfeited.

  ii. Players that have served their suspension, but not paid the associated fine are eligible to play in VMSL competitions. Use of a player that has served their player suspension but has not paid the associated player suspension fine shall result in an additional $30 fine accruing per game eligible to play while fine outstanding

  iii. Team Staff sanctions related to the fielding of an ineligible player, including fines and suspensions, may be applied at the discretion of the league.

8.d.i Forgery of Player’s Signature on Registration Confirmation form

This applies (i) when a player enters the league for the first time and is required to sign the registration confirmation form, and (ii) when a player re-registers for a new season online.

In the context of the re-registration of players in an online registration system who have already been accepted into the league (and are not required to provide a signed registration confirmation each season), this penalty and fine also applies to the re-registering of a player in the VMSL without the player’s consent. (The VMSL strongly recommends that players maintain their own login versus delegating this to team staff)

Penalty: Minimum $250 fine.

8.d.ii  Entry of incorrect name or date of birth during annual player registration and/or duplicate registration

This applies when a player enters the league for the first time and registers his full name and date of birth and confirms that the data is correct and signs the registration confirmation form.

Penalty: Minimum $250 fine.

8.d.iii  Entry of team staff name not matching player name during team staff profile creation and maintaining separate player and team staff logins

VMSL members who are players and team staff must have single user ID and must advise VMSL administration to merge their player and team staff profiles in a timely manner

Penalty: Minimum $100 fine.

8.e. Team fails to commence a game or withdraws from the game after it has started unless so directed by the Referee

Penalty: Minimum $150 fine, plus cost of game official(s) and Field cost as well as any additional match associated costs, including, but not limited to, media costs. 3-0 result will be given to the opponent. (Note: $300 minimum fine for a forfeit in the VMSL Premier division and Imperial Cup.). Fines escalate with repeat offences.

8.f. Delay of start of game

Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

8.g. Failure to pay referee(s) before start of second half

Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

8.h.i. Insufficient or unacceptable uniforms

Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

8.h.ii Jersey and Roster mismatch

Player failing to wear number as identified on game sheet. A Team is responsible to ensure that the referee is given a roster listing the correct jersey numbers, ideally by having numbers populated in advance of the check in and ideally computer printed.

Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

8.i.  Team fails to:

1) Mark field properly; Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

2) Supply appropriate goal nets; Penalty: Minimum $75 fine.

3) Supply appropriate corner flags; Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

4) Supply match ball and/or spare match ball; Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

5) Provide team lists before kickoff; Penalty: Minimum $50 fine

6) Provide VMSL digital identification (ID) cards before kickoff; Penalty: Minimum $50 fine

7) Supply substitution slips; Penalty: Minimum $50 fine

8.j.i  Team held to be at fault for abandonment of a game

Penalty: Minimum $150 fine and may also include game officials fees and Field cost, as well as any additional match associated costs, including, but not limited to, media costs. 3-0 result will be given to the opponent.

8.j.ii  Both teams held to be at fault for abandonment of a game

Penalty: Minimum $150 fine per team. Game will be deemed played and no points awarded. Any additional match associated costs, including, but not limited to, media costs, may be split among the teams.

8.k.i  Lack of technical area control, including substitute players, team officials, or other persons entering the field of play to engage in mass confrontations

Penalty: Minimum $250 fine in addition to any individual player or staff discipline stemming from actions committed as part of any mass confrontation or “brawl”.  Teams may be suspended from further participation in the competition and may have their membership in the VMSL reviewed at the discretion of the League.

8.k.ii Lack of spectator control by team official(s) including failure to address spectators if requested by referee

Penalty: Minimum $50 fine and may be suspended from further participation in the competition.

8.l.  Harassment of referee, persistent criticism of the referee or disputing calls of the referee by team officials and/or players,

Penalty: Minimum $50 fine and may be suspended from further participation in the competition.

8.m. If requested by referee – failure to identify spectator(s) responsible for misconduct towards a referee or assistant referee;

Penalty: Minimum $50 fine and may be suspended from further participation in the competition.

8.n.  Player/team official, while under suspension and attending a game as a spectator, behaves in a manner that brings the game into disrepute,

Penalty: Minimum $100 fine and suspended from attendance at the game sites.

8.o.  Team fails to send a representative to the VMSL Annual General Meeting and/or a pre-competition meeting,

Penalty: Minimum $25 fine.

8.p.   Team fails to fulfill Provincial and/or Club National commitment,

Penalty: Minimum $100, plus the BC Soccer and Canada Soccer fines that are assessed to the VMSL.

8.q. Team fails to respond to VMSL Cup Opt In Email by stated deadline.

Penalty: Minimum $25 fine; fine re-issued with any subsequent further deadlines missed.

8.r. Team fails to provide video recording of a VMSL match to the League after request

Penalty: Minimum $50 fine.

8.s. Team fails to have a player identified as the captain by a captain’s armband throughout the course of the match. $10 fine.

Section 9 – Players

9.1.    All players to be eligible to take part in VMSL games must be registered in a form approved by BC Soccer, and filed by the VMSL with the BC Soccer Registrar.

For clarity, this includes following the applicable FIFA / Canada Soccer / BC Soccer rules with respect to international and provincial transfer certificates. A player who fails to process an ITC / PTC when required to play in BC is deemed to be an ineligible player.

The VMSL player registration fee (independent of any ICT/PCT transfer fees) is currently set at $60 for returning players (with a current VMSL login) and $75 for new players to the league.

9.2. (a) A player shall be eligible to take part in VMSL game play from the date of registration completion with the VMSL / BC Soccer providing he has a valid VMSL digital ID card or special permit issued by the VMSL.

(b) A player will not be given a VMSL digital ID card unless they have met all the requirements of registration which include completing the online registration, uploading a headshot, completing payment of the player registration fee, completing any necessary international, provincial or local transfer or amateur reinstatement and providing proof of identity and date of birth and signing the registration confirmation form.

(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), a player is only eligible to play provided he is not suspended and has completed all necessary BC Soccer paperwork.

9.3. A player or team staff under suspension by the VMSL or BC Soccer is an ineligible player or team staff and cannot participate in a VMSL game either as a player or a team staff. (See Section 11 for more detail.)

9.4. It is the team’s responsibility to present a valid game-specific VMSL digital ID card at each game that the player intends to play in.  The match official and both teams have access to the game-specific VMSL digital ID cards of both teams. The match official may choose to refer to his own copy of the game-specific VMSL ID cards to check-in players. A player who does not have a card in his team’s game-specific VMSL digital ID card deck or does not have a special permit issued by the VMSL is deemed to be an ineligible player. A team attempting to check in a player under someone else’s player ID will be sanctioned under Rule 8.b whether the ineligible player plays or not.

9.5. Players transferring from one team to another within BC are subject to BC Soccer Rule 7 - Transfer of Players.

All player transfers must be filed with and approved by the VMSL.

(a) When transferring to another team, a BC Soccer transfer form must be completed and releasing and accepting club’s signatures obtained before being submitted to the VMSL (in digital or hard copy) along with the current transfer fee.

(b) A player is entitled to a transfer provided he has complied with all the provincial, district or league rules and regulations and is not indebted to the current team, district or league.

(c) A player is entitled to a transfer as hereinafter provided, by January 15th of the current year for the coastal/winter-playing season, except as provided below, and by June 30th of the current year for the interior/summer-playing season, except as provided below.

(d) A player shall not be allowed to transfer during the team’s playing season without the consent of the team for which the player is registered. Such consent must not to be unreasonably withheld if the player is not indebted to the current team.

(e) A player currently under suspension and seeking a transfer is not eligible to play until the suspension has been served with his current team. For clarity, the transfer of a player who is suspended will not be fully processed until the suspension is served with the releasing team and the associated fine is paid in full. (Note: A suspended player can still transfer by the January 15 deadline even if still suspended but the player will not be eligible to play until the suspension is served with the releasing team. If transferring from outside the VMSL, the player must be registered in the VMSL system and the transfer fee paid by January 15.)

(f) Once a team plays its first league game in the current playing season any player movement thereafter would be subject to the transfer regulations.

9.6. Any player playing under more than one name, and/or for more than one BC Soccer affiliated team, shall be immediately suspended for the balance of the season at a minimum.

In addition, his club will be liable for a minimum two hundred and fifty dollar ($250) fine. Any subsequent infringement of this regulation by the club will render the club liable to expulsion from the VMSL.

9.7.   VMSL digital ID cards for all players on the current team list must be presented to the referee, together with the team list, before the commencement of the game. In the VMSL, it is expected that and the referees right to demand that only uniformed and checked in players and checked in team staff be present within the technical area and team bench

9.8.   To be current and acceptable, every VMSL digital ID card must indicate:

(a) Name in full.

(b) Current team playing for.

(c) A passport size photograph of true likeness of player.

(d) Annual authentication by the VMSL.

9.9. A youth player playing in the VMSL on permit must show the referee a valid VMSL digital identification card as part of the team’s game specific digital ID card deck. This requires all youth permit players to register with the VMSL as a youth to senior permit player. For each game, a youth player must complete the BC Soccer youth to senior permitting process including approval from the youth team, youth district, the VMSL and BC Soccer. A BC Soccer parental liability acknowledgment form must be completed once per season per player and registered with the VMSL. No team within a club can permit youth players (nor sign, CAT or ICP underage players) unless all their team staff have registered a current criminal record check with the VMSL. A team can only use four youth permits per game (except in U21 where a team can use up to 8 youth permits). When a U21 team uses more than four youth permits in a game, there is a charge of $10 per youth permit for the permits beyond the fourth. These limits apply to both the number of youth permits that can be used in a game as well as the number that can be applied for.

9.10. An eligible player who is late for the kick-off may participate in the game upon presentation of his VMSL digital ID card to the referee, together with a substitution slip if required.

9.11. The referee will check the VMSL digital ID cards prior to the commencement of the game to verify the identity of each player. Any discrepancies must be reported to both teams prior to the commencement of the game and a detailed report submitted to the VMSL president within 24 hours.

9.12. Should the manager or coach insist on fielding a player without a valid VMSL digital ID card (or special permit issued by the VMSL), the referee must inform the opposing manager or coach and report the infraction to the VMSL within 24 hours. (A player without a valid VMSL digital ID card or special permit is an ineligible player. See VMSL Rule 8.b. for the ramifications of playing an ineligible player.)

9.13. Managers are responsible for ensuring that all VMSL digital ID card information is correct. Any discrepancies must be reported to the VMSL Board of Directors immediately.

9.14. Any player ejected from the game shall be reported by the referee to the Player Discipline Committee, within 24 hours.

9.15. The VMSL digital ID card and the roster will be marked “suspended” until the player’s suspension has been served. If the associated fine ($30 per game minimum) has not been paid by the time the suspension is served, late fees accrue at $30 per game.

9.16. Confirmation that the requisite number of games have been “sat out” by the player must be established prior to the player resuming playing.

9.17 All team staff intending to be present in the technical and/or team bench area during any league or cup game must be registered with the VMSL. The team staff registration process requires that team staff provide their full name, email address, phone number, headshot, birthdate. All team staff must agree to the team staff code of conduct each season.

Section 10 – Substitutes

10.1. In all Premier, Division 1 and Imperial Cup matches under the jurisdiction of the VMSL each team is allowed to make a maximum of five substitutions during a total entire game. When extra time is required, a sixth substitute is permitted. In Premier, Division 1 and Imperial Cup, all substitutions including those made at half time or extra time game breaks require substitution slips and are counted toward the maximum. A substitute player must present to the referee a valid substitution slip upon entering the field of play.

10.2. Players substituted shall be permitted to take further part in a game (i.e., player re-entry is allowed), with each change to be counted as a substitution.

10.3. In all Division 2, U21, Division 2 Cup and U21 Cup matches under the jurisdiction of the VMSL, each team is allowed to make a maximum of five game-time substitutions during a total entire game, which includes extra time when played but unlimited substitutions will be allowed at half time and extra time breaks. In all Division 2, U21, Division 2 Cup and U21 Cup matches under the jurisdiction of the VMSL, substitutes entering at half time and extra time breaks must not provide substitution slips. In Division 2 and U21 League and Cup play, only the game-time substitutes should present to the referee a valid substitution slip upon entering the field of play.

10.4. In the Masters Divisions, unlimited substitutions will be allowed during the entire game in League and League Cup Play.

10.5 In Divisions 3 and 4 and in the Division 3 Cup and the Division 4 Cup, unlimited substitutions will be allowed during the entire game.

10.6 In no case do any of the aforementioned unlimited substitution rules allow for substitutions to be made once the final whistle has been blown before penalty kicks (whether that be at the 90 or 120 minute mark depending on the particular cup format.)

10.7. In Premier, Division 1, Division 2 and the U21 Division, with the exception of half time and extra time breaks in Division 2, U21, Division 2 Cup and U21 Cup, a team found to have made more than five (5) substitutions in a game shall be considered to have played an ineligible player. The provisions of Article 6.5 of the By-Laws and Section 8.b of the Rules and Regulations shall apply.

Section 11 – Discipline Committees

11.1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Discipline Chair.

(a) Player and Staff Discipline shall be determined by the Discipline Chair or an appointed Adjudicator that does not have a conflict of interest in the particular case being reviewed.

(b) A Player may request an appeal hearing on the original disciplinary decision with the VMSL Discipline Review Panel within 7 days of the original discipline decision being posted and the Player being notified of that decision.

11.2. The Board of Directors shall form a Discipline Review Panel. Such committee shall consist of three (3) members, including a member of the VMSL Board of Directors who shall act as Chair of the panel.

(a) The Chair shall only have a tie-breaking vote.

(b) Attendance by any other person at committee meetings shall be by invitation only.

(c) Discipline Review Panel hearings shall be held at a time and place as designated by the Board of Directors.

11.3. The Board of Directors shall form a Club Discipline Committee. Such committee shall consist of all members of the Board of Directors, including a member who shall act as Chair of the committee.

(a) The Club Discipline Committee Chair shall only have a tie-breaking vote.

(b) Attendance by any other person at committee meetings shall be by invitation only.

(c) Club Discipline meetings shall be held at a time and place as designated by the Board of Directors.

11.4. Decisions made by the Player and Staff Discipline Adjudicator, Discipline Review Panel and Club Discipline Committee shall be based on the guidelines regarding discipline as declared in the Constitutions of BC Soccer and Canada Soccer respectively, in addition to the VMSL Rules and Regulations. Clubs are responsible for outstanding fine payments and ensuring that members attend Discipline Hearings.

11.5. Any player or team staff who is ejected from a game either via a straight red card or a second caution is ineligible to play or coach in VMSL League or League Cup play until their suspension is served.

11.6. A player or team staff suspended for the accumulation of yellows over multiple League games is not barred from playing or coaching in League Cup games.

11.7. A player or team staff suspended for the accumulation of yellows over multiple League Cup games, is not barred from playing or coaching in League games.

11.8. A player or team staff who accumulates four yellow cards in league play will be suspended and ineligible to play or coach for one game. A player or team staff who accumulates two more (six total) yellow cards in league play will be suspended for another game and is ineligible to play or coach. A player or team staff who accumulates one more (seven total) yellow cards in league play will be suspended and is ineligible to play or coach until they appear before the Discipline Committee. A player or team staff who accumulates more than seven total yellow cards in league play will be suspended and ineligible to play or coach until they appear before the Discipline Committee each time they get another yellow card in league play.

11.9. A player or team staff who accumulates three yellow cards in League Cup play will be suspended and ineligible to play or coach for one cup game.

11.10. A player or team staff who is under suspension for a game that is defaulted, will be deemed to have served a suspension for that game, regardless of which team forfeited the game.

11.11. League yellow accumulation suspensions (but not Cup yellow accumulation suspensions) will apply to all VMSL playoff games related to relegation, promotion, divisional and sectional championship and league placement. Yellow accumulation suspensions will not apply to playoffs with the sole purpose to determine Provincial Cup qualification.

11.12. Four game League yellow accumulation suspensions and Cup yellow accumulation suspensions will not be carried over from season to season but the associated fines must be paid. All other suspensions will carry over from season to season. A player must be registered in the VMSL to serve games. Carryover suspensions are thus not decremented unless and until a player is registered in a following season except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the VMSL based on a formal written request.

11.13 When a referee ejects a member of the team staff or reports team staff misbehaviour, the VMSL will determine the length of any suspension and associated fine. A suspended team staff member is suspended from playing and coaching in the VMSL while serving their team staff suspension.

11.14 A suspended player or team official cannot be involved in any match-related activities, including warm-up, pre-game talks, dressing room access, player check in, referee payment, club assistant referee duties or half time talks. The suspended player or team official may attend the match as a spectator, but must stay well away from the field of play and the team benches from one hour before and 30 minutes after the game. A suspension prohibits interference in the match, or participation as a player or team official or club assistant referee or directly communicating in any way with players, team officials or game officials.

11.15 Anyone suspended as a player or coach may be barred by the League from refereeing in the VMSL until their suspension is served, depending on the nature of the associated offence.

Section 12 – Club Affiliated Team (CAT) System

12.1. Clubs fielding more than one team in the VMSL may operate one or more Club Affiliated Team (CAT) systems within their club.

A CAT system is a collection of teams within a club with no more than one team from each age group – Under 21, Open, Over 35, Over 45 and Over 55 that allows for unlimited player sharing subject to age restrictions.

12.2. Clubs may run more than one CAT system within their club but each must be a distinct CAT system with distinct name that cannot share any players with the other CAT system(s), except potentially through an Intra Club Permit per Section 13.

A club must declare, prior to the commencement of the VMSL season, which of its teams is to be part of their CAT system(s). Teams in a CAT system must all have the same name other than the A, U21, M-A, M-B or M-C designation depending on the age group the team is in. The only exception to this rule is that a unique extension can be added following the A, U21, M, M-A, M-B or M-C designation (Note, clubs can have B and C teams in the open divisions but these teams cannot be CAT’d. B and C teams only participate in the Intra-Club Permit (call up) system detailed below). If two or more clubs merge in order to form a CAT system, this must be declared prior to the commencement of the VMSL season.

The use of CAT players requires that the receiving team manager add, prior to the game via the league website, the required CAT players from their CAT system and to have these CAT players appear on the game-specific system-generated roster sheet and game-specific Digital Player ID cards. The system will only permit valid CAT players to be added to a roster.

12.3. Players registered on teams designated by a club to be within one of their CAT systems are eligible to play (in League games only) on certain applicable other teams designated to be part of that particular CAT system without a transfer. Players registered on teams not designated by a club to be within one of their CAT systems are not eligible to play on any other team in the league without a transfer or an intra-club permit (ICP).

12.4. Players are only eligible to compete in Cup competition for the team with which they are registered.

12.5. Players in the CAT system will serve any suspensions with the team with which they are registered. While they are serving a suspension with the team with which they are registered, they are not eligible to play for any other team in their CAT system.

Section 13 – Intra-Club Permits (ICP) – Call Ups

13.1. All clubs with more than one team in the VMSL may use the Intra-Club Permit (ICP) system to call up players. ICPs are only used when a CAT relationship between the teams is not in place or is not allowed (such as with teams in the same age category).

An ICP allows a limited number of players from a lower level team within a club to play up with a higher level team within a club subject to age restrictions. For the purposes of an ICP, the hierarchy of levels is Premier, Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Division 4, Over 35 Premier, Over 35 Division 1, Over 35 Division 2, Over 45 Premier, Over 45 Division 1, Over 45 Division 2, Over 55 Division, Under 21.

Age restrictions apply to Over 35, Over 45 and Over 55 divisions as follows. An Over 35 underage player cannot ICP except into open. An Over 45 underage player cannot ICP except into Over 35 or open. An Over 55 underage player cannot ICP except into Over 45, Over 35 or open. Underage Over 35 and Over 45 players cannot ICP to a team in a division within the same age group.

13.2. No declaration other than to which club a team is affiliated prior to the commencement of the VMSL season is needed to use the ICP system within a club. Teams affiliated as a club must use the same core club name in their team name.

The use of ICP players (or Call Ups) requires that the receiving team manager add, prior to the game via the league website, the required ICP players and to have these ICP players appear on the game-specific system-generated roster sheet and game-specific Digital Player ID cards. The system will only permit valid call ups to be added to a roster.

13.3. ICPs are only in effect for league games. Playoff games for Promotion, Relegation, Division Championship (but not Provincial Cup Qualification) are considered league games. Players are only eligible to compete in Cup competition for the team with which they are registered.

13.4. Open and Over 35 teams calling up players from one or more lower level teams within their club are limited to a maximum total of 4 players per game. Over 45 teams calling up players from a lower Over 45 Division team or Over 55 Division team within their club are limited to a maximum of 8 players per game. Under 21 teams calling up players from an Under 21B Division team within their club (if an Under 21B Division is in place) are limited to a maximum of 8 players per game. Under 21 teams cannot call up players from Open divisions even if the players are under 21.

13.5. Players will serve any suspensions with the team with which they are registered regardless of whether the suspension was a result of playing in a game on an ICP. While they are serving a suspension with the team with which they are registered, they are not eligible to play for any other team in their club via an ICP.

Section 14 – Premier Division

14.1   The Premier Division shall be limited to one team per club.

14.2   Any team seeking promotion to the Premier Division from Division 1 cannot be affiliated with a Club that has a team in the Premier Division in the season that they seek promotion.

14.3   Any team wishing to disassociate from a club with a team in the Premier Division for the purposes of seeking promotion in a given season must submit to the League (in writing no less than 14 days before the commencement of play in the league season) a description of the structural changes being made and the associated name change request for review.

Section 15 – Masters’ Divisions

15.1. For the 2026-27 season, players born in 1991 or earlier will be allowed to play in the Over 35 Divisions.

For the 2026-27 season, players born in 1981 or earlier will be allowed to play in the Over 45 Divisions.

For the 2026-27 season, players born in 1972 or earlier will be allowed to play in the Over 55 Division under the interim age rules.

15.2. For 2026-27, each team in the Over 35 Divisions will be allowed to register 3 underage players. These players must be born in 1992, 1993 or 1994. These players will be allowed to participate in regular League play as well as Cup play. However, they will not be allowed to participate in the Over 35 Provincial Cup competition (or any Provincial Cup qualification playoff games).

For 2026-27, each team in the Over 45 Divisions will be allowed to register up to 3 underage players born in 1982, 1983 or 1984. These players will be allowed to participate in regular League play as well as Cup play. However, they will not be allowed to participate in the Over 45 Provincial Cup competition (or any Provincial Cup qualification playoff games).

For 2026-27, each team in the Over 55 Division will be allowed to register up to 3 underage players. These players must be born in 1973, 1974 or 1975 under the interim age rules.

If a CATing team has not registered a player into one or more of its underage spots in the Over 35, Over 45 or Over 55 Divisions, it can fill these open underage spots in league games on a game by game basis from its CAT system.

15.3. If there will be three Over 35 Divisions: Premier Division, Division 1, Division 2, and three Over 45s Divisions, Premier Division, Division 1 and Division 2, the following promotion/relegation system will be in effect for both Over 35 Divisions and Over 45 Divisions:

(a) The two bottom teams from the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1, while the two top teams from Division 1 will be promoted to the Premier Division.

(b) The two bottom teams from Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2 and the two top teams from Division 2 will be promoted to Division 1.

If, subject to registration and team interest, the Over 35 or Over 45 age groups expand to accommodate additional Divisions (ie Division 4) or additional Sections within Divisions, the League will advise teams of the impacts, if any, to the Promotion and Relegation format(s).

There will be one Over 55 Division without relegation or promotion.

Teams in Over 35 Premier and Division 1 are entitled to enter the Masters A Cup. Teams in Over 35 Division 2 and Over 45 Premier, and Division 1 are entitled to enter the Masters B Cup. Over 45 Division 2 as well Over 55 Division are entitled to enter the Masters C Cup.

Section 16 – Under 21 Division

16.1. For the 2026-27 season, players born in 2006 and younger will be allowed to play in the Under 21 Division.

16.2. Each Under 21 team that is part of a CAT system will be allowed to use a maximum of two overage players, belonging to the club’s CAT system, in League games (as an exception to the general CAT rules).

16.3. Each Under 21 team will be allowed to use an unlimited number of players who are under 21 but registered with the open age team in their CAT system, in League games.