League Rules

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For introductory soccer terms and concepts, see Sports Basics.

Gameplay

• Unless otherwise noted below, FIFA rules will be the standard
• League Management reserves the right to modify rules as needed
• Matches will be 7v7 with 6 field players and 1 goalkeeper per team
•      For Coed leagues, at least 2 female players must be on the field at all times
• A minimum of 5 players are required to avoid forfeiting the match
•      For Coed leagues, at least 1 of the 5 must be female to avoid forfeit
• Teams may only recruit subs registered with Oak City Sports. See Subs.
• Roster checks will be performed as deemed necessary by league management
• Each match will have 25 minute halves with a 3 minute halftime
• The clock will not stop except for excessive delays at the referee's discretion
• Stoppage time to complete the current possession will be at the referee's discretion
• Unlimited substitutions may occur during stoppages in play

Rules

• Offsides will be based on an extra line in each offensive half
•      Attacking player must not cross offsides line until the ball is played
•      Same principle as normal offsides, but using a fixed line instead of last defender
•      An offsides ruling will result in an indirect kick from the offsides line
•      Once the ball is beyond the offsides line, no offsides can be called
• Slide tackling by field players is not allowed and will be whistled as an indirect foul
•      Goalies may slide only within the penalty box
• Yellow cards will result in a mandatory 2-minute penalty for the player
•      The infringing team must play down a player for the duration of the penalty
•      Excessive arguing with the referee is grounds for a yellow card
• Red cards will result in immediate match ejection and possibly league removal
•      All red card infractions will be reviewed by league management
•      Disruptive fans may be asked to leave the grounds at the referee's discretion
• Reckless/dangerous behavior is grounds for match ejection/league removal
• Metal cleats and jewelry (including watches/fitness bands) are forbidden
• Shin guards and rubber cleats are highly recommended

Playoffs

• Only permanently rostered players are eligible for playoffs, no subs allowed
• If match is tied after regulation, a 5 minute overtime period will be played
•      The full 5 minutes will be played regardless of goals scored; no Golden Goal
• If still tied after overtime, a penalty shootout will decide the match
•      The shootout will be Best of 3, then Sudden Death if needed
•      The higher ranked team can decide to go first or second
•      Only players on the field at the conclusion of overtime may participate
•      For Coed leagues, at least 1 female must kick every 3 attempts