Rules of the Game
A. THE FIELD OF PLAY
1. Dimensions: Field measures 60 x 35 yards minimum, up to 70 x 50 yards.
B. THE BALL
1. Size 5 soccer balls will be used for all adult games.
C. NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1. Seven players, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper.
2. Minimum of 5 players needed to start and continue a game.
3. Team roster is limited to 16 players.
4. If minimum # of players is not met at game start time, the game clock will start, and if the team does not meet the required number of players by 10 minutes into the game, game will be recorded as a forfeit. The game MUST start as soon as 5 players are present; a team may not delay the start of play to wait for additional players to show up after the game start time.
D. PLAYER EQUIPMENT
1. Players must dress in matching color shirts or jerseys.
2. Shin guards are mandatory and must be totally covered by socks.
3. Molded cleats, turf shoes, or flat-soled soccer shoes may be worn (no metal of any kind, no studded or screw-in shoes).
4. Goalkeepers must wear colors which distinguish them from all other players and referee(s).
E. DURATION OF GAME
1. A game shall be played in two equal halves of 25 minutes each.
2. A half time interval shall be 2-4 minutes at the discretion of the referee.
3. The clock shall only be stopped for serious injuries.
4. During playoffs only, a tie will be decided by penalty kicks. (See IV. M. PENALTY KICKS.)
5. Time will be extended for the taking of a penalty kick.
6. Duration of Playoff games may be shortened. Refer to schedule.
F. START OF PLAY
1. Kickoff will be given to the home team. Visitors will have kickoff at the start of the second half.
2. A kickoff will start the game and restart the game after a goal has been scored.
3. Teams will change direction at half time and alternate kickoff.
4. A goal can 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.
G. GOALKEEPERS
1. Outdoor FIFA rules apply when passing back to the goalkeeper.
2. Goalkeeper may slide inside the penalty box leading with either hands or feet if done safely and with intent to play the ball, subject to the referee's discretion.
3. Goalkeeper may not punt or drop-kick the ball.
H. PLAYERS
1. NO SLIDING (automatic yellow card). Sliding will be defined as anything other than the feet touching the ground during an intentional sliding play with an opposing player within playing distance (5-6 yards). Players are allowed to go to the ground to play the ball in all other situations.
2. NO TWO-FOOTED TACKLES (automatic red card).
I. SUBSTITUTIONS
1. Unlimited substitutions may be made during stoppages of play only.
2. The referee must be informed before any substitution may take place.
3. Substitutions may only be initiated by the team in possession of the ball, including throw-ins, corner kicks, and free kicks. The team not in possession may substitute only after the team in possession initiates a substitution. Either team may initiate a substitution on goal kicks, kickoffs, and injury stoppages.
4. Any player may change places with the goalkeeper, subject to all aforementioned substitution rules.
5. Substitute players are to remain in the player bench area.
6. A player receiving a yellow card must sit out for 2 minutes and may not be replaced by a substitute.
J. OUT OF BOUNDS
1. The ball is out of play when the entire ball crosses the sideline/end line, or contacts the overhead netting or other overhead objects.
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 into the goal.
4. Player has 5 seconds to put ball back into play.
K. FOULS
1. FIFA soccer rules apply to all infractions, including but not limited to: kicking, pushing, tripping, hand balls, etc.
2. NO SLIDING (automatic yellow card). Sliding will be defined as anything other than the feet touching the ground during an intentional sliding play with an opposing player within playing distance (5-6 yards). Players are allowed to go to the ground to play the ball in all other situations.
3. Goalkeepers may slide inside the penalty box leading with either hands or feet if done safely and with intent to play the ball, subject to the referee's discretion.
L. FREE KICKS & GOAL KICKS
1. All free kicks are direct, except for own team backpass to the goalkeeper or goalkeeper punting infractions, which are both indirect.
2. Ball is in play when it moves from foot contact by the initial player.
3. Opposing players shall be 5 yards (15 feet) from the ball.
4. Player taking a kick cannot play it again until someone else touches the ball.
5. If an opponent refuses to move back 5 yards (15 feet) on referee's request, they may be given a yellow card for unsportsmanlike behavior.
6. If a player taking the kick delays for longer than five (5) seconds after having been signaled to do so by the referee, the opposing team will be awarded the kick.
7. Opposing players must stand outside of the penalty box during a goal kick.
8. Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere inside the penalty box.
M. PENALTY KICKS (SHOOTOUT)
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 at the top of the penalty box.
3. Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the penalty box.
4. In the event of a tie (during playoffs only), penalty kicks will be taken (no overtime). Winner will be decided by the best of 4 kicks by each team. If still tied after both teams have taken 4 kicks, then additional players will take the kicks in a sudden death kick off. Only players who were on the field at the end of the game will be allowed to participate.