Rules

Momentum Soccer League Rules and Procedures

Created October 4, 2025 · Version 4, revised May 28, 2026

The Momentum Soccer League is a limited liability company (LLC) whose mandate is to provide a venue for organized affiliated soccer for adults in the Greater Albuquerque area of New Mexico. Momentum Soccer is affiliated through FIFA, the US Soccer Federation, USASA, and NMSSA.

The rules and procedures that govern Momentum Soccer are set forth in this document. Unless specifically identified otherwise, all rules apply to every Momentum Soccer competition.

Section I — Rules of Play

The FIFA Laws of the Game shall apply to all matches unless otherwise stipulated below.

1. Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions are allowed in each game. A team may substitute at any stoppage of play, subject to referee approval. All substitutions must occur without delaying the restart, and the referee retains authority to restrict substitutions that are unreasonable or used for time-wasting purposes. Substitutions are most commonly made:

During a goal kick or after a goal by either team.
At half time.
During a throw-in (both teams may substitute during a throw-in).
In the event of an injury.

Except at half time, a team must obtain the referee’s permission prior to making a substitution.

2. Uniforms

Every team must have numbered jerseys of similar color. Numbers must be visible and placed on the chest or center back of the jersey. Matching socks and shorts are encouraged but not required. The home team (the team listed first on the schedule) is responsible for changing uniforms in the event of a color conflict.

No tape or markers may be used to mark numbers on jerseys, and teammates may not exchange shirts during a match. If a similarly colored jersey is used due to a shortage, the opposing team’s representative may appeal to the referee, who will rule on the conflict and may disallow use of that shirt, in which case the player must change.

3. Player Safety and Equipment

Implementation of player safety regulations and enforcement of equipment guidelines are the responsibility of the referee.

a. Shin guards. All players must wear shin guards to play, and the hard surfaces of shin guards must be covered with socks. Referees have been instructed to issue a yellow card to any player found on the field without shin guards after check-in.

b. Footwear. No shoes with front cleats may be worn; baseball and football cleats are not permitted. Shoes with soles containing aluminum, leather, rubber, nylon, or plastic cleats, studs, or bars — whether molded as part of the sole or detachable — are allowed.

c. Jewelry and accessories. No jewelry, metal devices, or hazardous equipment may be worn. Watches such as a Fitbit or low-profile sports watch are allowed at the referee’s discretion. Any items worn by players must be inspected and approved in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game and at the referee’s discretion.

d. Casts. Casts may be allowed if they are padded and the referee approves them before the game, provided they pose no threat to other players.

4. Grace Period

Grace periods apply in both 11v11 and 9v9 competitions as follows.

11v11 Men’s (90-minute games)

A grace period of 10 minutes is given to teams that have fewer than 7 players at the scheduled kickoff time. A team must have 7 players to start or end a game; if a team does not have a minimum of 7 fully dressed players on the field within the grace period, the game shall be ruled a forfeit.

Once a team has 7 eligible, rostered players at the field, the team manager must ensure players are ready and call them onto the field so the game can start immediately.
The referee will warn or penalize players who delay the start by taking excessive time to get ready.
If a player is present but purposefully refuses to step on the field — making it 7 players and allowing the game to start — at any time during the grace period, the game is forfeited.
Under special circumstances, both team representatives may agree to an additional 10-minute grace period, with the understanding that each half will be shortened by 10 minutes.
If a game is delayed due to lack of the minimum number of players, the referee will shorten the game by the number of minutes delayed.

11v11 Coed (90-minute games)

All grace period rules above apply. A team must have 7 players to start, at least 1 of whom is female. Any combination of 7 players may start — 1 goalkeeper and 6 field players. The goalkeeper may be male or female. The maximum number of men allowed on the field is 6 at any time, excluding the goalkeeper.

9v9 Coed (80-minute games)

All grace period rules above apply. A game must start as soon as possible after the scheduled kickoff time as long as a team has the required minimum of 5 players. Any combination of 5 players may start — 1 goalkeeper and 4 field players. The goalkeeper may be male or female. The maximum number of men allowed on the field is 5 at any time, excluding the goalkeeper. Coed teams must have at least 1 female among the minimum 5 players to start.

9v9 Women’s (80-minute games)

All grace period rules above apply. A game must start as soon as possible after the scheduled kickoff time as long as a team has the required minimum of 5 players. A team must have a minimum of 5 players to start and end the game, otherwise the game is ruled a forfeit. Purposeful delays by players refusing to step on the field are subject to the same sanctions as 11v11 matches.

5. Late Start

The referee may shorten a half — or each half — by 5 minutes to accommodate a 10-minute late start. The referee may not shorten the half-time break, and will advise team captains of any time changes prior to the start of the game.

6. Game Completion

If a game is abandoned by the referee due to weather conditions, the following applies.

a. Regular season, after the first half. If abandonment occurs after the completion of the first half, the score at the time of abandonment shall stand as the final score.

b. Regular season, during the first half. If abandonment occurs during the first half, the losing team may choose to accept the score without a reschedule. If the losing team chooses to reschedule, the rescheduled game will commence at the minute at which the original game was abandoned (for example, the 16th minute), with the score as it stood at abandonment (for example, 3-1).

c. Playoffs and finals. The balance of an abandoned playoff game shall not be rescheduled, regardless of when abandonment occurs. The score at abandonment will stand.

7. Standings and Tiebreakers

Three points are awarded for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. In the event of a two-way tie in points at the end of the season, standings are determined by the following tiebreakers, in order:

Head-to-head result. If one of those matches is a forfeit, the team that forfeited finishes lower in the standings.
Overall goal differential.
Forfeiture record.
Most goals scored.
Fewest goals conceded.

8. Championship Match

If the score is tied at the end of a Championship Match (90 minutes) and the league needs to determine a winner, the game goes into overtime. Two five-minute halves will be played to determine a winner. If both teams are still tied at the end of the ten minutes of overtime, the winner is determined by penalty kicks.

9. Extreme Heat

To ensure player safety during high-heat conditions, the following hydration rules apply.

Mandatory water breaks (heat index 80°F or higher). When the heat index reaches 80°F or higher, one mandatory water break per half is instituted around the midpoint of each half. Water breaks count against match time and shall be no longer than 2 minutes each. The referee signals the end of the break and restarts play once players have returned to the field.

Monitoring and enforcement. The referee assignor is responsible for monitoring the heat index and lightning using a reliable weather source or device during games, and the heat index must be checked at game time. If the heat index is 85°F or higher, the center referee will check with both team representatives regarding water breaks and will follow the agreed-upon decision. These policies are mandatory and supersede normal league rules during applicable conditions.

10. Lightning Policy

If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of the fields, the referee will delay the match.
Play must be suspended for a minimum of 15 minutes before resuming.
The referee assignor is responsible for resuming games after lightning delays.
Games will resume once lightning is at or beyond a 10-mile radius of the fields.

Section II — Registration

Every team and every player participating in Momentum Soccer matches must be properly registered to be eligible to play. The registration process for 11v11 and 9v9 competitions is similar, though costs, fees, roster lock dates, and roster sizes differ as specified. Effective the start of the 2025–2026 seasonal year (beginning December 1, 2025), all registration is handled through League LINQ. Direct any questions on team or player registration to audrey.momentumsoccer@gmail.com.

1. Age Requirements

Players must be 18 or older to play in Momentum Soccer. Players who are 17 may participate provided the following conditions are met.

a. Safe Sport compliance. Every player under the age of 18 must have a signed Parental Waiver Form on file. Every adult player, manager, coach, team representative, or other team-specified official of a team with players under 18 must comply with current US Soccer Federation guidelines pertaining to Safe Sport policies and certification. Per the USSF guideline effective June 14, 2019, each such adult must complete the online Safe Sport certification and provide proof to the League Director. Only after this requirement is met will an under-18 player be added to the team roster. No player aged 16 or under will be allowed to play in the league.

b. Obtaining a Safe Sport certificate. Visit nmssa.net and navigate to Safe Sport, or email nmssasecretary0@gmail.com for more information.

c. Proof of age. As of September 1, 2017, any age-delineated league requires proof of age at registration by uploading a copy of a government-issued ID to League LINQ. Following USASA guidelines, a player must have his or her birthday within the calendar year of the season in question; any player who turns 18 by the season start date is eligible to play.

2. Refunds

a. Mid-season removal. If a rostered player is dropped from a team, a prorated refund will be issued based on the number of games left in the season. A formal request must be made to the League Director.

b. Pre-season withdrawal. If a player drops out of the league prior to the first game, the NMSSA Annual Pass is non-refundable, as it covers field and player insurance.

3. Team Changes During the Season

If a player changes teams during the season, the player must pay a $15 fee to move teams but does not need to sit out any games. To change teams, the player must notify the League Director, who will issue an invoice for the $15 fee.

4. Roster Lock Dates

8-game regular season. Rosters close at 8:00 PM the day before each scheduled game (Saturdays at 8:00 PM for Sunday games; Tuesdays at 8:00 PM for Wednesday games). Rosters are completely locked by 5:00 PM the day before the seventh scheduled game; no new players may be added or transferred after that point. Teams may not have guest players in the Semi-Finals, Finals, or Championship match.

10-game regular season. Rosters close at 8:00 PM the day before each scheduled game (Saturdays at 8:00 PM). Rosters are completely locked by 5:00 PM the day before the eighth scheduled game; no new players may be added or transferred after that point. Teams may not have guest players in the Semi-Finals, Finals, or Championship match.

5. Dual Registration, Gender, and Age

a. Dual registration. Dual registrations — a single player playing on more than one team in a given division — are not permitted, except that men and women may roster on one Men’s or one Women’s team in conjunction with one Coed team. No player may roster on a second Men’s, second Women’s, or second Coed team in any division or at any level; players must choose only one team in each category.

b. Players who identify as TRANSGENDER or NON-BINARY:

In February 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14201, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) amended its participation policy so that women’s sports were limited to those assigned female at birth, citing the executive order as a national expectation.
The USOPC (US Olympic and Paralympic Committee) updated its policies in November 2025 to bar transgender women from competing in women’s sports in line with the executive order. “A player may register with the gender team with which the player identifies, and confirmation sufficient for guaranteeing access shall be satisfied by documentation or evidence that shows the stated gender is sincerely held.”
The US Soccer Federation (USSF) and US Adult Soccer Association (USASA) have identical policies matching the USOPC policy, requiring proof of gender.
Momentum Soccer will abide by all policies set forth by these governing organizations and executive order regarding transgender athletes in women’s divisions.
Players who identify as transgender or non-binary will need to show proof of gender via a birth certificate during registration to designate their identity for registration purposes.
Rosters will need to reflect the gender designation to properly follow all male to female ratios in all coed leagues.

c. Age requirement. To meet the minimum age requirement, Momentum Soccer follows USASA guidelines: the player must have his or her birthday within the calendar year of the season in question.

6. Payments

a. Team registration. Teams register online through League LINQ. There is no team fee to register; however, a team bond may be placed on a team in future seasons if it registers and then drops out after the schedule has been made.

b. Player registration. Player fees are set on a season-by-season basis and must be paid at the time a player is registered.

c. Transaction fees. Credit card processing fees, tax, and similar charges apply per transaction. Momentum Soccer may change the form of payment accepted at any time. Fees depend on referees, fields, equipment, and other costs.

d. Forfeit fees. Any team that forfeits a game with less than 48 hours’ notice must pay a $50 forfeit fee, collected via invoice to the team representative through the Stripe account. The team may not play in any scheduled matches until the forfeit fee is paid.

7. Bonds

In the event that a large number of teams are present and space is limited, every team may be required to post a bond: $100 for 11v11 and $90 for 9v9. Bonds are held by Momentum Soccer to ensure compliance with the game-day requirements of these rules. If a team violates a rule carrying a monetary fine, the bond is forfeited to the league and applied toward the fine, and the team is suspended from further play until the bond is renewed. Teams that were registered and in good standing at the end of the previous season are exempt from the bond requirement and may carry their good standing from season to season. Good standing is determined at the discretion of the Momentum Soccer board.

Section III — Player Passes

Players must arrive at their scheduled game with a visual ID that validates the name and identity listed on the roster. The league does not issue physical player pass cards. Effective the start of the 2025–2026 seasonal year (beginning December 7, 2025), Momentum Soccer uses printed rosters, which may be used in conjunction with digital rosters to verify players. Please continue to bring physical IDs for check-in.

Section IV — Game Scheduling

1. Scheduling of Games

The 11v11 and 9v9 competitions will be played predominantly on the days planned for them (for example, Sundays). Rescheduled games may also be scheduled to accommodate rainouts, light conditions in the late fall and winter months, or other events, so more than one game may be scheduled on a given Sunday. Momentum Soccer will make every attempt to avoid scheduling back-to-back games and time slots.

2. Verification of Game Times and Venues

Because game times and venues may change to accommodate field conditions, weather, or other factors, teams are required to check their game times on the league website (momentum.soccer) 12 hours before scheduled kickoff. Under special conditions, changes may also be made at the field.

3. Schedule Changes

Schedule changes are not permitted except under extraordinary circumstances and must be approved by the league. For schedule requests or changes, email the League Director at least 7 days in advance of the game in question.

4. Special Scheduling Considerations

The league will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special scheduling requests, but this may not always be possible. Due to field conditions, other events, or weather, changes to the venue or start time may have to be made with short notice, and the league reserves the right to move a match to a different venue or timeslot within a reasonable time. This will be used only in limited situations, and all efforts will be made to accommodate the teams involved.

5. Game Time Decision

Player safety is paramount. If the field is deemed unsafe by the referee or referee assignor, he or she may cancel a game prior to its start or abandon it during play.

Section V — Game Day Procedures

1. Game Day Check-In

The following check-in procedures apply to all games:

Arrive at the field at least 15 minutes before game time so games can start on time.
Guest players check in with the designated Momentum Soccer staff member (see Guest Players below).
The league provides the referee with the rosters and game reports for each game; digital rosters are used only to verify guest players.
Referees check players against the printed roster, and players must present a valid ID. Non-rostered players, including guest players, are not allowed to play.
Referees will have players remove jewelry and equipment that poses a hazard prior to play (Fitbits and streamlined fitness watches are allowed at the referee’s discretion).
Referees are instructed to start games on time and will follow the grace period rules in Section I.

2. Guest Players

Guest players must report 15 minutes before game time to the league staff member with the wagon.
Players may guest on another team if they are currently registered in Momentum Soccer; registration is verified by league staff.
Guest players are provided a numbered pinnie to indicate guest status; pinnies must be returned at the end of the game.
Guest players are added to the team’s printed roster by league staff before the roster is given to the referee.
If a team or player is caught adding guest players illegally, switching pinnies with non-registered players, or otherwise violating these rules, their right to use guest players is revoked for the remainder of the season.
Guest players who come from other teams must be submitted by midnight the night before the game.
Guest players are not allowed during any Championship Match, including guest passes and players currently registered in the league.

3. Game Day Procedures

No player may play without being registered with Momentum Soccer and rostered on their specific team. If a player is ejected during a game, the referee will note it in the game report and the player must leave the fields entirely. An ejected coach must leave the premises. Referees may also request that disorderly spectators leave, and team representatives are expected to cooperate. Ejected players and coaches may not play again until they have served their suspension and paid any associated fines imposed by a Disciplinary Committee ruling.

If a team uses a non-registered, non-rostered, or suspended player:

The game is awarded as a forfeit to the opposing team.
The offending team cannot win the season or participate in playoffs.
The player (if registered on any NMSSA-affiliated team) serves a 2-game suspension in addition to any current suspension, and incurs a $50 bond, of which $25 is non-refundable.
A challenge of a player’s status must be made to the referee, who will note the violation in the game report.
If a team uses a player who is registered for the team but not on the printed roster (and not added by the League Director), the game is forfeited to the opponent and the team manager is fined $25.
A second offense results in the Team Representative being removed from their role, in addition to the suspensions and penalties above.

If the team manager is going out of town, it is their responsibility to put someone in charge who understands that allowing a non-rostered player to play carries the penalties and suspensions above. Supporters, fans, and spectators must remain four feet from the sideline at all times; referees enforce this policy and may abandon a game if fans do not respect the four-foot buffer. Player registrations are checked at every game, and these procedures may be modified during the season to streamline game day and prevent problems.

Section VI — Other

Revised February 22, 2026

1. Red Cards, Suspensions, and Appeals

A player issued a red card — either a straight red or two yellows in the same game — will serve a minimum 1-game suspension, unless it is for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by handball, which is a 2-game suspension. Suspensions range from 1 game upward based on the degree and nature of the offense. All long-term suspensions and violations of the Referee Abuse Prevention Policy are reported to the USSF, USASA, and NMSSA and may be enforced by all leagues and states. Details on suspensions appear in the Disciplinary Penalties and Procedures (Annex 2 and Annex 3).

Anyone ejected from a match must immediately leave the field area entirely and have no further communication with players, coaches, or officials for the remainder of the match, remaining out of sight and sound of the fields for the duration of the day. The Director or referee may require the player to leave the facility, and the Team Representative must ensure compliance or the game will not continue. Ejections are noted in the match report to the League Director and Referee Assignor.

Suspended players are eligible to return after the suspension has been served and any fine has been received by the league; outstanding fines must be paid before a player may play again in any game. Fines should be paid by check made out to Momentum Soccer and mailed, or online through a direct Stripe invoice, and must be received no later than 48 hours prior to the next match so the player can be reinstated.

The Momentum Soccer Disciplinary Committee reviews reports, rules on suspensions, and notifies the Team Representative. A player has the right to appeal; appeals of suspensions issued by the Disciplinary Committee must be made to NMSSA. Appeals must be made in writing by email to nmssasecretary0@gmail.com within 48 hours of the incident. A $50 fee applies to every appeal made to the Disciplinary Committee and is returned if the appeal is upheld.

A dually registered player ejected from a game may not play again that day. The sentence is served on the team the player was on at the time of the ejection unless the Disciplinary Committee specifies otherwise, and any associated fine must be paid before the player competes anywhere. Any player receiving two straight red cards in a season is suspended for the rest of the season.

For matters handled by NMSSA (for example, referee assault, referee abuse, or extreme cases), the NMSSA Disciplinary Committee reviews the reports, holds a hearing if required by federation policy, and notifies the player and Team Representative. Appeals of NMSSA suspensions must be made directly to USASA and must be accompanied by a $500 appeal fee; all NMSSA fees apply in accordance with NMSSA bylaws.

Acceptance of the rules and procedures in the Disciplinary Penalties and Procedures (Annex 2 and Annex 3) is a condition of participation in Momentum Soccer. Team Representatives accept these rules on behalf of their teams and are responsible for relaying the information to their players. Misconduct by players, coaches, and spectators toward League Officials, Board members, the League Director, and game officials will not be tolerated.

2. Injuries

In the event of an injury during a game, the Team Captain, Team Representative, or the injured player must ensure the referee records the injury to facilitate potential insurance claims. For information about the insurance policy, visit nmssa.net under the Insurance tab, or contact NMSSA Verification Officer Audrey Wilson at nmssapresident@gmail.com.

Players registered in Momentum Soccer hold an NMSSA membership that includes access to the Wave on Health online platform, connecting them to an athletic trainer 24/7 through The Sport Guy LLC for the calendar year of registration. All players are added to the platform and given login access by email. The platform can be used for strengthening and stretching exercises, sport-specific training, injury prevention, injury assessments, and assistance with further medical treatment, but excludes car accidents and injuries that fall within workers’ compensation.

3. Forfeits

A team that forfeits 2 games on regularly scheduled game days during the season may be removed from the schedule for the balance of the season and will not be eligible for the playoffs; the team also forfeits its bond (if applicable) and all team and player dues paid, and the league will issue a revised schedule. A forfeit prior to or at game time is recorded as a 0-3 loss. Any game abandoned after the start of play results in a minimum 3-goal-differential victory for the non-forfeiting team, regardless of the score at abandonment. A team that notifies the League Director at least 48 hours before kickoff is not subject to a fine; a forfeit with less than 48 hours’ notice incurs a $50 fine via Stripe invoice, as referees must still be paid.

4. Game Cancellations

If the league cancels a game due to poor field conditions, teams and players are expected to respect the decision and not play or practice on those fields.

League Director Contact

Audrey Wilson
Cell: 505-908-6006
Email: audrey.momentumsoccer@gmail.com
Web: momentum.soccer and app.leaguelinq.com/momentum

Annex 1 — Referee Payment Procedure

Revised January 22, 2026

Effective December 4, 2025, referees are paid and scheduled through Arbiter.

Referees are paid every 2 weeks electronically via Arbiter.
Referees are paid for a match forfeited less than 24 hours prior to start time.
Referees are not paid for a match forfeited with adequate notice.
All referees must onboard with Arbiter, including an independent contractor agreement with Momentum Soccer and a W-9 form.
Only currently licensed USSF referees may officiate for Momentum Soccer.

Additional payment details. If one or more referees are absent, the league pays only the referees who are present. If one of three referees is absent and the assignor cannot provide a replacement, the league pays the two present referees an extra $10 per assignment (for example, $70 for a center referee and $50 for an assistant referee). A fourth official is paid $25. A stand-by referee is paid $25; if the stand-by fills a vacancy, they are paid for the assigned game but not in addition to the stand-by amount. For late referees: less than 15 minutes late, full payment; more than 15 minutes late but before the second half, half payment; arriving during the second half, no payment. Team Representatives should report all cases of late referees to the League Director.

Annex 2 — Disciplinary Penalties

Revised January 22, 2026

The following are general guidelines for suspensions and penalties from game incidents:

Two yellow cards for dissent in a season: minimum 1-game suspension plus $20 fine.
Two yellow cards in one game: minimum 1-game suspension plus $25 fine.
One straight red card for misconduct: minimum 1-game suspension plus $25 fine.
One straight red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity by handball: minimum 1-game suspension plus $50 fine.
One straight red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity by foul or misconduct: minimum 1-game suspension plus $50 fine.
One straight red card for violent conduct: minimum 3-game suspension plus $100 fine and a $150 bond; if there are no further violent issues after 6 months, the bond is returned.
Foul or abusive language directed at a person: minimum 2-game suspension plus $75 fine.
Two red cards in one season: the Disciplinary Committee may review, which could result in suspension for the remainder of the season or 3 games, whichever is longer.
Fighting: minimum 3-game suspension plus $100 fine and a $150 bond; if there are no further fighting issues after 1 year, the bond is returned.
Referee abuse or gross mistreatment: minimum 2-game suspension plus $50 fine, with the matter sent to the NMSSA Disciplinary Committee for a hearing.
Referee assault: minimum 3-game suspension plus $100 fine, with the matter sent to the NMSSA Disciplinary Committee for a hearing.

These are guidelines only; the Disciplinary Committee has discretion to modify suspension lengths and penalties as appropriate. If a red card offense is not listed, the minimum is a 1-game suspension and a $50 fine. Long-term suspensions reported to the USSF and USASA must be enforced by all state associations. Referee abuse and referee assault are defined in USSF Policy 531-9, which mandates minimum suspensions handled by NMSSA; violations of this policy can occur with or without a card during a game.

Annex 3 — Disciplinary Procedures

Revised January 22, 2026

Misconduct toward League Officials, the League Director, and game officials — defined as persistent statements or physical acts that mistreat officials without rising to referee assault or abuse under USSF Policy 531-9 — will not be tolerated. Examples include excessive foul or abusive language directed at officials or staff, statements that diminish their authority, and acts that intimidate without threatening physical harm, such as confronting officials abusively, spitting on the ground in dissent, throwing or kicking an item in dissent without the chance of hitting an official, refusing to leave the playing area when asked, or re-entering the field to confront officials.

Penalties for misconduct vary with severity and prior history but shall be no less than a 3-game suspension, in addition to any other suspension or fine, and may extend to the Team Representative or the entire team — up to long-term or indefinite suspension or disbanding of the team. If a Team Representative did not intervene or stood passively while misconduct occurred, additional sanctions may be imposed. A formal hearing is not held unless requested by the accused party.

Any fine imposed must be paid before the player may play again in any sanctioned league game. Suspensions are served through the next specified number of scheduled games; a game must take place for a suspension to count as served. In the event of a cancellation or forfeit, the suspension is not considered served and continues until the next scheduled game is played. For players with dual registration, a 1- or 2-game suspension not involving fighting, striking an opponent, or referee abuse is served on the next game of the team the player was on at the time of the incident; a multi-game suspension involving those offenses is served on that team’s games, and the player may not play for another team during the term of the suspension. All time-based suspensions (for example, one month, balance of season, or lifetime) apply to all teams and all affiliated leagues the player participates in, including NMSSA tournaments.

All appeals to the Momentum Soccer Disciplinary Committee must be made through the Team Representative, in writing by email or certified mail within 48 hours of the incident. A $50 fee applies to every appeal and is returned if the appeal is upheld. Only members of the league — registered players, coaches, volunteers, referees, or board members — have the right to appeal. The Disciplinary Committee judges the severity of an offense and the appropriate penalty; it does not, as a general rule, overturn a referee’s on-field decision. For disciplinary matters handled by NMSSA, contact Jennah Thompson at nmssasecretary0@gmail.com.

Annex 4 — 24-Hour Complaint Policy

Instituted January 22, 2026

Team managers, players, fans, and supporters should not contact the League Director, a Board member, or a referee about a match until 24 hours after the completion of that match. All comments, complaints, criticisms, and questions should be held for 24 hours before any contact is made with a league official or referee. The League Director, Board members, and referees will not entertain any calls, visits, emails, or communication of any kind about a match until 24 hours after its completion.