League Rules & Regulations

Official rules for Liga Leones Negros — 2026 / 2027 season

Below are the key highlights from the official rulebook. Download the full rules document at the bottom of this page for complete details.

01

Player Eligibility

  • Must be at least 18 years old with a valid LNL player card
  • Name must appear on the match roster before play begins
  • Rosters are limited to 20 players per match
  • Must check in or play in 5 matches to be eligible for the championship
  • A player may not play for two teams in the same division within a 5-day period
02

Registration

  • Register at the La Liga Leones Negros website
  • Applications and fees are due by the board-set deadline each registration window
  • $100 late fee for applications received after the deadline
  • Teams not fully paid by the deadline will not be scheduled for that season
  • New player cards require proof of identity; no player may hold more than one card
03

Uniforms

  • All players must wear numbered shirts, shorts, and socks
  • No two players may wear the same number
  • $5.00 fine per unnumbered shirt — tape is not acceptable as numbering
  • Home team must change to alternate kit if colors conflict with visiting team
  • Failure of the home team to change is grounds for forfeiture
04

Match Rules

  • 15-minute grace period to assemble the minimum of 7 players
  • Unlimited substitutions allowed at any dead ball situation
  • Rosters must be submitted to the referee before the match
  • Premier teams must have a designated captain wearing an armband at all times
  • Hydration breaks (max 2 min) may be added in extreme weather — they do not extend halves
05

Discipline

  • Red card = minimum 1 match week suspension; exact penalty set by judiciary officer
  • Suspensions carry over if the team has a bye, and across seasons if needed
  • Yellow card = 1 penalty point; Red card = 2 penalty points
  • Premier division: 25-point limit before a $400 fine
  • All other divisions: 15-point limit before a $400 fine
06

Scoring & Standings

  • Win = 3 points · Tie = 1 point · Loss = 0 points
  • Forfeit recorded as a 1-0 win for the non-forfeiting team (no goal credit awarded)
  • Maximum goal differential counted per match is 3
  • Tiebreakers (in order): wins by forfeit excluded, goal differential, most goals for, head-to-head
  • Cross-over matches count as a 1-0 win for both teams regardless of score
07

Divisions

  • Open Division: 18+ years of age
  • Over 30, Over 40, Over 50, Over 60, and Over 65 Divisions available
  • No slide tackles allowed in Over 40, 50, 60, or 65 divisions
  • Slide tackle infractions result in a direct free kick; reckless or forceful tackles earn a card
  • Over 60 division: the 5-day double-registration restriction (Rule 5E) does not apply

Rules adopted by La Liga Leones Negros. Information provided in good faith — refer to the full rulebook or contact league administration for authoritative guidance.