11V11 ELITE DIVISION(S)

"The Highest Paying, Free-to-Enter League in SoCal"

The ASL 11v11 Elite Divisions operate strictly under the current IFAB/FIFA Laws of the Game, augmented by "Elite Modifications" optimized for prestige, safety, and operational velocity.

1. THE FOUNDATION & ADMINISTRATION

  • The Iron Calendar: NO RESCHEDULING. Matches are played exactly as scheduled. If a team cannot field a squad, they forfeit.
  • Pitch Integrity: No individual (player, coach, or spectator) enters the field of play without the Referee’s express permission.
  • The Pre-Season Compliance Window: Team Managers (or a proxy) must attend the mandatory "Rolling Window" Pre-Season Check-In at the ASL Operations Tent. Failure to attend results in an automatic -3 Point Deduction and an immediate $100 deduction from the Forfeiture Bond prior to Week 1. Claiming "I didn't read the rules" is never a valid defense.
  • The $100 Challenge Flag (Protests): To officially protest a match, a Team Manager must submit a digital dispute within 24 hours of the final whistle and a $100 Challenge Deposit. Protests are strictly limited to Match-Altering Fraud (e.g., unrostered/illegal players). Minor infractions are non-protestable post-game. If upheld: $100 deposit refunded, offending team forfeits (0-3), and loses their $500 bond. If dismissed: ASL retains the deposit.

2. LEAGUE STANDINGS & THE ECOSYSTEM (PRO/REL)

  • Points: 3 Win | 1 Draw | 0 Loss.
  • Tie-Breaker Hierarchy: 1. Goal Differential (GD) | 2. Goals Scored (GS) | 3. Head-to-Head (H2H) | 4. The "Fair Play" Count (Fewest Red Cards) | 5. Presidential Coin Toss.
  • The Mercy Rule: Division 2 and Division 3 utilize a GD cap of +5 per match. Division 1 Elite has no GD cap.
  • The Mobility Clause (Pro/Rel): At the end of the season, the Bottom 3 teams in D1 Elite are relegated to Division 2. The Top 3 teams in Division 2 are promoted to D1 Elite.

3. FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE & SAFEGUARDS

  • Prize Pools: D1 Elite ($25,000) | Div 2 ($11,000) | Div 3 ($5,500). Pools are based on full 20-team divisions. If fewer teams register, the pool scales proportionally to protect league solvency.
  • Payout Structure: 1st Place (60%) | 2nd Place (30%) | 3rd Place (10%). W-9 Forms are legally mandatory prior to disbursement.
  • The Forfeiture Bond: A $500 Refundable Bond must be paid upfront to lock a team's spot.
  • Pre-Paid Finale: Ref Fees for the final two (2) matches of the season must be prepaid by Week 3 to prevent end-of-season abandonment.

4. FORFEITURES & SIDELINE LIABILITY

  • Forfeiture Score: Recorded as a 0-3 loss for the offender. The Prevailing Score Clause: If the non-forfeiting team is winning by >3 goals at abandonment, the actual score stands.
  • The Strike Penalty: A forfeit triggers an immediate deduction from the bond equal to the Game Fee + a $100 Admin Penalty. The bond must be replenished to $500 before the next scheduled match.
  • The 3-Strike Rule: 3 forfeits = Immediate Expulsion, total bond seizure, and a 2-Year Blacklist.
  • Technical Staff Limits: Non-playing staff must purchase a $30 Technical Staff ID Card (Max 3). Inactive rostered players may sit on the bench ONLY if wearing street clothes.
  • Absolute Sideline Liability: The Team Manager is 100% liable for their bench and spectators. Fan encroachment/violence = Immediate Match Abandonment (0-3 Forfeit) and Total Seizure of the $500 Bond.
  • The Active Roster Visual Boundary: At ID Check, only the active gameday roster (Max 18) may occupy the technical area in the official kit.
  • Opposite Touchline Protocol: For open grass fields, spectators MUST occupy the opposite touchline from the team benches, remaining 3 yards behind the line.

5. GAME MECHANICS & THE HEAT PROTOCOL

  • Duration: Two (2) 45-minute halves. 10-minute halftime. The clock starts exactly at the scheduled kickoff time.
  • The 15-Minute Guillotine: Failure to field 7 players by 15 minutes past kickoff = Automatic Forfeit.
  • ASL Heat Protocol: At 95°F-104°F, mandatory 120-second hydration breaks. The clock DOES NOT STOP. At 105°F+, League-Wide Blackout is executed and matches are postponed.

6. SUBSTITUTIONS & DISCIPLINE

  • The "7-Max" Binary Subs: Max seven (7) substitutions per match. NO RETURN SUBS.
  • The Window Rule: Max three (3) substitution windows per half to prevent clock-killing.
  • Late Arrivals: Must wait for a dead-ball stoppage to present their ID to the referee.
  • The Red Card Tax: ANY Red Card carries an automatic $50 Reinstatement Fine. A STRAIGHT Red Card for Violent Conduct/Abuse results in an automatic -1 Point Deduction.

7. ROSTER SYNERGY & FRAUD PREVENTION

  • Roster Limits: Min 18 / Max 26 registered players. Gameday max is 18.
  • The Freeze: Rosters lock permanently at the end of Week 6.
  • The Playoff Gatekeeper: Players must mathematically log attendance via ASL QR Scans in at least 33% of regular-season matches to qualify for playoffs.
  • The "Ghost Scan" (Injury Protocol): Injured players must physically attend the match and scan their Digital ID to receive attendance credit. No doctor's notes accepted.
  • The Digital Anchor: The permanent jersey number listed on the digital report MUST exactly match the physical number on the player's back. Mismatch = No Play.
  • The Death Penalty for Fraud: Using a fake, borrowed, or unregistered ID = Lifetime Ban, a 0-3 Team Forfeit, an additional -3 Point Deduction, and a $500 Bond Seizure.

8. UNIFORM PRESTIGE & POST-SEASON

  • Full Kit Required: Matching jerseys, shorts, and socks. Permanent unique numbers.
  • Safety: Metal studs STRICTLY PROHIBITED on turf. Shin guards are legally mandatory.
  • The Prestige Patch: All jerseys must display the ASL League Patch on the left sleeve.
  • Championship Finale: If tied at regulation, two (2) 15-minute Extra Time halves are played. If still tied, 5-round FIFA Penalty Shootout.

11V11 OPEN DIVISION

"The Premier Sunday League Experience in SoCal"

The ASL 11v11 Open Division operates under standard IFAB/FIFA Laws of the Game, with specific modifications designed for a fun, competitive, and safe "Sunday League" environment.

1. FOUNDATION & STANDINGS

  • The Weekly Calendar: Matches are generated weekly and posted live on the division’s Match Center.
  • The Park Vibe: Community-first division. BBQs encouraged, but respect for referees and opponents is strictly enforced.
  • Points: 3 Win | 1 Draw | 0 Loss.
  • Tie-Breaker: 1. Goal Differential | 2. Goals Scored | 3. Head-to-Head | 4. Fewest Red Cards | 5. Coin Toss.

2. FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE & FORFEITURES

  • Fees: $0 Team Reg | $20 Player ID | $100 Ref Fee per game.
  • Prize Pool: 1st = $1,500 + Trophies | 2nd = $500 + Medals | 3rd = Trophies & Medals.
  • The IOU Protocol: No upfront forfeiture bond. However, if a team forfeits, they are financially responsible for paying their $100 Referee Fee for the missed game before being placed on the next schedule.

3. GAME MECHANICS & SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Duration: Two 40-minute halves. Running Clock (does not stop).
  • 15-Minute Grace Period: Minimum 7 players required. 15-minute grace before automatic forfeit.
  • "In-and-Out" Subs: Unlimited substitutions are permitted to maximize playing time.
  • Zero-Tolerance Slide Tackling: Slide tackling is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Leaving your feet results in an automatic free kick and a Yellow Card.
  • The 5-Minute Sin Bin: Any player receiving a Yellow Card must leave the pitch for a 5-minute temporary suspension.

4. ROSTERS & UNIFORMS

  • The Freeze: Rosters lock permanently two (2) weeks before Playoffs.
  • ID Verification: Referees will verify physical ASL ID Cards prior to the match. No ASL ID = No Play.
  • The 3-Week Uniform Grace Period: Teams have until their 3rd League Game to secure full matching kits. Shin guards are mandatory.
  • Playoff Finale: If tied at regulation, skip extra time and proceed directly to a Penalty Shootout (5 rounds).

9V9 VETERANS (O-43 & O-48)

"Protecting Player Longevity & Maximizing Touches"

The ASL 9v9 Veterans Divisions (Over 43 & Over 48) operate under IFAB/FIFA Laws with specific small-sided modifications to protect player longevity, prioritize passing, and maximize touches.

1. FOUNDATION & FORFEITURES

  • Age Verification: Strict government-issued picture ID verification required at registration to meet minimum age limits.
  • Tie-Breaker: 1. Goal Differential | 2. Goals Scored | 3. Head-to-Head | 4. Fewest Red Cards | 5. Coin Toss.
  • Fees: $200 Team Reg | $20 Player ID | $80 Ref Fee per game.
  • Prize Pool: 1st = $500 + Trophies | 2nd & 3rd = Trophies & Medals.
  • The IOU Protocol: No upfront bond. If a team forfeits, they must pay their $80 Referee Fee before the next schedule.

2. GAME MECHANICS (SMALL-SIDED)

  • Format: 9v9. There is NO OFFSIDE in these divisions.
  • Duration: Two 30-minute halves. Running Clock. Minimum 6 players to start (10-min grace period).
  • The Kick-in: All sideline restarts are indirect Kick-ins. Corner kicks remain Direct.
  • The Midfield Air Rule: Goalkeepers MAY NOT punt or drop-kick. Distribution must be via throw/roll/ground. It cannot cross the midfield line in the air without first touching the ground or a defensive player. (Violation = Indirect free kick).

3. SUBSTITUTIONS & SAFETY

  • Unlimited Subs: In-and-out subs allowed to maximize rest for veteran players.
  • Zero-Tolerance Slide Tackling: STRICTLY PROHIBITED to protect joints. Results in free kick and Yellow Card.
  • The 5-Minute Sin Bin: A Yellow Card results in a 5-minute temporary suspension.

4. ROSTERS & UNIFORMS

  • The Freeze: Rosters lock two (2) weeks before Playoffs.
  • ID Verification: Physical ASL ID required. No ID = No Play.
  • The 3-Week Grace Period: Matching kits required after Week 3. Shin guards mandatory.
  • Playoff Finale: If tied, proceed directly to a Penalty Shootout (5 rounds).

7V7 OPEN (MEN'S & WOMEN'S)

"Fast-Paced, Community-Driven Small Sided Action"

The ASL 7v7 Open Divisions operate under standard IFAB/FIFA Laws of the Game, with specific small-sided modifications designed for a fun, fast-paced, and community-driven recreational environment.

1. LEAGUE STRUCTURE & PRIZES

  • The Park Vibe: Built for the love of the game. Aggressive intensity that threatens player safety or disrespects officials will not be tolerated.
  • The Mercy Rule: Goal Differential is mathematically capped at +5 per match in the official standings to protect the recreational spirit.
  • The Loss Leader Promo: New teams that fully register their active roster receive a Free Team Uniform Kit from ASL.
  • Fees: $0 Team Reg | $20 Player ID | $65 Ref Fee. Prizes vary by specific division.
  • The Pro-Rata Clause: Cash prizes are based on 14-team divisions. Scales proportionally if fewer teams register.
  • The IOU Protocol: Forfeiting teams must pay their $65 Referee Fee before the next schedule.

2. GAME MECHANICS & RESTARTS

  • Format: 7v7. NO OFFSIDE. Minimum 5 players to start.
  • Duration: Two 25-minute halves. Running Clock. 10-min grace period.
  • The Kick-in: Sideline restarts are indirect Kick-ins. Corner kicks remain Direct.
  • Indirect Free Kicks: ALL standard field fouls are Indirect (must touch another player). Defending players must give 7 paces. (Slide tackles & PKs are Direct).
  • Penalty Kicks (1-Step Law): Kicker permitted only ONE continuous step to strike (no run-up).
  • Goalkeeper Distribution: NO punting. 6-second release and standard pass-back rules apply.

3. SAFETY & DISCIPLINE

  • On-The-Fly Subs: Unlimited substitutions permitted during live play.
  • Late Arrival Protocol: Must wait for dead-ball stoppage to present ID to referee.
  • Zero-Tolerance Slide Tackling: STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Results in Direct Free Kick and Yellow Card.
  • The 2-Minute Sin Bin: Yellow Card = 2-minute temporary suspension.
  • Red Cards: Immediate ejection, team plays a man down, minimum 1-game suspension.

4. ROSTERS & UNIFORMS

  • The Freeze: Rosters lock two (2) weeks before Playoffs.
  • ID Verification: Physical ASL ID required. No ID = No Play.
  • The 3-Week Grace Period: Matching kits required after Week 3. Shin guards mandatory.
  • Playoff Finale: If tied, proceed directly to a Penalty Shootout (3 rounds).