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) | D2 ELITE ($11,000) | D3 ELITE ($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 & Bench Limits: Only active players in full uniform and authorized staff may occupy the technical area. Non-playing coaches/managers must purchase a $25 Technical Staff ID Card to be permitted on the sideline (Maximum 3 per team). Inactive rostered players may sit on the bench ONLY if wearing street clothes or colored bibs. A Team Manager may act as an active Player-Manager using their standard Player ID, but retains 100% of the financial liability for the team.
  • 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: The entire registered roster is permitted to participate in pre-game warmups on the pitch. However, at the official referee ID Check, only the active gameday roster (Max 18 for 11v11 / Max 14 for 7v7) may occupy the technical area in the official team kit. Any inactive rostered players remaining on the bench must wear distinct street clothes or colored bibs that clearly differentiate them from the active squad.

    Enforcement: If a referee identifies excess players in the official match kit, the match will not start (or will be paused), and the time wasted comes off the match clock. Refusal to comply results in a Yellow Card for the Team Manager, followed by Match Abandonment (0-3 Forfeit).
  • The Opposite Touchline Protocol (Open Fields): For matches played on open grass facilities without stadium seating (D2 & D3), the touchlines will be strictly segregated. Both team benches will occupy one side of the pitch. All spectators, family, and fans MUST occupy the opposite touchline, remaining at least three (3) yards behind the painted line. Spectators are strictly prohibited from sitting behind the goals.

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: To prevent late-game clock-killing, teams are restricted to a maximum of three (3) substitution windows per half (excluding halftime). Multiple players may be subbed simultaneously during a single window.
  • Late Arrivals: Must wait for a dead-ball stoppage to present their physical ID to the referee.
  • The "Red Card Tax": ANY Red Card carries an automatic $50 Reinstatement Fine. Any STRAIGHT Red Card issued for Violent Conduct, Referee Assault/Abuse, or Spitting results in an automatic -1 Point Deduction from the team's official league standings, in addition to standard suspensions and fines. (Note: Double-yellows do not incur a point deduction).

7. ROSTER SYNERGY & FRAUD PREVENTION

  • Roster Limits: D1 ELITE - Min 18 / Max 26 registered players . (D2 & D3 Min 15 / Max 26) Gameday max is 18.
  • The Freeze: Rosters lock permanently at the end of Week 6.
  • The Drop/Add Protocol: Prior to the Week 6 freeze, Team Managers may permanently drop a player to open a roster spot. The dropped player is removed from the digital roster, and their fees are non-refundable. The replacement player must purchase a new ASL Player ID.
  • The Playoff Gatekeeper: Players must mathematically log attendance via ASL Tent 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 at the ASL Operations Tent. An ASL Official must visually verify the player's face matches the digital roster photo to receive attendance credit. No doctor's notes accepted.
  • The Digital Anchor (ID & Uniform Synergy): Physical ASL ID cards will clearly display the player's permanent jersey number. Referees will use the physical ID to verify the player's identity and ensure the printed jersey number exactly matches the physical number on their back prior to kickoff. Referees will use this verified number to track goals and disciplinary cards on the pitch. Mismatch = No Play. For playoff attendance tracking, all physical ID cards will be scanned by ASL Representatives at the Operations Tent.
  • Lost IDs & The "Friction Tax" 💳: Permanent ID replacements cost $20 (must be requested 72 hours prior to kickoff).

    The Matchday Crisis (Temporary Permit): If a player forgets their ID on matchday, they must report to the ASL Operations Tent and pay a $10 Temporary Permit Fee (Cash/Digital). An ASL Official will conduct a facial verification against the digital master roster, log their playoff attendance, and issue a color-coded, tamper-proof Tyvek wristband (colors rotate weekly). Referees will accept this official wristband in lieu of the physical ID card for that specific match to keep kickoff on schedule.
  • 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.
  • The Uniform Penalty: Any player out of uniform receives an automatic Yellow Card before kickoff. If 3+ players are non-compliant, the team forfeits.
  • 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 collect and 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: Referees will collect and verify physical ASL ID Cards prior to the match. No ASL 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).
  • 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. 6-second release and standard pass-back rules apply. (Violation = Indirect free kick).

3. SAFETY & DISCIPLINE

  • On-The-Fly Subs: Unlimited substitutions permitted during live play.
  • Late Arrival Protocol: Must wait for dead-ball stoppage to present physical 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: Referees will collect and verify physical ASL ID Cards prior to the match. No ASL 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).