REMEMBER 2 THINGS:

1)     ENJOY YOURSELF

2)     NO ARGUING  

It is important that every player understands that this league is for fun.  The mission of South Florida Club Sport is to promote competition and athleticism through sportsmanship and fair play. Our leagues/events should be played with good sportsmanship. Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to maintain good sportsmanship up to and after the final whistle.  No arguing will be tolerated. Whether it be with the umpire, the opposing team, or your own teammates, it’s unacceptable. We realize our umpires/referees/officials will make a bad call from time-to-time (bad calls happen at the highest levels, they are certainly going to happen in an adult social league).  Rest assured they are trying their absolute best to make the correct calls.   If you can’t win or lose with grace, keep it to yourself.

NO ALCOHOL ON THE FIELDS OR IN THE DUGOUT. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE CITY RULES REGARDING THE SPECIFIC FIELD YOU ARE PLAYING ON!!

SOCCER RULES

In all leagues we want to stress the importance of safety and fair play. It is far more important that play be safe than the team wins. We will instruct referees to make a call that enforces safety even if it costs a goal or penalizes the offended team by stopping play. Advantage should be used judiciously by the referee for the more experienced players. Red cards for fouls/abusive language (even aimed at own team members), taunting, and serious foul play will be used. Red card offenses will be filed in writing and may be enforced by a possible disqualification for one or more subsequent game.

1. KEY POINTS

• TWO 25-MINUTE HALVES (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)

1. Central Broward 7v7 Leagues are 20 Min halves as stated on league page

• TIES DURING REGULAR SEASON STAY AS A TIE
• PLAYOFF TIES DECIDED BY OVERTIME & SUDDEN DEATH SHOOTOUT
• GOALKEEPERS MAY NOT DIRECTLY CATCH A THROW-IN or KICK-IN FROM THEIR OWN TEAM…  
• GOALKEEPERS MAY NOT PUNT OR DROP KICK THE BALL… Keepers must throw the ball or play it to the ground.
• THE BALL will be regulation #5, properly inflated, without loose flaps/panels. The league does NOT provide balls.

2. PLAYER RULES, PICKUPS, ELIGIBILITY, AND TEAM SIZE

                   If the online team roster only has a captain, the team is not eligible for playoffs.

Team rosters must include at least 7 players prior to their first regular season game. If a player is not signed in on the roster before the 5th regular season game, then they are not eligible for the playoffs.

• Minimum players to start are listed above. Anything less is up to the opposing captain and/or staff member as to what will be allowable. There is no maximum limit to the amount of females which can be on the field.
• Teams may pick-up up to one player at no penalty in order to field a minimum team number. Any pickups in addition to this will result in a 1 goal penalty per player if brought to the officials attention BEFORE I the game, HOWEVER AT NO TIME CAN A TEAM PICK UP PLAYERS OF A CERTAIN SEX TO ALLOW FOR SUBS IN THAT SEX. If a team has the correct number of players to play in either sex, no pickups are allowed. If an existing pickup player is found to be used DURING the game, a 2 goal penalty will be assessed. If more players from your team show up to allow subs in that sex, the pickup player must be removed.
• All players must be signed in on a Club Sport team for that particular day/night on a waiver form. Failure to do so, even if discovered after the fact, could result in a forfeit. A forfeit win is counted as 5-0.
• All players, including added players, must sign their team's roster/waiver BEFORE the end of their team's 5th regular season game in order to be eligible to play in the tournament. If a player is not signed in on the roster by then, they are not eligible for the tournament. Playing with ineligible players may result in a forfeit. This call will be made by SFCS staff.  It is the responsibility of the team captains to make sure all players in their line-up are eligible players for all games.
• No players may be added after week 5 of the regular season.
• Roster Checks:  Players have the right to ask for a roster check of the opposing team after the start of the game and before the end of the game.  These requests must be made with the coordinator during game play, and if it is found that the opposing team is playing with an “illegal player”  (i.e. not on that team’s roster or not signed) then staff reserves the right to remove the player and/or forfeit the game.  Club Sport staff decisions are final and roster checks may not be made by players once the game has finished.
• Players may only be on 1 team roster per league.  
• COIN FLIP/BEGINNING OF GAME
• The team that wins the coin toss at the start of the game will have first choice to kick-off or choose a goal to defend.

3. KICKOFF

• Consists of the ball being placed at midfield.  At the start of the game the ball does not have to travel forward.

4. TIME

• Play will be divided into (2)  25-minute halves separated by a brief halftime.  There will be a running clock maintained by a referee. The clock will stop only during prolonged injury time-outs. Any delay tactics, (kicking the ball out of bounds on purpose) will allow the referee (at his/her discretion) to stop the clock. If for any reason the game should be cancelled with more than half of the game played (i.e. 2nd half has started), the game and the score is considered final. If half or less of the game is played, the entire game will replayed from the beginning. In certain instances the official has the power to shorten game times should games be running behind.
• Games on Monday & Tuesday Nights for 7v7 at Central Broward Regional Park in Ft. Lauderdale will be (2) 20 minute halves.  

STOPPAGE GAME TIMES:

Being in South Florida, we do happen to experience our fair share of weather issues.  Game stoppage could be for any reason that prevents us from finishing a game (weather, lightning, lights malfunction, running out of time on the field, park error, injury….etc).  Games that are in progress will be considered a legal game and score based on the following rules:

• Soccer - A legal game will be scored if time reaches past 5 minutes in the 2nd half of the game.  Prior to that - the match will restart from 0-0 with full time.

5. THE GAME/SCORING

• Regular season games ending in a tie score will be recorded as tie games.  During playoffs, a game tied after regulation will go into overtime.  Overtime will consist of (2) 5-minute sudden death periods.  If neither team scores after the overtime periods, teams will go into a shootout.
• The maximum goal differential for a single game will be capped at +5.
• A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line (within the posts and cross bar).
• A male goal is worth one (1) point. A female goal is worth two (2) points. A female goal is scored as a direct result of a female kick or header. Deflections off of a female are worth one (1) point
• An “own goal” by a female is worth one point.

6. SHOOTOUT SPECIFICS (playoffs only)

• Each team selects 5 players (coed: 3 males, 2 females) - players don’t have to have been playing at the end of regulation.  A coin toss will decide which team shoots first.  The referee will decide which goal to shoot at.  Shots will be placed and not dribbled. All goals in a shootout are worth 1 point.
• Teams will alternate taking direct penalty shots from the spot. (No guy/ girl shooting order is necessary)
• The 2nd round is SUDDEN DEATH i.e. 1st player from Team A scores & 1st player from Team B misses - Team A wins. In the sudden death teams will alternate guy/girl first using every eligible player once before repeating any players.

7. SLIDE TACKLING

• There IS NO slide tackling in MEN's, WOMEN's or COED.  SFCS defines a slide as going down with one or both legs to the ground to get the ball - it does not have to be a slide “tackle” and the ball does not have to be in possession of an opponent.  Sliding to save a ball that is about to go out of bounds or shoot is allowed, but only when another player is not (in the eyes of the referee) in “harm's way” of the slide. If a slide is near a player, intentional or not, a foul will be called. Goalies must lead with the hands or body when going for the ball near another player. If the referee calls you for a slide "tackle" and issues a yellow card you may receive a 2 minute yellow card.

8. SUBSTITUTIONS

• Substitutions may occur at ANY TIME but announced to the referee.  The referee will determine the appropriate entry point. There are no substitutions for ejected players.

9. FREE KICKS

• Any SFCS soccer leagues played on Full Size (24'x8') goals will have both direct kicks and indirect kicks. This is usually for the 8v8 and "Full Field 11v11" leagues. All leagues on small size goals (i.e. 12'x6' goals) will ONLY HAVE NO DIRECT FREE KICKS unless it's a penalty kick (Kickins, corner kicks, and kickoffs are indirect on 12’x6’ goals).

1. DIRECT KICKS (for games on full size goals only)
2. The ball is to be placed at the point of the infraction and to be put in play by any player on the affected team.  No opposing player is allowed to be within 8 paces of ball prior to kick.  Goals may be scored on direct kicks.  A direct kick is to follow these infractions:   (1) Charging  (2) Roughness (3)Handball (4) Slide-tackles.  Penalties incurred inside the goal box by the defense will result in a penalty kick 12 paces/yards out.  Penalties incurred outside but within close proximity to the goal box will be kicked from the point of infraction.  The defense must stand 8 paces/yards away from the point of infraction (where the ball is being kicked from).
3. INDIRECT KICKS (for games on small size goals all kicks are indirect)
4. Indirect kicks will occur when:  1.) the goalkeeper touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a teammate   2.) drop kicks/punts    3.) Dangerous play/kick.  The indirect kick will be taken by the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.  
5. PENALTY KICKS

1. PK's will be awarded at the referee's discretion on whether the foul stopped a goal or a scoring chance. Due to the small field sizes and possible congestion of players, the goal box may have no bearing on whether the foul warrants a penalty kick. Anyone can take the penalty kick. The goalie in goal at the time of the foul must face the kick. In leagues where female goals are worth 2 goals, penalty kicks by women are also worth 2 points (but not in a shootout).  If a woman is fouled, a woman must take the shot.  Fouls committed on men will only count as 1 goal if a woman takes the shot.  

10. GOAL KICKS

• GOAL KICKS are taken from within the penalty area and must leave the area before being touched by another player. The opposing players do not have to give any room off the ball as long as they are outside of the box - it is up to the goalie to back the ball off any required distance.

11. OFFSIDES

• There are no offsides rules in this competition…

12. OUT OF BOUNDS

• Anytime the ball goes over either sideline it is out of bounds. Games on full size goals will have throw-in's. Games on small size goals will have kick-in's. Re-starts should be from the field of play within 1 yard of the point where the ball left the field.
• There should be a five yard buffer from where the ball is to the opposing team on a kick in.
• On small size goals, If the ball never comes into play, it is a kick from the same spot going the opposite direction.

13. FIFA

• Normal rules and penalties of FIFA apply unless exceptions have been made herein.

14. EQUIPMENT

• EQUIPMENT shall consist of league issued Club Sport shirts. Any deviation from the league supplied shirts must be made in a manner that all shirts remain similar, be the color assigned to the team, and distinctly different than those of other teams. All players MUST wear commercially purchased shin guards. No sharp or metal cleats are allowed. No exposed hard braces or hard casts are allowed. All upper extremity braces & casts must be padded or covered to use on the field. Any knee/casts that may be an issue can be banned per the coordinator's judgment. No jewelry will be allowed (wedding bands and stud earrings are ok).

1. Shin guards are mandatory, not optional for your safety. Every player caught on the pitch without shin guards will give up 1 goal to the opposing team. (New rule for all leagues starting 4/3/23)

15. REFEREES

• Referees enforce the rules and maintain safety. They will have the last word along with the league coordinator. Excessive arguing will result in a yellow card being issued. Cursing at or disparaging the official can result in a red card.

16. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

• Club Sport issues yellow cards as a warning and "cooling" off for players. If a yellow card is issued, the player (even the keeper) is sent off and cannot return for 2 minutes.  The team must play a man down, no matter if a goal is scored during the 2 minutes.
• Should a player off the field receive a yellow, the team must play down a player for 2 minutes.
•  If the referee deems a player's repeated misconduct to warrant a red card, it will be issued. If a red card is issued the team has to play a man down for the remainder of the game (in coed the team must play down a player of the same gender that was red carded).
• Any player receiving a red card must immediately leave the field.  Depending on the circumstances involving the red card (including actions after the card is issued) the player may be asked to leave the facility.  Refusal to leave the facility may result in the game being ended and/or forfeited, regardless of time remaining.
• Players receiving straight red cards for any action deemed aggressive, violent, or racist, or red cards issued for cursing, dissent, or physical or verbal threats of violence will receive a minimum one game suspension.  Depending on the severity of the foul and the player’s history (e.g., prior red cards, other issues) a suspension longer than one game may be issued.
• If a player receives a suspension, they are ineligible to play the entire match day.  This includes any doubleheaders or picking up for other teams.
• Excessive red cards or dangerous play may result in expulsion from the league.
• Soft red cards (i.e., a “double yellow”) and straight red cards not encompassed above will be reviewed by SFCS staff and a suspension may be given.
• Should a player off the field receive a red card, the team will still have to play down a player of that sex for the remainder of the game.
• Any player or fan is encouraged to root for their own team but rooting against teams or use of disparaging language is discouraged and could result in penalties towards teams or dismissal of fans.
• Any fans of teams may be asked to leave by Club Sport staff. Refusal to leave could result in forfeiture of games.  
• Any fan or spectator entering the field of play for means of intimidation or ANY reason deemed malicious by Club Sport will be banned from the park and the team will immediately forfeit a game.  Defending a player, wife, boyfriend, son, brother, sister…..etc will not matter.  

17. ADDING TO YOUR TEAM

• If you have NOT paid the team price, Club Sport has the right to add to your team until you reach the advertised maximum number of players. If you wish to have less you may buy extra roster spots. If you wish to have more you may as long as free agents have not been added to your team. If you have made a team payment, you can have up to 20 players (11v11), 14 players (8v8 and 7v7), or 10 players (6v6) on your team roster. Any additions above this number must pay $10 BEFORE playing or the team may forfeit their game.  Teams registering individually will pay a pro-rated amount depending on when the player signs on. Players that have already signed the roster may not be replaced: once they have signed, they are locked into that roster spot for the entire season.  Any team that has registered as individuals must get permission from SFCS office staff to add more than the roster maximum.

18. REFUNDS

• SFCS is not responsible for any refunds at any time during the season
• If a party cannot continue the season, is the responsibility of that party to replace themselves on the roster if they so choose. They must also notify the SFCS office of the change.

19. LEAGUE/PLAYOFFS

• All teams make a single elimination playoff with seeding based on regular season standings. (If a team plays an 8th game to ensure another team has 7 games, that game will count in the standings for both teams)
• Tournament seeding is based on the following criteria:

1) most total points (with 3 for win and 1 for tie), (Rest of criteria is based on teams Tied in points)

2) head-to-head play

3) highest goal differential (The maximum goal differential for a single game will be capped at +5)  

4) most goals scored

5) fewest goals allowed

6) coin toss.

If you are having difficulty interpreting the rules, please ASK!

If a rule is not stated above, please refer to FIFA Soccer Rules.