Santa Fe Soccer League

Fall 2004 and Spring 2005

All rules shall conform To FIFA Laws of the Game unless otherwise modified below.

1. NUMBER OF PLAYERS. Maximum 8 players from each team on the field at a time. One of the players from each team will be designated as a goal-keeper (may tend the goal and handle the ball within a designated area). Teams and games may be co-ed.
2. THE BALL AND EQUIPMENT. Size four (4) ball. Shin-guards MANDATORY. Tennis shoes, soft-cleated or molded-rubber soccer shoes are permissible. No casts. No watches. No jewelry.
3. DURATION OF GAME. Each game will consist of four 12-minute quarters, with a 2 minute break between quarters 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 , Five-minute break for half-time.
4. PLAYER SUBSTITUTION. Unlimited substitution at the quarters. For an injury, only substitution of the injured player is allowed. All players must play a minimum 50% of the playing time for each game they attend. Although equal play for all is not always possible on a game by game basis, throughout the season it is strongly encouraged.
5. START OF GAME. By kick-off from center of the field. Opponents must be a minimum 8 yards from ball until it is kicked. Once the ball is kicked, it must be touched by someone other than the kicker before it can be played again by the kicker. You MAY SCORE directly from a kick-off. Team not starting the game will kick-off to start the second half.
6. FOULS OR MISCONDUCT. Infractions will be penalized (e.g. free kicks including penalty kicks) in conformance with FIFA Laws. If an indirect kick is taken, you cannot score directly from an indirect kick. Opposing players may not interfere with or delay a free kick. Opponents must be a minimum of 8 yards from the ball until it is kicked. Referees are encouraged to briefly explain infractions and the method for re-start.
7. BALL OUT-OF-PLAY. Restart the game from an out-of-play (e.g. throw-in, goal kick, corner kick) in conformance to FIFA Laws. Opposing players must be a minimum 8 yards from the ball and may not interfere with or delay a re-start. "Second tries" for throw-ins will be given only during the first two games of the season to encourage understanding of the proper throw-in technique. Referees are encouraged to briefly explain infractions and methods for re-start. You cannot score directly from a throw-in. You MAY SCORE directly from a corner kick or a goal kick.
8. OFFSIDES. Infractions will be penalized in conformance with FIFA Laws.
9. OFFICIATING. Certified referees (generally provided), associate referees, coaches, or parent assistants. All rule infractions should be briefly explained to the players.
10. Goalies. No player will play more than 1/2 of any game as goalie. Each team must have at least 2 goalies.