• Player passes, issued by, and through, the authority of the MDCVSA, are mandatory. A player must produce a valid pass before they may play in any league-sanctioned match. (Article X, Section 5).

• Each team, before each match, and contemporaneously with their player passes, must provide to the referee, a game roster with all the players that are going to play in that match. Such roster shall only include players that have been registered with the league and identified according to Section 2 of this Article. (Article X, Section 6).

• Each team shall have a primary uniform consisting of numbered jerseys. (Article X, Section 7).

• In the event two teams have similar uniform colors, the home team must change to a non-conflicting, or secondary, color. If the home team does not change uniforms, it forfeits the game. (Article X, Section 8).

• The non-conflicting, secondary, uniform need not have numbered jerseys. (Article X, Section 9).

• Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and should be reported to the Executive Committee. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their team players, coaches, and spectators.  Team players, coaches, and spectators may not:

• Use abusive or degrading language, including racist and sexist comments,
• Verbally or physically threaten or assault anyone,
• Possess, use, or be under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substances,
• Display poor sportsmanship,
• Enter the field of play except for substitution or injury and with the prior permission of the referee,
• Harass the referee,
• Dispute or attempt to influence the referee’s decisions.

(Article X, Section 10, §§ a-g).

• Each team must set-up and/or remove field equipment as required by the Executive Committee. This may include lining one-half of the field, installing a portable goal, a net, and two corner flags, no later than 10 minutes after game time or upon field availability, whichever is later. If any of the above conditions given reasonable notification by the Executive Committee are not met, the responsible team forfeits the game, and may be subject to fines. (Article XIII, Section 1).

• The home team must provide a game ball (size 5) acceptable to the referees. (Article XIII, Section 2).

• The Commissioner may cancel the game due to rain and/or field conditions at any time before the game time. (Article XIII, Section 3).

• After the game time, only the referee has the discretion to call off a game due to heavy rain, lightning, or poor field conditions. During thunderstorms, the referee should follow the 30/30 rule: If lightning is spotted and thunder is heard within 30 seconds, at a minimum the game will be postponed for 15 minutes. The referee has the discretion to temporarily postpone the game to determine weather status or wait for clearing weather. The referee will adjust the remaining game time so that it does not interfere with the start of a second, or subsequent, match scheduled after the affected game, provided that the subsequent match has not otherwise been canceled. (Article XIII, Section 4).

• If the team wishes to reschedule a game for personal reasons, a special request must be made before schedules are set at the start of the season. Requests for re-schedules will only be accepted with the consent of the Scheduler, Referee Assignor, and anyone else designated with this role by the Executive Committee. (Article XIII, Section 5).

• In the case where an assigned referee does not show, then the two teams may decide to use the services of any individual after mutual agreement. At this time, teams should clearly decide whether the game would be a scrimmage or a game that counts in the standings. If there is any disagreement between the teams, then the game will be considered a scrimmage. (Article XIII, Section 6).

• All of the NVASA games are governed by the latest edition of FIFA Laws of the Game, except where noted in the NVASA Bylaws. (Article XIII, Section 7).

• The referee shall start the match clock at the scheduled kick-off time, whether or not the scheduled teams are prepared to start. This rule is necessary because of light timer restrictions. The lights at some late matches may automatically turn off at a preset time and the scheduled game must end on or before that preset time. (Article XIII, Section 8).

• Every player must wear shin guards, which must be fully covered by socks. (Article XIII, Section 9).

• There are no slide tackles. A slide tackle is punished with an indirect free kick (or a direct free kick if also a foul under FIFA laws). The referee has the discretion to issue a caution (yellow card), or dismiss a player (red card), for a slide tackle.

1. A slide tackle is defined as a slide and a tackle. Sliding, in the absence of a player who can make a play on the ball, is not sanctionable as an impermissible slide tackle. However, if in the opinion of the referee, such a slide constitutes any other sanctionable foul, such referee shall be free to call that foul.

(Article XIII, Section 10).

• A team must play with a minimum of seven players, at least two of each gender, to prevent a forfeit. (Article XIII, Section 11).

• The goalkeeper may be of either gender. Including the goalkeeper, there can only be a maximum of six players of either gender on the field at any one time. (Article XIII, Section 12).

• If a team cannot field enough players of the respective genders, a 15-minute grace period will be given (however, the referee continues to mark off official time). When the team is able to field seven, with at least two players of each gender, the game shall begin. If a team starts a game with enough players, but because of injury or ejection, has less than seven players on the field, or does not have at least two players of each gender, the team forfeits the game. (Article XIII, Section 13).

• Both teams may substitute any number of players …

• after a goal is scored,
• before a goal kick is taken, and,
• before the second period kick-off.
• The team in possession of the ball on a throw-in may substitute any number of players.
• A team, having received the referee’s permission, may substitute for an injured player at any time.
• Unlimited player re-entry is allowed.
• The referees may further relax substitution rules during extreme heat.

(Article XIII, Section 14).

• If the referee terminates a game due to poor field conditions after the first half is completed, then that game shall count in the standings as a completed game. A game that is terminated due to foul weather before half time shall be re-played in its entirety, field-space permitting. (Article XIII, Section 15).

• Teams shall not unduly delay a game. For instance, pets should remain leashed at all times. If a referee terminates a game due to delay of game, the game shall be a forfeit against the offending team. (Article XIII, Section 16).

• A player who receives a yellow card must sit out for the next two minutes, but may be substituted. (Article XIV, Section 3).

• A red card is gender specific. The gender receiving the red card must play with one fewer player of that gender. No substituting of the other gender for the ejected player, otherwise allowed under the NVASA constitution and by-laws, shall be allowed. (Article XIV, Section 4).

• The referee has the authority to terminate a game at any time. Such a game is considered abandoned. The final outcome of abandoned games will be left to the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee, who will declare a winner, forfeit, or a replay. (Article XIV, Section 5).

• For the following situations, the referee should allow the continuation of the game, but the Disciplinary Committee may later declare a forfeit. The Disciplinary Committee can declare a forfeit if a team:
1. Uses a player who is not validly registered through NVASA.
1. If requested by an opposing team captain, referee or league official, a team shall supply proof of identification for all players. This request must be made at any time before the start of the second half of play.

2. Uses a suspended player.
3. Has not paid registration, referee, insurance, and forfeiture fees as determined by the Executive Committee, by the deadlines established by the Executive Committee. 

(Article XIV, Section 8, §§ a-c).