RECREATIONAL LEAGUE RULES

DIVISIONS AND FORMAT

  • U6/U7 & U8/U9: 6v6 (includes GK)
  • U10/U11: 5v5 (includes GK)
  • Game Length: 50-minute running clock (no halftime)
  • 5-Minute Warm-Up: Teams will have 5 minutes of on-field warm-up time prior to scheduled kickoff. The game clock will start on time regardless of whether teams are ready to play.
  • Walls are in play — no out-of-bounds on sidelines
  • Ball out: Only when it crosses the end line (restart with goal kick or corner kick)
  • Substitutions: Made on the fly from the bench area. The exiting player must not interfere with play or touch the ball during the change. If interference occurs, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team.
  • Minimum players: 4 (U6/U7 & U8/U9) • 3 (U10/U11)
  • Referee: One referee provided per match.
  • Mercy Rule: If a team is down by 5 or more goals, they may add one additional field player until the deficit is reduced to 4.

GAME RULES

  • No offside in any division
  • All free kicks are indirect, except direct free kick fouls inside of the penalty area, which result in a penalty kick taken from the top of the penalty line.
  • No slide tackling – safety first
  • No intentional heading (U10 and below). A deliberate header results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.
  • All fouls will be called according to FIFA guidelines.
  • Kickoffs: May go in any direction; goals cannot be scored directly from kickoff.
  • Goalkeeper Rules: May use hands only inside the box. Must release the ball within 6 seconds. No punting (must roll, throw, or pass). May not handle a deliberate back-pass from a teammate.

SCORING AND STANDINGS

  • Win: 3 points • Draw: 1 point • Loss: 0 points
  • Tiebreakers: 1. Goal Differential 2. Goals Scored 3. Head-to-Head 4. Coin Toss
  • Tie games remain as draws — no overtime or shootouts.

SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT

  • Positive coaching and respectful behavior are expected at all times.
  • Referee decisions are final.
  • Yellow card: Warning • Red card: Ejection (sub allowed)
  • Coaches and parents are responsible for maintaining respectful conduct from sidelines.

EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY

  • Ball sizes: Size 3 (U6/U7) • Size 4 (U8/U9 & U10/U11)
  • Home team is required to provide the game ball.
  • Shin guards mandatory
  • Footwear: Cleats, turf shoes, or sneakers permitted
  • Jewelry: Must be removed before play
  • Jersey Conflicts: In the event of a color conflict, the Away team must provide and wear an alternate color.
  • Goalkeeper Jersey: Must be a different color from both teams.

LEAGUE NOTES

  • All games are played indoors.
  • The clock starts on schedule — late arrivals reduce available play time.
  • Teams unable to field the minimum number result in a 3–0 forfeit.
  • Referees and staff may stop play for injury, misconduct, or unsafe conditions.