CASL League Rules & Regulations

Official Rules & Regulations of the Canadian Academy Soccer League

The Canadian Academy Soccer League (CASL) Rules & Regulations establish the standards governing all CASL-sanctioned league competitions. These regulations are designed to provide consistent, fair, safe, and professionally organized competition for participating academies, clubs, teams, players, coaches, and match officials.

All organizations participating in CASL competition agree to comply with these regulations as a condition of participation.

1. League Authority

The Canadian Academy Soccer League is responsible for administering CASL competitions and establishing the rules and competition standards under which participating teams compete.

CASL reserves the authority to interpret and enforce its Rules & Regulations and to make decisions necessary for the fair and effective administration of league competition.

2. Competition Structure

CASL may organize competition based on age, playing format, geographic region, competitive level, or other factors intended to create appropriate and meaningful competition.

Where sufficient teams are available, CASL may create multiple divisions or competitive tiers.

CASL reserves the right to place or move teams between divisions when necessary to improve competitive balance.

3. Player Eligibility & Rosters

All players participating in a CASL match must be properly registered and eligible for the team they represent in accordance with CASL regulations.

CASL will establish rules governing roster sizes, age eligibility, player movement, call-ups and guest players.

A club or team that knowingly uses an ineligible player may be subject to forfeiture, disciplinary action or other sanctions.

4. Laws of the Game & Match Formats

CASL competitions will use recognized soccer Laws of the Game, subject to modifications appropriate for age and playing format.

CASL may operate:

5v5 • 7v7 • 9v9 • 11v11

Competition-specific regulations will establish field dimensions, match duration, ball size, substitution rules and other applicable modifications.

5. Home Team & Field Responsibilities

Unless otherwise established by CASL, the designated home team is responsible for providing an approved and safe playing venue.

Fields must meet the minimum standards established by CASL for the applicable competition format.

The home club must promptly report circumstances that could prevent a scheduled match from being played.

6. Match Cancellations & Rescheduling

Matches should only be cancelled or postponed for legitimate reasons including unsafe weather, unplayable field conditions, facility closures or circumstances approved by CASL.

Teams may not independently cancel a league match without following CASL procedures.

Postponed matches must be rescheduled according to CASL competition requirements.

7. Forfeits & No-Shows

Teams are expected to fulfill all scheduled league fixtures.

A team that fails to appear, refuses to play or cannot field the minimum required number of eligible players may forfeit the match.

Repeated forfeitures may result in additional sanctions.

8. Standings & Tiebreakers

CASL will establish a standardized points and standings system for applicable competitions.

When teams finish level on points, published CASL tiebreaking procedures will determine final placement.

Specific competition regulations may establish additional rules for playoffs or championship qualification.

9. Conduct & Discipline

Players, coaches, team officials, club representatives and spectators are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and responsibly.

Misconduct may result in warnings, suspensions, fines where applicable, match forfeitures or other disciplinary measures.

Disciplinary matters are governed by the separate CASL Discipline & Appeals Policy.

10. Match Officials

Where referees are assigned, match officials have authority over the match in accordance with the applicable Laws of the Game and CASL competition rules.

Abuse, intimidation or harassment of match officials will not be tolerated.

11. Protests & Appeals

Competition-related protests must follow CASL’s established procedures and submission deadlines.

Disciplinary appeals are governed by the CASL Discipline & Appeals Policy.

12. Amendments & League Decisions

CASL may amend its Rules & Regulations when necessary to improve competition, address safety concerns or respond to operational requirements.

Participating organizations will be notified of material changes.

Participation in CASL competition constitutes acceptance of the applicable CASL Rules & Regulations and competition policies.