League / Rules

League Rules

Fair, firm, and respectful. These rules keep every match competitive and every player safe.

League FormatPlayer EligibilityMatch Start & AttendanceSubstitution RulesSportsmanship & ConductYellow & Red CardsPlayoff FormatReplacement Player PolicyCode of Conduct

League Format

TMSL is a 10-team league where every team plays each other once during the regular season. Matches are 11v11, played in two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.

  • 10 teams, single round-robin regular season
  • Each team plays 9 matches total
  • Standings determined by points: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss
  • Tiebreakers: goal difference, then head-to-head result, then goals scored

Player Eligibility

All players must be registered with TMSL prior to competing. Each player may only be on one team roster per season.

  • Players must be on the official team roster to compete
  • Roster changes require league board approval
  • Guest players are not permitted

Match Start & Attendance

There is no grace period. Matches must start on time.

  • Teams are expected to have all 11 players ready at kickoff
  • Failure to field a team at kickoff may result in a forfeit at the referee's discretion
  • Captains are responsible for ensuring their players are present and ready

Substitution Rules

Substitutions must not be made on the fly. All substitutions are to be made during dead ball stoppages only.

  • Substitution requests must be communicated to the referee before the dead ball stoppage ends
  • Goalkeeper substitutions must also be made on dead ball stoppages
  • Flying substitutions are not permitted and may result in a yellow card

Sportsmanship & Conduct

TMSL holds every player to a high standard of conduct. Respect for opponents, referees, and spectators is mandatory at all times.

  • Please respect the referee and their decisions at all times
  • Any cussing or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in an immediate yellow card and a 2-minute player suspension
  • Disputes must be handled through the captain, not through direct confrontation with the referee
  • Physical altercations will result in immediate ejection and a league review
  • Taunting, trash talk, and excessive celebration directed at opponents are not tolerated

Yellow & Red Cards

TMSL uses a modified card system to maintain fair and respectful play.

  • Yellow card for unsportsmanlike behavior or cussing: player serves a 2-minute suspension off the field
  • Yellow cards issued for gameplay fouls (e.g. dangerous tackles, handball) do not result in a 2-minute suspension
  • Two yellow cards in a single match result in an automatic red card and ejection
  • A straight red card results in immediate ejection and a mandatory 1-game suspension
  • Violent conduct may result in additional suspensions pending league board review

Playoff Format

All 10 teams make the playoffs. Seeds 7 through 10 must first compete in play-in games to earn their spot in the quarterfinals.

  • Play-In: Seed 7 vs Seed 10
  • Play-In: Seed 8 vs Seed 9
  • Winners of the play-in games advance to the quarterfinals
  • Quarterfinal bracket is fixed with no reseeding between rounds
  • If a playoff match is tied after regulation, teams play two 10-minute overtime halves (not golden goal)
  • If still tied after overtime, the match is decided by penalty kicks

Replacement Player Policy

Replacement players are allowed under specific conditions and must be approved by the league board.

  • All replacement requests must go through the league board and cannot be arranged independently
  • Replacement players are eligible to play in the playoffs
  • A player who is replaced is removed from the team roster permanently and cannot play again for the remainder of the season
  • The cutoff for replacement players is 2 weeks prior to the start of playoffs
  • Exceptions to the cutoff may be granted via league board approval on a case-by-case basis

Code of Conduct

By registering, every player agrees to represent TMSL and the broader community with integrity.

  • No physical altercations on or off the field. Zero tolerance policy
  • Respect prayer breaks and accommodate teammates and opponents religious observance
  • Alcohol, smoking, and inappropriate language are not permitted at league events
  • Violations are reviewed by the league board and may result in suspension or permanent removal