Rules & Regulations

Rules & Regulations

Niagara Soccer Association (NSA)

Effective Date: 01/12/2026
Applies To: All NSA-sanctioned leagues, competitions, clubs, teams, players, officials, and participants.

1. Purpose & Authority

The Niagara Soccer Association (NSA) Rules & Regulations govern the administration, organization, and operation of all NSA-sanctioned competitions and activities. These rules are established to ensure fair play, consistency, safety, and compliance with Ontario Soccer, Canada Soccer, and FIFA regulations.

In the event of any conflict, the policies of Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer shall take precedence.

2. Scope of Application

These Rules & Regulations apply to:

  • All clubs and teams affiliated with NSA

  • All registered players, coaches, officials, and volunteers

  • All league matches, competitions, tournaments, and sanctioned activities

  • All registrations, discipline matters, and administrative processes

Participation in NSA competitions constitutes acceptance of these Rules & Regulations.

3. League Structure & Competition Format

3.1 League Organization

NSA operates league competitions organized by:

  • Age group

  • Gender (where applicable)

  • Competitive or recreational designation

League formats, schedules, and divisions are determined annually by NSA.

3.2 Scheduling

  • Match schedules are issued prior to the season start.

  • NSA reserves the right to amend schedules due to weather, facility availability, or unforeseen circumstances.

  • Clubs must ensure teams are available for all scheduled matches.

4. Club & Team Responsibilities

Clubs are responsible for:

  • Registering all teams, players, and officials accurately and on time

  • Ensuring compliance with NSA, Ontario Soccer, and Canada Soccer policies

  • Providing qualified and registered coaches and officials

  • Maintaining discipline, safety, and sportsmanship

Teams must:

  • Arrive on time and properly equipped

  • Respect match officials and opponents

  • Ensure only eligible players participate

5. Player Eligibility & Registration

5.1 Registration Requirements

  • All players must be properly registered before participating in any match or training session.

  • Players are only eligible to play for the team with which they are registered.

5.2 International Players

Players transferring from outside Canada must comply with International Transfer Certificate (ITC) requirements as outlined by Ontario Soccer and FIFA.

5.3 Ineligible Players

Use of ineligible players may result in forfeiture of matches, disciplinary action, and additional sanctions.

6. Match Regulations

6.1 Laws of the Game

All matches are played in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game, as adopted by Ontario Soccer, with modifications permitted for age-specific competitions.

6.2 Match Officials

  • Match officials have full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game.

  • Decisions of the referee during play are final.

6.3 Match Abandonment

NSA may abandon or reschedule matches due to weather, safety concerns, or misconduct. Decisions are final.

7. Discipline & Misconduct

  • Discipline is administered in accordance with NSA Discipline Policies and Ontario Soccer procedures.

  • Red cards, misconduct reports, and serious incidents are subject to review and possible hearings.

  • Assault or abuse of match officials will result in immediate suspension pending investigation.

8. Safety & Safeguarding

NSA is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment. All participants must:

  • Comply with Safeguarding / Safe Sport policies

  • Report safety concerns or inappropriate behaviour immediately

  • Respect the welfare of minors and vulnerable individuals

Failure to comply may result in suspension or removal from NSA activities.

9. Insurance & Liability

  • Insurance coverage applies only to registered participants engaged in sanctioned activities.

  • NSA, clubs, and participants must adhere to Ontario Soccer insurance requirements.

  • Personal insurance is recommended in addition to league coverage.

10. Protests, Appeals & Complaints

  • Protests and appeals must be submitted in writing within specified timelines.

  • Applicable administrative and appeal fees may apply.

  • Decisions rendered through Discipline by Review may not be appealable.

11. Fees, Fines & Payments

NSA may impose:

  • Registration fees

  • Administrative fees

  • Discipline and appeal fees

Failure to pay fees within specified timelines may result in suspension or ineligibility.

12. Amendments & Interpretation

NSA reserves the right to amend these Rules & Regulations as required.
The interpretation of these rules rests solely with NSA, subject to Ontario Soccer authority.

13. Acknowledgment

By participating in NSA-sanctioned activities, all clubs, teams, players, officials, and volunteers acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Rules & Regulations.