WSSL follow the normal rules of Associated Football. Some rules have been changed or added to fit in with WSSL style of play.
See the changes below followed by the full rules booklet.
Playing Time
A WSSL soccer match consists of two 45-minute halves, separated by a halftime interval of no more than 10 minutes. Each half may include additional “extra time” at the referee’s discretion to account for stoppages such as injuries, substitutions, or other delays. Although matches have a standard duration, the referee has the final authority on when each half—and the match as a whole—officially ends.
Rolling Subs
Substitution Rules
- A maximum of 5 rolling substitutions are allowed per match.
- All substitutions must be made:
- From the halfway line
- Only when the ball is out of play
- The referee must be informed of all substitutions.
- This is especially important for goalkeeper changes.
Saturday Player Eligibility
- Northern League players are NOT permitted to play in the WSSL.
- 1st Division Saturday Players:
- Maximum of 2 registered 1st Division Saturday players are allowed in your 16-man matchday squad.
- Exception: If your team is in the 1st Division of the WSSL, there is no limit on how many Saturday players you can include.
- 2nd Division Saturday Players and Below:
- Must be included on your team registration list.
- Can play in any division of the WSSL.
Scottish Cup Special Rule
If your team is drawn against a 1st Division WSSL team in the Scottish Cup, you may include all your registered Saturday players in the matchday squad, regardless of your current division.
WSSL Rules on Refereeing
Before Kick-Off
- Both team Captains/Managers must meet and declare if they have a Referee.
- If both teams have a Referee:
- Home team’s Referee officiates the first half.
- Visiting team’s Referee officiates the second half.
- Note: The home team is the first named in the draw.
- If only one team has a Referee:
- That Referee officiates the entire match.
At Half Time – Two Situations
(a) If the team that didn’t have a Referee at kick-off now presents one:
- The team whose Referee officiated the first half may choose to:
- Continue with their Referee, or
- Accept the offer to switch to the opposing Referee.
- This is entirely at their discretion—they can say “NO.”
(b) If the team currently providing the full-game Referee wants to switch to a different Referee at half-time:
The other team has the right to step in and provide their Referee for the second half instead.
Match Day Responsibilities
Captains/Managers must ensure the following:
- Punctuality: All players must be at the correct venue and ready by kick-off time.
- Field Setup (Home Team Only): Nets and corner-posts must be in place before the game starts.
- Kit Check: The team must wear a matching kit that does not clash with the opposing team’s kit.
- Communication: Maintain contact with the opposing team’s manager and the match referee.
Minimum Player Requirement:
Failure to be ready on time will result in a forfeit win awarded to the team that is present and ready.
A team must have at least 8 players ready at kick-off.
⚽ WSSL No-show Fee Policy Reminder
Bond Requirement:
- All teams must pay a $100 bond with their entry fees.
- The bond is held by WSSL to compensate teams left without a game due to a no-show by their opponents.
Default Notification Rules:
- If your team must default a match, you must notify your opponents and the WSSL secretary in time.
- By Thursday midnight before a weekend game:
- Email the WSSL secretary (wssl.football@hotmail.com)
- Include confirmation that the opponents have acknowledged the default.
- If you can’t contact your opponents, call the WSSL secretary by 9:30am Friday.
Penalties for Unnotified Defaults:
- First & second offense: $100 is taken from your bond and given to the affected team.
- Third offense (in one season): Your team is suspended from the league for the rest of the season.
Bond Rollover & Refunds:
- If your team is never penalised, your bond rolls over each season.
- If you don’t return the following season, the bond is refunded.
Note: If a team can prove they made a real effort to inform their opponents, the WSSL may choose not to penalize them.