Rules

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

1. Ineligible Players
   Players registered in the following competitions, including
   Under 23 (U23) squads within these competitions, are not permitted to play in the Waikato
   Sunday Soccer League:
   • Northern League
   • Lotto NRFL Championship
   • Lotto NRFL Northern Conference
   • Southern Conference
2. Eligible Saturday Players (Restricted Level)
   The highest eligible Saturday competitions
   are:
   • NRF League One
   • WaiBOP League One
   • Waikato Senior Mens League Division One

A maximum of two (2) players per team from these competitions may play in the WSSL.

All divisions below these levels have no restrictions, and players may participate in the WSSL without limitation.

1. Player Declaration
   All registered Saturday players must be declared on team registration
   forms upon entry. Teams must update registrations if additional Saturday players join during the season.
2. Breach of Rules
   Any breach of these rules will result in an automatic
   2–0 default win awarded to the opposing team.

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.

Official WSSL Referee

• If an official WSSL referee is appointed, they will control the entire game without question.
• Referees must be respected.
• Any intimidation or threats toward referees will result in serious disciplinary action.
• Players involved may be expelled from the league, or entire teams removed.
• Punching of players or officials will result in a police report.

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.

In no circumstances can you referee and play at the same time.

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: Teams must now carry one goal net each and are responsible for
  setting up their allocated half of the field.
• 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 $200 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</strong >)
  • 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:

1. First & second offense: $100 is taken from your bond and given to the affected team.
2. 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.