Open Division 8v8 General Rules

Please do your best to remember:
At the end of the day, we are playing for fun, whether it’s the first match of the season, or the finals.

• IDs are required for check-ins EVERY GAME. This is a temporary protocol to make sure teams are accurate.

• All players must have properly paid and registered to play on the field. Late additions require staff approval.

• Fighting will not be tolerated. Captains, please do your best to de-escalate. Problem players will be banned.

• No smoking or vaping at the field.

• No consuming alcohol at the field.

• No pets at the field.

• Please minimize swearing/outbursts to uphold a fun, family-friendly, community atmosphere for the league.

• Players must be 18 years old.

• All players must wear shin guards, otherwise the game will be paused or the player dismissed from the field.

• 28 minute halves with 2 minute half time. There will be no stoppage time. Ref may make up time by shaving half time.

NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, game time starts ON TIME. Only 4 players must be present to begin.
After 10 minutes, the game is subject to a forfeit, and a scrimmage can be played.

• No Slide Tackles. If a player makes a Slide Tackle, the other team is awarded a DIRECT Free Kick and a Yellow Card is given to the player in question.

• Slide Tackles in the box would award a PK.

• Sliding to save a goal or out-of-bounds is acceptable as long as there is no contact or near contact with another player.

NOTE: Goalkeepers inside their penalty area are allowed to slide.

• Field Monitors are considered the extra official and serve to monitor the quality of the league play.

  • Both Referee and Field Monitor will make reports and note severe incidents that may require review.

  • Players and Captains can make their concerns known by emailing: info@flsports.com

• All referees are to be treated with dignity and their calls respected during gameplay.

  • Refrain from making derogatory comments about both the referee and Field Monitors.

  • Do not make physical contact with the officials (touch, poke, push, etc).

NOTE: If a referee misses a foul or makes a bad call, the Field Monitor cannot overturn the call.

• No offsides will be enforced.

• When the ball goes out on the sideline, play is reset with a throw-in (a bad throw results in a turnover).

• Substitutions are unlimited and made on-the-fly, but players must enter at the centerline.

NOTE: Do not sub with the intent to intercept a counter attack!

• Goalkeepers may not punt or drop-kick the ball, but may set it on the ground to kick away.

• A punting infraction awards an Indirect Free Kick to the opposing team from the halfway line.

• On Free Kicks, opposing players must be 8 yards from the ball. PKs are taken 8 yards from the goal line.

• Kicks are ruled Direct or Indirect per FIFA 1v1 rules.

• A player receiving a Yellow Card must step off until the next stoppage of play. Red Card rules are per FIFA.