Soccer Rules

GAME TIMES/DURATION OF MATCHES

  • Game duration: generally 55 to 60 minutes, including halftime. Our 9v9 and 11v11 Cherry Beach games are 75 minutes, including halftime. All other 11v11 games are 85 minutes, including halftime.

There is no more than 5 minutes of downtime for the field, so that the halves of a 60-minute timeslot are a minimum of 27 minutes long. This means that:

  • Games must start at no later than 2 minutes past the scheduled time.
  • The 1st half will be played for 27 minutes long before half-time.
  • Halftime is no longer than 3 minutes.
  • The 2nd half will start right after and be played for 27 minutes, ending at 59 minutes after the hour of play began.
  • Teams must clear the field rapidly to allow the next game to commence.
  • The start of the game will proceed with or without players on the field. Whoever gets on the field first will get the ball first half and they can proceed to score in an empty net!
  • If your team is not receiving 27 minute halves as per this description, please report that to us at info@xtsc.ca
  • Please be at the field at least 15 minutes before your game in order to warm up and to allow a quick transition between games.

Please also note that:

  • Teams that are more than 10 minutes late and do not have the minimum amount of players to start the game, automatically forfeit their game.
  • If a team has the minimum required amount of players to start, the game must commence.
  • Depending on the needs of the league, double headers may be scheduled.
  • All schedules are subject to change. If a change is made less than 7 days in advance, an updated schedule will be sent out via email. Otherwise, please check the online schedule for your league for the most up to date game times.
  • All games start and end at the referee’s signal.
  • Any agreements made between teams before the game cannot be revised once the game has started.

FIELD SIZING

  • 5s Turf Field: 28 x 34 yards
  • 6s Grass Field: 35 x 50 yards
  • 6s North Toronto: 27 x 50 yards
  • 6s Jesse Ketchum: 22 x 42 yards
  • 7s Turf: 27-35 x 55-65 yards
  • 9s Fields: 44 x 85 yards
  • 11s Field: 69-82 x 109-120 yards (International Standards
  • Gym Soccer: 22-28 x 34-40 yards

LEAGUE STANDINGS

  • Win is 3 points, loss is 0 points and tie is 1 point.
  • When teams have played an unequal number of games going into the playoffs, all statistics will be pro-rated to determine the playoff standings.
  • When teams are tied in points for a playoff spot the following criteria will determine the standing:
    1. Goals for / Goal against difference.
    2. Total goals for.
    3. Head-to-head record.

Defaults:

  • If your team isn’t going to be able to field enough players, please notify us by emailing info@xtsc.ca at least 24 hours in advance of the game time. We encourage any players who are able to come out for a friendly, to do so. For all defaults, the following guidelines apply:
    • a default without sufficient notification to contact the opposing team will result in one point being taken off in the standings
    • a -$25 XTSC credit penalty transferred to the opposing captain for the first default
    • a -$100 XTSC credit penalty transferred to the opposing captain for a second default
    • a 3rd default will have you removed from the remainder of the schedule.
  • If a team does not  have sufficient players at the start of the game, the opposing team can choose to take a 3-0 win or play for points when short players, or when borrowing substitutes from a previous game.
  • Decision has to be made before the game starts, once the game starts, decisions can’t be changed.
  • When both teams default, the registered score will be 0-0.
  • Notification of a default must be given during our regular business hours – 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.
  • Any team fielding ineligible players (any player without a waiver or a last minute substitute playing without explicit permission from the referee and opposing team) will be awarded a 3-0 loss or (opponent’s score)-0, whichever is greater.
  • Opposing team captains and referees may both contest a player’s eligibility, preferably before the start of the game or shortly thereafter. If a player is contested, they must provide picture ID with their full first and last name, which will be provided to admin staff with the game report. If admin sees they are on the roster with a waiver signed, no action will be taken and the game results will stand. If they are not on the roster or have not signed a waiver, the game will be considered a default.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

  • CoEd 5s Teams:
    • 4 players + 1 goalie.
    • A full team has at least 1 male and 1 female on the field at all times.
    • A team can play 1 player short, it is not necessary to have a player of each gender on the field.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 9 players.
  • CoEd 6s Teams:
    • 5 players + 1 goalie.
    • A full team has at least 2 males and 2 females on the field at all times.
    • A team can play 2 players short, provided that a player of each gender is on the field.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 11 players.
  • CoEd 7s Teams:
    • 6 players + 1 goalie.
    • A full team has at least 2 males and 2 females on the field at all times.
    • A team can play 2 players short, provided that a player of each gender is on the field.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 13 players.
  • CoEd 9s Teams:
    • 8 players + 1 goalie.
    • A full team has at least 3 males and 3 females on the field at all times.
    • A team can play 2 players short, provided that a 3 players of each gender are on the field.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 17 players.
  • CoEd 11s Teams:
    • 10 players + 1 goalie.
    • A full team has at least 3 males and 3 females on the field at all times.
    • A team can play 2 players short, provided that a player of each gender is on the field.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 21 players.
  • Men’s 6s Teams:
    • 5 players + 1 goalie.
    • A team can play 2 players short without defaulting
    • A team can play with one or more female players without defaulting.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 11 players.
  • Women’s 6s Teams:
    • 5 players + 1 goalie.
    • A team can play 2 players short without defaulting
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 11 players.
  • Men’s 7s Teams:
    • 6 players + 1 goalie.
    • A team can play 2 players short without defaulting.
    • A team can play with one or more female players without defaulting.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 13 players.
  • Women’s 7s Teams:
    • 6 players + 1 goalie.
    • A team can play 2 players short without defaulting.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 13 players.
  • Men’s 11s Teams:
    • 10 players + 1 goalie.
    • A team can play 2 players short without defaulting.
    • A team can play with one or more female players without defaulting.
    • Free agent teams have a maximum of 21 players.

OVERVIEW SOCCER RULES

Above all else, this is a recreational soccer league for people who have jobs to go to the following day. We expect ALL members to comport themselves with good sportsmanship and care for their opponents, their teammates, and our staff. Players or teams that do not do so will be warned, suspended, and/or removed from the league.

  • All our 11v11 games are subject to the full FiFa rules, with the exception of slide tackles, which are not permitted in any division. This includes:
    • Substitutions on the signal of the referee, not on the fly.
    • Yellow card does not lead to a 5 minute penalty.
    • Direct and indirect free kicks.
  • For more information please see: FIFA Laws of the game
  • For our 9v9, 7v7, 6v6 and 5v5 game rules please see below.

SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Player substitution during the game can happen on the fly.
  • Goalie substitution can only take place during stoppage of play and after consent of the referee.
  • Players must enter and exit the field at the team’s bench. Illegal substitution includes:
    • Entering the field before the active player has left the field.
    • Subbing in order to gain tactical advantage.

Registered teams are allowed to bring in substitutions during the season under the following conditions:

  • Substitute players must be added to the team roster and have to accept the online waiver before the start of their first game.
  • It can not be a playoff game.

A team that is short is allowed to ask players from previous games to substitute for them under the following conditions:

  • the substituting player must be an XTSC member with a current signed waiver, and must provide their name and regular team name to the referee before the start of the game.
  • The opposing team grants explicit permission for the substitute(s) to play before the start of the game.
  • The referee grants explicit permission for the substitute(s) to play before the start of the game.
  • It is not a playoff game.
  • If any of these conditions are not met, the game will be considered a default loss.
  • Substitutions can only be used to field a full team plus one sub of each gender.
  • Players are only allowed to register for one team per league division. This means that a player cannot play on two different teams that would play each other during a season.

EQUIPMENT

  • Shin guards are highly recommended but not mandatory in CoEd leagues.
  • Shin guards are mandatory in Mens leagues.
  • No metal cleats or metal toed shoes are allowed in any of the leagues.
  • Players must bring a dark and light shirt to each game to prevent colours from clashing.
  • If your team has uniforms, you are still required to bring an alternative shirt colour.
  • The league provides nets and balls.
  • Other soccer equipment has to be provided by the players.
  • Braces or other protective equipment with metal parts or hard casts are not permitted.
  • Fashion accessories such as, but not limited to, rings, necklaces, earrings, hair bands with hard plastic or metal, bracelets, hats or sunglasses are not permitted.
  • Shatterproof sports glasses or prescription glasses are permitted.
  • Uniforms (similar jerseys with numbers) aren’t mandatory. However when two teams have the same colour, the team without uniform has to change jersey colour.
  • If neither team has uniforms or matching uniforms of the same colour, the home team will change jerseys.
  • For all teams it is mandatory to bring 2 different coloured jerseys/shirts to all games, at all times.
  • To inform other teams about your team colour, email us at info@xtsc.ca so we can update this information online.

GOALKEEPER

Most important rules:

  • Goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball with their hands within the crease.
  • Goalkeepers are not allowed to slide tackle out of the box. They are, however, allowed to slide in the box under normal slide tackle regulations (initial contact must be with the ball).
  • When the goalie catches the ball or takes a goalkick, the ball has to brought back into play within 6 seconds.
  • After releasing the ball, the goalie cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched the ball.
  • The goalie cannot pick up the ball after a pass or throw from a teammate. A ball can be chested or headed back. A deflection is not considered as a pass to the goalkeeper.

START OF PLAY

  • The first and second half of the game are started with a kickoff at the centre of the field by one of the two teams.
  • The kickoff starts with all players on their own side of the field.
  • The opponents of the team taking the kickoff should be at least 3 yards away from the ball until it’s put into play.
  • The kicker cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
  • A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off.
  • The game can only be started after a signal of the referee.

RESTART OF PLAY

  • Restart of the play occurs after: a goal has been scored, a ball is out of bounds or when a foul is called.
  • After a goal:
    • The kickoff is taken at the centre of the field.
    • The kickoff can only be taken after a signal of the referee.
  • The ball is out of bounds when it entirely passes the sideline or goal line on the ground or in the air.
  • Ball is out of bounds – Throw-ins:
    • Throw-in is awarded when the entire ball passes the sideline.
    • The team that touched the ball last loses possession.
    • A correct throw-in is taken as follow:
      • Throw-in starts with both hands on the ball behind the player’s neck.
      • Ball is released at forehead level.
      • The ball cannot be thrown into the ground.
      • The throw has to be in one smooth motion.
      • Both feet have to stay on the ground until the ball is released.
      • The body has to be towards the direction the ball is thrown.
    • The ball has to be touched by another player before the thrower can touch the ball again
    • Defending players must allow for 3 yards of space from the thrower.
    • It is up to the referee’s discretion to allow a re-throw.
    • A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
    • Defending players must allow for 3 yards of space from the kicker.
  • Ball is out of bounds – Corner:
    • A corner is awarded when the defending team plays the ball over its own goal line.
    • The corner kick is taken in the corner closest to where the ball went out.
    • The distance the defending team has to allow is 3 yards.
    • The ball has to be touched by another player before the kicker can touch the ball again.
    • A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.
  • GYM rule only:
    • The ball is only out of bounds when it touches the ceiling or is inaccessible.
    • When the ball is inaccessible, the player that touched the ball last will loose possession. The team that gains possession of the ball is allowed at least 3 yards of space to bring the ball back into play by a kick in, goal kick or indirect free kick.
  • Ball is out of bounds – Goal kick:
    • A goal kick is awarded when the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line of the defensive team.
    • Any player of the team that has possession can take the goal kick.
    • The ball has to be out of the crease before it can be touched by another player.
    • The ball has to be touched by another player before the kicker can touch the ball again.
  • GYM rule only: when the ball is inaccessible behind the net, the goalie will bring the ball back into play through a goal kick.
  • Foul is called:
    • An indirect free kick is awarded when a foul is called.
    • An indirect free kick has to be a distinct pass or touch by a team member to a fellow player.
    • A deflection into the goal does not count.
    • The opposing team must allow the kicker at least 3 yards (5v5 and 6v6 gymnasium), 5 yards (6v6 outdoor, 7v7 and 9v9) and 10 yards for 11v11.
    • The player taking the free kick cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
    • Direct free kicks are only used in 11vs11 games.

OFFSIDE

SCORING

  • A goal is scored when the entire ball has passed the goal line, provided it has not been thrown in. If the attacking team scores a goal by a throw-in, a goal-kick will be awarded.
  • If the defensive team scores on its own goal by a throw-in, a corner kick will be awarded.
  • Goals caused by a ball that is touched by the hand or arm of a player on the attacking team doesn’t count. An indirect free kick will be rewarded to the defensive team.
  • Goals caused by a ball that is touched by the hand or arm of a player on the defensive team counts.
  • The team scoring the greater number of goals during the game wins.
  • Ties are allowed during regular season games.
  • Playoff and tournament games can only end in a win or loss.
  • A penalty shootout will take place in the event a playoff or tournament game ends in a tie.
  • Game results and goal scorers will be posted on the website.
  • Goals can be directly scored from a goal kick or corner kick, but not from a throw-in, kick-in, dropped ball, goalie throw, or from kick-off. A goal kick will be awarded for those instances.

PENALTY SHOT

  • A Penalty shot is awarded when:
    • A player commits an infraction against the laws of the game
    • The infraction is committed within the goal area.

SHOOTOUTS

  • Shootouts will occur when a playoff or tournament game ends in a tie.
  • Penalties will be taken directly after the game ends.
  • Players that ended the game on the field will take the first 5 penalty shots.
    • Substitution of these players must be made before the last 2 minutes of the game.
  • The goalie that ends the game will also be goaltending during the shootout. With the exception when injured.
  • Penalties are taken according to FIFA rules:
    • The penalty is 8 yards away from the goal line (on a small field) and 12 yards (on a big field).
    • The shooter cannot stop during the run-up to the ball.
    • The ball is dead once it reverses direction, no rebounds are allowed.
  • 5 shooters will take a penalty, which will include at least 2 males and 2 females. The 5th shooter can be any gender.
    • In the case of coed leagues where only one male or one female is required to field a full team, the 5 shooters may comprise of 4 males and 1 female or 4 females and 1 male.
  • A tie after 5 shooters will lead to sudden death shooutout format until a team wins.
  • The team has to rotate through ALL players before players can take a second penalty kick. The team that starts the sudden death series determines the gender, the other team
  • will have to match that gender.
  • In case of a tournament the winner will be awarded 2 points (1 for the draw and 1 for the shootout win) and the loser 1 point (1 for the draw and 0 for the shootout).

MISCONDUCTS/FOULS

  • XTSC Referees will attempt to call all fouls and explain infringements to the offending player.
  • An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:

***ALL SLIDE TACKLES OR PLAY WHILE ON THE GROUND***

    • Fails to back off a 50-50 ball.
    • Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.
    • Trips or attempts to trip an opponent.
    • Jumps at an opponent.
    • Charges an opponent.
    • Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent.
    • Pushes an opponent.
    • Tackles an opponent from behind to gain possession of the ball.
    • Makes contact with an opponent before touching the ball.
    • Holds an opponent.
    • Spits at an opponent.
    • Handles the ball deliberately.
  • An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:
    • Plays in a dangerous manner.
    • Impedes the progress of a player.
    • Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands.
    • Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned.
  • Goalkeepers:
    • Touches the ball with their hands after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a teammate.
    • Touches the ball with their hands after they have received it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate.
  • An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences:
    • Holds the ball with his hands for more than 6 seconds before releasing it from his possession.
    • Touches the ball again with his hands after he has released it from his possession.
  • When a foul is called, the opposing team gets possession of the ball at the spot the foul was called through an indirect free kick.
  • It is at the referee’s discretion to hand out Yellow and Red cards for a foul.
  • A ref is also allowed to ask a player to take a break and substitute for another player without handing out cards.
  • A referee may request any player or observer to leave the game facility when they are threatening the safety and enjoyment of players/referees. If the individual does not exit the area, the game will be abandoned and the team they are associated with will be penalized with a 6-0 default loss. Further action may be taken by the league pending on the incident review.

YELLOW AND RED CARDS

  • The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned.
  • The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off and must immediately leave the facility.
  • A player, substitute, substituted player, spectator, coach, or any other person affiliated with a team may be shown the red or yellow card.
  • The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment he enters the field of play until (s)he leaves the venue after the final game.
  • A player who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a teammate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed.

Cautionable (yellow card) offences: A player, substitute or substituted player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following offences:

    • Unsportsmanlike behaviour.
    • Dissent by word or action.
    • Any offence committed recklessly.
    • This includes failure to back off of a 50-50 ball
    • Persistent infringement.
    • Delaying the restart of play.
    • Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in.
    • Entering or re-entering the field of play illegally.
    • Deliberately leaving the field of play to mislead the referee and opponents.

The offending player will be removed from the game for 5 minutes. The team will play a player down during that time.

The player that receives the yellow card has to serve the penalty (including the goalie).

When the team in power play scores, the carded player is permitted back on, ending the penalty of playing a player down.

3 Yellow cards in 1 season will lead to an automatic suspension of 1 game. 5 Yellow cards in 1 season will lead to an automatic suspension of 2 games.

Two yellow cards in one game results in a red card and will be reviewed by League Administration for additional sanctions.

Sending-off (red card) offences include, but are not limited to:

  • Serious foul play.
  • Violent conduct.
  • Spitting at an opponent or any other person.
  • Using excessive force.
  • Not backing off a 50-50 ball with intent to injure or causing injury.
  • Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area).
  • Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player?s goal by an offence.
  • Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.
  • Receiving a second caution (yellow card) in the same match.

A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play. Ejected players must not interfere with play.
If they do not leave when asked by an official, the game will be defaulted.

If a red card is given, the player is ejected and the team will play a player short for the remainder of the game.

If the number of players drop below the required minimum due to ejections. The referee will abandon the match and a win will be awarded to the opposing team.

A direct red card leads to an automatic one game suspension for the following game. In addition, 500 points will be deducted from the player’s or team captain’s account.

Yellow cards and red cards will be reviewed and XTSC has the right to increase/decrease suspensions, take further disciplinary action and/or terminate memberships. Members have the option to appeal any decision. This will not necessarily change the decision, but we are open to review and work with players.

If a player instigates a physical confrontation, they are subject to immediate expulsion from the league and their team captain is subject to a 500 point deduction. This penalty doubles for each recurrence. Please see ‘Rules and Regulations’ for details on our 3-Strike system.

RULES OF CONDUCT

SPORTSMANSHIP

  • Sports are filled with judgment calls and, as a result, disputes between players, opponents, spectators, and staff may occur from time to time.
  • However, it is important that participants respect and handle all disputes that may occur in a civilized manner.
  • No one may argue/protest a judgment call.
  • All decisions made by on-site XTSC officials must be respected and obeyed.
  • Any feedback regarding rules, players, officials, or staff members should be brought to the attention of an XTSC League Administrator during normal business hours (M-F from 9a-5p) in written form by emailing us at info@xtsc.ca.
  • Any behaviour deemed unacceptable by XTSC may result in an ejection, suspension, and/or expulsion as outlined below.
  • Repeated Code of Conduct violations by the same team will result in a team expulsion from the league without refund.
  • All Code of Conduct violations will result in a suspension as outlined below.
  • All violations/fouls/penalties which result in an ejection are subject to review and a possible multi-game suspension. Players may appeal a suspension in writing within 48 hours of a suspension notification.
  • Players cannot participate during the appeal process.

EJECTION PROCEDURE

Upon ejection (in case of a red card), the game stops, and a player must:

  • immediately leave the field/court and subsequently the premises.
  • Take no longer than TWO minutes to get out of sight and sound of the field/court
  • DO NOT wait in the parking lot or anywhere on site.
  • If the player does not leave or demonstrate a cooperative effort to do so in the time allotted, his/her team will be issued a default loss.
  • 500 XTSC Loyalty Points will be deducted from the team captain’s account and the player in question will receive an automatic 1 game suspension. The incidentis also subject to review by League Management to determine if a longer suspension is warranted.
  • 2 yellow cards leading up to a red: reviewable upon league management and may warrant a suspension.

3-Strike System

Players will be monitored under a 3-strike system per year (365 days counting from the first strike). Anything worthy of a 2-game suspension and above will be counted as a strike.

  • On the 1st strike, the team captain responsible for that individual player will be deducted 500 XTSC Points from his/her account.
  • On the 2nd strike, suspensions/penalties will double. The team captain responsible for that individual player will be deducted 1000 XTSC Points from his/her account.
  • On the 3rd strike, that individual player will result in an immediate and permanent ejection from the league.

If the number of points deducted is greater than the amount of points in the captain’s account, the captain will not be able to register the team until the deficit is paid (1 point = $.010, so an amount of -500 would equal $50).

3 Team Warnings System

Escalation of Team Sanctions

Teams will be also monitored under a 3-Strike system per season.

  • Official Warnings may be sent out to teams due to valid complaints regarding team conduct, behaviour, overly aggressive/physical play, and/or verbal abuse towards XTSC Members or Staff.
  • Validity of the complaint will be determined via admin staff with the reports of the individual who issued the complaint, the referee/staff
    present for said game, the opposing team captain, and any trusted team captains within said division or officials that have refereed the individual/team.
  • Any strike on an individual player listed above may warrant an Official Warning for the entire team.
  • On the 1st Team Warning, an email will be sent to the team reminding them of XTSC’s various league rules/guidelines and advising them to keep their team conduct/behaviour under control. 1st Official Warnings will be carried over for 365 days.
  • On the 2nd Team Warning, the entire team will be suspended for 1 game, given a default loss for that game and the team captain will be subjected to a $250 fine or deduction of 2500 XTSC Points from his/her account. 2nd Official Warnings will be reset per season.
  • On the 3rd Team Warning, the said team will be immediately ejected from the league, removed from the schedule for the rest of the season and will be unable to register for 2 seasons. The team captain will also be subjected to a $500 fine or deduction of 5000 XTSC Points from his/her account.

If the number of points deducted is greater than the amount of points in the captain’s account, the captain will not be able to register the team until the deficit is paid (1 point = $.010, so an amount of -5000 would equal $500).

Verbal Abuse/Profanity

  • Any verbal abuse, threats, or profanity directed towards an opposing player will result in an automatic yellow card.
  • Any verbal abuse, threats, or profanity directed towards a referee will result in an automatic red card.

Threats/Discriminatory Offenses

Any threats/discriminatory offences directed towards an opposing player or referee will result in an automatic red card and a minimum 2 game suspension.

Physical abuse

Any physical altercation (including but not limited to: pushing/shoving, grappling, spitting, physical instigation) towards anopposing player will result in an automatic red card and a minimum 1 game suspension.

Any physical altercation (including but not limited to: pushing/shoving, grappling, spitting, physical instigation) towards areferee will result in an automatic red card and minimum 3 games suspension.

  • Kicking: any aggressive kicking outside of regular play will result in an automatic red card and minimum 3 games suspension.
  • Fighting/Punching/Choking: any form of fighting (including but not limited to: punching, choking) towards an opposing playerwill result in an automatic red card and minimum 5 games suspension.
  • Any form of fighting towards the referee will result in an immediate and permanent ejection from the league.
  • All of XTSC’s guidelines to acceptable conduct are in effect. Please refer to XTSC Rules and Regulations for more details.