Rules

League Rules

- All FIFA rules apply except for the modifications listed below.
- Both coaches must report final scores to: canalfc@accessufoundation.org

 

Game Format
- 5v5 (4 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
- 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime
- No offsides
- 1 referee per match
- Minimum players to start: 4 (including goalkeeper)
- 10-minute grace period before a forfeit is issued

Substitutions
- Unlimited substitutions
- Sub on the fly during stoppage of play
- All players must play at least 50% of each game

Player Safety & Conduct
- No sliding of any kind
- No-contact rule:
- Any non-hard contact - Indirect free kick
- Any hard or reckless contact - Direct free kick + card
- Yellow Card: Player sits for 5 minutes (team may replace the player)
- Red Card: Player removed for rest of game (team may replace the player)
- All red cards must be reported to the league via coach
- Zero tolerance for harassment of referees
- No jewelry
- Shin guards required
- Cleats or turf shoes only

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Mercy Rule

- Teams may not lead by 5 or more goals.

- Coaches are expected to rotate players to maintain fairness once a lead reaches 4
goals.

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Restarts & Play Rules
- Kick-ins instead of throw-ins
- Corner kicks are used
- No slide tackling or slide blocking
- Goalie box marked with cones
- Goalkeeper may use hands only inside the goalie box

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Sideline & Spectator Rules
- Coaches must remain on the sideline unless given referee permission
- Parents/spectators must stay on the opposite sideline from team benches