STRUCTURE: The 16 MLS teams are divided into two conferences:
Eastern Conference: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, Kansas City Wizards, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC
Western Conference: Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC
SCHEDULE: Each team plays a 30-game regular season schedule. Each team plays two games against each of the other 15 teams (one home, one away) accounting for the 30 games of the season.
POINT SYSTEM: Teams receive three points for a win, one point for a tie and zero points for a loss.
REFEREES: All referees in MLS are either USSF (United States Soccer Federation) or CSA (Canadian Soccer Association) National Referees. All MLS games played in the US are assigned by USSF and all games played in Canada are assigned by CSA.
GAME CLOCK: The official match time for all Major League Soccer games is managed on the field by the referee. If necessary, the referee may also allot extratime (a.k.a. "stoppage time”) at the end of each period (first half, second half, and, if applicable, first overtime period and second overtime period during playoff matches) to allow for injuries, time-wasting, or other disturbances.
The stadium clock displays the match time from 00:00 to 45:00 and from 45:00 to 90:00 (plus stoppage time where applicable in each half). For statistical purposes, the minutes for goals, substitutions, yellow cards, etc., are listed from the first minute until the 90th minute. A goal scored at 15 minutes 10 seconds is listed as having been scored in the 16th minute. Events occurring during stoppage time follow the international norm of being demarcated with a "+" symbol after the minute. For example, a goal scored during the third minute of first-half stoppage time is officially identified as happening at "48+".
GAME DAY ROSTERS: Each team can nominate 18 players for a game day roster. Teams are allowed three substitutions per game.
CAUTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS: A player is suspended for one game upon receiving his fifth yellow card, regardless of the nature of the infraction which resulted in his being awarded a yellow card. A second suspension of one game would result after the awarding of an additional three cards as would a third suspension after the awarding of card number eleven. With the “Good Behavior” incentive it is possible for a player to have a caution expunged. If a player goes three games without receiving a yellow card, after an initial warning, one yellow card is expunged from the player's tally. A player may take advantage of the “Good Behavior” incentive only once throughout the season.
