Rules & Policies
Rules & Policies
Everything you need to know before you take the field — eligibility, game format, goalkeeper rules, discipline, and facility policies. Questions? Email League Director Iain Jones.
Eligibility
Before You Play
What every team needs on file before their first game of the season.
- Team Roster
- Due before Game 1 — rosters are limited to 12 players and finalize after your team's 3rd game.
- Player Waivers
- Every player must have a completed and signed waiver before participating.
- Guest Players
- Not allowed under any circumstance — using one results in an automatic forfeit.
- Two-Team Rule
- Players can't play on two teams in the same age group unless they're across different divisions.
- Official Players
- Only players listed on the official roster with a completed waiver may participate.
Equipment
What To Wear
Gear up right — a few of these are non-negotiable for player safety.
- Shin Guards
- Required for every player, no exceptions. You will not be allowed to play without them.
- Socks
- Must fully cover shin guards.
- Footwear
- Tennis shoes or soccer flats are recommended; cleats are also permitted.
- Jerseys
- Teams wear matching jersey colors — home team provides pinnies if colors conflict.
Format
Game Format & Playing Rules
How the clock, substitutions, and restarts work on game day.
| Division | Format | Half Length |
|---|---|---|
| 11 & Under | 7v7 (6 field + GK) | 20 min halves |
| All other divisions | 6v6 (5 field + GK) | 22 min halves |
- Overtime
- There are no overtimes in the regular season; two 3-minute periods may be played at the referees' discretion where applicable.
- Substitutions
- On the fly, unlimited — players coming off must be within 3 yards of the bench.
- Restarts
- Kick-ins restart play from the touchline. All free kicks are direct except goal-punt infractions. Opponents must stay 5 yards away, restart taken within 5 seconds.
- Punting
- Only the 11 & Under division may punt. All other divisions: no punting — the ball is placed at the 10-yard line of the offending team.
- Minimum to Start
- 4 field players + 1 goalkeeper.
- Contact
- No slide tackling. Contact near the wall is a safety issue — shoulder-to-shoulder proximity to the wall can be called as a foul.
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper Rules
Special restrictions apply inside the box.
- Distribution
- Goalkeepers must throw the ball — no punts or drop-kicks, except the 11 & Under division.
- Release Time
- Goalkeepers have 5 seconds to release the ball.
- Back-Pass
- No handling an intentional pass-back from a teammate's foot.
- Outside the Box
- The goalkeeper is treated as a field player once outside the penalty area.
Discipline
Cards & Discipline
Penalty minutes and suspensions for cautions and ejections.
| Card | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Blue / Yellow | 2-minute penalty, team plays short |
| Red | Ejection + 5-minute penalty + automatic suspension for the next game |
Note: Violent conduct or abusive language toward players, coaches, or referees can bring additional multi-game suspension.
Standings
Standings & Overtime
How points are awarded and ties are broken.
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 3 points |
| Tie | 1 point |
| Loss | 0 points |
Tiebreakers: head-to-head, goals against, goals for, coin toss.
Important League Rules
Conduct, Safety & Facility Policies
Safety comes first, and we play inside a church facility — these policies keep games fair and the space respected.
Officiating & Discipline
- Referees and scorekeepers can stop a game for unruly player, team, or fan behavior.
- The League Director determines the outcome after reviewing an incident report.
- Fighting or abuse toward referees, league personnel, or fans is never tolerated.
- Removing your shirt during gameplay results in an automatic yellow card.
- Don't approach officials about calls — direct all questions to the League Director.
Facility & Safety
- We play inside a church facility — please help us treat it with respect.
- Abusive, derogatory, or foul language will not be tolerated.
- Fighting results in immediate removal and/or expulsion from the facility.
- Games will be stopped to remove anyone who can't follow these policies.
- Officials are not required to officiate forfeited games.
Facility & Safety
- We play inside a church facility — please help us treat it with respect.
- Abusive, derogatory, or foul language will not be tolerated.
- Fighting results in immediate removal and/or expulsion from the facility.
- Games will be stopped to remove anyone who can't follow these policies.
- Officials are not required to officiate forfeited games.
Guest players are NOT allowed. Any team found using one forfeits automatically (3-0), regardless of whether both teams agreed to play.
Ready To Play?
Now that you know the rules, lock in your spot before the November 22, 2026 deadline.
