3M Rules 

3M stands for Mercer, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. We provide a multi-town, recreation (no try-outs) soccer league. This league gives older child players an opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy the game of soccer, whether new to the game or experienced. Board Members, Town Coordinators, and Coaches operate on a volunteer basis. Our rules are fueled by the idea of creating an environment of fairness and fun for all involved. 3M remains current with NJ youth soccer guidelines as well as considering the needs of its participants. Adjustments to 3M rules and practices are implemented accordingly. We encourage everyone to refer to this rule page often, including the 3M Principles Section at bottom for guidance in particular situations and unique details.

Please reach out to the following members for any questions, suggestions or clarification at any time. We appreciate your passion and your input!

mjosephson@jlkcpaspc.com, 3M@MonroeSoccer.com

 Rules, schedules, and standings will be available on the 3M League website: http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=3msoccerleague. 

1.) Divisions & Rosters

Junior division is 7th Grade - 9th Grade (max age of 16). Senior division is 10th Grade - 12th Grade (max age of 19). Players can play up to an ‘older’ division, however cannot play down to a ‘younger’ division. Payers can only exist on 1 team roster per season.

Rosters require a minimum of 16 players listed. 

Each team Roster is allowed to list 2 travel carded players. 

Rosters are submitted (by town coordinators) to the 3M Director for prior season start approval. They will be returned and coordinators are to distribute all division rosters to the assigned coach. Coaches should possess their own team’s roster as well as all others in their division/sub division. This stamped roster is the official 3M team roster to be carried by coaches for review for the duration of the season.

Coaches can request 3M director approval to add players to the roster up to the 5th week of the season. Any new version of a team roster will be distributed to corresponding division participants. 

2.) Coach Requirements

Coaches are to remain professional and a positive example to their players at all times. Coaches are to follow protocol in regards to questions/concerns about referee calls and decisions. Report grievances/issues and follow instructions provided by the 3M board. Do not engage poorly during game play, with a referee or spectator,  in the presence of children.  (see 3M principles below for more information)

Head Coaches (or assistant/representative) are required to participate in all coaches meetings. Coaches must review 3M rules prior to the season. All coach contact information is posted on the website to facilitate communication throughout the season. Coaches should encourage 3M participants to review rules, contacts, and schedules. 

Coaches are to carry safe sport & medical release forms (provided by league & filled out by player guardian), with attached player photo, at every day game to be reviewed by the referee during pre-game check in. 

Coaches are responsible for reporting the game stats by the end of game day, including scores, cards issued, and any other details. Reports are made via email to: 

Natalia Diaz Bistany: naty0624@yahoo.com

Shannon Masterson: 3m@monroesoccer.com 

Reported information needs to have: Coaches Names, Team Division & Sub Division (if applicable). Date/Time of Game. Final Score. Any and All cards issued. Any other questions or thoughts can be included in this email below required information.

Coaches will communicate with opposing coaches and confirm upcoming games 6 days prior to the game (some towns have specific guidelines regarding this).

3.) Player Requirements

Players need proper equipment including shin guards and appropriate soccer cleats in order to play. Jewelry is not allowed. Religious pieces must be taped down and covered for player safety. 

Games may be shortened in consideration of team travel/late attendance, weather. If a game is cut short, it will be considered official and recorded as long as the second half has been started.

4.) Game Rules-Regular Season    (Playoff Rules Section Below)

Junior level games run as 2 - 40 minute halves. Senior level games run as 2 - 45 minute halves. 

21 players are allowed to be dressed and prepared to play in each game and must have a minimum of 8 rostered players to begin/play a game.

 If injury or red card exclusion applies, then the minimum is 7 players. 

If a team is playing with less than the typical 11 players, or any other number above 8/7, it is not encouraged that the opposing team matches the number of players.

Games may be shortened in consideration of team travel/late attendance, weather. If a game is cut short, it will be considered official and recorded as long as the second half has been started.

Referees usually maintain a schedule that includes other leagues/teams. If a game begins late, it typically has to end at the scheduled time.Referees are paid for their time/presence for assigned time period. The goal is to play/record a game to prevent unnecessary reschedules.

Substitutions have no limit and may be requested at ANY stoppage and at the discretion of the referee.

Coaches and teams shall gather on one side of the field, with parents/spectators on the opposite side. 

Referees must be a licensed Grassroots referee or above. The Center Referee must be 18 for Junior Division and 21 for Senior Division.

Slide tackling and foul language are strictly prohibited. Both offenses will result in a yellow card, at least. It is the referee’s discretion (based on severity and occurrence), to issue a red card.

A yellow card is interpreted as a warning. A red card results in the recipient’s removal from the game, as well as the next. 2 yellow cards equal a red card. 

Red cards are reviewed by the 3M disciplinary committee: Howard Gessner (EB), Jeff Wurmbrand (Manalapan) and Jayson Lemberg (MSA).

5.) Reschedules

Same-Day Cancellations/Field Closures (typically weather) are to be communicated by hosting town coach to visiting town coach asap

coach contact/all team’s schedule information displayed on 3M website

Host Coach is responsible for providing 3 options to opposing coach (not during regular season scheduled game for opposing team) for makeup game with-in 7 days of canceled game date 

Opposing coach has 3 days to choose/confirm make-up game day/time

Forfeit will be applied to hosting/home team if 3 options are not provided in time restraints. 

Forfeit will be applied to visiting team if any 3 options provided cannot be attended 

6.) Scoring Methodology/Playoffs

Point System  Win = 3 points, Loss = 0 points, and a Tie awards each team 1 point. Scores will be recoreded as a 6+ goal differential at maximum.

Head-to-Head tie breakers are used if more than two teams tied, will only be used if teams have played equal amount of games against each other.

Playoffs Games have 2-5 minute overtime periods with the same game duration as regular season games.

Depending on number of divisions and number of teams, playoff eligibility will be decided before the start of each season.  For Spring 2024 the JR Boys and SR Boys will have 4 teams, the 3 division winners and the team with the next highest point total.  JR Girls will have the top 4 teams, and SR Girls will have the top 2 teams.

3M principles and guidelines

3M is a league that is about the players enjoying their soccer experience.  Coaches are expected to promote sportsmanship. Coaches are expected to maintain control of their assistant coach, players and parents. All complaints related to the game are to be dealt with in a civilized manner after the game and/or through your club’s director.

Teams are encouraged to keep the game competitive and no team should “run up” the score.