St. Albert Men's Masters Soccer League: Bylaws

SAMMSL Bylaws 2026 — November Updates

St. Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League (SAMMSL)

Bylaws and General Rules and Regulations

Original effective date: April 1, 2013. Supplied base version: amended through February 24, 2026.

Version 2026.11 — Updated November 10, 2026.

These updates have been added to address recent events and will be presented at the November 12, 2026 managers’ meeting. Any objections will be considered and the wording revised accordingly. New penalties do not apply retrospectively to earlier games.

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1. Introduction

Players registering with SAMMSL must agree to abide by these bylaws and regulations. These rules are adapted from the Senior Men’s Bylaws and General Rules and Regulations (April 8, 2002) to ensure consistency, particularly regarding discipline.

2. Definitions

ASA: Alberta Soccer Association
Association / SASA: St. Albert Soccer Association
CSA: Canadian Soccer Association
Disciplinary Chairman: Appointed by the Association to chair the Disciplinary Committee
Disciplinary Committee: Committee handling appeals of disciplinary decisions
Disciplinary Coordinator: Individual responsible for initial disciplinary decisions
Team Officers: Includes team managers, coaches, and assistants registered with ASA
Game Officials: Referees and assistant referees officiating matches
League / SAMMSL: St. Albert Men’s Masters Soccer League (outdoor and indoor)
League Officials: Elected or appointed officials of SAMMSL
Season: Includes both regular season and tournament games
Registered Player: Officially registered on an ASA form
Official Roster: The team’s approved seasonal registration list. Submission of a game sheet does not register a player.
Official Game Sheet: The team’s official player list submitted to the referee for a particular game, including substitutes. All listed players count toward game-sheet limits, whether or not they enter the field.
Age: A player’s actual age on the date of the game. Age is determined by the full date of birth, not by birth year alone or the age reached later in the calendar year.
Acceptable Identification: Government-issued photo identification showing the player’s date of birth, or other photo identification accepted by the league that allows the referee to verify identity and age.
Registration Cutoff: July 31 (Outdoor) and January 31 (Indoor). After the applicable Registration Cutoff date, no players may be added to a team's roster for the current season.

3. Player Registration

3.1 Registration Requirements

Each player must be ASA-registered with the SAMMSL team for which they will play.
Team officers must register teams using an ASA registration form, which must be submitted to the league registrar.
No team shall exceed twenty-five (25) registered players listed on its official roster.
Players must have reached their thirty-fifth (35th) birthday before participating in a game.
Age requirements apply consistently to outdoor and indoor games, including playoffs. A player counts as under forty (40) until their fortieth birthday.
No team may have more than five (5) players aged thirty-five (35) to thirty-nine (39) on its official roster. Compliance is assessed using actual ages on the date of each game.
The same limits of twenty-five (25) total players and five (5) players aged 35–39 apply separately to the submitted game sheet. These are roster and game-sheet limits, not limits on how many under-40 players may be on the field at once.
For the outdoor season, players may be added to a team's roster until July 31.
For the indoor season, players may be added to a team's roster until January 31.
No player may participate in a league game until they have been properly registered and approved.
Registration must be completed a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior to a player participating in a league game.
Teams in good standing from the previous year have registration priority.

3.1.1 External League Restrictions

A player registered in EDSA Major or EDSA Premier, or in VMSL Major, shall not be eligible to register or participate in the SAMMSL league, except as permitted under Section 3.1.2 (Higher-Division Player Eligibility).
The Executive shall have the authority to rule on any disputes regarding eligibility and may request proof of a player’s registration status in another league.
Teams found to be using ineligible players outside the permitted Higher-Division exception will forfeit the match in question, and further disciplinary action may be taken at the discretion of the Executive.

3.1.2 Higher-Division Player Eligibility

This section establishes a limited and controlled exception to Section 3.1.1 while preserving competitive balance and playoff integrity.

3.1.2.1 Definition of Higher-Division Player

For the purposes of this section, a Higher-Division Player is any player who is registered, during the same season, in one or more of the following divisions:

EDSA Major
EDSA Premier
VMSL Major

This definition applies regardless of the player’s age or whether the player is “playing up” in that division.

3.1.2.2 Maximum Number of Higher-Division Players

Each team may register a maximum of two (2) Higher-Division Players per season.
Registration of Higher-Division Players is optional. Teams are not required to register any such players.

3.1.2.3 Mandatory Age Requirements

If a team chooses to register Higher-Division Players, the following age requirements apply and are mandatory:
One Higher-Division Player must be at least 35 years of age.
One Higher-Division Player must be at least 40 years of age.
A team may not register two Higher-Division Players who are both under 40 years of age.
No exceptions to these age requirements will be granted.

3.1.2.4 Interaction with Existing Age-Based Roster Limits

Higher-Division Players count toward all existing SAMMSL roster limits.
A Higher-Division Player aged 35 to 39 counts toward the team’s maximum number of under-40 players.
A Higher-Division Player aged 40 or older does not count toward the under-40 limit.
This section does not override any other roster size or age-based restrictions.

3.1.2.5 Declaration Requirement

All Higher-Division Players must be declared at the time of roster submission and before participating in any match.
Failure to declare a Higher-Division Player constitutes an eligibility violation.

3.1.2.6 Regular Season Eligibility

Both registered Higher-Division Players may participate in regular season matches, provided all other eligibility and registration requirements are met.

3.1.2.7 Playoff Eligibility Restriction

During playoff matches, a team may dress only one (1) Higher-Division Player per playoff match.
Teams may alternate which Higher-Division Player participates from game to game.
The two Higher-Division Players may not play together in the same playoff match.

3.1.2.8 Violations and Sanctions

If a team is found to have violated this section (including registration limits, age requirements, declaration, or playoff restrictions), the team shall forfeit all matches in which the ineligible player(s) participated.
Repeated or intentional violations may result in additional disciplinary action, including fines, suspensions, or further sanctions, consistent with existing SAMMSL bylaws.

3.2 New Team Entry Requirements

Roster Submission
- Any new team applying to join SAMMSL must submit a roster of at least 14 players.
- The submitted roster must include at least 11 players who were not registered with any SAMMSL team in the current or previous season (calendar year).
- All players must comply with existing SAMMSL bylaws, including:
  - Age restrictions outlined in Section 3.1.
  - External league eligibility restrictions outlined in Section 3.1.1 (including Section 3.1.2 where applicable).
- A maximum of five players aged 35–39 is permitted, with ages determined under Section 3.1. No separate June 15 or calendar-year cutoff applies.
Restrictions on Player Transfers from Existing SAMMSL Teams
- A new team may include no more than 2 players from any single existing SAMMSL team.
- Exception: If a registered SAMMSL player wishes to start a new team, they may include:
  - Themselves (as the team founder).
  - Up to 2 additional players from their existing team.
- A new team may have no more than 5 total players who were previously registered with any SAMMSL team in the past two seasons/calendar year (including the founder).
- After the team’s first calendar year, standard transfer rules apply.
Exception for Disbanded Teams
- If an existing SAMMSL team officially disbands, its players may form a new team without restriction, subject to league approval.
Approval Process
- The league committee will review all new team applications and verify compliance before granting entry.

3.3 Fees and Payment

Season Fees: To be determined annually based on anticipated expenses, including field rentals, referee fees, and other operational costs.

Payment Schedules:

Summer Season:

Deposit: $500 due by May 1.
First Installment: Half of the total fees, less the deposit, due by May 31.
Balance: Remaining balance of the fees due by June 30.

Winter Season:

Deposit: $1000 due by October 15.
First Installment: Half of the remaining total fees (less the deposit) due by November 30.
Balance: Remaining balance of the fees due by December 30.

Penalties for Late Payment:

Failure to pay the first installment by the specified due date: $150 fine.
Failure to pay the balance by the specified due date: $150 fine.
As per bylaws, if a payment is missed, the team will be suspended from play until the outstanding amount is paid.
Payment methods include eTransfer, money order, or cheque payable to SAMMSL.
Additional fees may be assessed to cover operational expenses, subject to approval.

3.4 Registration Violations and Penalties

3.4.1 Under-35 Participation

Any team that fields a player who has not reached age 35 in any part of a game shall forfeit that game, regardless of the final score. Removing the player after participation has begun does not eliminate the forfeiture.

First Offense: Match forfeiture, reprimand and $50 fine.
Second Offense: Match forfeiture, $100 fine and removal of the player.
Third Offense: Match forfeiture, suspension pending a hearing and $200 fine.

3.4.2 Roster and Game-Sheet Limits

No team may have more than 25 players, including more than five players aged 35–39, on its official roster or submitted game sheet. A team that participates in a game while either list exceeds either limit shall forfeit that game, regardless of the final score. The team must correct the non-compliant list before participating in another game.

For a game-sheet violation, every name remaining on the submitted sheet at kickoff counts, whether or not that player enters the field. Subsequent removal of names does not eliminate the forfeiture. The manager is responsible for making corrections before kickoff under Section 6.1.

The existing additional penalties for exceeding the 25-player official-roster limit remain:

First Offense: $50 fine and removal of excess players, in addition to any forfeiture required above.
Second Offense: $100 fine and forfeiture of affected matches.
Third Offense: Suspension pending a hearing and $200 fine, in addition to any forfeiture required above.

No separate additional fine is specified here solely for exceeding five players aged 35–39 or the game-sheet total-player limit. Any additional penalty must have a separate basis in these bylaws.

3.4.3 Higher-Division Player Eligibility

Violations of Section 3.1.2 remain subject to:

First Offense: Match forfeiture and $150 fine.
Second Offense: Match forfeiture, $300 fine and 1-point deduction.
Third Offense: Team suspension pending a hearing. Forfeitures required by Section 3.1.2.8 still apply.

Removal or correction before kickoff prevents a game-sheet-limit forfeiture only if the submitted game sheet and official roster are both compliant at kickoff. It does not erase a breach in an earlier game or override another eligibility provision. Findings and penalties are administered under Section 8.

4. Game Conduct Regulations

4.1 No-Shows and Late Arrivals

A team must have at least 7 players on the field within 15 minutes of kickoff.
No-Show Penalties:
- First Offense: 1-point deduction, $100 fine.
- Second Offense: 3-point deduction, $200 fine, team disciplinary review.
- Third Offense: League suspension pending a hearing.
Late Arrival Penalties:
- 15–30 minutes late: $50 fine, match forfeiture.
- Over 30 minutes late: Considered a no-show, penalties apply.

4.2 Discipline for On-Field Violations

Offense	First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
Yellow Cards (Accumulation)	1-game suspension (after third yellow)	1-game suspension (after fourth yellow)	2-game suspension + hearing (after fifth yellow)
Red Card – Serious Foul Play	3-game suspension	6-game suspension	Hearing
Red Card – Violent Conduct	6-game suspension	12-game suspension	Hearing
Spitting, Threats Toward Opponents/Spectators	5-game suspension + $50 fine	10-game suspension + $100 fine	Mandatory league hearing
Physical Contact with Officials	1-year suspension (minimum)	Lifetime ban	N/A

4.3 Foul and Abusive Language Toward a Game Official

First Offense: 6-game suspension
Second Offense: 12-game suspension
Third Offense: Mandatory hearing

This bylaw applies only to extreme cases resulting in an automatic red card, as determined by the referee's discretion.

4.4 Discrimination, Harassment, and Racist Conduct

Zero Tolerance. SAMMSL maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward racist, discriminatory, or harassing conduct of any kind. All players, team officials, and spectators must uphold respect, inclusion, and sportsmanship.

4.4.1 Definition

Discriminatory conduct includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal slurs, insults, or chants based on race, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability;
Gestures, symbols, or actions intended to demean, intimidate, or harass on the basis of any of the above;
Any other behavior deemed by the referee, Discipline Director, or League Executive to be discriminatory or harassing in nature.

4.4.2 In-Match Handling

If the referee hears or observes discriminatory conduct: immediate dismissal (red card) and a report must be submitted under Section 8.1.
If the referee does not hear/observe it but it is reported during the match: the referee should be informed via the team manager or captain so game control procedures (warnings, stoppage, or abandonment if necessary) can be considered.

4.4.3 Reporting After the Match

Any player, official, or spectator may report discriminatory behavior within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident, in accordance with Section 8.1 (Reporting and Processing Violations). Reports may include witness statements, referee reports, or other evidence. The League may investigate and act on credible reports even without corroborating evidence.

4.4.4 Sanctions

First Offense (Individual): Minimum six (6) game suspension, subject to review by the Discipline Committee.
Second Offense (Individual): Suspension for the remainder of the season, with review for possible permanent removal from the league.
Team Responsibility: If multiple players or supporters of a team engage in discriminatory conduct, the team may face additional sanctions, including forfeiture of games, deduction of points, or removal from the league.

4.4.5 Appeals

Appeals may be submitted pursuant to Section 8.2 (Appeals Process). Penalties for discriminatory conduct are not stayed during the appeals process.

4.5 Use of Non-Registered or Suspended Players

Any team found using non-registered or suspended players will face the following penalties:

First Offense: Match forfeited, $100 fine, one-year suspension for the player.
Second Offense: Match forfeited, $200 fine, three-game suspension for the offending player.
Third Offense: Suspension pending a hearing, $400 fine, and potential team expulsion.
Suspended players may not participate in any league activities (games, team management, officiating).

4.6 Abandonment and Referee Termination

A team that abandons a game or refuses to continue shall forfeit the game.
If the referee ends a game, the score at the time of termination shall stand unless a forfeiture is required under another provision of these bylaws.
Player eligibility, identification and roster-limit forfeitures take precedence over the score at termination. A referee ending the game does not remove a forfeiture arising from an eligibility breach or a team’s abandonment or refusal to continue.
The referee must report the circumstances, score and reason for the game ending. The Disciplinary Coordinator determines the recorded result under these bylaws.

4.7 Blue Cards in Indoor Games

A blue card temporarily removes a player from an indoor game to cool down. The referee determines the amount of time the player must remain out of the game and authorizes the player’s return.

The team may replace the player immediately and does not have to play short-handed.
The blue card itself carries no fine, disciplinary suspension or accumulation penalty.
A blue-card cool-down does not prevent the referee from issuing a yellow or red card for separate conduct that warrants it. Those cards remain subject to the existing disciplinary provisions.
Implementation will begin on the date confirmed with the referee coordinator and communicated to all teams and officials.

5. Referees and Game Officials

All referees and assistant referees fall under SASA jurisdiction.
Referee Assignments: The SAMMSL Referee Assigner is responsible for referee appointments, ensuring an unbiased selection process.
Weather-Related Cancellations: The home team must confirm field conditions at least 2 hours before kickoff and notify both referees and opponents.
Referee Complaints:
- Complaints must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of the match.
- The Disciplinary Committee will review complaints and take appropriate action.
- Complaints without substantial evidence will not be considered.
Referee Reports: All red card offenses, game forfeits, and field incidents must be reported in writing within 24 hours.

6. Game Administration

6.1 Game Sheets and Player Identification

6.1.1 Submission and Manager Responsibility

Game sheets must be submitted at least 15 minutes before kickoff and signed by the coach or manager.
The game sheet is the team’s official player list for the game, including substitutes. It must list full registered names and jersey numbers. Any nickname or alternate name must be identified alongside the registered name so the player can be matched to registration records.
The manager must remove absent players and anyone who will not participate before kickoff. A saved template is not an excuse for an incorrect submitted list.
Only properly registered, approved and eligible players may be listed. The manager must check ages and both the official-roster and game-sheet limits before submission.
The submitted game sheet may contain no more than 25 players and no more than five players aged 35–39. All listed players count, whether or not they enter the field. Section 3.4.2 applies to excess numbers.
Necessary pre-kickoff corrections must be brought to the referee’s attention, recorded on the sheet and confirmed by the manager and referee before kickoff. Age or registration requirements are not waived by a correction.

Penalties for late submission remain: first offense, warning; second offense, $50 fine; third offense, $100 fine and potential match forfeiture.

6.1.2 Identification Before Kickoff

Players must carry acceptable identification and produce it when requested by the referee. A player who cannot produce acceptable identification before kickoff must leave the playing area and be removed from the game sheet. The game may proceed with the remaining eligible players, provided the team meets the minimum-player requirement. Failure to comply must be reported to the league.

6.1.3 Identification After Kickoff

If a player listed on the submitted game sheet cannot produce acceptable identification when requested by the referee after kickoff, that player’s team shall forfeit the game, regardless of whether the player has entered the field or is subsequently removed. The referee must record the player’s name and the circumstances in the report. Inability to produce identification is a separate ground for forfeiture; it need not establish that the player was underage.

6.2 Game Duration

Outdoor Games: Consist of two 45-minute halves.
Indoor Games: Consist of two 35-minute halves.
The referee has the discretion to shorten games in adverse conditions.

6.3 Tie-Breakers

Regular Season:
1. Head-to-head record
2. Goal difference among tied teams
3. Overall goal difference
4. Most goals scored
5. Penalty shootout (if feasible); otherwise, a coin toss
Playoffs:
1. Extra time (10-minute halves)
2. Penalty shootout (sudden death if needed)

6.3.1 Playoff Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in playoff games, a player must be properly registered on the team's official roster prior to the applicable Registration Cutoff date.
To be eligible to participate in playoff games, a player must have participated in a minimum of two (2) regular season league games during the current season.
For the purpose of playoff eligibility, any player listed on the official game sheet for a forfeited regular season game shall be credited with participation in that game.
Players serving a suspension are not eligible to participate in playoff games until the suspension has been fully served.

6.4 Inclement Weather Procedures

Indoor Relocation: In the event of adverse weather conditions that render outdoor fields unplayable, SAMMSL has arrangements with the Victoria facility to relocate scheduled outdoor games indoors.
Game Duration: Indoor matches will consist of two 40-minute halves.
Scheduling Adjustments:
- Standard Months (May through September): Indoor game start times will align closely with the original outdoor schedule to minimize waiting periods between matches.
- Sample Schedule:

Field	Outdoor Start	Indoor Start
#1	5:00 PM	5:30 PM
#1	7:00 PM	7:00 PM
#2	5:00 PM	5:30 PM
#2	7:00 PM	7:00 PM

Late Season Months (October): If games are moved indoors during this month, start times will be adjusted to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to match the adjusted outdoor schedule.
Field Assignments: Outdoor Field #1 games will be relocated to the large indoor field, while Outdoor Field #2 games will be assigned to the small indoor field.

7. Player and Team Management

7.1 Substitutions

Outdoor Games:
- Substitutes must wait at center field until the referee signals approval for entry.
- Players leaving the field must exit at the nearest boundary line, unless otherwise directed by the referee.
Indoor Games:
- Substitutes must enter and exit at center field.
- The exiting player must completely leave the field before the substitute may enter.
- No referee approval is required for substitutions.
Players dismissed by a red card cannot be substituted. A player temporarily removed by a blue card may be replaced immediately under Section 4.7.

7.2 Recruitment and Transfers

Players must be ASA-registered.
Teams may recruit players from ASA-sanctioned leagues with proper approval.
Teams must comply with all roster age restrictions outlined in Section 3.1 Registration Requirements.
Registration priority is given to returning teams in good standing.

7.3 Team Fees

Must be paid in full by agreed dates.
Late payments incur a $150 fee and possible suspension.

8. Disciplinary Procedures

8.1 Reporting and Processing Violations

Who Reports?
- Game officials: All red card offenses, misconduct, and game forfeits.
- Teams: Any violations, disputes, or misconduct by submitting a written report within 48 hours, subject to the later-discovered eligibility exception below.
Review Process:
- The Disciplinary Coordinator will assign penalties within 3 days of a reported violation where the facts are established. If investigation or a hearing is required, the Coordinator will notify the team of the next steps within that period and issue the decision promptly after the necessary information and response have been considered.
- Appeals must follow the process outlined below.

8.1.1 Later-Discovered Eligibility Violations and Hearings

The league may investigate player eligibility, identification, registration, roster or game-sheet-limit violations discovered after the normal 48-hour reporting deadline. A late report does not by itself prevent that investigation.
The Disciplinary Coordinator will give the team notice of each concern and the evidence to be considered, and a reasonable opportunity to respond and correct factual errors before deciding the matter. A hearing may be a straightforward meeting or call.
The Coordinator will make a separate finding on each concern and provide a short written decision explaining the evidence, applicable rules, result or penalties, and appeal instructions.
A pattern may be considered only where supported by confirmed findings and an applicable penalty provision. An unresolved allegation does not count as a proven prior offense, and different breaches do not automatically become successive offenses under one penalty schedule.
Apply the substantive eligibility rules and penalties in force for the game concerned. The new later-discovered reporting exception and new forfeiture provisions apply only from the effective date recorded in Section 10; they do not reopen an earlier matter or increase an earlier penalty retrospectively.

8.2 Appeals Process

Timelines for Appeals:
- First Appeal: Submitted within 48 hours with a $50 fee (refundable if upheld).
- Second Appeal: Must be submitted within 5 days to the SASA Disciplinary Chairman (additional $50 fee).
- Final Appeal: To the SASA Executive Board (requires $75 fee).
Appeal Outcomes:
- If an appeal is successful, any suspensions/fines are lifted.
- If an appeal fails, the original penalty remains and an additional 1-game suspension may be applied.
Appeals to Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and Canadian Soccer Association (CSA):
- Only allowed for constitutional matters (e.g., rule misinterpretation).

9. Bylaws Amendments

Amendments require a majority vote from team managers and the executive.
The approval date and effective date of adopted amendments must be recorded in Section 10 and communicated to managers and game officials.

10. Revision History

Current version: 2026.11 — Updated November 10, 2026. Updates have been added to address recent events. They will be presented at the November 12, 2026 managers’ meeting, with any objections considered and revisions made accordingly.

November 10, 2026 — Version 2026.11

Updates added:

Actual-birthday age requirements for ages 35 and 40.
Official-roster and game-sheet limits.
Automatic forfeiture for under-35 participation and excess roster/game-sheet numbers.
Manager responsibility for names and corrections.
Identification checks before and after kickoff.
Abandonment and referee termination.
Later-discovered eligibility concerns, hearings and written decisions.
Blue-card cool-down at the referee’s discretion, immediate replacement and no penalty for the blue card itself.
Related substitution and amendment-adoption wording.

Managers’ review: November 12, 2026. Record any objections, agreed revisions and decisions following the meeting.

Application: These updates have already been added to the bylaws. Record and communicate the effective date and any changes arising from the managers’ review. New penalties and the later-discovered reporting exception do not apply retrospectively. Blue-card implementation also requires confirmation with the referee coordinator and communication to teams and officials.

Previous versions

February 24, 2026: Latest amendment date stated in the supplied previous version.
April 1, 2013: Original effective date stated in the supplied previous version.
March 1995: Bylaws compiled.

Earlier revision dates retained from the previous version: Jan 1999, Feb 2002, Oct 2002, March 2003, Nov 2003, April 2004, April 2005, Feb 2007, March 2009, Feb 2011, April 2013, Oct 2016, Feb 2025, Feb 2026.

Related manager communication: June 17, 2026 — “SAMMSL Bylaw Updates” explained age, roster, registration and playoff requirements. This is the communication date, not a separately verified amendment-approval date.