The San Francisco Co-ed Recreational Soccer League (SFCRSL) was founded in the summer of 1985 by Mark Lawton and Inez Black. It began as a place for men and women who were interested in the game of soccer to play together in an organized environment. The concept was for adults of all skill levels (or beginners to the sport of soccer) to have a place where they could have some fun and "recreation" while playing the most popular game in the world. The minimum age requirement of 21 was probably set to allow the players on the teams to socialize together in any establishment that they might find themselves in after the games.
The league started with just six teams and has since grown to twenty-four in two divisions. The league incorporated on October 10th, 1986. It affiliated with CSAN (California Soccer Association - North) in November of 1987 for about a year and then returned to being an independent league due to differences of opinion with CSAN.
The SFCRSL follows the standard FIFA laws of the game, save for a few differences:
A five-touch rule that allows a player to touch the ball no more than five times consecutively with the foot (head, chest, knee, etc do not apply).
No slide tackling allowed.
These modifications are intended to keep the game fair and fun for all.
The SFCRSL has two seasons: spring (Apr-Jun) and fall (Sep-Dec). Spring games are played on Wed-Thu evenings, while fall games are played on Sundays. The Beach Chalet, Crocker Amazon, Polo Field, and West Sunset soccer fields are used for the matches. Games are officiated by paid referees.
The league's administration consists of four elected directors that serve one-year terms. The directors choose other players to help with the day-to-day operations of the league. The Executive Board meets monthly. The Team Council is a body of representatives from each team that meets once a month to discuss the league and make recommendations to the Executive Board.
The league hosts several social events during the course of each season. Picnics, ice skating, bowling, mini soccer tournaments, parties, etc are some of the gatherings that have been held in the past. Many players have met and formed lasting relationships because of the league. Some have even started the next generation of soccer players! Many of the players in the SFCRSL play in other soccer leagues (GGWSL, SFSFL, etc) as well as the numerous co-ed soccer tournaments that are held each year. Several of the league's players also coach and/or referee in other leagues.
The SFCRSL is a very diverse and cultured organization that does not tolerate rough play or verbal abusiveness from any of its participants. Players or potential players should be aware that the league deals harshly with those that do not adhere to fair play.