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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  Can a player wear a taped on jersey number (or a number applied by marker/paint) on a jersey?  The referee said it was OK.

  • No.  If the referee allows this to occur, the opposing team has the right to contest the results by having the referee note on the game card that a player wore a taped on jersey number during the game.  The league will rule on the issue.  The contesting team will not receive any extra  points, only the ones they earned in the game.
     

2.  Do I have to wear the same number every game?

  • No.  Each player is allowed to wear whatever number is available during the game as long as there are not any duplicate numbers by players on the same team.  A player's jersey number must match the number assigned to her on the game card--and these numbers cannot be duplicates.
     

3.  Can my team wear soccer pennies/vests/bibs/sports bras as a jersey in a game?

  • No, not even if the referee says it is OK to do so.  If a team cannot provide  jerseys then the game will will be forfeited. If the home team cannot provide alternate jerseys in the case of a primary jersey color conflict then the game will be forfeited by the home team.


4.  Does my team get shutout points if the game ends in a 0-0 tie?

  • No.  See the NTWSA League rules page Standing Points.


5.  Who provides the net and flags for the game?

  • Home team provides 1 net and 2 flags.  Visiting team provides 1 net and 2 flags.  This applies to any field that doesn't provide nets and flags for you.  If you have questions about whether or not a field provides them, see the "Field Information" page or call/email the NTWSA Field Coordinator before your game.  If you cannot find the information prior to your game make sure you take the equipment to the field just in case so that you do not have to forfeit.


6.  If I can't find one of my player's ID card, can she use her driver's license to play the game?

  • No, not even if the referee says it is OK to do so.  If the referee says its okay, report that referee to the NTWSA Field Coordinator immediately.  Any team/captain playing a player without a valid NTWSA ID card may/will be subject to suspension for playing an illegal player and the game may/will result in a forfeit.


7.  How many players are necessary to start a game or what is the minimum necessary to be on the field at all times?

  • Open, Over 30, and Over 40 (11v11):  A team needs 7 players (including their ID cards) to start a game.  A team must have a minimum of 7 players on the field at all times.  If you only have 7 players  on the field of play and lose a player due to injury, red card, or any other reason then your team will forfeit the game immediately.
  • Over 50 (9v9):  A team needs 6 players (including their ID cards) to start a game.  A team must have a minimum of 6 players on the field at all times.  If you only have 6 players  on the field of play and lose a player due to injury, red card, or any other reason then your team will forfeit the game immediately.


8.  If our game is scheduled for 1:00 PM and we are waiting for one of our players to get to the field (i.e. our goalie), can we delay starting the game?

  • No.  If both teams have the minimum of 7 players (including their ID cards) at the field at 1:00 pm, then the referee will start the game.  If you choose to delay the game, the referee will contact the NTWSA Field Coordinator immediately.


9.  The referee threatened to call a forfeit 10 minutes after the designated start time because our ID cards weren't here yet.  Is this allowed?

  • No.  The rules state that a team is allowed 15 minutes after the scheduled game time to get the minimum  number of players on the field (including ID cards) and to install the net and corner flags.  If any referee tries to declare a game as a forfeit before the 15 minutes has expired, report the referee to the Field Coordinator immediately. 


10.  If our game starts late does that mean the game is shortened?

  • No.  Even if the game starts late the game will still be played the full 90 minutes.  However, we are at the mercy of the city and they may cut the lights off if the game is running too late due to their city ordinance.  If the lights cutoff call the NTWSA Field Coordinator immediately.


11.  What should I do if no referees show up for my game or the lights don't come on or go off for during my night game?

  • Call the NTWSA Field Coordinator immediately


12.  Who is responsible for paying the game officials?

  • Team captains are responsible for collecting and maintaining monies used to pay game officials each season in which they participate.  The NTWSA does not collect game official money and is no way responsible for collecting money used to pay the game officials.  The exception to this is when NTWSA is seeking collection of funds from a team(s) that forfeited a game.


13.  My game only has one referee and one assistant referee.  The referee says we have to pay them the other assistant referee's $ so they can split it.  Do we have to pay?

  • NoNever pay for an assistant referee or referee that is not present at your game.  If anyone tries to tell you that this is required, report the referee/assistant referee to the Field Coordinator immediately.  NTSSA/NTWSA does not allow a "Dual Referee System" to be used in officiating a game.


14.  How can my team forfeit a game and not pay a forfeit fine?

  • If you are forfeiting, you must fill out the online Forfeit Form. If you forfeit less than 72 hours in advance, then you are responsible for paying ALL referee fees plus a $20 admin fee.  If you forfeit more than 72 hours in advance, you are only responsible for your share of the referee fees. All forfeit fines will be invoiced through SportsEngine.


15.  How do I know if my game is rained out and I don't have to show up at the field?

  • You should show up at the field unless the Rainout Hotline reports the complex and/or field is closed due to bad weather.  If your team does not show up at the scheduled game time, you run the risk of a forfeit and forfeit fines.
  • NTWSA is at the mercy of the city and/or Parks and Recreation Departments on field closure.  We do not control whether the fields are open or closed.
  • The NTWSA Field Coordinator checks with each complex multiple times a day and updates the NTWSA Rainout Hotline immediately upon finding out a field has been closed that day.
  • A referee may cancel only 1 game at the time because of weather conditions or other circumstances, but the next game may be played because the weather cleared.


16.  When is a game considered an official game and not made up?

  • A game is deemed "official" if at least 5 minutes into the 2nd half has been played.  If the game is stopped prior to 5 minutes into the 2nd half the game will be rescheduled as a makeup game.  (See the following bullet regarding referee monies).  This does not mean that teams may QUIT after 5 minutes into the 2nd half.


17.  I had already paid the referee for the game and it was canceled by the referee/city at the field prior to the game starting (or did not play at least 5 minutes in the 2nd half).  Do I get my money back for this because the game will be rescheduled?

  • The league will reimburse you for the amount you paid the referees at the rained out game.  Fill out the Team Reimbursement Form and mail/email to the NTWSA League Commissioner.  (See question 16 in regards to an "official" game)


18.  During our game, a player on our team was seriously injured.  The referee says it's OK to stop the game because the league will reschedule.  Is this okay?

  • No.  The referee does not have the authority to call a game due to injury.  As long as both teams have a minimum of  7 players, the game must continue.  Our league rules state that games will not be rescheduled due to lack of players.  Also, if the game is stopped for a significant amount of time (referee's clock)  due to the serious injury--the game will still be played the full 90 minutes.


19.  Our game was abandoned because of player misconduct.  Do we get to play our game at a later date?

  • If  a game is not completed due to misconduct by one of the teams (or both teams), the NTWSA A & D Committee will decide the outcome of the game and whether suspensions, fees or fines need to be assessed.


20.  Who should I contact if one of my players received a yellow or red card?

  • BOTH teams are responsible for reporting ALL cards to the League Commissioner and  the Vice President on the day it was issued.


21.  To whom should I send a completed Referee Evaluation Form?

  • All Referee Evaluation Forms should be sent to the NTWSA Field Coordinator.


22.  Why should I fill out and send in a Referee Evaluation Form?

  • NTWSA can file a complaint with the local chapter in which the referee is working.  NTWSA will not make a complaint without the written report from the team.  Complaints from multiple teams will add weight to any complaint made by NTWSA.  The referee will be evaluated by senior referees and measures may be taken to correct the situation.


23.  I want to turn in a referee evaluation form (positive or negative), but I can't read the names on the game card.  Can I still turn it in?

  • Yes.  Please send the card with your comments no matter if you have the referee/assistant referee(s) complete name or not.  The NTWSA Field Coordinator can talk with the Referee Assignor and get the necessary information.


24.  In a split division with brackets A and B, who gets the season awards?

  • The 1st place team in each bracket gets Champion awards.  2nd place does not get an award.