- When does the season start? The NEPL season starts on a rolling and team by team basis. No game will take place before February 28. The League creates a full and detailed schedule for all teams based on registration forms. In the past, some teams might play 2-3 games before another team plays one. Each team should run their own race. Schedules are team-specific and can be altered with coordination between both teams and the League. Teams will play 5-7 games plus be invited to various NEPL Tournaments. Teams are encouraged to add friendlies ONCE their league schedule is released, finalized, and confirmed. League/tourney games take precedence.
- When does the regular season end? Last potential date to complete a regular season game that counts towards playoffs is April 29th. Games may still be played May 2 weekend, but that is also when NEPL Playoffs will take place.
- What are the game details? 11v11 players. 2 or 3 man referee crew. Max of 40-minute halves when only one game. 35-minute halves when round robin style or back-to-back games (men's/men's or men's/women's). Halftimes are 5-7 minutes max. Shin guards are required. No jewelry, no watches. Goals should be anchored down. EMTS are preferred and strongly encouraged for the school to provide. Waivers to be signed prior to your team's first league game and before any player participates. Each player must sign their own waiver. Games tied at the end of regulation will result in a draw. A team cannot start a game with less than 7 players.
- How do I report scores? Captains have been emailed a google form link which they are required to fill out for their team for each game. You may also find it on the Links tab under Captain Game Report.
- What about last-minute cancellations/forfeits? Non-weather related: Once the schedule is finalized and posted to the league website, if for some reason either team cancels a scheduled game less than 7 days before kickoff, the canceling team will be fully responsible for payment of the referee crew and will be invoiced at the end of the season, regardless if the game is rescheduled. All discretionary decisions after cancellation/postponement of such games regarding payment and rescheduling of the game will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the league. Any road game cancelled and not rescheduled at the same location by a team after April 1 and taking place between 4/17–4/26 but beyond the 7 day rule will result in a $100 penalty. This is to avoid any teams losing interest in a season and cancelling on teams who are in a playoff push or may be celebrating Senior Day/Night simply because they do not want to drive when other teams gave them the same courtesy earlier in the season.
Weather-related changes: Team captains, center referee, and the league will be in contact regarding any lightning, heavy storm, or weather that creates an unplayable field condition or inability for a team to reasonably and safely travel. Any decision to postpone a match based on inclement weather should be made PRIOR to the away team leaving for the home field. If a school preemptively cancels field time last minute, the canceling school will be responsible to cover ref payment. Cancellations due to weather of any kind should be a last resort. Safety is paramount, but a rainy forecast alone is not an absolute reason for a cancellation. All discretionary decisions after cancellation/postponement of such games regarding payment and rescheduling of the game lies with the league and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. - Playoffs: Will be hosted either at a neutral or campus site. They will take place on 5/3 weekend (Details TBD).
- When is the league fee due? League entry fee has been invoiced and payment is respectfully requested in a reasonable time.
- How do we assign/pay refs? All teams will have games assigned by the league teams unless otherwise specified. Licensed, certified referee crews will be sent to each game once confirmed by the home team. Neutral site round robin teams will be responsible for payment of those games. Captains and school personnel DO NOT need to take ref's information at the field. League pays referees. Schools will be invoiced directly by the league for their entire home schedule by mid-season. Your help to assure timely reimbursement by the school is appreciated.
- Where do I send completed rosters and signed waivers (must be done so before first game)? This will be available within your team page.
- League Contact Email: neplsoccer@gmail.com
- League Instagram: Follow us @neplsoccer