Adult Soccer Rec Rules

Why written rules matter for soccer

Soccer has clear official rules — FIFA Laws of the Game — but every adult rec league modifies them. Which modifications you use need to be written down. Otherwise week one ends with an argument about slide tackles or coed requirements.

This template works for 11v11 outdoor, 7v7 outdoor, and 5v5/6v6 indoor formats. Pick the section that matches your league and customize the bracketed values.

Game format

11v11 outdoor

• Two [45-minute halves] with running clock
• Halftime: [10 minutes]
• Stoppage time: [at referee's discretion]
• Overtime in playoffs only: [two 10-minute halves, then penalty kicks]

7v7 outdoor

• Two [30-minute halves] with running clock
• Halftime: [5 minutes]
• Overtime in playoffs only: [one 10-minute period, then PKs]

Indoor / arena

• Two [22-25 minute halves] or four quarters
• Halftime: [3 minutes]
• Overtime in playoffs only: [one 5-minute golden goal period]

Roster rules

• Minimum roster size: [16 players for 11v11, 12 for 7v7, 8 for indoor]
• Maximum roster size: [22 players for 11v11, 14 for 7v7, 10 for indoor]
• Roster lock date: [end of week 3 of season]
• Minimum games played to be playoff eligible: [50% of season games]

Substitutes and pickups

• [2 emergency subs] allowed per game
• Subs cannot be rostered on another team in the same league
• No subs allowed during playoffs
• Goalkeeper substitutions can occur at stoppages with ref notification

Coed requirements

If running a coed league, standardize minimum representation:

• 11v11: [minimum 3 women on the field at all times]
• 7v7: [minimum 2 women on the field at all times]
• Indoor (5v5): [minimum 1 woman on the field at all times]

Teams failing to meet minimums must play short-handed (remove a male player). Persistent inability to meet minimums results in forfeit.

Standings and tiebreakers

Three-point system:

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

When teams are tied in points:

1. Head-to-head record
2. Goal differential (capped at +/- [5] per game)
3. Goals scored
4. Goals allowed
5. Coin flip

Playoffs

• Top [4] or [6] teams make playoffs
• Single elimination bracket
• Reseed after each round
• Championship on the final week

Playoff overtime:

• [Two 10-minute halves of full play]
• If still tied, [5 rounds of penalty kicks]
• Continue kicks sudden-death if still tied after 5

Code of conduct

• Fighting. Immediate red card and [automatic 2-game suspension]. Second offense is a season suspension.
• Red cards. Immediate ejection and [1-game suspension]. Red card accumulation [= additional suspension after 2 reds].
• Yellow cards. [3 yellows across the season = 1-game suspension]. Two yellows in one game = red card.
• Referee abuse. Verbal abuse of refs is a yellow or red depending on severity. Captains are responsible for controlling their team.
• Slide tackles. [Banned] in most rec leagues. Any slide tackle results in a [direct free kick] and a yellow card.
• Dangerous play. High kicks, dangerous challenges, and reckless play result in fouls and potentially cards.

Soccer-specific rules

• Offsides. [Enforced] in 11v11 and competitive 7v7. [Not enforced] in casual indoor or small-sided leagues.
• Goalkeeper rules. Goalkeeper can hold the ball for [6 seconds max]. Back-pass rule enforced: goalkeeper cannot handle a deliberately kicked pass from a teammate.
• Throw-ins. Both feet on the ground, ball thrown from behind and over the head.
• Goal kicks. Ball must leave the penalty area before another player touches it.
• Corner kicks. Standard.
• Free kicks. Direct (can score directly) or indirect (must touch another player first). Defensive wall must be [10 yards away] from the ball.
• Penalty kicks. Awarded for fouls inside the penalty area. Goalkeeper on the line until the ball is struck.

Indoor-specific rules

• Walls. Balls off the walls stay in play.
• Ceiling / nets. Ball out of play if it hits ceiling; restart from the spot below.
• No slide tackles. Enforced with a free kick and potential card.
• Goalie restart. Goalkeeper cannot throw or kick the ball past midfield on the fly.

Equipment

• Shin guards required, covered by socks
• Cleats: [molded cleats or turf shoes only], no metal cleats
• Indoor: flat-soled shoes or turf shoes
• No jewelry (watches, earrings, rings) — remove or cover with tape
• Goalkeepers wear a distinct jersey color

Alcohol and sideline conduct

• [No alcohol on the field or sidelines during games]
• Post-game drinks at the league bar are fine
• Coaches/captains responsible for sideline behavior

Weather policy

Outdoor games:

• Games cancel for [lightning within 6 miles] — wait [30 minutes after last strike]
• Games continue in rain unless field becomes unsafe
• Commissioner's call for cancellation by [4pm on game day]
• Makeup dates built into the season schedule

Forfeits

• A team that fails to field [7 players for 11v11, 5 for 7v7, 4 for indoor] by 10 minutes after start time forfeits
• Forfeit counts as a [3-0 loss] in standings
• [Two forfeits = ineligible for playoffs]
• No refunds for forfeited games

Rosterlytic tracks forfeits, cards, suspensions, and coed minimums automatically. Commissioners set the rules once, the system enforces them weekly.

Dispute resolution

On-field calls are final. Rule interpretation disputes can be submitted to the commissioner in writing within 24 hours of the match. Commissioner has final authority.

Amendments

These rules may be amended between seasons. Mid-season amendments require notifying all captains before enforcement.

Using this template

Copy into your league document. Customize bracketed values. Share with every captain. Require acknowledgment before season start.

A team that knows the rules plays cleaner. A league with written rules runs smoother. It's worth the hour it takes to adapt this template.