Soccer Rules

Code of Conduct

• All players must follow the Carleton University Intramural & Adult League Player Code of Conduct.
• Sportsmanship and respect are mandatory.
• Taunting, dangerous aggression, or intentional infractions are not tolerated.
• Fighting or deliberate injury results in immediate removal from the league (zero-tolerance policy).

Spirit of the Game

• Emphasizes sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect.
• Prohibits taunting, aggression, intimidation, and “win-at-all-costs” behavior.

General Information

• Divisions limited to 4 teams due to COVID-19.
• No inter-divisional play.
• Players must play for only one team and league.
• All participants must sign waivers and be registered.
• Eligibility: Carleton students, alumni, faculty, staff, and gym members.
• Players must check in and participate in a minimum number of games to qualify for playoffs.

Game Supervision

• One league official per game.
• Officials manage sign-ins, eligibility, and officiating.
• Respect for officials is mandatory; misconduct leads to ejection.

Equipment

• No hard casts or jewelry allowed.
• Shin guards are mandatory.
• Standard soccer nets and balls used.
• Cleats allowed; metal spikes prohibited.

Rules

1. Players

• 7 vs 7 format (6 outfield + 1 goalkeeper).
• Coed teams must maintain a 4:3 or 5:2 gender ratio.
• Minimum 5 players to start a match.
• 10-minute grace period before forfeit (3-0 loss).
• All players must wear numbered shirts of the same color.

2. Time

• Two 25-minute halves with a 3-minute halftime.
• No overtime during regular season.

3. Boundaries

• Played on a half-sized field.

4. Kick-in

• No throw-ins; replaced by kick-ins.
• Ball must be stationary; goals cannot be scored directly from kick-ins.

5. Substitutions

• Allowed on the fly; goalkeeper substitutions require referee notification.

6. Slide Tackles

• Not permitted; may result in yellow or red card.

7. Penalty Kicks

• Taken from the center edge of the goal area.
• Only 2-step run-up allowed.

8. Goalkeepers

• Must wear distinguishable shirts.
• Can use hands only inside penalty area.
• Cannot handle ball passed by teammate’s feet.
• Trick plays to bypass this rule result in indirect free kick and possible misconduct.

9. Fouls, Violations & Misconduct

• Yellow Card (Cautionable Offenses):
  • Delaying play, dissent, unauthorized field entry, disrespecting restart distances, persistent fouling, unsporting behavior, excessive celebration, etc.
• Red Card (Dismissal Offenses):
  • Denying goal-scoring opportunity, serious foul play, spitting, violent conduct, offensive language, second yellow card.

10. Time Penalties

• Yellow Card: 2-minute penalty.
• Red Card: Ejection from game.
• Team plays short during penalty duration.

11. Offside

• No offside rule.

12. Scoring

• A goal is scored when the ball enters the net.

13. Timeouts

• One timeout per game (max 90 seconds).

League Standings & Points

• Win: 2 points
• Tie: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points
• No overtime in round robin.

Forfeits & Defaults

• Forfeit declared 10 minutes after scheduled start.
• Captains can agree to play with fewer players.
• Use Fusion IM to declare default/forfeit at least 10 hours prior.

Tie Breaks

Two Teams Tied:

1. Head-to-head
2. Most wins
3. Goal differential
4. Most goals scored
5. Fewest goals allowed
6. Coin flip

Three Teams Tied:

1. Best win percentage among tied teams
2. Most wins
3. Goal differential
4. Coin flip

Playoff Format

• Varies by league structure.
• Draws resolved by penalty kicks:
  • 3 shooters per team
  • Sudden death if still tied
  • All players must kick before repeating

Weather Conditions (Outdoor Only)

• Games played rain or shine (except lightning).
• Lightning protocol: 30-minute delay; game counts if 20 minutes played.

Cancellation Policy

• 1st Cancellation: No reschedule/refund.
• 2nd+: Rescheduled or partial credit next season.

Personal Injury

• Injuries must be reported.
• Bleeding players removed until safe to return.
• Participation is voluntary and at own risk.