Soccer Rules

Match Format

Format
5v5, 7v7, 8v8 & 11v11

Game Duration
Two 20–25-minute halves (varies depending on the league).
The clock runs continuously and does not stop, with additional time added only at the referee’s discretion in very rare situations.

Overtime
No overtime.
If playoff games are tied, the match will be decided by a best-of-five penalty kick shootout.
In Coed leagues, at least one female player must be among the first three penalty kick takers.

Referee Fees
$25 per team, per game during the regular season and playoffs – Paid in cash or Venmo to your official on the field.
($30 per team per game for 11 v 11).

If your team is listed as an INDY team – you do not pay any referee fees during the Regular Season. During playoffs, there will be a $25 fee per team, per game. ($30 per team per game for 11 v 11).

2. Players & Substitutions

League Formats

Men’s: Only men may be on the field

Women’s: Only women may be on the field

Open: Open to all players; no gender restrictions

Coed: Gender requirements apply (see below)

Coed Gender Breakdown (Applies only to Coed leagues)

(Full Strength)

When fielding a full team, no more than the following number of players of the same gender may be on the field at one time:

7v7: No more than 5 players of the same gender. Eg: 5M, 2W
8v8: No more than 6 players of the same gender. Eg: 6M, 2W
11v11: No more than 8 players of the same gender. Eg 8M, 3W
5v5, Futsal: No more than 4 players of the same gender. Eg: 4M, 1W

If a team fields fewer than the required number of players of a different gender (for example, only 1 female in a 7v7 match), the team must play one player down.

Minimum Players for an Official Game

If a team is short of players, the match may begin and continue provided the following minimums are met:

7v7: Minimum 5 players, including at least 1 player of a different gender.
8v8: Minimum 6 players, including at least 1 player of a different gender.
11v11: Minimum 8 players, including at least 2 players of a different gender.
5v5 / Futsal: Minimum 4 players, including at least 1 player of a different gender.

“If a game is forfeited, teams may scrimmage, but the game will not be officiated by a referee.”

Borrowing Players

During the regular season, teams that are short on players may borrow guest players or players from other teams, provided both team captains agree prior to kickoff. Borrowed players may only be used to reach the number required to play at full strength and may not be used to create substitutes.

Gender Clarification

A “different gender” means any gender that differs from the majority of players on the field for that team.

Non-binary players may be used to satisfy any required gender minimum.

Substitutions

Substitutions are on the fly.

Roster Rules

Captains are responsible for ensuring all players are added to the roster by the last week of the regular season. Only players listed on the roster by that deadline are eligible to participate in playoffs.

In the event of a protest, the team captain must bring this protest prior to kick off and the referee will check the team roster for players’ eligibility.

No protest after kickoff.

Teams must have the minimum required number of players at the scheduled game time. If one team meets the minimum and the other does not, the game may be recorded as a forfeit.

“Scheduled game time” may be adjusted due to external factors (e.g., field availability delays). In those cases, the start time shifts accordingly.

If neither team has the minimum number of players at game time, the game clock will still start. Play will begin once both teams reach the minimum required players.

3. Equipment & Safety

Equipment
Shin guards are highly encouraged but not required.
Cleats are allowed (NO METAL CLEATS).
No wristbands or watches.
Fitbits or other electronic devices are allowed only if completely covered.

4. Start & Restart of Play

Kick-Off

(Before the match begins, it is recommended that the designated team captain briefly meet with the referee to confirm team payment, address any questions, and review league rules. This meeting should take no more than two minutes).
Kick-offs may be played in any direction.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off without first passing the ball.

Offsides
No offsides.

Touchline Restarts
In most leagues, touchline restarts are taken as throw-ins, except in futsal. The referee can clarify the correct procedure, and each team is allowed one redo per game if a throw-in is taken incorrectly.

In futsal, all touchline restarts are taken as kick-ins.

Corners
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

Ceiling Restart (Indoor Leagues)
An indirect free kick is awarded under the spot where the ball hits the ceiling.

5. Goalkeeper Rules

Goal Kicks / Throws
Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the goal area.

A goalkeeper’s throw or goal kick must touch the ground or another player before crossing the halfway line. **This rule does not apply to our Starland Sportsplex league**

If the ball crosses the halfway line without touching the ground or another player, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick at the halfway line. **This rule does not apply to our Starland Sportsplex league**

A goal cannot be scored directly from a goal kick.

6. Sliding & Physical Play

Sliding
Sliding is strictly prohibited.

Sliding toward an opponent to win the ball is not allowed.
Sliding to block a shot or pass is not allowed.
Sliding is not permitted even if no opponent is nearby.

Penalty:
Any slide will result in a yellow card and a 5-minute temporary dismissal, and the team will play short-handed.

Exception:
Goalkeepers may slide hands-first inside the penalty area as part of normal play.

Bicycle Kicks

Bicycle kicks are considered dangerous play and are not permitted.

Attempting a bicycle kick will result in a yellow card.

7. Discipline & Cautions

Cards are issued at the referee’s discretion based on the severity of the offense. The purpose of the card system is to maintain safety and control of the match.

Yellow Card

5-minute temporary dismissal.
No substitution is allowed for the dismissed player.
The team must play short-handed for the full 5 minutes.
If the opposing team scores before the 5 minutes expire, the team may return to full strength.
If a player receives a yellow card in the final five minutes of a half, any remaining penalty time carries into the next half and must be served then.

Red Card (Send-Off)

Permanent dismissal for the remainder of the night.
The dismissed player must leave the premises.
No substitution is allowed; the team must play short-handed for the remainder of the game.
If the team has additional games scheduled that night (doubleheaders or playoffs), the dismissed player may not participate. The team may play the rest of the games at full strength.
A player who is dismissed with a red card may be subject to suspension or further disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the offense as outlined in the referee’s game report. The HUB Office has final authority over all additional disciplinary decisions related to red cards.

8. Zero Tolerance Policy

Any decisions made by the referee crew must be respected at all times, regardless of calls or outcomes.

Any inappropriate behavior or gestures directed at the referee crew by players, coaches, or fans will not be tolerated. This may warrant suspension or removal from the league without refund at the discretion of the HUB office.

Any player who verbally or physically threatens another player, referee, or league representative may be suspended or permanently removed from the league without a refund.

Any player who pushes or hits another player, referee, or league representative may be suspended or permanently removed from the league without a refund.

It is the team’s responsibility to control their players and fans at all times.