Soccer Regulations
Eligibility
The Intramural sport convener may modify these rules at their discretion. The Intramural sport convener and officials have the discretion to rule on any matter not covered by these rules.
Click here for Intramurals eligibility rules.
Number of Players
• Games are played with 10 players and a goaltender or 11 players and no goaltender. Maximum roster size = 21 (including goalie[s], with a minimum of 4 of each gender for coed leagues).
- For 7 vs. 7, games are played with 6 players and a goaltender or 7 players and no goaltender. Maximum roster size = 17 (including goalie[s], with a minimum of 2 of each gender for coed leagues).
• Minimum of 7 players must be present 10 minutes after game time or game will be defaulted to opposition.
- For 7 vs. 7, minimum of 5 players must be present 10 minutes after game time or game will be defaulted to opposition.
• If at any time during the contest a team has less than 7 players available (due to injury or suspension) the team will forfeit.
- For 7 vs. 7, if at any time during the contest a team has less than 5 players available (due to injury or suspension) the team will forfeit.
COED RULES
• Teams must have 11 players to have a full complement including a minimum of 4 of each gender (maximum of 7 players of either gender [M or F] can be on the field at any given time). If a team is missing a player of one gender they cannot replace them for a player of a different gender. For example, if a team is down one female, the male/female ratio is now 7:3. The team is not allowed to replace the missing female player with a male player, and the team would play short one person. Teams must have a minimum of 3 of each gender to play in this scenario.
-For 7 vs. 7, teams must have 7 players to have a full complement including a minimum of 2 of each gender (maximum of 5 players of either gender [M or F] can be on the field at any given time). If a team is missing a player of one gender they cannot replace them for a player of a different gender. For example, if a team is down one female, the male:female ratio is now 5:1. The team is not allowed to replace the missing female player with a male player, and the team would play short one person. Teams must have a minimum of 1 of each gender to play in this scenario.
• In shoot-outs, shooters must be of alternating genders throughout all rounds of the shoot-out.
The Game
In general, our rules are governed by FIFA. Please see our house rules below for exceptions.
I. Matches consist of two 20 minute halves (as long as time permits) with a running clock with no overtime during the regular season.
II. Substitutions may only occur after goals, goal kicks and during throw-ins. Teams can substitute on the opposing team’s throw-in. All substitutions must have the permission of the official. However, permission to proceed with a substitution may be refused under certain circumstances. Teams who substitute excessively may be denied a substitution at the discretion of the official. Players who substitute without the official’s permission may be shown a yellow card at the official’s discretion.
III.Sliding is strictly prohibited. Any offenses will result in a yellow card or, at the discretion of the game official, a red card. Red cards will be handed out if the slide is considered dangerous or contacts a player.
IV. Bicycle kicks are strictly prohibited. Any offenses will result in a yellow card or, at the discretion of the game official, a red card. Red cards will be handed out if the bicycle kick is considered dangerous or contacts a player.
V. Goalkeepers may slide in an attempt to play the ball. The slide may not be an attempt to tackle the opposing player or considered dangerous by the official.
VI. Swearing or use of derogatory comments at an official or another player will not be tolerated. All offenses will result in a red card.
VII. Players who receive three yellow cards in three different matches during one season (regular season and playoffs included) will be automatically suspended for their team’s following match (this can include the finals, if the third yellow card was received in a semifinal match).
B. EQUIPMENT & UNIFORMS
• Proper shin guards are mandatory (i.e. players with cardboard or socks tucked into other socks will not be permitted to play under any circumstances). Mouth guards are strongly recommended. Players that attempt to play without shin pads can be given a red card at the official’s discretion. Any player caught playing without shin guards will be asked to leave the field of play immediately and cannot return until shin pads are adorned.
• Soccer cleats (plastic/rubber) are strongly recommended. Athletic footwear with a flat sole is also acceptable. Metal cleats, screw-in studs and any other similar footwear is considered illegal. Any player found wearing illegal equipment will be asked to leave the game and not permitted to continue until the illegal equipment is removed.
• It is important that all players bring both a white and dark shirt with them to all games. Generally the Home Team will be expected to wear white and the Away Team will be expected to wear dark. Any team that has a set of matching jerseys will be given priority to wear them regardless of whether they are the Home Team or Away Team. It is the captain’s responsibility to notify the Coordinator that they are wearing jerseys and their color. If two opposing teams have jerseys of a similar color then it is the home team that will be given preference and the away team will be expected to change. No red shirts may be worn. Goalkeepers must wear a different colour then either team.
C. OVERTIME PROCEDURES
• In all regular season games, there will be no overtime. Games finishing in a tie will be recorded as such in the standings.
• In all playoff games, if two teams are tied at the end of regulation time, each team will designate five (5) players to take part in a shoot-out. Only players on the field at the end of regulation time shall participate in kicks from the mark. Any player on the field at the end of regulation time can play goalkeeper. A coin toss will decide which order the teams will shoot in. Teams will alternate shots. If the score is still tied after 5 shooters, the shoot-out will move to a sudden-victory format. Players may not repeat shooting until all players have shot once.
D. PLAYOFFS
• Playoff formats will be determined by the Intramural sport convener.
Sportsmanship
Weather & Playing Field Conditions
• Field conditions will be monitored by Intramural staff who may suspend games at any time if they believe the field is unplayable.
• When in doubt, players should expect the game to be played and arrive at the field on time. If games get/are to be cancelled the sport convener will send out a message to those affected as soon as the decision to cancel has been made.
Game Reschedules
II. Team Requests for a Reschedule - Unfortunately, once our schedules are released online we only make changes due to facility closure, etc.
III. If you need to reschedule a game, email your opponent to gain their permission to a possible rescheduling. Only if the opponent agrees to a change of game time can you email your Intramural sport convener at least 48 hours prior to the game with your request (and proof of opponent’s agreement). Requests will be accommodated when possible, but are not guaranteed. If you wish to swap game times with another game in your division, you must contact the captains of all teams involved in the game swap. The swap can only occur if all parties agree. This must be completed at least 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled game. Proof of all agreements must be sent to the Sport Convener before the game time swap can be executed.
IV. Forfeit the game: If you give at least 48 hours’ notice to your sport specific convener that your team won't be playing and that the game is a ‘forfeit’. You will lose the game, but not your Performance Bond.