FAMILY FRIENDLY SOCCER POLICIES AND RULES

ADULTS' LEAGUE

Contents

1.0 Policies............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Outdoor Field Use .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Sportsmanship ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Coordination and Team Captains............................................................................................... 3
1.4 Self-Officiating .............................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Playing Time and Subs .................................................................................................................. 4
1.6 Weather Policy ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.6.1 Rain-Out ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.6.2 Thunder & Lightning .................................................................................................................. 4
1.6.3 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Rules ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Field Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Equipment ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Game Format ................................................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Gameplay ....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4.1 Playing Area ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.4.2 Start of Play ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.4.3 Kick Offs ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.4 Throw Ins .................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.5 Corner Kicks .............................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.6 Goal Kicks .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.7 Substitutions ............................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.8 Offside ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.9 Goalkeepers .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.4.10 Indirect Free Kicks ................................................................................................................. 7
2.4.11 Penalty Kicks ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Violations and Fouls (Minor) .................................................................................................... 7
2.5.1 Advantage Rule ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.5.2 Handball .................................................................................................................................... 7
2.5.3 Using the Body to Advance.................................................................................................... 7
2.5.4 Shoulder to Shoulder .............................................................................................................. 8
2.5.5 Too Many Players on the Field .............................................................................................. 8
2.5.6 Delay of Game .......................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Violations and Fouls (Major) .................................................................................................... 8
2.6.1 Reckless Play ............................................................................................................................. 8
2.6.2 Slide Tackling ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.6.3 Unsportsmanlike Conduct ..................................................................................................... 8
2.6.4 Threatening Behavior ............................................................................................................. 8

1.0 Policies

1.1 Outdoor Field Use

 All public by-laws apply when using a City field including: excessive noise, offensive language, littering etc.

 Alcohol consumption and smoking are prohibited on any outdoor field including the surrounding parking lots.

 Public urination on City fields will not be tolerated.

 Dogs are not permitted on any playfield (Bylaw 23M2006 – Section 15)

 Be respectful to homeowners, community residents or anyone else who is sharing the surrounding area.  Players are responsible for all property damage resulting from their actions, including damage to vehicles.

1.2 Sportsmanship

Family Friendly Soccer is a recreational league that takes a “fun first, winning second” approach. All players are expected to abide by the following sportsmanship policies:

 Controlling emotions and actions at all times.

 Treating the facility, equipment, volunteers and other players with courtesy and respect.  Avoiding retaliation under any circumstance.

 Providing feedback in a constructive manner.

1.3 Coordination and Team Captains

This league is run by volunteers. It is through volunteering that keeps the league running and the fees low. Therefore, the following is expected by all players:

 First match of the night: arrive 15 minutes early to help set up the field equipment.  Last match of the night: help take down and pack up the field equipment.

 Start the game on time. Teams must set up a timer (e.g. using a phone) for the match. Time will be run time (runs continuously for 30 minutes). After the time elapses, players will yell out “TIME” and play will end immediately. Likewise, the same format will take place for the second half of the match after a 5- minute half-time break.

 Someone from each team to report the score of their game to the FFS coordinators by emailing adultsffs@gmail.com.

 The FFS coordinators will help out with the equipment where we can; however, the schedule has been set up that one of the teams playing the second game of the night will be playing the first game of the night on the next scheduled game day. Therefore, this team will need to organize amongst themselves to bring the equipment home and bring it to the next game.

All teams will select a team captain. While the above responsibilities will fall to all players, the team captain will ensure that the above responsibilities are completed.

1.4 Self-Officiating

 There are no refs or lines people. Games will be self-officiated by the players.

 Players are expected to call violations and fouls committed by themselves or their team.  Players will use their best judgement when determining if the ball went out of bounds.  In the event of a dispute and teams cannot agree on a call, a free throw-in will be given to the defending team.

▪ Reminder: this is a fun first league run by volunteers with individuals of all ages and skill levels and no prize at the end. Please do not argue and resume play as quicky as possible.

1.5 Playing Time and Subs

 Playing time will be equal playing time.

 Any sub must be 18 years or older. Subs must be of similar skill value to the person they are replacing and must sign the FFS waiver before playing any games.

 Subs cannot be players from other FFS teams.

 No subs are allowed during playoffs.

 If a player wishes to play on a team, but has missed registration, they must seek permission from the league organizers first.

1.6 Weather Policy

 Due to the short season and limited number of rain-out make-up weeks available, all games should be played when possible.

 Due to the nature of Alberta weather and outdoor sports, players should expect that some games may be played in less than ideal conditions (rain, lower temperatures, etc.).

 Rescheduled games will occur only if there is another day available; otherwise, it may be cancelled.  Games will be cancelled or rescheduled when weather is extremely poor and/or player safety could be compromised.

 The weather in Alberta can change quickly and can vary drastically in different areas of the City at any given time. Players are never forced to compromise their safety. Even if games are scheduled to play or continuing on, players should use their best judgement when at the field if the conditions have deteriorated.

1.6.1 Rain-Out

 If the City of Edmonton field status shows a field as closed, games will be rescheduled. Please check the City of Edmonton website for field closures prior to games.

1.6.2 Thunder & Lightning

 If you hear thunder (or see lightning), captains should make a decision to pause / delay the game and move off of the field to a safe location (vehicles).

 Players need to wait 20-minutes to allow the storm a chance to pass before calling the game off.  If conditions become playable again within 20-minutes, the game should be resumed and played within the original booking time or rescheduled.

1.6.3 Air Quality

 Games will be cancelled or rescheduled anytime the Air Quality Health Index is at or above the rating of 10 at the time the weather call / update is made. At this level, the Government of Canada encourages the general population to “reduce or re-schedule strenuous activities outdoors.”

 The League understands that some players are more at-risk than others due to poor air quality and encourages any player in the at-risk population to not attend a game where the index is at 7 or above.

2.0 Rules

2.1 Field Requirements

 11 players on the field on each side (10 out plus 1 goalie)

 Minimum of 7 players (6 out plus 1 goalie) to avoid default. In the case of a default, it is encouraged the two teams mix up the players to even the player count and scrimmage. Default score will be 0 – 7.  Minimum of 2 females per team on the field at all times. If a team cannot meet this requirement, the team will play with one less player on the field for every female they are short (e.g. if a team can only have 1 female on the field, they can only play with 10 players (9 out plus a goalie). Similarly, if no females can be on the field, they can only play with 9 players (8 out plus a goalie).

2.2 Equipment

 Cleats are permitted, as long as they do not have metal spikes.

 Shin guards are not required but strongly encouraged. Shin guards must be fully covered by socks.

2.3 Game Format

 Players should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled game.

 Teams will play one 60-minute game per night:

▪ 2 x 30-minute halves

▪ 5-minute half-time

▪ Time will be run-time (runs continuously for 30 minutes) for each half. After the time elapses, play will end immediately.

 Ties

▪ Ties are allowed in regular season games.

▪ Ties are not allowed in playoffs. If there is a tie, the game proceeds immediately to a 10-minute overtime. If the score is still tied after 10 minutes, there will be a shootout.

 Shootout: 5 players from each team will shoot, at least 1 of which must be female. If the score is still tied after 5 shooters, teams will alternate shooters until the tie is broken (sudden death, per pair of shooters). A player can only shoot a second time once all other players have shot once.

 In the event of poor weather or light visibility, the game may advance straight to a shootout. This will be the judgement call of the two team captains.

2.4 Gameplay

2.4.1 Playing Area

 Matches are played on outdoor soccer fields. In the case of faded or missing lines, teams are to use their best judgement to determine the boundaries.

 The ball is out of bounds anytime it fully crosses the side or end lines.

 Goal Crease:

▪ A player can pass, shoot or dribble the ball while in the crease.

▪ Goals can be scored in the crease.

▪ A player can remain stationary while in the crease but cannot interfere with the goaltender.

2.4.2 Start of Play

 Captains will determine any suitable means to determine who starts the first half with the ball, or pick a side (coin flip, rock paper scissors etc).

 The team that does not kick-off to start the game will kick-off to start the second half.  Teams will switch sides after the second half.

2.4.3 Kick Offs

 Are used at the beginning of each half and to restart the play following a goal.

 All opposing players must be a minimum of 15 feet from the ball until it has been put into play.  The ball does not need to travel forward.

 The ball may not be touched by the kicker again until another player has contacted the ball.  A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off.

2.4.4 Throw Ins

 Throw-ins are used to restart play after the ball goes out of bounds.

 Defenders must be at least 5 feet from the ball.

 The thrower must have both feet on the ground and both hands behind the head when throwing in.  The ball may not be touched again by the thrower until another player has contacted the ball.  A ball cannot be directly scored from a throw in.

2.4.5 Corner Kicks

 Are awarded to the offensive team when the ball crosses the defensive end line (last touched by the defender).

 Are awarded to the opposing team after a goalkeeper violation (excluding handballs).  Defenders must be at least 10 yards from the ball.

 The ball may not be touched by the kicker again until another player has contacted the ball.  A goal can be scored from a corner kick.

2.4.6 Goal Kicks

 Are awarded to the defending team when the ball crosses the defensive end line (last touched by an attacking player).

 Any player on the team is permitted to take the goal-kick.

 The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

 Opposing players must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

2.4.7 Substitutions

 Substitutions can be made on the fly or during stoppages in play.

▪ Subbing on the fly: The sub cannot enter the field until the player reaches their team “bench.” Subbing must not interfere with the play or cause an advantage (don’t sub if the ball is near the bench).

▪ Subbing during stoppage in play: The player must leave the field before the sub can enter the field.  A goalie substitution can only be made during a stoppage in play.

 Pulling the goalie for an extra attacker is not permitted.

2.4.8 Offside

 For the purpose of offside, the opposing goalkeeper is considered a defender.

 Offside occurs when an offensive player is:

▪ An active part of the play and behind the second last defender.

 An offensive player is not offside when:

▪ They are not an active part of the play.

▪ Standing on their own half of the field.

▪ Receiving the ball from a goal-kick, corner-kick or throw-in.

2.4.9 Goalkeepers

 Can only use their hands to play the ball while inside the crease area.

 Must put the ball into play within 5 seconds of gaining possession of the ball.

 May throw, kick or drop-kick the ball from their crease back into play.

▪ Cannot pickup a pass (with their hands) from a player on their team except if the ball was touched involuntarily or the pass from the teammate was intentional and was from a part of their body other than their foot or leg. Otherwise it is considered a handball and the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick from the point of offense, unless this was within the six-yard goal area. If the offence took place this close to the goal line, the free kick is instead taken from the point on the six yard line closest to the point of the offence.

2.4.10 Indirect Free Kicks

 Refer to the Goalkeepers section for when an indirect kick is awarded when a goalie illegally picks up a pass from a teammate.

 All indirect free kicks must be taken from the point where the foul occurred.

 Defenders must be a minimum of 10 yards between the ball.

▪ If there is less than 10 yards between the ball and the goal, defenders may stand on the goal line.  The ball must touch at least one other teammate before it can count as a goal.

2.4.11 Penalty Kicks

 A penalty kick is awarded anytime a foul is committed within the goal crease and is taken from the penalty-mark.

▪ The kicker is only allowed to stand back a maximum of 5 feet from the ball before kicking. ▪ All other players must stand at least 10 feet from the penalty mark.

 The goalkeeper must remain stationary on the goal line until contact has been made with the ball.  The ball is live off the penalty kick. The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player.

2.5 Violations and Fouls (Minor)

Violations and fouls are intentional or unintentional rule infractions. Players are expected to call violations and fouls committed by themselves or their team.

2.5.1 Advantage Rule

 The advantage rule allows play to continue when the team fouled against was not adversely affected or put at a disadvantage by the play.

 The advantage rule is called by the team that is fouled and they will yell ‘play on’.

2.5.2 Handball

 When a player deliberately handles the ball or gains a favorable outcome because of the handball.  Includes any part of the arm from the top of the shoulders to the fingertips.

2.5.3 Using the Body to Advance

 Advancing in any direction backside-first in an attempt to shield defenders from the ball.  Players are allowed to shield the ball temporarily if moving with the ball in the direction that they are facing.

 Stationary players are only allowed to shield the ball.

2.5.4 Shoulder to Shoulder

 Players cannot challenge opponents with their shoulder.

2.5.5 Too Many Players on the Field

 When a player enters the field to their advantage before the replacement reaches the team bench.

2.5.6 Delay of Game

 When a player or team intentionally shoots the ball out of bounds (unless there is an injury) or impedes the play from restarting to purposefully delay the game.

2.6 Violations and Fouls (Major)

2.6.1 Reckless Play

 Body contact, tripping, holding, high kicks.

2.6.2 Slide Tackling

 No player (goalie included) can slide feet first at the ball or another player.

2.6.3 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

 This includes but is not limited to: swearing, throwing equipment, diving, trash talking, etc.

2.6.4 Threatening Behavior

 Verbal abuse, physical threats, fighting, instigating, retaliation and intent to injure will not be tolerated and can result in the offending player being removed from the league.