CUC 
OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS
Applicability & Enforcement
These Rules & Regulations apply to all UAPSL stakeholders, including but not limited to: - Teams and Team Officials (owners, coaches, managers) - Registered Players - Match Officials (referees, assistants, league administrators) - Sponsors, partners, and invited guests at UAPSL events
Compliance with these rules is mandatory. Participation in any UAPSL competition or event constitutes acceptance of these Rules & Regulations. The League reserves the right to impose disciplinary actions, including fines, suspensions, forfeitures, or removal from the league, for any violation.
All official information about the United Africa Premier League – USA (UAPSL) can be found at www.uapsl.com.
League Contact: 720-262-8698, Email: league@uapsl.com
All league communications will be conducted through the following official platforms: - UAPSL Official Website - Facebook - Twitter (X) - Instagram - Email - Official WhatsApp Groups (Managers & Coaches Only)
Failure to stay informed through these platforms does not excuse non-compliance with league rules or announcements. At UAPSL Meetings all Rules are subject to Amendment by the Majority that attend the meeting.
LEAGUE LOCATIONS
All UAPSL matches will be played in the following cities: - Denver, Colorado - Aurora, Colorado
Specific venues, dates, and kickoff times will be communicated through official league channels. The UAPSL Office is Located at 14211 E 4th Ave, Building #3, Unit 148, Aurora, CO 80011
LEAGUE STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE
The UAPSL operates as one unified league.
Each season will consist of 3–7 regular league matches, followed by playoffs.
All teams are required to complete all league fees no later than the 2nd league match. Failure to do so will result in suspension from further matches.
Team meetings are an essential part of league governance:
Decisions are made by majority vote of teams present at UAPSL Team Manager and Coaches Meetings.
Teams are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings.
Absence from meetings does not exempt a team from decisions made.
TEAM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
All teams must be fully registered with the league before participating.
Each team must represent one African country or Countries that have at least a representation on the team.
No country may have more than two (2) teams represented in the league.
Teams may not change country representation once the season has begun without league approval.
SECTION 1: COACHES & PLAYERS REGISTRATION
All players and coaches must be fully registered with:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Unlimited player registration is permitted.
All registration fees and outstanding balances must be paid in full before any team or player is allowed to participate in matches.
All registered players and coaches must have:
A complete online profile
A profile photo uploaded
Players or coaches without proper registration or profile photo will not be allowed to play or coach.
SECTION 2: TEAM BENCH & SPECTATOR RULES
Each team is allowed three (3) officials on game day:
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
One additional official (e.g., Team Manager)
Only the Head Coach and Assistant Coach are permitted to stand during the match.
The third official must:
Remain seated on the bench
Wear a guest/official lanyard at all times
No spectators or unregistered officials are allowed on the team bench.
If an unauthorized person is found on the bench:
The team will automatically forfeit the match.
It is the responsibility of the three designated officials to ensure the bench remains clear at all times.
SECTION 3: MATCH DAY PREPARATION & GAME DAY RULES
All players must be fully dressed and ready to play before check-in.
Teams may check in more than 18 players; however:
Only 18 players may be listed and seated on the bench per match.
Coaches and team managers are responsible for ensuring:
A maximum of 18 eligible players are dressed and ready
Substitutions:
Each team is allowed up to 7 substitutions per match
No re-entry once a player is substituted
Substituting players must hand their player card or substitution card to the linesman before entering the field
Match Duration:
Regular season matches will consist of 35–40 minutes total playing time
Match clock will start at the scheduled kickoff time
If a team delays entry onto the field, the clock will continue running
Player Identification:
All players must present a player pass to league administrators, or
Provide proof of registration and photo on the team website to the league official at check in.
Jersey Requirements:
All 18 rostered players must wear official team jerseys
Jerseys must display clear, visible numbers
SECTION 4: POINT SYSTEM & OFFICIATING
League Points Allocation
Win: 3 Points
Draw/Tie: 1 Point
Loss: 0 Points
Forfeit:
Awarded 3 points
Recorded as a 3–0 win
Officiating Rules
Matches will be officiated in accordance with IFAB Laws of the Game (2025–2026 edition).
Match officials have full authority to make decisions during games.
The UAPSL will follow IFAB guidelines for all disciplinary and match-related decisions.
SECTION 5: WEATHER DELAYS & POSTPONEMENTS
Lightning & Severe Weather:
City and venue lightning safety guidelines will be strictly followed
For every lightning strike, a minimum 10-minute delay will be enforced
If lightning occurs during the first half:
The match will resume with the second half
Match officials and league administrators will determine the remaining time to be played
Rain & Temperature:
Matches may continue in light rain
If temperatures drop below 25°F, league administrators will assess field and player safety
Postponed Matches:
Any match postponed due to weather must be rescheduled and played on Friday before the next scheduled match (Sunday or next official fixture)
Teams must be prepared to play on the rescheduled date
Match Continuation:
If a match is suspended and later resumed, it will continue with the same players on the field at stoppage time
A complete match is defined as 70 minutes of total playing time
SECTION 6: UAPSL OFFICIAL EVENTS & REPRESENTATION
UAPSL is a community-based organization committed to the growth and unity of African soccer communities.
All teams, players, and coaches must act in the best interest of the league.
Participation in UAPSL implies agreement to:
League policies
League-organized events
Each team is required to be represented at official league events, including but not limited to:
UAPSL Award Nights
UAPSL All-Star Events
Community and promotional activities
The league will recognize and honor teams that:
Consistently support league initiatives
Demonstrate commitment and sportsmanship
Incentives and recognition may be provided to teams that actively support the league throughout the season.
SECTION 7: DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, SANCTIONS & MISCONDUCT
7.1 Authority
The UAPSL Disciplinary Committee, League Administrators, and Match Officials have full authority to issue disciplinary actions.
Decisions made by match officials during a game are final and not subject to protest.
Post-match incidents may be reviewed by the League, and additional sanctions may be imposed. (Bench rules must be respected at all time)
7.2 Player Discipline (Cards & Match Sanctions)
Yellow Card (Caution):
Issued for unsporting behavior, dissent, delay of game, repeated fouls, or failure to respect the Laws of the Game.
Two (2) yellow cards in the same match result in a red card.
Red Card (Ejection):
Issued for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, abusive language, fighting, or denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
A player receiving a red card is immediately ejected and must leave the field and technical area.
The ejected player is automatically suspended for a minimum of one (1) match.
Accumulation:
Accumulated yellow cards during the season may result in automatic suspension as determined by the League.
7.3 Coach & Team Official Discipline
Coaches and team officials are subject to disciplinary action for:
Dissent toward match officials
Unsporting behavior
Abusive or threatening language
Failure to control players or bench personnel
Sanctions may include:
Verbal warning
Yellow or red card
Suspension from one or more matches
Fines imposed by the League
7.4 Team Misconduct & Administrative Violations
Teams may be sanctioned for the following violations: - Fielding ineligible or unregistered players - Allowing unauthorized persons on the bench - Failure to pay league fees on time - Match forfeiture due to non-compliance - Failure to attend mandatory league meetings or events
Sanctions may include: - Match forfeiture - Point deduction - Monetary fines - Suspension from league play - Removal from the league
7.5 Fines & Financial Penalties
The League reserves the right to impose fines for disciplinary or administrative violations.
All fines must be paid before the team or individual may participate in subsequent matches.
Failure to pay fines may result in:
Automatic suspension
Match forfeiture
Additional penalties
7.6 Serious Misconduct & Zero-Tolerance Policy
UAPSL maintains a zero-tolerance policy for:
Violence against match officials
Fighting among players or spectators
Racism, discrimination, or hate speech
Threats toward league staff, officials, or participants
Serious misconduct may result in:
Immediate ejection
Multi-match or season-long suspension
Permanent ban from UAPSL
Referral to local authorities if necessary
7.7 Protests & Appeals
Administrative protests must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of the match.
All appeal decisions made by the League are final. New evidence will be accepted
SECTION 8: PLAYER TRANSFERS, ROSTER CHANGES & DEADLINES
8.1 Player Registration Window
Player registration is open from the official league registration opening date until the end of the regular season, subject to roster deadlines. (January 1st – December 31st)
All players must be fully registered, approved, and financially cleared up before participating in any match.
8.2 Roster Size & Eligibility
Teams may register an unlimited number of players during the season.
Only registered and approved players are eligible to be rostered for matches.
A maximum of 18 eligible players may be listed and dressed for any match.
8.3 Roster Deadline (Playoff Eligibility)
To be eligible for playoff matches, a player must be:
Fully registered, and
Financially cleared, and
Added to the team roster no later than the 4th regular-season match.
The League reserves the right to set and announce specific roster freeze dates if required.
8.4 Player Transfers Between Teams
A registered player may NOT transfer between UAPSL teams only with league approval.
Transfer requests must be submitted in writing to the League.
A player may NOT represent more than one UAPSL team in the same season, unless a transfer is officially approved by the Team official.
Transfers are NOT permitted:
After a player is rostered in a team during registration, or
During playoff matches
During the mid-season registration, only new players can be added.
8.5 Financial & Administrative Clearance
All outstanding fees related to the player or the team must be settled before a transfer is approved.
Any attempt to register or field a player with unresolved financial obligations will result in sanctions.
8.6 Ineligible Player Sanctions
Fielding an ineligible or unregistered player will result in:
Immediate match forfeiture
Possible point deduction
Additional fines or suspensions
Repeated violations may result in team suspension or removal from the league.
SECTION 9: CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS (PLAYERS, COACHES & SPECTATORS)
9.1 Purpose
The United Africa Premier League – USA (UAPSL) is committed to promoting respect, sportsmanship, safety, and integrity. This Code of Conduct applies to all players, coaches, team officials, spectators, sponsors, and guests at all UAPSL matches and events.
Participation in UAPSL activities constitutes agreement to comply with this Code.
9.2 Player Conduct
All players are expected to: - Respect match officials, opponents, teammates, and league staff - Play within the Laws of the Game and UAPSL rules - Refrain from violent conduct, fighting, or retaliation - Avoid abusive, threatening, or offensive language or gestures - Accept referee decisions without dissent
Players must not: - Engage in racism, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind - Use drugs, alcohol, or prohibited substances at league events - Incite spectators or engage in unsporting celebrations
Violations may result in cards, suspensions, fines, or expulsion from the league.
9.3 Coach & Team Official Conduct
Coaches and team officials are expected to: - Lead by example and promote fair play - Control their players and bench personnel at all times - Communicate respectfully with match officials and league staff - Ensure team compliance with league rules and schedules
Coaches and officials must not: - Harass, threaten, or intimidate referees or opponents - Encourage violent or unsporting behavior - Allow unauthorized persons on the team bench
Misconduct by coaches or officials may result in suspensions, fines, or removal from the league.
9.4 Spectator Conduct
Spectators are required to: - Conduct themselves in a respectful and non-threatening manner - Follow venue rules and league instructions - Support their teams positively
Spectators must not: - Enter the field of play or technical areas - Use abusive, discriminatory, or threatening language - Interfere with match officials, players, or league staff
Teams are responsible for the behavior of their supporters. Spectator misconduct may result in: - Removal from the venue - Match suspension or abandonment - Team fines, point deductions, or forfeiture
9.5 Anti-Discrimination & Inclusion Policy
UAPSL maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Any individual found in violation may face immediate disciplinary action, including permanent suspension or ban from UAPSL.
9.6 Violence, Threats & Harassment
Physical violence, attempted violence, or threats against any participant or official are strictly prohibited.
Harassment of referees, league staff, or opponents before, during, or after matches will not be tolerated.
Serious incidents may be referred to local authorities.
9.7 Social Media & Public Conduct
Players, coaches, and team officials are expected to represent UAPSL professionally on social media.
Public comments that damage the reputation of the League, officials, sponsors, or teams may result in disciplinary action.
FINAL AUTHORITY
The United Africa Premier League – USA reserves the right to interpret, amend, and enforce all rules and regulations in the best interest of the league.
All participants are expected to uphold sportsmanship, respect match officials, and represent their teams and communities with integrity.
