Rules of the Game

Updated October 5, 2022

Format

Game Length

Games are 50 minutes long (2 halves of 25 minutes) at the referee’s discretion. Teams are expected to be in uniform and ready to play by game time. The clock starts regardless of whether you’re ready.

Player Eligibility / Age

All players must be over the age of 18 at the time of the game. Players must be on the team roster in order to play.

Game Ball

Players are responsible for providing a game ball. Referee must check and approve all balls before they are put into play.

Players on the Field

OUTDOOR Leagues

7 players are to be fielded per team (GK included). If a team cannot field a minimum of 6 players by game time, a forfeit will be enforced, unless waived by opposing team.

Coed:Maximum of 5 players of any gender are allowed on the field for each team. If a team only has one male/female player, they may play with a player down. Females GKs count toward the gender minimum. Teams may agree to waive gender requirements before game starts, with referee’s permission.

INDOOR Leagues

7 players are to be fielded per team (GK included). If a team cannot field a minimum of 5 players by game time, a forfeit will be enforced, unless waived by opposing team.

Placing Ball into Play

Kickoff

Determined by coin flip; winning team decides whether they want first ball or to choose starting side. Opposing team must stand minimum 5 yards from the ball.

Kick-ins

Every restart of the game as consequence of the ball being out of bounds on the touchline (including corner kicks) will be done by a kick-in. Kick-ins are indirect. Opposing players must allow 5 yards distance from the ball. Ball must be stationary before being put into play.

Goal Kicks

A goal kick can be played anywhere inside the box. Goal kicks can also be passed to a player within the GK’s box. Opposing team players should be outside the Goalkeeper’s box and a minimum of 5 yards away from the ball. Ball must be stationary before putting in play.

Free Kicks

Every free kick is indirect. Ball must be stationary before being put in play, and must be visibly moved before it is shot on net. All opposing players must be at a minimum of 5 yards from the ball.

Indirect Kicks

All free kicks and kick-ins are indirect. The ball must touch any active player on the field (goalkeeper included) in order to count as a goal.

Fouls

Pass Backs

If the GK handles a ball intentionally passed by a teammate, an indirect free kick will be awarded from where the GK was standing. GKs are, however, permitted to handle the ball if it is passed back using the head, chest, or knee, or if otherwise considered “undeliberate” by the referee.

Slide-Tackling

Slide tackling is not permitted and may result in a booking at the discretion of the referee. Opposing team will receive an indirect kick. Sliding to stop the ball is allowed if no opposing player is in the vicinity of the ball or if slide does not intersect opposing players path. Goalkeepers can slide inside the goalkeeper’s area.

Handballs

Contact of the ball below the shoulder with any part of the arm or hand will be considered a handball and result in a foul or penalty kick. Goalkeepers cannot drop the ball from their hands and pick it up again, otherwise an indirect kick will be awarded on the spot of the foul (minimum 5 yards from the goal line).

Offsides

Offside rule is not enforced in 7v7.

Penalty Kicks

Any foul committed inside the GK’s box, handballs included, are cause for a penalty shot. For the penalty kick, all non-kick-taking players must be at least 5 yards behind the ball. GK must remain on the goal line until ball is kicked.

Referees

Referee’s Final Say

Referees have final say on all foul calls.

Arguing with the Referee

Excessive arguing with the referee may result in a caution or ejection.

Encroaching on the Referee

Encroaching on referee (within 6 feet) may result in an automatic caution (yellow). Please respect the referee’s space and abide by COVID-19 guidelines.

Harassing the Referee

Any abuse of the referee (swearing, yelling, disrespectful behaviour, etc.) may result in a caution or ejection.

Referee Interference

If the ball strikes the referee, play will not stop. Referees reserve the right to override this rule if they see fit.

Yellow and Red Cards

One yellow will result in an immediate 2-minute penalty for the offending player. Offending player must sit out and their team must proceed with a player down for the duration of the penalty.
Two yellow cards in a single game will result in a sending-off (red card).
Alternatively, a straight red card may be issued without previous yellow cards.
The team who received the red card will continue with a player down for 5 minutes, after which they may sub a new player in.
The player who received the red card must immediately leave the field/venue and game shall not resume until they are out.
Red cards will also result in an additional minimum one-game suspension.
League administrators reserve the right to issue any disciplinary measures they see fit, even if no card/warning was issued by the referee. This includes, but is not limited to, suspensions to be served during all league nights in which the player is participating.

Other

Goals

A goal is counted when the entire ball crosses the goal line. As always, the referee has final word in the decision. Opposing team plays ball in from centre field.

Substitutes

Substitutes must be behind their own net. Substitutions can be made while the ball is in play, except for GKs. Players subbing out must leave the field before subbing players step on the field. Substitutions must be made on the touchline at half field.

Injuries

Referee may stop the game at any time if they assess that a player is seriously injured. At referee’s discretion, game may be resumed with a drop ball, or awarding possession outright.

Advantage Law

Advantage law may be invoked, at the referee’s discretion, after any infraction that results in a goal-scoring opportunity for the non-offending team. Referee may call the play back and/or issue warnings at any point after Advantage is called.

Player Equipment

Suitable footwear, turf shoes, or cleats are recommended (no metal spikes). Shinpads are highly recommended. Prescription glasses are permitted, but goggles are recommended.

Jewelry, Metal Braces and Casts

All watches, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and the like must be removed. Players required to wear bracelets for religious purposes are required to completely cover them up for safety. In addition, any metal braces or hard casts must be fully covered with sufficient padding. Referees have, at their sole discretion, the ability to ask players to remove or modify equipment, or completely leave the game should the concern be sufficient, at any point in time.

Questions about how a rule applies? Contact our league team.