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K-W Co-ed Soccer > Rules

Play the world's most popular sport in your own neighbourhood. Our 6-on-6 game outdoors and 5-on-5 game indoors, which includes goalie, is great way to get out, get running and work on your team skills. The following is a list of our rules. See "Quick Rules" for an abbreviated version but for a full, detailed explanation please see our "Extended Rules".

SPIRIT OF THE GAME - Paramount in all teamplay.ca sports.
It is the responsibility of every player to play fair and make their own calls - there are no referees. ONLY players on the field involved in the play can make calls -- NOT players on the sideline. Implicit in all teamplay.ca sports leagues is the assumption that no one will cheat to gain an unfair advantage no matter how competitive the game becomes. Players/teams can and will be ejected from the game/league, without refund, for not adhering to teamplay.ca's "Fair Play Rule" (see below).

Rule contents link:

• QUCK RULES
  
• EXTENDED RULES
• INDOOR RULE EXCEPTIONS
• GENERAL teamplay.ca RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES

QUICK RULES for K-W Co-ed Soccer:

• GAME LENGTHS: Teams play 1 x 55 minute games every week.
• MINIMUM PLAYERS:
  • 6-vs-6 Leagues (min 2 males and 2 females on field at all times).
    • 6 players on the field per team (including goalie) at all times.
    • Minimum 2 females on the field at all times -- does not include goalie.
  • 11-vs-11 Leagues (max 7 male players on field at all times).
    • 11 players on the field per team (including goalie) at all times.
    • Minimum 4 females on the field at all times -- does not include goalie.
• ROCK-PAPER-SCISSORS will decide who has possession of the ball first.
• SCORING:
  • Each goal is worth 1 point.
  • After a point, possession switches and the team that was scored on will then kick-off.
• FOULS: (any INTENTIONAL, UNINTENTIONAL OR INCIDENTAL contact or rough play):
  • The foul must be called immediately by the player fouled or the person who made the foul. ONLY players on the field involved in the play can call fouls -- NOT players on the sideline.
  • Slide tackles are illegal and will be penalized appropriately (official's discretion). Goalies are allowed to slide feet first, but only to play the ball.
• PLAYING THE BALL:
  • Heading the ball is allowed.
  • Players are allowed to pass and shoot while in the crease. A goal can be scored from within the crease. Players are allowed to remain in the crease without the ball.
• SUBSTITUTIONS:
  • Player substitutions are allowed during any stoppage of play (ie. throw-ins, goal scored or goalkicks).
• TIMEOUTS:
  • Each team gets one, 1 minute timeout per game which can't be called within the last 10 minutes.
• OFFICIAL'S POWERS:
  • When a Teamplay.ca official is present; he/she is responsible for control of the game and his/her decisions regarding facts connected with play and calls are final. Referees enforce Teamplay.ca rules and maintain safety and fair play for all. They will have the last word.

EXTENDED RULES for K-W Co-ed Soccer:

1. GAME LENGTH, TIMEOUTS AND SUBS, HALFTIME & INJURIES

• GAME LENGTH:
  • Teams play 1 x 55 minute game every week.
  • Game clock runs continuous from the starting whistle to ending whistle.
• TIMEOUTS:
  • Each team has one 60 second timeout per game but it cannot be called with 10 minutes left in the game. Timeouts can only be called when play is stopped.
• HALFTIME:
  • Is not mandatory. Prior to the start of the game both team captains should discuss and agree to have or not have a halftime. The clock runs continuous for 55 minutes once the first whistle sounds to start the game, so if teams have a halftime it is taking away from the game play. Each game must call their own half time if they choose to have this in effect at an agreed upon time (typically after a play stoppage).
• SUBSTITUTIONS:
  • Player substitutions are allowed during any stoppage of play (ie. throw-ins, goal scored or goalkicks).
  • Substituting a goaltender can only occur during a stoppage in play.
    
  • Subs are permitted if there is an injury. The opposing team is also allowed to substitute the same number of player(s) that are substituted due to injury. During an injury, play stops.
  • A team may bring in subs that are not listed on the roster. They must fill out and sign a Teamplay.ca waiver prior to playing and notify the league manager via play@teamplay.ca
  • In the spirit of sportsmanship, captains are expected to replace players with a person of a similar skill level. Bringing in “ringers” for regular season games is discouraged.
• INJURIES:
  • In the event an injury occurs, game play must be suspended. Proper care and time must be given to any player who has been injured.
  • For games played at Alumni Field - in the event of a serious injury, have someone notify the front desk staff of the Athletic Complex and they can contact the appropriate Emergency Response personnel.
  • Injury time is NOT added at the end of the game; games remain 55 minutes from start to finish regardless.

2. MINIMUM PLAYERS

• Teams must field 6 players (min 2 males and 2 females on the field at all times).
• The goalie does not count towards your female minimum.
• If a team does not have 6 players and/or the minimum number of males and females at game time, the team forfeits. However, if both captains agree, the team may play shorthanded for up to 15 minutes while waiting for additional players but may not field more than 3 males or 3 females. If a forfeit occurs, teams are welcome to split up the teams and play for fun, but the score will not count.
• Captains may agree to waive the rules regarding minimum number of players but this should be specifically agreed upon before the game begins - the score in this case will count if it has been agreed upon. 

3. STARTING PLAY - THE KICK-OFF

To decide which team will have the first kick-off, team captains will do 'rock, paper, scissors'. The winner can decide whether they want to kick-off or choose the end that they would like to start on.

• After each goal, the team that was scored on will kick-off to re-start the game.
• Kick-offs may be put into play only in a forward direction and may not be touched by the kicker again until the ball has been contacted by another player.
• During any kick-off the opposing team must stay 15 feet away from the ball until it has been put into play.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off.

4. PLAYING THE BALL

• Heading the ball is allowed.
• Any player can pass, shoot or dribble the ball while in the crease. A goal may be scored from within the crease. A player from either team can remain in the crease without the ball.

5. GOALKEEPER

• Players can pass the ball to the goalkeeper from anywhere on the field, including via a throw in.
• The goalkeeper CAN leave the crease to defend his/her goal or retrieve a loose ball.
• They may not touch the ball with their hands once they have left the crease.
• Goalkeepers can leave the crease to play the ball up the field.
• Goalkeepers cannot cross the centre line at any time.
• A goalkeeper is allowed to score.
• Goalkeepers should wear a distinctive colour jersey (separate from either team's regular jersey colour) so players can easily identify them.

6. OUT OF BOUNDS & THROW-INS

Anytime the ball goes over either sideline, out of bounds, a throw- in will ensue. T

• The ball is out of play when it has crossed the end-line or side-line (whether on the ground or in the air).
• A throw-in will take place when the ball crosses the side-line by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched it.
• Throw-ins must be done by both hands, with both feet on the ground and from behind the head.
• The thrower must not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

7. CORNER-KICKS

Anytime the ball crosses an endline - a corner kick or goal kick will ensue. 

• When the ball passes over the end-line and was last touched by a member of the defending team, a member of the offensive team will take a corner-kick.
• The ball is placed within a one yard radius from the corner closest to where the ball went out of play.
• A goal may be scored from a corner kick.
• The defending team must stand at least ten yards away from the ball until it goes into play.
• When the ball is last touched by attacker; a goal kick by the defense will ensue. 

8. GOAL-KICK

• When the ball passes over the end-line and was last touched by a member of the offensive team, a member of the defensive team will take a goal-kick.
• The ball is placed approximately six yards from the end-line on the side of the goal opening which is closest to where the ball went out of play.
• The ball must be touched by a player other than the person taking the kick for it to be back in play.
• Opposing players must stand a minimum of 10 yards away from where the ball is being kicked from.
• A goalkeeper cannot receive the ball into his/her hands from a teammate’s goal-kick.

9. INDIRECT FREE-KICKS

• All free-kicks are to be indirect (except penalty kicks).
• All indirect free-kicks are to be taken from the point where a foul occurred – see below ‘Fouls’ section for an explanation. This also applies to when the goalkeeper illegally plays the ball with their hands.
• The ball must touch at least 2 players before it can be a goal (the kicker and 1 other, which could include the goalkeeper).
• All opposing players (defense) of the team taking the free-kick must be at least ten yards away from the ball, except when the ball is being kicked from a point closer than ten yards from the goal mouth - in which case the defending players may stand on their end-line.

10. PENALTY-KICK

• A penalty kick will be awarded anytime a foul (major or minor) is committed within the goal crease. It will be taken from the penalty-mark (twelve yards from the centre of the goal mouth) with all other players outside of the penalty-area and at least ten yards from the penalty mark.
• The goalkeeper must stand (without moving his/her feet) on their own end-line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked; the kick must go forward and the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player.

11. OFFSIDES

Offsides are NOT in effect in recreational play. If teams want to play offsides, captains must agree prior to the start of the game and notify their teammates.

FOR TEAMS WHO WISH TO ENFORCE OFFSIDES AND EXPLICITLY AGREE BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME, HERE IS A GUIDELINE:

The offside rule was created to prevent offensive players from "cherry picking" near the opponents' goal. Without the rule, offensive players could hover near their opponents' goal even when the play is on the other side of the field, with the hope of a long pass and an easy goal. The offside rule still allows for the chance to score.

• An offside foul occurs when an offensive player, or attacking player, is down field and there are not at least two opponents between him or her and the goal line and their team mate kicks the ball past the second last defender (including the goalie). Usually, these are the goalkeeper and one other defender, but not necessarily (if the goalkeeper is ahead of the play, then the forward will have to be in line with or behind two defenders).
• The offside should be called when the kicker has released the ball and it is obviously intended for the offside player.
• If the offensive player that the ball is being kicked towards is "onside" at the time that the ball is kicked, but then runs behind the unsuspecting defender before receiving the pass, the receiving offensive player is not offside.

A player will not be considered offside when:

• They are in an offside position and the ball is not passed forward (the player in the offside position is not part of the play).
• He/she receives the ball directly from a goal-kick, a corner-kick or a throw-in.
• He/she is in his/her own half of the field of play.
• If a player is considered offside, the opposing team will take an indirect free-kick from the place where the infraction occurred.

12. FOULS

Slide tackling is NOT allowed in any Teamplay.ca soccer league. Slide tackling includes any player, including the goalie, who leaves the ground in a feet-forward motion towards the ball or another player. Any sliding is a safety concern for yourself and your opponent and is considered reckless play.

Despite our best efforts, the following fouls may occur during a game. If they appear to be unintentional and not malicious in nature then they should result in an indirect free-kick.
These infractions include:

• Accidentally tripping an opponent.
• A minor hold of an opponent.
• Bumping or minor contact with an opponent.
• Yelling at an opponent to distract him/her.
• An unintentional handball,
• When a goalkeeper touches the ball with their hand after they have left their goal crease which has been passed or thrown to him/her from someone on their own team.
• When the goalkeeper crosses the mid-field line.

ONLY players on the field involved in the play can call fouls -- NOT players on the sideline.

13. ENFORCING FOULS

The above infractions can only be called by the person committing the foul, or by the player that was allegedly fouled.

• If the player who commits the foul calls the infraction on themselves then the play is ‘uncontested’ and there will be an indirect free-kick.
• If the player who commits the foul does not call the infraction themselves, but the player that was allegedly fouled does, then the play must be stopped.
• If the player who commits the foul agrees with their opponent then the play results in an indirect free-kick.
• If they contest the alleged call and an agreement is not quickly reached, then the player who last had the ball will do a throw-in from the nearest side line.

The following would result in a penalty kick:

• Any major penalty that occurred in the goal crease by a defensive player.
• Any handball in the crease by a defensive player, unless a goal is scored on the play.

14. TIE GAMES & OVERTIME PENALTY KICKS

A tie can occur in the regular season and will count as a tie in the standings.  A tie cannot occur in the playoff game - see below for tie-break rule in the playoffs. All teams make the playoffs, which occur the final week of the season.

There are no ties in playoffs. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, penalty kicks will be taken as follows:

• When penalty kicks are taken, the initial three (3) players will have a two (2) male maximum and after that, the shooting team must alternate males and females. If all females have shot once, they must shoot a second time.
• Three players from each team will alternate shots from the penalty-mark at one end of the field (refer to the section on penalty kicks).
• At the end of the six (6) shots if the score is still tied, then penalty-shots will continue with the remaining players on the team (a player is not allowed to take a second shot if there are players on his/her team that have not yet shot).
• As soon as one team has a higher score and both teams have taken the same number of shots, that team will be the winner.
• A penalty kick will be taken from the penalty-mark (twelve yards from the centre of the goal mouth) with all other players outside of the penalty-area and at least ten yards from the penalty mark.
• The goalkeeper must stand (without moving his/her feet) on their own end-line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked; the kick must go forward and the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time after it has been kicked.

15. SPIRIT OF THE GAME & ETIQUETTE

Ultimate has traditionally relied upon a spirit of sportsmanship, which places the responsibility for fair play on the players. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of the fun-first, winning second motto. Such actions as taunting of opposing players, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling, or other “win at all costs” behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.

If a foul is committed and not called by the opposing player, the player committing the foul should call it on themselves. If there is a dispute or confusion about the rules or a particular play on the field, it is good practice to stop play and resolve the matter.

If a novice player commits a foul out of sincere ignorance of the rules, it should be common practice to stop play and explain the foul in a friendly manner.

16. OFFICIAL'S POWERS

For leagues where an official is present; the official is responsible for control of the game and his/her decisions regarding facts connected with play and calls are final. Referees enforce Teamplay.ca rules and maintain safety and fairness for all. They will have the last word. Excessive arguing can result in a forfeit to a team after an official's decision has been made. Their main objective is to promote sportsmanship and fair play for all.

Note: the Teamplay.ca official has the power to eject from the game any player, or forfeit a team, deemed to be in conflict with Teamplay.ca rules.

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INDOOR RULES EXCEPTIONS for K-W Co-ed Soccer:

All extended rules apply except for the following rules that will take effect for indoor play:

1. MINIMUM PLAYERS

• 5-on-5 on field players (incl. goalie) with minimum 2 males and 2 females on the field at all times.

2. OFFSIDES

• Offsides are NOT in effect in indoor play.

3. OUT OF BOUNDS

• There are no throw-ins taken.
  • Out of bounds at SIDELINES will result in a kick-ins where the ball went out.
  • Out of bounds at ENDLINES will result in a corner kick or goal kick.

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GENERAL teamplay.ca RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES

1. FAIR PLAY RULE

teamplay.ca participants must consider the safety of all players in the game. Aggressive play is not permitted. We are about fair play, sportsmanship and consideration for the well-being for all players on the field. Keeping with the spirit of fair play, all games are self-refereed.

We encourage competitive play, but never at the expense of good sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game. Always be respectful and ensure that your teammates and opponents have a great time. teamplay.ca reserves the right to eject from the league, without refund, any player or team that is deemed to be verbally or physically abusive, or in any way threatens the safety, well-being, or general enjoyment of the game of other players or spectators.

In order to promote a safe, fun and fair playing environment for all players, All players must understand the expectations for playing in teamplay.ca Sports Leagues. Team Captains are required by teamplay.ca to ask players to leave the gym/field if they are involved with any of the following acts:

• Swearing directly at another player, Game Coordinator, or spectator.
• Intentionally pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player.
• Making comments to instigate an altercation with another player.
• Harassment of any kind towards another player or teamplay.ca representative.
• Damage to teamplay.ca equipment or facilities.

In addition to being dismissed from the game, a one week suspension (or more), or a permanent ban from all teamplay.ca sports leagues may be assigned by teamplay.ca to the involved player and/or team.

2. SPIRIT POINTS

Spirit points play an integral role in promoting fair play and ensuring a fun experience for all. Spirit points are used as the tie-breaker if teams are tied at the end of the regular season. When awarding spirit points, give your opponent 5 points by default and subtract points based on the rating system below. For any team that forfeits, an automatic 3 will be awarded for the defaulted team and 5 to the team that is defaulted against.

Teams that award an opponent a spirit score less then 3 will be contacted and asked to provide an explanation. If an explanation is not provided within 24 hours of the email sent, a spirit score of 3 will be awarded instead.

Here's a general guideline for awarding spirit points:

3. TEAM CAPTAIN'S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Register your team with the entire roster prior to the registration deadline to secure a spot.
• Bring all equipment with you to each game.
• Make sure your team knows the rules before the start of the first game.
• Make sure you and your team play within the teamplay.ca rules at all times.
• Be the contact for your team so that other team’s captain can contact you and notify you of a cancelled game and vice-versa. Inform your team of cancelled games.
• Report objectionable conduct or any issues to the League Organizer.
• Discuss any issues with other Team Captain's prior to, during or after games played to resolve any issues from continuing.
• Keep score of each game. Verify opponent’s score is same as your’s before leaving field.
• Report scores within 24 hours of the game being over to the League Organizer.
• Eject a player from the game who does not adhere to Teamplay.ca "Fair Play" rule.

4. REGISTRATION

Registration is not complete until full payment for all participants on your team roster or your individual payment is received prior to the registration deadline. Therefore, a place in the league is not saved.

5. REFUNDS

A refund will not be given due to forfeits/defaults or cancelled games due to weather, for injuries, or for any player or team that is suspended or ejected from a game/season or league due to foul play, objectionable conduct or violation of our "Fair Play Rule".

After the registration deadline has passed there is no refund for registered teams/individuals. There is a refund for teams/individuals 1 week prior to the start of the season subject to a $50 administration fee for teams and $15 for individual players.

6. OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCT

Any conduct or foul play that results in a loss of a permit to teamplay.ca is not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. At all times we encourage safe, fun and fair play. Objectionable conduct includes disrespect to players and venue staff, damage to venue property and any other reason for a loss of a venue permit.

7. ALCOHOL/ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Alcohol and/or illegal substances are not permitted on the field of play, the sidelines, the parking lot or any area of our venues. If you bring these substances within our venues you will removed from the field of play and removed from teamplay.ca without refund. We enforce a zero tolerance policy with this issue. teamplay.ca offers a post-game venue to celebrate and connect with your teammates after each game night.

8. SEVERE WEATHER OR POOR FIELD CONDITIONS

We ask that all teams and players show up ready to play both games, UNLESS games have been cancelled prior to game start time by teamplay.ca due to ourtdoor or indoor facility closures due to inclimate weather. Cancelled games will be posted on our soccer news page.

In cases of severe weather, games can be suspended on site by Game Coordinators sounding of the whistle 2 times, or by captains' on site agreement. If games are suspended due to foul weather, wait 30 minutes to see if the foul weather subsides at which point a decision is made to play or to cancel play. Safety is paramount and we ask all teams and players to use your best judgment at all times.

Severe Weather - Lightning (30/30 rule):
If you see a flash of lightning and are able to count 30 stalls before hearing thunder, it is far enough away that play can continue on. If you see a flash of lightning and thunder follows less than 30 seconds apart, leave the field of play immediately and seek safe shelter, games are then suspended for 30 minutes to see if the severe weather subsides. If it does not, the game is cancelled and there is no make-up date.

If the game is cancelled and at least 20 minutes of the game was played, the game will count in the standings - record the score at the time the game was called. If the weather clears up the game will continue and be played until its normal ending time. Games still start/end at the regularly scheduled time in the event of severe weather stoppage.

Other Severe Weather Situations - Rain, Wind, Hail:
In other severe weather situations (wind, rain, hail) games are still played but on site captains agreement can suspend/cancel the game at any time. If the game is suspended, wait 30 minutes under safe shelter and see if the foul weather subsides. If it does not the game is called and the score is recorded.

If the game is cancelled and at least 20 minutes of the game was played, the game will count in the standings - record the score at the time the game was called. If the weather clears up the game will continue and be played until its normal ending time. Games still start/end at the regularly scheduled time in the event of severe weather stoppage.

Game coordinators can also call games if field conditions become too saturated causing damage to the field.

Poor Field Conditions:
To ensure that the fields are not damaged, teamplay.ca follows the following criteria set by the Community Services Department to determine whether a field is "unplayable": visual ponding of water on the surface of the field, water sponging under foot when walking on field, the Game Official deems the sport field to be unsafe for play, there is lightning, or the Community Services Department determines a diamond is unplayable.

If the field is deemed unplayable by the City, the games will cancelled. If you are concerned that the game may be cancelled, click here for the latest field closures before your game.

Indoor Facilities:
If Indoor facilities are closed due to inclimate weather games are cancelled and are not rescheduled.

9. STANDINGS/TIE BREAKERS/FORFEITS

Each team captain is responsible for recording the game score. Before leaving the field of play make sure you confirm and verify the score with your opponent. If there is a discrepancy in the final score the 2 teams must come to a consensus of what the score is prior to the start of the next game otherwise both teams will be given a tie. Captains must submit scores 24 hours after the completition of your game so that standings can be updated.

Tie Breakers - Ties in the standings will be broken by the following heading into playoff week:

• 1st - Higher Win %,
• 2nd - Most wins then ties,
• 3rd - Higher spirit average,
• 4th - Head-to-head match ups,
• 5th - Common opponent win/loss,
• 6th - If still tied a coin toss will break the tie heading into playoff week.

Forfeit - A forfeit counts as a loss in the standings. The team defaulted will receive 3 for spirit and the team defaulted against will receive 5 for that game.

Note: Any team that forfeits/defaults more than once in a season may be asked to leave the league without refund. If your team is unable to make a game -- email us at play@teamplay.ca asap so that we may inform your opponent or try to make alternate arrangements.

10. PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

In a season you must have played in at least 1 game with a team to be eligible to play a playoff game. Players must be on the team roster and have signed and submitted a Teamplay.ca waiver to the League Organizer. In the spirit of sportsmanship, captains are expected to replace players with a person of a similar skill level. Bringing in “ringers” for regular season and particularly playoff games is discouraged.

11. TEAM UNIFORMS

We encourage all teams to get uniforms/shirts made up but this is the responsibility of each team. All players are required to bring a light and dark shirt to each game. You may wear a team colour, but you still need to bring an opposite coloured shirt in the event that your opponent wears a similar team colour. Please see out "Links" page for places to get shirts made.

12. EQUIPMENT/CLEATS

• Individuals may wear any soft protective equipment or clothing as long as it does not endanger the safety of any other player.
• Cleats are allowed but must be rubber. Metal cleats are not permitted for any sport.
• Players MUST wear shoes - closed toe running shoes or cleats in good standing must be worn. Bare feet are not allowed to be played in.

13. EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY teamplay.ca

All sporting equipment supplied by teamplay.ca lent to members with the intention of having it returned upon a completed season registered for includes: field cones, soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, footballs, football flags, and equipment bags, . All teamplay.ca equipment must be returned in good condition at the end of each season in which it was supplied, unless your team has been given email permission to retain the equipment for an upcoming season by teamplay.ca. Failure to return supplied equipment, will prevent you or your team from returning in future seasons.

We encourage feedback and comments on our rules and will review all comments at the end of each season as we are always willing to add or change rules to keep things fun and fair.