IMPORTANT NOTE: These are the General Rules for EVERY league unless otherwise stated in LEAGUE INFORMATION or through a WHATSAPP Group chat with the captains. The main difference between each league will be the format, (8v8 – 10v10), location, and kickoff times, but all of these general rules apply to every league.

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📋 Roster

• 20 player roster maximum
• Only rostered players are allowed to play once they finish the registration form — no drop-ins allowed
• Players are only allowed to play for one team per league and cannot switch half-way through the season
• Full roster? Add an extra roster spot for $25
• Playing with ineligible / unrostered players will lead to loss of points and/or fines depending on the context
• Registration form: https://bayareachamps.com/team-member-registration/

👥 Players on the Field

• Format includes the goalkeeper (varies by league – see specific league page for 8v8/9v9/10v10 breakdown)
• Minimum number of players to start a match for 8v8 – 10v10: 5 Players
• COED Leagues: 6 men and 3 women on the field at all times (can have more than 3 women on the field, but can’t have more than 6 men)

🚫 Forfeits

• Forfeit = 3-0 loss for the forfeiting team
• If a player’s or team’s conduct causes a game to end early, that team will forfeit the game

⏱️ Game Format

• Two 25 minute halves with a 3-minute halftime break (all leagues are 25 minutes unless otherwise noted)
• Clock starts sharp at kickoff time (kickoff time is 5 minutes after time posted on website, FOR EXAMPLE: 8:00 PM kickoff = 8:05 PM Kickoff)
• No minimum number of players ready to start the match at kickoff= FORFEIT
• Playoff games are shortened to 20 minutes to allow time for penalties (unless otherwise noted)
• Each team is also responsible for bringing their own balls, 2-3 per team per game.

👕 Uniforms

• Players must wear matching colored jerseys
• Shorts don’t have to match
• Long socks and shin guards are optional but recommended

🚩 Offsides & Restarts

• No offside rule
• Ball out through the sidelines = throw-in to restart

🔄 Substitutions

• Notify the referee before subbing
• Subs only allowed when the ball is stopped, not during live play, and once the referee has approved it
• All players entering the field must go in through the middle to avoid confusion

⚽️ Kickoffs & Free Kicks

• Ball may travel forward or backward on kickoff
• Indirect or direct free kicks awarded depending on the foul
• Penalty kicks awarded for fouls inside the penalty area

🛑 Slide Tackles

• Slide tackling is not allowed — a slide tackle will result in a foul and a potential yellow or red card depending on severity
• A clear slide tackle inside of the box blocking a player or a ball will result in a penalty kick
• Goalkeepers have more freedom when it comes to slide tackling, but outfield players cannot

🧤 Goalkeeper Rules

• General FIFA Goalkeeper rules apply
• Goalkeepers can slide

🟨 Yellow Cards

• Player sits out for 3 minutes, or returns early if their team gets scored on during that time
  • If the team of the player with the yellow card scores, the player still has to wait until the three minutes are up to come in (or his team gets scored on)
• If a player gets a yellow card and the half ends while they’re sitting out, they can come back in once play restarts (for next half or penalties)
• Goalkeeper yellow card: one player sits out, and it can be any outfield player besides the keeper (to not waste time changing keepers)

🟥 Red Cards

• Results in leaving the game, missing the next game, and paying a fine to be eligible to play again. If a player gets a red card they are not allowed to play the next game even if they pay a fine. Repeat offenses may lead to additional suspensions or fines
  • First red = $20
  • Second red = $30
  • Third red = $45
• Fines are subject to review and may be adjusted based on the situation

🏆 Playoffs

• Playoff format varies by league

💍 Jewelry

• Earrings, watches, and other jewelry must be removed before playing
• Earrings can be taped over

🎥 VAR

• We do not have VAR
• Team captains, players, and fans are not allowed to try to use their phones/cameras to review or dispute referee calls — the referee’s decision is final.

📖 Everything Else

• All other situations not covered above follow standard FIFA rules

🌦️ Weather

• Games are played rain or shine!
• Games are only canceled if the city declares it unsafe and closes the fields (e.g. during a thunderstorm)

🥊 Fighting

• Not tolerated — any players involved in a fight will be asked to leave, will need to pay a fine, and may be banned from future leagues depending on severity

🤝 Sportsmanship

• Respect your opponent
• Respect referees
• Respect league organizers

⚖️ League Authority

• The league reserves the right to remove any team from the league at its discretion
• Teams may be placed on probation and/or fined as a group for rule violations

🚫 Zero Tolerance

• Touching or striking a referee or league organizer in any way will result in an automatic, permanent ban from Bay Area Champions