Rules of the game 

Ball

The Ball used will be a size 5 standard soccer ball or a size 4 futsal ball

Number of Players

A match shall be played by two teams. Each team will field one goalkeeper and 4 outfield player. A team may have 8 players in the squad.Rolling substitutions are in effect thus a team may rotate their players on the field as many times as they wish.  

Equipment

Appropriate footwear must be worn to participate in a Soccer 5 game. This includes tennis shoes , indoor soccer shoes, or cleats. Flip flops are not acceptable. The wearing of shin guards is recommended. Any player who does not does so at their own risk. 

Timekeeper

In any regulated league / tournament game the appointed referee will act as nominated timekeeper and scorer.   In a pick up game players will be responsible for keeping track of the time – players will not be permitted more than 1 hour on the field unless pre – arranged. 

Duration of game

In a pick up game players are free to determine the duration of a game within the boundary of the 1 hour field rental. In a regulated league, a game will be divided into 2 equal periods of 20 – 25 minutes.  

Start of play

In a pick up game, players are free to decide how they begin a game. Most commonly a coin toss. In a regulated league / tournament the choice of playing ends is decided by a coin toss. Play shall be started by the referee dropping the ball on the center circle between one player from each side. The game shall be restarted in such a manner after a goal is scored.  

Ball in and out of play

The ball shall be in play at all times apart from the following :a)The ball rises above the height restriction, should one be imposed (at discretion of players with pick up game)    b)The ball has crossed the goal line    c) The referee, if appointed,  has given the signal for half time or full timed) . Or  The game has been stopped for any other reason i.e. a foul  

Offside

There is no offside. Players may place themselves in any area of the field outside the penalty areas.

Fouls and Misconduct

Charging / Sliding tackles are forbidden and shall be penalized by the awarding of a free kick.Professional fouls will be penalized with a penalty and the guilty player may face disciplinary action.

 Play within the Penalty Area

Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed to play the ball inside the goal area and only he may handle the ball in this area. An outfield player gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by entering his own goal area will have a penalty kick awarded against his team. An outfield player entering his opponent’s penalty area will be penalized. The game will be re-started from the goalkeeper. A goalkeeper gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by leaving his area or by playing the ball when it is outside the area will have a penalty awarded against his team.