VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE
#4
2007-12-13
Despite the fact that we have made it very clear that certain rules are cast in stone, there are still teams that do not take them very seriously. Some of the rules that are frequently broken are:
Number of substitutions: With the exception of the Masters’ Division (as well as the 1CAT, 2CAT, and Under 21 Divisions—at halftime) teams in the VMSL are allowed to make only 5 substitutions per game. All the teams have been supplied with substitutions slips, slips that must be used when a substitute enters the field. A team making more than 5 substitutions in any given game is guilty of using ineligible players and will be fined and have points deducted.
Rosters: At the beginning of the season we supplied each team with triplicate rosters and informed them that they must filled out and handed to the referee prior to each game. Some teams are being negligent in performing this very simple task. If a team roster (in triplicate) is not given to the referee prior to the opening kickoff, it is deemed that all the players are ineligible. This will result in heavy fines being levied as well as points being deducted from the guilty team.
VMSL ID cards must be presented to the referee prior to the commencement of the game. If a player does not have a valid identification card he is deemed to be ineligible. Drivers’ licences allow people to drive, not to play! The referee does not have the authority to allow a player without an ID card to play! Having said that, the referee cannot stop anyone from playing but he will report the infraction and, once again, fines will be levied and points will be deducted!
Uniforms: For some reason or other, some teams allow their players to wear mismatched socks and shorts—not to mention jerseys! Referees have been instructed to report these infractions and we will continue to fine the guilty teams accordingly. The word uniform does not apply only to jerseys!
Fans’, Officials’, and Players’ misbehaviour: It is the responsibility of the teams’ management to control their players and spectators. Often, however, it is the behaviour of the coach and/or manager that sets the tone for all others. Coaches and managers are, among other things, role models for their players and fans. If they behave negatively, rest assured that the players and fans will follow suit. Belligerent and abusive behaviour towards referees and other officials will not be tolerated whether the referee is officiating a game or whether he or she is a spectator at a game. Furthermore, VMSL players attending matches not involving their teams are also expected to behave in a gentlemanly fashion. Also, the drinking of alcoholic beverages on the sidelines is strictly prohibited. We all know that alcohol consumption plays a very important part in a person’s behaviour. We will continue to fine teams and suspend players for this type of misbehaviour.