Sport Specific Rules: Click Here

JAM is for Everyone – Inclusion Statement

Our program offerings are designed to be inclusive for all members of the JAM community. Our goal is to create a welcoming gender policy that uplifts and supports each player where they are at. To ensure we can offer something for everyone, our programs may be offered in the following formats: Mixed-Gender, Women's, Men's, and Open.

Many of our league rules specify gender-based roster requirements, the goal of which is to ensure that each player has an equal opportunity to be included in gameplay.

Everyone participating in a JAM program is welcome to compete based on their gender identity and gender expression; regardless of their gender assigned at birth. Members whose gender identity does not align with the binary man/woman construct are welcome to play in all our mixed-gender and open programs.

Nonbinary, trans, genderqueer, and all other players who identify as a gender minority can count towards the roster minimums for either men or women in our mixed-gender leagues.

BEGINNING OF GAMES

• Before the start of a game, captains from both teams do “rock, paper, scissors” (best of three). The winner will have the option to either kick-off or choose a goal to defend.

GENERAL GAME INFORMATION AND MIXED RULES

• Teams are Mixed-Gender and consist of 13 players or more, with at least 3 men or gender minority players and 3 women or gender minority players. 
• 11v11 playing format, 1 of which plays goalie.
• Games consist of (2) 25-minute continuous clock halves, separated by a 2-minute halftime.
• Games ending in a tie will be recorded as tied games – no overtime
• Most importantly…HAVE FUN!

EQUIPMENT

• All players must wear closed-toe shoes and shin guards to participate.
  • Non-metal cleats and turf shoes are allowed.
• Any ball approved by both teams can be used for play, otherwise the Club will provide a game ball.
  • JAM will have a ball available for every game, but any approved one can be used.

PLAYING FIELD

• The playing field used for the league is designed for an 11v11 playing format.  Standard lines and markings are used.

IN-GAME SUBSTITUTIONS

• Teams may not substitute “on the fly”.
• Substitutions may occur during any stoppage of play:
  • Corner kicks
  • Throw-ins
  • Goal kicks
  • Scoring of goals

FORFEITS

• If a team cannot produce at least 8 players (3 women or gender minority players and 3 men or gender minority players) after 10 minutes of the scheduled game time, they forfeit the entire match (so get there early!)
  • If a team does not meet roster requirements, they MUST let a JAM Staff member know and then meet with the opposing captain to decide & agree if the game may be played “as-is” and thus play down a player(s) or if an automatic forfeit will be taken and then the game will just be played for fun with the forfeit score counting.
  • The game clock starts at your scheduled start time, so if a team uses all 10 minutes to get their full roster on the field, the 1^st half will only be 15 minutes in length.
    • No matter what the decision, a forfeit form must be signed by both team captains.
    • Failure to sign a forfeit form with the JAM Staff will void any “as-is” agreements and;
      • The team present with the required roster will win that game with a score of 5-0.

TIMING

• Games consist of (2) 25-minute continuous clock halves, separated by a 2-minute halftime.
• Each team will be allowed (1) 1-minute timeout per half.
  • Timeouts do not carry over between halves if unused.

RULES

• GOALKEEPERS – Teams will be allowed to have a designated goalkeeper in the box at all times.  Goalies may wear approved keeper gloves if they wish.
  • Goalies have 6 seconds to put the ball back in to play once they have controlled it.
  • Goalies may not play a deliberate pass or throw in from a teammate with their hands. (Result – direct kick or PK if in the box)
• THE GOAL BOX – A goal box will be marked off in front of the goal.
• ALL KICKS ARE DIRECT KICKS – A direct kick is to follow these infractions: (1) Charging (2) Roughness (3) Handball (4) Dangerous play/kick (5) Slide-tackles/Tripping.
  • Multiple infractions by the same team/player will be issued a yellow card and if severe; a red card.
  • The ball is to be placed at the point of the infraction and to be put in play by any member of the affected team. No opposing player is allowed to be within 5 yards of the ball prior to kick. Penalties incurred inside the goal box by the defense will result in a penalty kick on goal. Once the ball has been kicked it becomes a live ball.
• SLIDE-TACKLES – Slide tackling is NOT ALLOWED. Intentional slide tackles will result in a direct kick being awarded to the opposing team at the point of the infraction. Multiple violations will result in a yellow card or at the referee’s discretion and possible red card (ejection) from the game.
• OFFSIDES – There are no off-sides.
• OUT OF BOUNDS - Anytime the ball goes over either sideline (out of bounds,) a throw-in will ensue. Anytime the ball crosses an end line, a corner kick or goal kick will ensue.
  • Last touched by a defender – corner kick. Ball is placed on nearest corner and kicked in by the offensive team. The defense must be at least 5 yards/paces from the corner. Goals MAY BE scored on corner kicks.
  • Last touched by an attacker – a goal kick for the defensive team.
• FIGHTING – Fighting is NOT allowed and will NOT be tolerated. All parties involved in fighting will be subject to ejection from the game at the referee’s discretion and subject to ejection from the league at JAM staff discretion.
• SPORTSMANSHIP – Any use of inappropriate language or unsporting behavior will not be tolerated (yellow card/upgraded to red card for severe instances).
• GOALS – Goals may be scored from any point on the field. (Exception – A goal cannot be scored from a throw-in without being legally touched by a player on the field).
• CARDS – Any player receiving (2) yellow cards in the same game will be issued a red card and will be suspended for the remainder of that game, becoming bench personal.
  • If a suspended player receives a card while on the bench, it will automatically be another red card and that player will be suspended for their next game as well.

SCORING -- Captain of winning team is responsible for signing score sheet and entering the game score after each game, score sheets will be kept in office.  Teams can email grandrapids@jamgroup.com if there are score questions or concerns.

CAPTAINS

Being a captain is a lot of fun, but still is a big responsibility. It is their job to keep and maintain the “social-ness” of the game with their players. We look to the captains to be their team’s leader in all aspects. This includes, but not limited to: communicating with teammates with updated game changes, ensure no personal items are left behind at games, equal and fair playing times for players, ensuring all the balls are put back on the line… Staff will communicate with captains and it is the responsibility of the captains to then pass on the info to their players. Captains should be super-social, well organized, accountable, and a natural leader.

PREGAME – We urge all players to come early to stretch and warm up before all games to help avoid injury. As much as you like to think you are 18 years old again, you are not! Warm up and get ready ahead of time when possible.

* YOU MUST READ & AGREE TO EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE BEFORE PLAYING ANY SPORT WITH US*

Player Safety & Privacy Disclaimer

• Please note that all the sports and events we play here at JAM have risks associated with them and you are fully responsible for looking after yourself. Also, please look after each other. These sports sessions are social and are not led by a qualified instructor. Please consult your doctor if you're unsure whether you're fit enough to be taking part in these sports, as even a sociable beginner sport’s game can be demanding. All games are to be friendly and not taken seriously, so please don't charge at each other and avoid aggressive behavior. If you're looking for a hard, competitive league to let your aggression out or to show off then JAM is not for you. We want to have fun and keep it fun. All of our players must be able to play their sports in safety. Inconsiderate or dangerous players will be banned at JAM’s discretion.

• Please be aware that you are responsible for warming up before playing any sport and cooling down & stretching afterwards. Those wearing glasses are advised to consider wearing contact lenses, and those wearing watches, earrings, jewelry, and other valuables MUST remove them before playing. Fingernails MUST be trimmed short at all times. In wet weather, please dry your shoes & be careful when running on court to prevent slipping. The only footwear permitted is non-marking sports shoes. You are responsible for ensuring that your shoes are appropriate for the sports you play. Please turn all mobile phones off. If you really must take an urgent call then please leave the sports hall so that you don't disturb the other players.

• Inconsiderate players will be banned at JAM’s discretion. If you bring spectators / friends then you are responsible for them & their behavior.
• No smoking at any of the sports halls or their grounds. No alcohol, no drugs. No eating in the sports hall. Make sure that your valuables are well protected in a bag so that they aren't damaged if a stray ball hits it. Don't leave your valuables in the changing rooms. JAM is not responsible for your personal items. Bring them into the sports hall & find a suitable protected place to put them. By playing any sports with JAM, you must accept full responsibility for damage and loss to yourself and your property.

• JAM also stresses not to drink and drive. JAM and its partnered bar is not responsible for your actions and/or damages resulting thereof. You drink and drive at your own risk. Don’t break the law; call a cab, walk, or designate a sober driver for the night.
• JAM, its partners, and sponsors will not be held responsible for any incidental and/or consequential damages incurred from participating. You play and socialize at your own risk.
• It is understood that your participation means you have read, understood, and will abide by these rules
• JAM Rules and Disclaimers can be found on our website, at event and/or games, and by calling us at the number bellow.
• The bottom line: we’re not taking any responsibility for you, your stuff, your friends, or your actions. So, be on your best behavior, don’t break anything, and you should be good to go….otherwise we’ll be forced to call your mom.
• Pictures and videos - JAM will be taking pictures and videos at the games and the bar. You authorize JAM to take pictures and videos with you in them. These pictures and videos are the sole property of JAM and can be used as we wish. (Don’t be scared! We just make fun slideshows and video highlights for our website for you to share with friends and for us to entice more people to join the club)
• By paying and playing, you’ve accepted to follow these rules and regulations and have acknowledged that you are 18 years of age or older.