2026 Playoff Schedule
SOUTH SHORE SOCCER LEAGUE (SSSL)
Playoff Check-In and Match Day Procedures
SSSL Playoff matches are a privilege, not a right. Participation is contingent upon full compliance with all South Shore Soccer League, Massachusetts Youth Soccer, and U.S. Soccer policies, as well as the procedures outlined herein.
The South Shore Soccer League is committed to providing a safe, organized, and positive playoff experience for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators.
Team Check-In Requirements
Teams must report to the designated check-in area no later than 45 minutes prior to game time and be fully prepared for inspection.
Failure to successfully complete the check-in process may result in delayed participation, loss of eligibility for individual players or coaches, or forfeiture of the match at the discretion of the SSSL Playoff Committee.
Players Must Be Game Ready
- Wear the SSSL-approved primary uniform color.
- Shirts must be fully tucked in at all times.
- Shorts must not be rolled.
- Shin guards must be properly worn and completely covered by socks.
- Cleats must be properly secured and tied.
- Players must line up in alphabetical order by last name.
Equipment and Safety Requirements
- No casts, hard splints, metal objects, or jewelry.
- Medical alert and religious items are permitted only if securely taped down and approved by the referee.
- Head coverings are permitted if securely fastened and safe.
- Hair beads and similar items must be securely covered.
- No face paint. Eye black is permitted only in a horizontal strip beneath each eye.
- No Temporary hair color or temporary skin art
- No visible piercings
- Tents are allowed on the team side of the field and must be a minimum of 5 yards from the touch line
- VEO or other recording devices must be on the team side at midfield, be a minimum of 5 yards from the touchline, and be weighted down for stability.
Coach Requirements
- Provide four (4) color copies of the official team roster.
- Rosters must be accurate, current, and signed by the head coach.
- All jersey numbers listed on the roster must match participating players.
- Present valid 2025-2026 coaching credentials during check-in.
- Credentials must be worn and visible at all times while in the technical area and field complex.
- A maximum of three (3) credentialed coaches may be present on the sideline. No other adult is allowed on the team sideline.
- Only checked in coaches, and players allowed on team bench area.
- Home Team (Higher seed) must switch to Pinnies if there is a conflict in colors of the teams
- Home will supply the game ball for the semifinal games.
Spectator Expectations
- Remain a minimum of three (3) yards from the touchline at all times.
- Remain outside all designated team and technical areas.
- Not Allowed behind the Goals
- Cheer positively for all participants.
- Follow directions from tournament officials, field marshals, and referees.
- Stay off the field unless specifically directed by an authorized official.
Prohibited Items and Activities
- Pets of any kind are prohibited within the playoff venue, including fields, spectator areas, parking lots, and common areas. No exceptions.
- Vuvuzelas, cow bells, air horns, electronic horns, whistles, and artificial noise makers. Air horns, sirens, whistles, or noisemakers that interfere with game officials
- Bullhorns or amplified sound systems without league approval
- Smoking of any kind.
- Vaping or electronic smoking devices.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products.
- Illegal substances.
- Cannabis or marijuana products
- Weapons of any kind
- Firearms (including concealed carry unless otherwise permitted by law and facility policy)
- Knives or blades
- Fireworks, explosives, or pyrotechnics
- Laser pointers
- Drones or unmanned aerial devices without league approval
- Littering or dumping of trash
- Big Head Cut Outs
Conduct and Discipline
Any violation of South Shore Soccer League Rules of Play, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Codes of Conduct, or U.S. Soccer Federation Policy 531-9 (Referee Abuse Prevention Policy) will be addressed immediately and may result in disciplinary action.
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their coaches, players, team officials, parents, and spectators.
The actions of a team's spectators may result in disciplinary action against the team, coaching staff, and club/town association.
Actions that will not be tolerated
- Offensive, vulgar, discriminatory, or threatening signs, banners, or displays
- Abusive, threatening, or intimidating behavior
- Profanity directed toward players, coaches, referees, volunteers, or spectators
- Harassment, discrimination, or bullying
- Entering the field of play without permission from match officials
- Any action that disrupts the match or creates an unsafe environment
The decisions of tournament officials, field marshals, playoff committee members, and referees are final.
All cards are carried over to the playoffs and MTOC
Playoff Committee Authority
The SSSL Playoff Committee reserves the right to interpret, amend, or enforce these procedures as necessary to ensure the safe, fair, and orderly operation of the playoffs. Any situation not specifically addressed herein shall be resolved by the Playoff Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.
South Shore Soccer League is committed to providing a safe, positive, and family-friendly environment for all participants. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, tobacco products, illegal substances, weapons, fireworks, drones, pets (except service animals), abusive language, and any behavior that interferes with the safety or enjoyment of players, coaches, referees, and spectators are strictly prohibited. Individuals who violate these policies may be removed from the facility and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the league.
ALL THOSE ATTENDING AND PARTICIPATING IN THE SOUTH SHORE SOCCER LEAGUE PLAYOFFS MUST ADHERE TO ALL ITEMS STATED ABOVE IN ADDITION TO THE SOUTH SHORE SOCCER LEAGUE RULES OF PLAY AND THE MASSACHUSSETTS YOUTH SOCCER CODES OF CONDUCT.