1. GENERAL RULES OF THE FACILITY

General Rules of the Facility

Individuals utilizing any facility owned, operated, or provided by Kraemer Fields do so at their own risk. The property owner(s), league operators, officers, owners, and staff of Kraemer Fields assume no liability for any injuries or accidents which may occur. Please reference Liability / Injury Waiver and Release Forms and signage posted within the facility.

 

Participants and spectators agree to abide by the Player Code of Conduct (See below). Conduct within the facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship as it is on the field. Please no alcohol or drug use prior to playing.

 

Kraemer Fields does not assume responsibility for any items lost.

 

NO smoking, vaping, glass containers, alcohol, food, gum, sunflower seeds, etc. allowed on the playing field area.

 

NO spitting, or abusive language allowed in the facility area.

 

NO dogs, pets or animals of any kind allowed on the playing field area. Guests are reminded to pick up after their pets.

 

All play must be conducted as set forth in the Kraemer Fields League Rules as modified here.

 

Kraemer Fields staff reserve the right to refuse play and/or service to anyone.

 

Objectives

 

Community Spirit – We wish to encourage friendly competition between local teams, players, businesses, schools, civic groups, soccer supporters, fans, and other organizations.

Inclusive Atmosphere – We strive to accommodate all types of players. Individuals or groups wishing to form special interest teams (including, but not limited to, physically and mentally challenged players) are encouraged to contact us for assistance.

 

Accessible Facilities – We want our facilities to be accessible to all players and spectators. If there is anything we can do to improve them, please contact us.

 

Timely Communication – We make it a priority to communicate clearly and quickly with our players and team s. While information contained in our League Rules is subject to change, we will typically convey significant updates at the top of this page.

How Registration Works:

A Team  will create an account and register the team online and pay their registration fee.  This is done through the DaySmart Rec website which is accessed through the Register Now link above.

Managers may then invite players to join the team by clicking “MANAGE” in their team, and then inviting players by email.

PLAYERS LOOKING FOR A TEAM

Individuals may also register to a FREE AGENT POOL for each league they want to play in.  Click on the “REGISTER NOW” button above.  Then create an account, find the league you want to play in (I.E., COED D2 Friday) and register to the “Free Agent Pool” team.  There is no upfront cost to enter the the FA Pool.  When an FA is placed on a team, they will be required to pay the registration fee at that time.

Non-Refundable Payments

All registration fees are non-refundable. Registering for a team or league is a commitment to participate in the full season. A player’s or team’s decision not to participate in a league they have registered for is not grounds for a refund. If players or teams choose not to participate after they have registered and before the season starts, they may request a credit to use towards a future league. Refunds are also not given if a player moves, has a change in work schedule, or any other non-league related changes. Participation in adult sports, even at the social level, may result in injury unfortunately. Kraemer Fields does not refund players’ fees if they are injured, unless that injury occurs prior to the start of league play.  Kraemer Fields does not refund any player that is suspended or banned from the facility.

Equipment

Molded cleats, turf shoes, or flat-soled soccer shoes are required. Metal studs of any kind are not allowed.

Teams MUST be dressed in matching jerseys or shirts with numbers on all jerseys, including goalkeepers.  If a player does not have a numbered jersey, a numbered vest will be provided by Kraemer Fields.

Shin guards are recommended but not required.

Goalkeepers must have a different distinctive jersey color from both their teammates, opponents, and the referee.

Sportsmanship

Individuals are expected to play under control and within the rules of the game, and to the best of their ability, while avoiding causing or threatening injury to themselves and other persons using the facility.

Referees

Kraemer Fields management would like to reaffirm that referees appointed to officiate each game have complete authority, and that their decisions on points of fact connected with the game are final. Officials are independent subcontractors and are not employees of Kraemer Fields. Officiating will be monitored and assessed regularly to provide quality officiating. Constructive comments regarding officiating are welcomed; complaints regarding officials should contain points of fact. You can contact us at info@kraemerfields.com with any comments. Please do not discuss officiating or the officials with Kraemer Field’s staff on the day of your game.

 

Levels of Competition

Team Managers will decide which level of competition is right for their team.  However, Kraemer Fields reserves the right to make changes within league divisions to ensure a comparable level of ability and competition. Teams switching from other Albuquerque leagues may contact us at info@kraemerfields.com any time prior to the Signup Deadline with supporting evidence of their current skill level (i.e., end of season standings and season records) in order to be considered for specific division placement.

III. League Rules, Rosters, Standings, Promotion/Relegation

Player Responsibility

It is the team ’s responsibility to be aware of the rules and guidelines of Kraemer Fields, and to keep his/her team informed. It is the responsibility of each player and the player’s Team to be aware of the total status of their players’ infractions. Failure to comply may result in further disciplinary measures which may include suspension of the player/ and forfeiture of games the sanctioned player played in. (This includes the use of illegal players, i.e. those not registered properly on the team roster, or suspended from play)

All players must present ID with age verification before the start of each match.  Kraemer Fields will NOT issue playing cards, so it is the responsibility of players to bring their ID.  Players that cannot provide a valid ID prior to the start of the game will not be allowed to play.

Team Rosters

Team rosters must be finalized online by the day before the last game of the regular season. Only players listed on the online team roster by the day before the last game of the regular season will be eligible to play in the playoffs. Roster disputes may be made to the referee or field manager on duty at any time prior to the start of the second half of a game. The league will not hear disputes after the second half has begun, or after games are played. Teams using ineligible players may be subject to an immediate game forfeit.

Locked Rosters

Team rosters will be locked once the regularly scheduled second to last game of the regular season has passed.  For example, in an 8-game season on Mondays, once the 5th Monday has passed, rosters will be locked.  In this example, if a team has only played 4 games by the time the 5th Monday has passed, their roster is still locked.

Coed League Rules

No more than four (4) men are allowed in the field of play at any time in a Coed 7v7 league – three (3) players must not be men (the goalkeeper may count as one of these three players). In order to satisfy this requirement, a team may play with only five (5) or six (6) players – there must be at least five total players on the field though. If any player receives a yellow or red card, the remaining players on the field still cannot exceed four (4) men and must be at least five (5) players.  If a red card results in a team not meeting these requirements, that team will forfeit the game as a 3-0 loss, regardless of the score of the game at that time.

Transgender Policy

Players may play based on their gender identity.

Over-30 League Rules

All players must turn 30 in the year the league season starts.

For Example:  Dan is 29 and his 30th birthday will be July 1st, 2024.  He signs up for Men’s D1 which starts September 5th, 2024.  John is eligible to play in Men’s D1.

Over-40 League Rules

All players must turn 40 in the year the league season starts, or prior to.

For Example:  Dana is 39 and her 40th birthday will be July 1st, 2024.  She signs up for Women’s 40 + which starts in September 5th, 2024.  Dana is eligible to play in Men’s D1.

League Standings Points System

Win = 3 points

Tie = 1 points

Loss = 0 points

League games that end in a tie score after regulation play shall remain a tie game.

Playoff games ending in a tie will go directly to Penalty Kicks. (See IV. M. Penalty Kicks)

League Division Tiebreakers

Any league divisions ending in a tie at the end of the league season shall be governed by the following tie breaking system order:

Goal Differential

Goals For

Most Wins

Most Shutouts

Slide Tackling

Sliding is defined as anything other than the feet touching the ground during an intentional sliding play with an opposing player within playing distance. Referees will be instructed to “when in doubt, call it”

Players are still allowed to lunge or reach for a ball. Kraemer fields defines Lunging as reaching for the ball with one leg while maintaining any part of the bottom of the other foot on the ground.

Sliding is an automatic yellow card offense.

Yellow Cards

A player receiving a yellow card must sit out for 2 minutes, starting after that player has exited the field and play resumes. During that time, the carded player’s team must play down a player; a sub may NOT replace the carded player. After the referee has acknowledged that 2 minutes have elapsed, the carded player’s team may send any one player (including the carded player if desired) back onto the field immediately at the midfield line.

If the team playing with more players scores, the teams then go back to full strength.

If two players are shown yellow cards at the same time from opposing teams, those players sit out for 2 minutes, but substitute may be made for each player.

Red Cards

A player or coach sent off in (or after) a game by a referee (red carded) will automatically be suspended from the next game in that league (i.e., Summer League).  A player receiving a red card cannot play in any other games on the same day/night that the red card was received.

In addition, a player will be prohibited from playing on any other team until the suspension has been served if:  a)  the red card is a direct red card or b) if the red card is for two yellows and one or more of the yellows is for referee abuse.

If a player is ejected in the last game of a season he/she will be prohibited from playing in the first game after he/she registers for another season.

Additional guidelines:

• A player or coach red carded for the offense of “violent conduct” (including, but not limited to: spitting, threatening, continued rough play, etc.) will be suspended as outlined above and, in addition, will be suspended for a minimum of one additional game and subject to further disciplinary action as decided by management.
• A player accumulating a second red card in the same season (i.e., Summer League) will be suspended for a minimum of 4 games in that league.
• A player accumulating three red cards in a 12-month period will be suspended for the rest of that season, plus the next season and must complete the beginning referee course prior to being reinstated to the leagues.
• A player accumulating four red cards in a 12-month period will be suspended for 12 months from the date of the 4th red card and must become a certified referee and referee 1 ASL game, 1 Duke City Soccer League game and 3 games at Kraemer Fields before being reinstated to the leagues.
• A player or coach red carded for “assaulting an official” will be permanently suspended from any further activities at Kraemer Fields.  An “Assault on an Official” shall be defined as an an actual physical battery of an official, or attempt or verbal or non-verbal threat to commit a battery upon an official.
• “Bench Clearing” – If any player enters the field to break up or participate in a fight, the team will be, at minimum, put on Team Probation.  Kraemer Fields reserves the right to bring additional disciplinary action if needed.
• “Team Probation” – A two-month period during which any incident, major or minor, will be grounds for termination from the season.
• If for any reason an official or referee at Kraemer Fields asks that a person leave the premises, the person must leave.

Fighting and Racially/Sexually Abusive Language: ZERO TOLERANCE

Anyone fighting or using racially or sexually abusive language will be ejected and suspended for a minimum of 2 games and up to permanently at the discretion of Kraemer Fields. Anyone threatening or stalking another player, coach, staff, official or spectator will also be ejected, and reported to local authorities.

Scheduling , Cancellations and Fines

Game Lengths

7 v 7 Leagues consist of two 25-minutes halves, plus a 2-minute halftime. Halftimes may be shortened in the interest of time constraints at the discretion of referee when trying to stay on time for the next game. Games not starting as scheduled as a result of team delay will still end at the scheduled time (minutes deducted from match) in order that the next game starts as scheduled.

Weather Info

Games WILL play in the rain or on wet fields (we do not have “rainouts” on turf). For extremely heavy torrential downpours, we may delay games to wait for it to subside. We will also delay (and potentially cancel) games for lightning or high winds in the area. Players should clear the field and seek shelter in cars. The manager and referees on site will have more information about procedure at the field.

Abandoned Game

If a game in progress is canceled or abandoned for any reason (other than for a red-card resulting in not enough players for a team), the game will be considered completed if at least one half of time has been played. If one half has not been played, the game will be rescheduled and replayed entirely starting at 0-0.. If a playoff game is canceled or abandoned after one half has been played, and the score is tied, the following full season (regular season + any previous playoff games) tiebreaker order will be used to determine the winner: Standings Points (Ranking Points), Goal Differential (Point Diff), Goals Scored (Points Scored), Most Wins, Most Goals in a Single Game, Most Shutouts.

Holidays and NM United Home Games

Generally speaking, Leagues will not play on the following recognized holidays: Winter Holiday Break (at least one day before Christmas through New Year’s Day), Easter Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend (Sat-Mon), July 4th (including weekend), Labor Day Weekend (Sat-Mon), Thanksgiving Weekend (Wed-Sun).  However, management may schedule games during these times if no other options are available.

Leagues will generally be scheduled during NM United Home Games, but may be rescheduled at the discretion of management after consultation with teams that have been scheduled.

Rescheduling Requests

The team requesting to re-schedule a game must contact management at info@kraemerfields.com at least 24 hours prior to the affected game.  If a team does not give 24 hour notice it is unable to play a scheduled game, the opposing team may choose to accept a 3-0 forfeit. If both teams agree to a make-up, they will be offered possible times from Kraemer Fields management. It will be the ’s or representative’s responsibility to coordinate and select one of the available times. There will be no re-schedules of an already re-scheduled game. Web schedules are to be used as a reference. Changes may occur from time to time. Kraemer Fields management shall maintain the most current official game schedules.

Each team is only allowed to request a reschedule one (1) time during each season.  Management, at their discretion, may accommodate more than one reschedule, but it is not guaranteed.

Kraemer Fields reserves the right to NOT reschedule a game, even if proper notice is given, so as to ensure the timely conclusion of the league.

Notification of Forfeit and Fines

Teams must notify the league, via email or text (505-705-9909) 24-hours prior to kickoff that they will forfeit, or ask for a reschedule.  Any reschedule requests or forfeits not sent in by that deadline will incur the Team Manager a $50 fine which must be paid prior to the team’s next game.  If the fine is not paid by the start of the next game, that game will be forfeited, and another $50 fine added to the Team Manager’s account.

If a team does not show up for a game, and does not notify the league prior to the game, then the Team Manager will incur a $75 fine, which must be paid prior to the team’s next game.  If the fine is not paid by the start of the next game, that game will be forfeited, and another $75 fine added to the Team Manager’s account.

Guest Players

A team may use no more than two (2) guest players in a regular season game.  Guest players must be registered on a team at Kraemer Fields in the same season (i.e., Summer League) and be in good standing, or they must register with Kraemer Fields, pay a single-game Guest Player Fee and sign the waiver.

No Guest Players are allowed during the Playoffs, however, players ARE allowed to play in consolation games, per the same rule above.

If a team plays with 3 guest players it is a forfeit.

No player registered in Division 1 or Division 2 is allowed to be rostered to a Division 3 team, or guest play on a Division 3 team.

No Division 3 player is allowed to guest play in Division 1 or Division 2 (this prevents a true D1 or D2 player from registering for a D3 team and then just guest playing on a D1 and/or a D2 team and getting around the intent of the rule)

Rosters

Rosters will be locked when there is one game left in the regular season.  No new players may be added after this time.

In Division 1 and Division 2, players may play in multiple divisions, or guest play in multiple divisions, but no player may be rostered on more than one team in the same division.

No player registered in Division 1 or Division 2 is allowed to be rostered to a Division 3 team, or guest play on a Division 3 team.  No Division 3 player is allowed to guest play in Division 1 or Division 2 (this prevents a true D1 or D2 player from registering for a D3 team and then just guest playing on a D1 and/or a D2 team and getting around the intent of the rule)

Termination of Participation

Kraemer Fields management reserves the right to terminate an individual’s and team’s participation at the facility for any reason, including violation of facility guidelines or league rules, or excessive cancellations/rescheduling requests.

Forfeit Guidelines

A forfeit will be incurred if a team has failed to field the minimum number of players within 10 minutes into the game, or with 15 minutes remaining in the first half. If the minimum number of players is not met at game start time, the game clock will start. A team forfeiting a game(s) during any one season will be subject to the following penalties:

First Forfeit – Loss of game 0-3, and team warning to

Second Forfeit – Loss of game 0-3, team ineligible for playoffs and $50 fine.

Third Forfeit – Termination of team participation for the rest of the season and loss of re-registration priority

If both teams forfeit, then no points will be awarded.

There is no additional penalty other than a loss of game if you show up short-handed but can’t field the minimum number of players necessary to start the game (and thus have to forfeit), since you did make an effort to get a team to play. So be sure to send as many players from your team on time for the game as possible to check in with the field manager and/or referee – often there are other players at the facility willing to play as subs on your team, provided the roster rules allow for it that game.

Forfeit Notification Procedure 

If your team has to forfeit a game, please email and call us right away:

Email info@kraemerfields.com

Call 505-705-9909 – leave a voicemail or send a text message if we can’t get to the phone

This way we can attempt to contact the other team to prevent them from traveling to the field – no one likes to show up to the field only to find out they don’t have a game. Please help us respect everyone’s time and energy.

Once Kraemer Fields is notified you are forfeiting, it is final and official – we cannot accommodate any changes after that, since we immediately begin the process of notifying your opponent, referees, and staff members that your game has been forfeited.

Protest

You must contact us at info@kraemerfields.com immediately following a game to let us know if you intend to file a protest. Then you must contact again with a formal written protest within 48 hours after the end of the game. Only a violation of the Laws of the Game, League Rules, or Guidelines of the Facility, as then currently published, are matters for protest. Disputes regarding fielding of illegal players, or non-roster players (as outlined in Section III. B.), must be brought to the attention of the referee or field manager prior to the start of the second half of a game.

First Aid

The facility has a limited first aid kit. It shall be the responsibility of each team to maintain their own first aid kit for treatment of their players.

The facility does have an Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED) onsite.

Rules of the Game

Field of Play

Dimensions: Field measures ~60 x ~40 yards.

Ball:  Size 5 soccer balls will be used for all adult games.

Number of Players: Seven players, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper. Minimum of 5 players needed to start and continue a game.

There is no limit to size of a team roster.

If the minimum number of players is not met at game start time, the game clock will start, and if the team does not meet the required number of players by 10 minutes into the game, game will be recorded as a forfeit. The game MUST start as soon as 5 players are present; a team may not delay the start of play to wait for additional players to show up after the game start time.

For Coed Leagues, no more than four (4) men are allowed in the field of play at any time – three (3) players must not be men (the goalkeeper may count as one of these three players). In order to satisfy this requirement, a team may play with only five (5) or six (6) players – there must be at least five total players on the field though. If any player receives a yellow or red card, the remaining players on the field still cannot exceed four (4) men and must be at least five (5) players. If a red card results in a team not meeting these requirements, that team will forfeit the game as a 3-0 loss, regardless of the score of the game at that time.

Player Equipment

Players must dress in matching color shirts or jerseys with numbers, including the GK.

Shin guards are recommended but not required.

Molded cleats, turf shoes, or flat-soled soccer shoes may be worn (no metal of any kind, no studded or screw-in shoes).

Goalkeepers must wear colors which distinguish them from all other players and referee(s).

Duration of Game

A game shall be played in two equal halves of 25 minutes each.

A half time interval shall be 1-2 minutes at the discretion of the referee.

The clock shall only be stopped for serious injuries.

During playoffs only, a tie will be decided by penalty kicks. (See IV. M. Penalty Kicks)

Time will be extended for the taking of a penalty kick.

Start of Play

Kickoff will be given to the home team. Visitors will have kickoff at the start of the second half.

A kickoff will start the game and restart the game after a goal has been scored.

Teams will change direction at half time and alternate kickoff.

A goal can be scored directly from a kickoff.

The ball does not have to go forward from a kickoff.

Player has 5 seconds to put ball back into play.

Goalkeepers

Outdoor FIFA rules apply when passing back to the goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper may slide inside the penalty box leading with either hands or feet if done safely and with intent to play the ball, subject to the referee’s discretion.

Goalkeeper may not punt or drop-kick the ball.

Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions may be made during stoppages of play only.

The referee must be informed before any substitution may take place.

Substitutions may only be initiated during stoppage of play, and at the referee’s discretion.

Any player may change places with the goalkeeper, subject to all aforementioned substitution rules.

Substitute players are to remain in the player bench area.

A player receiving a yellow card must sit out for 2 minutes and may not be replaced by a substitute.

Out of Bounds

The ball is out of play when the entire ball crosses the sideline/end line.

A throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick will be awarded when the ball goes out of bounds.

A throw-in may not go directly into the goal.

Player has 5 seconds to put ball back into play.

Fouls

FIFA soccer rules apply to all infractions, including but not limited to: kicking, pushing, tripping, hand balls, etc.

Sliding is defined as anything other than the feet touching the ground during an intentional sliding play with an opposing player within playing distance. Referees will be instructed to “when in doubt, call it”

Players are still allowed to lunge or reach for a ball. Kraemer fields defines Lunging as reaching for the ball with one leg while maintaining any part of the bottom of the other foot on the ground.

NO TWO-FOOTED TACKLES (automatic red card).

Goalkeepers may slide inside the penalty box leading with either hands or feet if done safely and with intent to play the ball, subject to the referee’s discretion.

Free Kicks & Goal Kicks

All free kicks are direct, except for own team backpass to the goalkeeper or goalkeeper punting infractions, which are both indirect.

Ball is in play when it moves from foot contact by the initial player.

Opposing players shall be 5 yards from the ball.

Player taking a kick cannot play it again until someone else touches the ball.

If an opponent refuses to move back 5 yards on referee’s request, they may be given a yellow card for unsportsmanlike behavior.

If a player taking the kick delays for longer than 5 seconds after having been signaled to do so by the referee, the opposing team will be awarded the kick.

Opposing players must stand outside of the penalty box during a goal kick.

Goal kicks will start with a goalkeeper distribution using hands only. Goalkeepers may NOT punt, drop-kick, volley or otherwise use their feet to distribute the ball from a goal kick. Opposing teams must remain outside of the penalty box until the goalkeeper distributes the ball.

Penalty Kicks (Shootout)

If necessary, time shall be extended at the end of either half to allow the taking of a penalty kick.

The ball shall be placed at the spot at the top of the penalty box.

Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the penalty box.

In the event of a tie (during playoffs only), penalty kicks will be taken (no overtime). Winner will be decided by the best of 3 kicks by each team. If still tied after both teams have taken 3 kicks, then additional players will take the kicks in a sudden death kick off. Only players who were on the field at the end of the game will be allowed to participate. If it is still tied after all players who were on the field at the end of the game have taken a kick, then the same players shall re-take a kick in the same order as before.

 

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

As part of our mission to make soccer accessible for the entire community by fostering a shared passion for the sport, Kraemer Fields seeks to promote competition and athleticism through sportsmanship and fair play. All of our activities offered should be played with good sportsmanship at all times.

Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to be competitive while practicing good sportsmanship. Sports are filled with competition, interpretations, and judgment calls, and as a result, disputes between players and/or officials may occur from time to time. However, it is imperative that participants respect and handle all disputes that may occur in a civilized manner.

“As a participant in any Kraemer Fields league, pickup, tournament, or event, I pledge to be responsible for my words and actions and shall abide by the following Code of Conduct:

I will:

Respect the game, play fairly, and follow all rules and guidelines.

Accept the decisions of Kraemer Fields staff and officials with good grace.

Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after games to both opponents and all SOPFC staff and officials, whether my team wins or loses.

Be responsible for the sportsmanship of my teammates and assist in maintaining a respectful environment for all participants.

Be courteous to opposing teams, officials, staff, and coordinators, and treat all with respect.

Help to maintain and keep all equipment and conditions at the game location I play at in good condition.

Respect the privilege of using the game locations (we are invited guests at school fields), including obeying all rules, caring for and respecting all equipment, common areas, parking areas, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Refrain from the use of abusive language or profanity.

Not engage in any behavior that would endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any player, official, or staff member.

Not engage in verbal, written, or physical threats or abuse aimed at any player, official, or staff member.

Not initiate a fight with any participant, official, or staff member, including, but not limited to pushing, shoving, punching, etc or any attempt at such actions.

Not use or possess illegal drugs anywhere in the facility.

Wear/use all required and/or issued equipment and/or uniforms.

“I understand that any behavior deemed unacceptable by Kraemer Fields may result in ejection and/or suspension from a game, a league, the club, or any club platform for an indefinite amount of time. Kraemer Fields reserves the right to remove a player from a game, a league, the club, or any club platform if they are considered to be displaying poor sportsmanship contrary to the Code of Conduct. I will respect and abide by any decisions made by on-site Kraemer Fields officials.”