Soccer Rules

1. GAME TIMES/DURATION OF MATCHES

• Games start at the scheduled time sharp. Please be at the field at least 15 minutes before your game in order to warm up prior to the start of your game. XTSC Reps must start each game on time. Any teams that are more than 10 minutes late automatically forfeit their game.
• Indoor leagues play 2x25 minute halves with a 5-minute half time. No injury time is added.
• Outdoor leagues play 2x30 minute halves with a 5-minute half time. No injury time is added.
• Games must finish at the scheduled time, regardless of the time they started, as there are other games scheduled after yours. Please be considerate of other teams.

2. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

• 6s co-ed teams are comprised of 5 players and a goalie, with 2 men and 2 women on the field at all times. A female goalie counts towards the two female player minimum.
• DEFAULTS - Co-ed teams that do not have at least 1 girl, 1 guy and 4 players in total will automatically forfeit the game. The opposing team has the option of taking the default win of 6-0 or playing for points. This is up to the discretion of the opposing team and MUST BE decided and agreed upon by both teams, prior to starting the game. Any team not fielding a minimum of 2 girls and a minimum of 2 guys will have to play short (provided that they still have a minimum of 4 players, and at least 1 of each gender). Men's teams must have a minimum of four players to avoid a default.
• In the situation where both teams default, the final score will be recorded as a 0-0 tie on both sides.
• In the case that a team notifies the league at least 24 hours in advance of a default (allowing us sufficient time to contact the opposing team), a 3-0 loss will be recorded. In the case that there is less than 24 hours notice, a 6-0 loss is recorded.
• Registered teams can bring in their own subs during the season. Captains must ensure that these players are aware of the rules and have signed a waiver before playing. The coordinator will have waiver forms. Teams are not allowed to stack their roster during playoffs. Playoff players must play at least 2 regular season games and must have previously signed a waiver form to be considered a roster member and thus eligible to participate.
• League members are not allowed to play on multiple teams on the same night. If a team is short and has asked players from the previous game to stick around and play with them, they must gain the express permission of the opposing team to field those players. If this permission is not given and those players participate, the game will be defaulted.
• For our 11v11 league, teams must play with at least 3 females.
• For our 9v9 league, teams must play with at least 2 females. Our Saturday 9v9 league, teams only require 1 female.
• For our 7v7 league, teams must play with at least 2 females.
• For our 5v5 league, teams must play with at least 1 female.

3. SUBSTITUTIONS

• Substituting a goalkeeper can only occur during a stoppage in play. Substitutions on all other players can happen at any time but only after the player to be replaced is on the sidelines.
• Both the substitute and the player coming off the field must enter/exit the field at their team's bench.
• If a team has more than the maximum amount of players allowed on the field a yellow card is issued and one player must sit out two minutes.

4. EQUIPMENT

• It is recommended that players wear shin-guards, though not mandatory. Players are responsible for providing their own equipment.
• Indoor non-marking indoor soccer shoes or running shoes are mandatory for the indoor leagues that are held in gyms.
• No metal spikes or metal toed shoes are allowed in the indoor turf leagues or the outdoor leagues.
• Each player must bring one dark shirt and one light shirt to each game. Teams should decide prior to the game as to which team is dark and which team is light. A team may choose to wear a team uniform. If they do so, they must also bring an alternative shirt in case they are playing against a team with the same colours.
• Game equipment (nets, balls, cones) are provided by the league.

5. SCORING

A. Regular Season Games

• In regular season games, ties are allowed. During playoffs and tournaments, penalty kicks will be used to resolve all ties. Players on the field (substitutions must be made at least 2 minutes before the end of the game) take the first 5 penalty shots with teams alternating shooters. If the game is still tied after the first 5 shooters, it goes into sudden death with the goalies taking the next shot. If still tied, the bench shoots. Once everyone has shot -- if the games is still tied .. then the same order of shooters will take their second shot in a sudden death format.
• A goal is scored when the entire ball has passed over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided it has not been thrown or carried. A ball cannot be propelled by hand or arm by a player of the attacking side. If a defensive player is standing in his/her own crease and a goal is scored after touching this player, the goal counts. If a foul is called on the attacking team the goal is negated and the ball is given to the defending team.
• In the case of penalty kicks (including tie-breaking at the end of the game), the goalie can not move off the goal line until the ball has been kicked by the opposing player. The ball is dead once the it reverses direction.
• The team scoring the greater number of goals during the game is the winner.
• XTSC Reps are required to submit the scores to Mike by 3:00pm the day after the game. Scores should be emailed to michael@xtsc.ca. Please include the team name, sport and night of play. Results will be posted on the website weekly.

B. Playoffs

• To be eligible to play in playoffs or a tournament, a player must have played at least two regular-season games with that team. If they have not, they will not be considered a roster member and will not be allowed to take the field.
• During the playoffs, every match must conclude with a 'win' for one side. In the event that playoff matches are tied at the end of the regulation time, the following procedure will be used to determine the official outcome: A "Shoot-out" will take place as follows:
  
  i. Each team will designate the 5 players on the field as the initial 5 penalty shooters who will each take one Penalty Kick on the opposing teams goalkeeper on one end of the field, following a coin toss to determine which teams will have the first kick. Substitutions of these 5 players must be made with at least 2 minutes left in the game. (Please refer to Penalty Kicks) The two teams will alternate kicking until all 5 players on each team have kicked or until one team has been mathematically eliminated. The goalie that finishes the game must be the goalie for the penalty shootout, this goalie will be used throughout the shootout unless he/she is withdrawn from the shootout due to injury.
  
  ii. At the conclusion of this procedure, the team with the greater number of goals will be declared the winner of the match. However, if each team scores an equal number of goals, then the remaining players from each team (starting with the goalkeepers) who were not in the initial 5 will continue to kick (only one kick per player) alternating from one team to the other. The first team to have an advantage in total goals, after each team has made an equal number of kicks, will be declared the winner. After all players on each team have each had one kick, and if the shoot-out remains tied, second kicks for each player through the entire roster (in any order) will be taken until one team has the advantage in goals after an equal number of kicks has been taken by each side. The winner of the shootout will be awarded two score-points in the final result of the match. The loser will be awarded one score-point.

6. START OF PLAY

• A kick off will start the game, restart the game after a goal is scored and start the second half of the game. The kickoff shall be decided by the toss of a coin by the XTSC rep. The team winning the toss decides whether they want the kickoff or choice of ends.
• Teams will change ends after each period and alternate kick offs.
• The kickoff starts with all players on their own side of the field. The ball is stationary at the center point of the field and the opponents of the team taking the kickoff should be at least 3 paces away from the ball until it is put into play.
• The kicker cannot touch it again until another player has contacted it. If the kicker touches the ball before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off.

7. RESTARTS OF PLAY

• A kick-off occurs after a goal has been scored or at the start of the second half of the match.
• A Throw In
• A Corner Kick
• A Goal Kick
• All play will end with the referee's whistle.

8. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

• The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or sideline whether on the ground or in the air or when it rebounds back into the field of play from any part of a goal structure above the crossbar. The ball is in play at all other times, including when it rebounds from a goalpost or crossbar and remains in the field of play. Indoors, the ball is out of play if it hits the ceiling, stays in a corner or stays behind the goal structure.

9. OFFSIDE

• There are no off-side rules in our 6v6 or 7v7 leagues..
• There is offsides in our 11v11 leagues. A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is touched or played by a team-mate is only committing an offside offence if, in the opinion of the referee, he becomes actively involved in play by:

  Interfering with play

  Playing or touching the ball

  Interfering with an opponent

  Preventing the opponent from playing the ball by obstructing the player's sight or intentionally distracting the opponent

  Gaining an advantage by being in an offside position

  Playing the ball after the ball has rebounded off the goal, the goalkeeper, or any opponent

• Since offside is judged at the time the ball is touched or played by a team-mate not when the player receives the ball, it is possible for a player to receive the ball significantly past the second-to-last defender.

10. MISCONDUCTS/FOULS

• XTSC Referees will call ALL fouls!
• If a player breaks a rule or fouls, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the location of the foul. If the foul occurs in the crease for the opposing team, the ball will be pulled to the top of the crease at the referee's discretion. All free kicks are indirect. The player taking the free kick may not touch it again until another player has touched it. Opposing players must be 3 paces away from all free kicks. For an indirect free kick, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick. A second touch by any player, offensive or defensive, intentional or unintentional, causes a goal to be valid.
• If an offense is particularly extreme (including the use of profanity), it is at the referee's discretion to hand out Yellow or Red cards.
• A Yellow Card penalty will result in the offending player being removed from the game for two minutes without a sub being permitted on, regardless of any goals scored by either team. Two Yellow Card penalties in one game will result in a Red Card being issued.
• A Red Card penalty will result in the player being evicted from that game without a sub being permitted on. The player will also be banned from the following game while XTSC reviews the incident for excessive behavior (fights, etc). If excessive behavior is found, the player may be evicted from the league. Red carded players are expected and required to leave the game site after being carded, nor are they allowed to be on-site during any games for which they have been banned. If the player does not leave the premises, a default loss will be awarded against their team.
• A referee may require that any player or observer leave the game site, whether or not a card has been awarded, if they are threatening the safety or enjoyment of XTSC members or staff. If the individual does not exit the area, the team they are associated with will be penalized with a 6-0 default loss.
• Excluding a Penalty Kick, there are no direct free kicks in this league.
• A handball does not need to be called if the ball goes to an opponent or an opponent is the next player to touch the ball, but does need to be called if it goes off to yourself or a teammate.

11. INDIRECT FREE KICK

• AN INDIRECT FREE KICK is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offenses:
  
  i. Plays in a dangerous manner (i.e. Charging, checking or pushing an opponent)
  
  ii. Impedes the progress of an opponent (i.e. Tripping, kicking or holding an opponent)
  
  iii. Slide tackling
  
  iv. High kicking
  
  v. Obstructing an opponent
  
  vi. Making contact with the ball carrier w/o getting the ball first
  
  vii. Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball
  
  viii. Playing the ball while laying on the ground.
  
• There must be a distinct pass from ANY free kick (indoor gym leagues). If a player shoots directly at the defending team, in hopes of deflecting the ball into the net, a yellow card will be given (dangerous play) and a free kick will be given to the defending team.

12. PENALTY SHOT

• A PENALTY SHOT is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offenses:
  
  i. Deliberate handling of the ball by a player other than the goalie while within the crease
  
  ii. Deliberate dangerous play or intent to injure while inside the crease
  
  iii. Tripping a player on a breakaway
  
  iv. A goal attempt is denied due to an infraction.

13. YELLOW AND RED CARDS

• A Yellow Card penalty will result in the offending player being removed from the game for two minutes without a sub being permitted on, regardless of any goals scored by either team. Two Yellow Card penalties in one game will result in a Red Card being issued.
• A Red Card penalty will result in the player being evicted from that game without a sub being permitted on. The player will also be banned from the following game while XTSC reviews the incident for excessive behavior (fights, etc). If excessive behavior is found, the player may be evicted from the league. Red carded players are expected and required to leave the game site after being carded, nor are they allowed to be on-site during any games for which they have been banned. If the player does not leave the premises, a default loss will be awarded against their team.
• Yellow and Red Cards are issued by the referee based on the severity of the offense and include, but are not limited to, the following offenses:
  
  i. Yelling an opposing player's name or yelling at or taunting an opposing player, yelling at or otherwise abusing a referee.
  
  ii. Intentionally handing the ball (handball) with their hands or any part of their arms including the fore-arm -except the goalkeeper within their own crease.
  
  iii. Intentionally attempting to injure another player.
  

14. THROW-INS (Outdoor Soccer Only)

• A throw in is awarded when the whole ball passes over the sideline, either on the ground or in the air and is taken from the point where it crossed the sideline, by the opponents of the player who last touched the ball, before it crossed the sideline. The player taking the throw must face the field of play and have both feet on the ground on the sideline or outside the sideline and must throw the ball with both hands, which must begin their motion when the ball is completely behind the thrower's head. The thrower must not touch the ball a second time before it has touched another player, or an indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team. If a throw-in is taken incorrectly, it is to the ref's discretion if they allow a re-throw or if they award the ball to the opposing team. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

15. GOAL KICKS

• A goal kick is awarded if the ball goes and remains behind the net. All goal kicks are direct. The kick is taken by any player on the defending team, on the side of the goal opening that is closest to where the ball went out of play. (Approx. 6 paces from the goal line). It must pass outside the penalty area as a direct result of the kick for it to be in play again. The kicker must not touch the ball a second time before it has touched another player or an indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

16. CORNER KICK (Outdoor Soccer Only)

• When the whole of the ball crosses over the goal line (not a goal) either on the ground or in the air and was last touched by a player of the defending team, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. The ball is placed in the corner closest to where the ball went out of play and the ball is in play the moment it has been kicked. If the kicker touches the ball a second time before another player touches it, an indirect kick shall be awarded to the opposing team. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

17. GOAL KEEPER

• The goalkeeper is only allowed to handle the ball with his/her hands within the goal crease area. Goalkeepers are not allowed to pick up the ball with their hands when a player from their own team kicks the ball to them or when they are outside the goal crease. To do so will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. Players can pass the ball to a goalie via a throw in and the goalie may pick it up. Once the goalkeeper has caught or controlled the ball, they must put it into play within 5 seconds. The goalkeeper must not touch the ball a second time after their initial release of the ball before another player has touched the ball or an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

18. CORNERS (Indoor Soccer Only)

• When the ball goes into a true (90 degree) corner, the player who reaches the ball first has the right of way for a distance of three feet from the corner. Any opposing player must give the ball handler at least three feet of space and is not permitted to come into physical contact with the ball handler within that space. An attack upon a ball handler in the corner may result in an indirect kick or a penalty card being issued.
• If a defending player kicks and sticks the ball behind his own net, the ball will be brought to the corner and a corner kick will be given to the offensive team.

19. RULES OF CONDUCT

• All of XTSC's guidelines to acceptable conduct are in effect. Please refer to Club Rules and Regulations for more details.
• Any form of physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated and will result in immediate ejection from the game, and at the discretion of XTSC's sports director, from the league.

That's it... Have Fun... and Hey, Let's be Extra Careful out there!