Welcome to the MASL! We are excited that you're interested in joining our league, and we want to offer you as much support as possible in building your new team. Here you will find answers to some common questions to help get you started.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: You can contact the Division 4 Director: div4@masl.org
Q: How much does the league cost?
A: The fees for the league are broken down into a number of categories, and the cost per player and per team can fluctuate based on a number of factors. The league registration fee is $360. Each player must also pay a $30 player registration fee that provides insurance for injuries that occur during games. Additionally, you will pay for referees at each game ($126 per game), and you will be responsible for paying for the field for each home game (half of your matches). You may also incur fines for red cards, reschedules, and forfeits that can increase the cost. A typical team may expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 total depending on the cost of fields, fines, uniforms, balls, etc.
Q: When do I pay, and how are fees / fines collected?
A: Players pay their own $30 registration fee individually. The manager is generally responsible for collecting and disbursing all other fees. The league registration fee ($360) is paid to the league prior to the season, along with Cup registration fees if applicable. Referee fees are paid directly to the referees at each game. Field rental fees are paid to the field management entity, which you will work with directly to determine your cost and fee structure. Any fines (red cards, forfeits, rescheduling fees) are invoiced to the managers email. These fees must be paid ASAP or steps are made to maintain the teams good standings in the MASL. Any unpaid fines are collected prior to the start of the next season.
Q: How do I obtain a field?
A: This is perhaps the toughest part for new managers. It is the team's (and thus, typically the manager's) responsibility to secure a field for your home games, which will be approximately half the games in Division 4. We can help get you started if you don't have any leads. Teams typically use local area high schools, colleges, or city parks for their fields. Turf or grass are both acceptable. Keep in mind that our season begins in May, and you must play 4 games in May. These are not necessarily home games, but scheduling is easiest if you have the option to play home games in May. During scheduling, we can accommodate blackout dates as long as we know them well in advance. If your field coordinator is requesting liability insurance for you to play on their fields please contact us and we will supply that insurance form.
Q: How many players do I need?
A: We limit the roster size to 26 players per team. Depending on the commitment level of your players, a team will typically roster between 17 and 26 players to ensure a full side at each match. The season extends throughout the summer, so you must deal with injuries and travel / work schedules of your players. Additionally, the MASL has an affiliation system. As a Division 4 team, you will be able to affiliate with one team in each of Divisions 3, 2, and 1. You can "borrow" up to two players from your affiliate teams for each match to fill in gaps as needed. Ask around at the general meetings for affiliation opportunities, as it will also potentially give your players the chance to play up in higher division games throughout the summer! A change was made in 2019 which allows teams to add an additional 2 plays to your rosters after July 1st.
Q: How do I handle uniforms?
A: The league requires you to have two sets of uniforms with numbers. You will designate a home color and an away color when you register the team. If there are similar colors on game day, the home team stays in its home colors, and the visiting team much change. Different teams / managers handle uniforms differently. Some teams purchase a team set and the manager keeps the whole set. Other teams have players purchase jerseys independently. It is also a good idea to purchase some extras that stay with the manager for substitute situations. All players' shorts and socks colors must match as well.