Leagues

Rosters.

Each team’s roster may carry a maximum of two (2) Santa Barbara SC club level players (or equivalent) in the Pre/K and Grade 1/2 Divisions, a maximum of three (3) Santa Barbara SC club level players (or equivalent) in the Grade 3/4 Division, and a maximum of four (4) club level players per team in Grades 5-6 Division. If a club player plays “up” a division, then they do not apply to the limitation numbers stated above. This limit is to ensure balanced competition and fair play.

Format. Each team will play approximately 50 minute games per week, unless the number of teams in the division dictates an alternate format.

Game day. Any team can play down one player (example. 4v4 game you could play 4v3) and still NOT forfeit the game.  You CANNOT play down two players. In the event you do have to forfeit, the game will register as the opponent receiving the maximum of 3 points. If one team must forfeit, we will attempt to still play the game using a combination of players from both teams. Please arrive to each and every game regardless of how many players you have.

Forfeit. Your team will forfeit the game if you do not have the correct amount of players at kick-off. NO EXCEPTIONS. The league will start all of the games at the same time, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Minimum Time. Each player on every team must play a minimum of half of each and every game, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS.

Click here for the updated 2024 Fall Recreation League Rules

Coach FAQ’s:

• “How do I register a team for the league?” Answer: Once your confirmed roster meets the below requirements, email the names of players, division, and coach(es) to bianca@santabarbarasc.org
• “How many players do I need on my roster to qualify as a team?” Answer: Pre/K= 6, Grades 1/2= 6, Grades 3/4= 7, Grades 5/6= 10. If you do not bring the max roster size, we reserve the right to add “loose players” to your roster.
• “I’ve already completed a live scan through Cal South (or with my work/other organization). Do I need to do another one?” Answer: YES. All volunteers for this league will need to complete the Santa Barbara Soccer Club specific live scan form HERE as well as the mandated reporter training course. Once completed (one-time only) you will be set for life to volunteer with the club for future programs/events.)
• “I don’t want the max roster size. Can I keep a smaller roster size?” Answer: We reserve the right to fill rosters to max capacity as needed so that all registered players have an opportunity to play.  
• “Can I have more players than the max roster size listed for my division?” Answer: We discourage roster sizes greater than the listed max size for each division so that every athlete can have fair playing time. In certain circumstances this request may be approved (ex: you have players who will be missing many games, etc.) however we cannot guarantee your extra player will receive a team uniform. Please email the League Director for approval prior to registering.
• “Can you send me insurance so I can hold practices with my team?” Answer: No, this is a games only league and SBSC is not associated with activities that occur outside of game day.
• “Can I coach two teams in different divisions or will game times conflict?” Answer: We are not able to confirm game times until registration closes. The time frames above in the “Dates, Times, Rates, & Format” section is all we can provide at this time.
• “When can I pick up the team uniforms?” Answer: We will hold a coaches meeting the week of season kick-off. Meeting details will be emailed approx. 1 week prior to the first game day. We will go over everything you need to know prior to the season, answer your questions, and distribute uniforms at this time. If you cannot attend the meeting time, you will need to send a team representative in your place. 
• “Can you send me my team’s uniform sizes?” Answer: Uniforms are ordered by division, not individual. Teams typically have very similar sizing breakdowns, therefore as coach it is your responsibility to hand out uniforms using your best judgment for your players and their needs. We cannot exchange sizes. 

Volunteer Coaches & Managers. Only Coaches are allowed on the field. Managers are not allowed on the playing field at any time unless to attend to an injured player. All Volunteer Coaches & Managers must complete a Live Scan and the Mandated Reporter Training prior to the first game.

Let them play. We encourage a “let the players play” mentality as much as possible. The coach’s primary role should be as a facilitator, allowing players to learn through active play.

Game Day. All games will be scheduled on Fridays between 3:30-9:00pm and Saturdays between 3:00-9:00pm, and referees will report scores to the league official at the field by turning in the game card, signed by both coaches, immediately after the game. Only referees are to approach and convene at the scoring table to complete the score card. After having agreed with the coaches on the score and obtaining both coach’s signatures, coaches are to proceed to their next game.

Referees. The League Director will defer to the Referee for the final score of any game. Any and all questions and/or concerns regarding any game are to be made via email to the League Director the following day.

Behavior. Coaches are to report inappropriate parent behavior to the League Director to be addressed immediately on site.

Standings. Schedules and standings will be posted on the Santa Barbara SC website.

Points System. A simple point system will be used, 3-points for a win, 1-point will be awarded to both teams for a tie and 0 points for a loss. The league will not post any score over a difference of 3 goals.

Playoff format.

• TBD
• *Note: In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time, there will be a 5-minute break followed by overtime play until a “Golden Goal” is scored to decide the winner.