Soccer Rules

Co-ed divisions set a minimum number of each gender on the field (commonly 3 in 11v11, 2 in 7v7). Falling below the minimum usually means playing short.

Full-size soccer is 11v11 with a goalkeeper. Rec leagues frequently play 7v7 or 9v9 on smaller fields; most require a minimum of 7 players (or league-set minimum) to avoid a forfeit.

IFAB Law 3

A regulation match is two 45-minute halves. Adult rec leagues typically shorten halves to 25–35 minutes with a 5-minute halftime to fit field slots.

IFAB Law 7

Rec play allows unlimited substitutions, typically at any stoppage (throw-ins, goal kicks, goals, injuries) or on the fly if the league permits.

IFAB Law 3 (modified)

Kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, and handling produce direct free kicks (penalty kick if in the box). Dangerous play and obstruction produce indirect free kicks. Opponents give 10 yards.

IFAB Law 12

The keeper may not handle a ball deliberately kicked by a teammate or received directly from a teammate’s throw-in; the sanction is an indirect free kick.

IFAB Law 12

A player is offside if nearer the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played forward. Many small-sided rec formats (7v7 and below) waive offside entirely.

IFAB Law 11

Rec regular-season matches usually end in a draw. Playoff matches typically go straight to kicks from the penalty mark (best of 5) rather than extra time.

Two yellows or a straight red removes the player; the team plays a player short. Rec leagues usually add an automatic next-game suspension for a red card.

IFAB Law 12

Most adult rec leagues prohibit slide tackling entirely for safety; a slide tackle is a direct free kick and often a caution, even with clean ball contact.