⚽ Mesquite Soccer Association Field Rules

To provide a safe, organized, and enjoyable environment for players, coaches, referees, and spectators, everyone attending MSA games is expected to follow the field rules below.

Failure to follow these rules may result in removal from the field area or additional disciplinary action.

🏟️ General Field Rules

• Home team is listed first on the schedule and is responsible for providing the game ball unless otherwise instructed.
• No glass containers are permitted at the fields.
• No alcohol is permitted on MSA property or at MSA games.
• No smoking or vaping is permitted around the fields.
• No pets are permitted at the fields, except for service animals.
• Please help keep the fields and surrounding areas clean. Dispose of all trash properly.
• Do not enter or interfere with another field while a game is in progress.
• Spectators, players, and coaches must follow all instructions from MSA board members, field staff, referees, and tournament/game officials.

👥 Spectator & Parent Areas

For player safety and to allow games to be conducted properly:

• Spectators must remain at least 6 feet behind the touchline.
• No spectators are permitted behind the goals.
• Parents and spectators must remain on the designated spectator side of the field.
• Do not stand or sit directly beside team benches or in the technical area.
• Spectators may not enter the field during a game unless directed to do so by a referee or MSA official.
• Please allow referees and players to do their jobs without interference.

🚫 No Coaching from the Spectator Side

Parents and spectators should encourage players positively but must not coach, direct, or criticize players from the sideline.

Concerns about coaching, playing time, referees, or game administration should be addressed after the game through the appropriate MSA process, rather than during play.

🧑‍🏫 Coach & Team Areas

• Coaches and players must remain in their designated technical/team area.
• Coaches must not enter the opposing team’s technical area.
• Coaches must follow all referee instructions.
• Coaches are responsible for maintaining appropriate behavior among their players and team personnel.
• For U9 and older, only rostered and properly credentialed coaches are permitted on the player sideline.
• Coaches must have their required MSA coach badge/identification while serving in the coach/player area.

U4 & U5

For U4 and U5 games, coaches may be permitted on the field near the sideline as appropriate for the age group and game format.

Coaches must still remain under the direction of the referee and follow all MSA field rules.

⚽ Player Participation

MSA expects players to receive meaningful participation in games.

Unless circumstances such as injury, illness, disciplinary action, or other game-related situations require otherwise, players should play at least 50% of the game.

Coaches are responsible for managing substitutions and playing time appropriately.

👨‍⚖️ Referees & Game Officials

Referees have authority over the game while it is being played.

• Players, coaches, and spectators must respect referee decisions.
• Do not argue with or confront referees during the game.
• Coaches are responsible for addressing inappropriate behavior from their team or spectators.
• Questions or concerns regarding referees should be submitted through the appropriate MSA process.
• Misconduct or serious incidents should be reported to the MSA Board/Sergeant-at-Arms rather than handled through confrontation at the field.

🚨 Safety & Emergencies

Everyone is expected to help maintain a safe environment.

• Do not enter the field during an active game unless authorized.
• Keep walkways, entrances, and emergency access areas clear.
• Follow instructions from MSA officials in the event of severe weather or an emergency.
• If a player is injured, allow the referee and appropriate team personnel to address the situation.
• Report unsafe conditions to an MSA board member or field official as soon as possible.

🧹 Leaving the Field

Before leaving, teams and spectators should:

• Pick up all trash around their team and spectator areas.
• Take personal belongings with them.
• Leave benches and surrounding areas clean.
• Report lost or damaged MSA equipment to an MSA official.

⚠️ Enforcement

These rules apply to players, coaches, parents, spectators, referees, and other individuals attending MSA games or events.

MSA reserves the right to address violations of field rules, including:

• Verbal warnings
• Removal of an individual from the field area
• Coach or team disciplinary action
• Suspension from games or MSA activities
• Referral to the MSA Board for further action

The safety and well-being of our players comes first. Please respect the game, respect the officials, respect the opposing team, and help us make MSA a positive environment for everyone.

⚽ Thank You for Supporting MSA!

Your cooperation helps us provide a safe, organized, and enjoyable soccer experience for every player and family.

Play hard. Play fair. Respect the game.