5v5 Grass Rules

Number of Players

  • Each team consists of 5 players, one of whom must be the goalkeeper, with the exception of U8 where each team may have 5 field players plus a goalkeeper (6v6). Substitutions are on the fly. The player being substituted must exit the field prior to the new player entering the field. In all Coed Divisions there must be a minimum of 2 females on the field at all times and a maximum of 3 males. Any less than 4 players will be considered a forfeit. Game time is forfeit time. Only players on the roster may play. All eligible players must be listed on the roster form. All players must have a parent signature if the player is under the age of 18. If the player is 18 years of age or older they may sign the form for themselves. No player is allowed to be rostered or play on any two teams in the same age group or bracket.The maximum roster size is 9 players for all age groups and divisions. 

Player Equipment

  • All players must wear the same colors to distinguish themselves from other teams. Tee-shirts, jerseys, and pennies will work. Shin guards must be worn. Jersey numbers are not required. Balls will be provided.

Referees

  • The referee is responsible for control of the games and his/her decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.

Duration of the Game

  • One day tournament

    • Two twelve minute halves with a two-minute halftime.

  • Two day tournament

    • 3 eleven minute quarters with a two-minute break between each quarter.

The Start of Play

  • A flip of a coin or a best of 3 “rock, paper, scissors” decides which team will kick off. Each team must stay in its own half of the field and the defending players must be at least 8 yards from the ball when it is kicked. After a goal, the team scored upon will kick off. After halftime or periods end the teams change sides and the kickoff will be taken by the opposite team to that which started the game. The team that wins the coin-toss will get the choice of side or kickoff. 

Tie Game

  • In the event of a tie between two teams after the game is complete, the game will be declared a tie. In the event of a tie in the semifinal match or final match there will be a 3-minute golden goal period. If the game is still a draw, then there will be a shootout to determine the winner.

Shootouts

  • Shootouts will consist of 3 shooters from each team. After the three shooters have shot, the team with the most goals wins. Shooters do not have to be on the field of play to participate in the shootout. In the event that the teams are tied after 3 shooters, the kicks will go 1 for 1. All players on each team must kick before any individual player kicks for a second time.

Offsides

  • There are no offsides

 Kickoffs

  • Kickoffs are INDIRECT. The opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 8 yards from the ball until it is in play.

  • Kick-ins from sidelines are INDIRECT. Any ball played out of bounds on either touchline will result in a kick in for the team that did not touch the ball last. On any free kick there is a 6 second rule. If the team awarded the kick does not play the ball in 6 seconds the other team will gain possession of the ball at the spot of the foul.

 

Goalkeepers

  • Goalkeepers may handle the ball anywhere within eight yards of their goal. Goalkeepers are NOT allowed to handle the ball if a teammate plays the ball back to them. Goalkeepers must throw balls in for goal kicks. No punting is allowed. Goalkeepers may not throw the ball in to the opposition’s goal. If this takes place the opposing goalkeeper will be granted possession of the ball and no goal will be granted.

 

Advancing out of Bracket

  • The tie-breaker rules are as follows: 

1) Team with the most points

2) Head-to-head

3) Goal differential –max +5

4) Shootout

Players During Free Kicks

  • All opponents must be at least 5 yards from the ball until it is in play. Penalty kicks- If foul occurs in penalty area, a penalty kick will be rewarded and placed on penalty mark. (15 yards for Adult fields/10 yards for youth fields). All other players must be outside the penalty area behind the penalty mark.

 

Spectators

  • Parents will be on opposite side of the teams’ benches.

  • No games will be protested after the completion of the game. The referee and tournament officials will have the final say on any disputes and will treat each situation in the fairest and most logical way.