THE FIELD OF PLAY

1. Dimensions: Field measures 70 x 50 yards, but may vary according to the facility.

THE BALL

1. Size 5 soccer balls will be used for all adult games.
2. Each team must bring one game ball.

 

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

1. Eight players, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper.

2. Minimum of FIVE players needed to start and continue a game.

3. Team roster is limited to 16 players.

4. Coed teams must have 3 females on the field. (Female goalkeeper counts)

5. Coed team will play a player short if minimum # of females are not on the field.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

1. Players must dress in matching jerseys.

2. Shin guards are mandatory and must be totally covered by socks. Referees may remove a player who is not wearing shin guards.

3. Goalkeepers must wear colors which distinguish them from all other players and referees.

DURATION OF GAME

1. A game shall be played in two equal halves of 25 minutes each.

2. A half time interval shall be 2 minutes.

3. The clock shall only be stopped for serious injuries.

4. During playoffs only, a tie will be decided by a 5 minute overtime (golden goal) and penalty kicks (if necessary). See ''Penalty Kicks''.

5. Playoff games run 25 minutes straight, no halftime. Winner goes to the next round.

3. The4. Duration of Playoff games may be shortened. Refer to schedule.

START OF PLAY

1. Kick-off will be given to the home team. Visitors will have kick off at the start of the second half.

2. A kick off will start the game and restart the game after a goal has been scored.

3. Teams will change direction at half time and alternate kick off.

4. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kickoff.

5. The ball does not have to go forward from a kickoff.

6. Player has 5 seconds to put ball back into play.

GOALKEEPERS

1. Outdoor FIFA rules apply when passing back to the goalkeeper.

2. Goalkeeper may slide tackle only if the ball is inside the penalty box.

SUBSTITUTIONS

1. Free unlimited substitutions during play but players must notify referee and wait for him to allow a player in.

2. Substituting players must enter/ exit within 3 yards of the midfield line by "tagging" in and out.

3. Any player may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that the referee is informed before the change is made, and provided also that the change is made during a stoppage of the game.

4. Substitute players are to remain in the player bench area.

5. A player receiving a blue card must sit out for 3 minutes, and the team must play a man down. The opposing team will be given a "power play" advantage.

OUT OF BOUNDS

1. The ball is out of play when the entire ball crosses the sideline/ end line.

2. A throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick will be awarded when the ball goes out of bounds.

3. A throw-in may not go directly in to the goal.

4. A throw-in is not performed with the hands. The ball is placed on the line and kicked in.

5. Player has 5 seconds to put ball back into play.

FOULS

1. FIFA soccer rules apply to all infractions, including but not limited to: kicking, pushing, tripping, hand balls, etc...

2. No Sliding - Sliding will be defined as anything other than the feet touching the ground.

3. Goalkeepers may slide inside the penalty box, but referees will use their best judgment if it is fair.

FREE KICKS

1. The following apply to all restarts:

· All free kicks are direct unless the referee awards an indirect free kick.

· Ball is in play when it moves from foot contact from the initial player

· Opposing players shall be 8 steps away from the ball.

· If an opponent refuses to move back 8 steps on referee's request, he/she may be given a blue or red card for unsportsmanlike behavior.

· Player taking a kick cannot play it again until someone else touches the ball.

· If a player taking the kick delays for longer than five (5) seconds after having been signaled to do so by the referee, he/she may be given a blue or red card for unsportsmanlike behavior.

PENALTY KICKS (SHOOT OUT)

1. If necessary, time shall be extended at the end of each period to allow the taking of a penalty kick.

2. The ball shall be placed at the spot on the top of the goalkeeper's area.

3. Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the penalty area.

4. In the event of a tie (during playoffs only), penalty kicks will be taken (no overtime). Winner will be decided by the best team out of 3 kicks. If still tied after both teams have taken 3 kicks, then additional players will take the kicks in a sudden death kick off. Only players that were on the field at the end of the game will be allowed to participate.

COED SOCCER

1. Coed teams must have 3 females on the field at all times (goalkeeper does not count).

2. Coed team will play a player short if minimum # of females are not on the field.