League Rules and Guidelines

ROSTER AND ELIGIBILITY (Last updated on February 1st, 2023)

All players must be over the age of 18 and must sign a liability release waiver prior to any form of participation in any Community Soccer League and/or Cup games.

    Each team can have up to twelve (12) registered players on their roster depending on the league format. During any regular season games, each team can have up to 3 non-roster substitutes per game. Team captain must notify the organizing committee and/or referee in advance for any non-roster substitute placements. 

    Players cannot be added to teams past group stage, unless exceptions have been made on account of unforeseen injuries. Non-Roster substitutes are prohibited from playoff and championship games. No exceptions!

    Teams will be permitted to modify their roster before beginning of a new season. 

    GAME RULES

    All games will be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game issued by the USSF and is available for viewing at http://www.ussoccer.com/Referees/Laws-of-the-Game.aspx. All rules apply with a few exceptions:

      7v7 / 9v9 Outdoor Soccer

      • Two 25 minute halves per game
      • In a 9v9 league, a minimum of seven (7) players is required to start and finish a game. In a 7v7 league, a minimum of five (5) players is required to start and finish a game. In a 5v5 league, a minimum of three (3) players is required to start and finish a game. For Co-Ed, all teams must have two (2) or more female players. If a team does not have the required amount of female players, they must play a player down.
      • Unlimited number of substitutions are allowed, but only on a dead ball. Referee must be notified. 
      • No slide-tackling
      • No direct shooting from kick off (at least one pass mandatory)
      • Free kicks (including kick-offs, goal kicks, and corner kicks) are direct 
      • Goalie cannot pick up the ball with his hands if passed back from a teammate 
      • Goalie is allowed to throw the ball, punt, or drop kick passed the half way line
      • No offside
      • One yellow card: player will sit out for 3 minutes and cannot be substituted with another player. 
      • One red card or two yellow cards: player will be suspended for the rest of the game. Suspended player's team must play a man down for the remaining minutes of the game. Suspension will be determined depending on the severity of the situation. Suspension will be reviewed by the referee and Organizing Committee. 

      5v5 Indoor Soccer

      • Two 25 minute halves per game
      • A team will field 5 players (4 and 1 goalie)
      • Unlimited number of substitutions are allowed, but only on a dead ball. Referee must be notified. 
      • If the ball touches the ceiling nets, it's an indirect free kick
      • If the ball hits the net behind the goal, it's either a goal kick or a corner
      • If the ball touches the side nets, the ball will restart from the sideline
      • No slide-tackling
      • No direct shooting from kick off (at least one pass mandatory)
      • Goalie cannot pick up the ball with his hands if passed back from a teammate 
      • Goalie is allowed to throw the ball passed the half way line, but cannot punt or drop kick at any time
      • One yellow card: player will sit out for 3 minutes and cannot be substituted with another player. 
      • One red card or two yellow cards: player will be suspended for the rest of the game. Suspended player's team must play a man down for the remaining minutes of the game. Suspension will be determined depending on the severity of the situation. Suspension will be reviewed  by the referee and Organizing Committee. 

      LEAGUE SCHEDULES AND STANDING

      League points will be appointed as follows:

      Win = 3 points
      Draw = 1 point
      Loss = 0 points

      In the event of a tie, the following tie breakers will be used:

      • League goal differential
      • League total goals scored
      • League Points in head to head competition in games between tied teams
      • Goal differential in head to head competition in games between tied teams
      • Goals Scored in head to head competition in games between tied teams

      PLAYOFFS

      The top four (4) teams will advance to Playoffs.

      UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

      • All field players must wear their League Jersey to avoid penalty.  
      • All players must wear shin guards. 
      • All players must wear soccer appropriate footwear to play. No metal or steel cleats or spikes are allowed.
      • A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including jewelry and watches of any kind)
      • Size 5 Soccer Ball will be provided for game play. 

      FAILURE TO SHOW AND FORFEITS

      Teams that fail to have the minimum required players on the field after 5 minutes it will result in 1 goal against them after 10 minutes another goal will be sanctioned against and after 15 minutes of a team being late will result in a 3-0 forfeit. The opponent team shall be awarded a 3-0 win for the match.

      We highly recommend teams to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your scheduled game. 

      CONDUCT

      Players and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit and laws of the game. Players or spectators ejected from a game by the referee will be required to leave the field area. Severe misconduct that is abusive, harassing, insulting, or offensive will result in disqualification from the remainder of the league. 

      NOTIFICATION

      If you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game, you MUST contact us 24 hours prior to the start of the game to info@equalsportsproject.com