Rules

soccer6 was founded out of a love for the game and a drive to make adult soccer better. Tired of negativity in the rec scene, we set out to build something different—where sportsmanship, community, and joy come first.

Rules

soccer6 Laws of the Game

soccer6 follows the spirit of FIFA’s Laws of the Game while applying modifications that fit our 6-a-side format. These rules are designed to ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across all leagues.

LAW I: The Field

  • Dimensions: 50 yds long x 30 yds wide

LAW II: The Ball

  • Official size 5 soccer balls are used for all games.

LAW III: Number of Players

  • Men’s & Women’s Leagues: Six players, including one goalkeeper.

  • Co-Ed Leagues: Six players (maximum 4 men, minimum 2 women), including one goalkeeper.

Additional rules:

  • Minimum of 4 players required to start and continue a game.

  • Unlimited substitutions allowed (see below).

  • Rosters are frozen after week 8 of the regular season. Only registered players are eligible for playoffs.

  • All players must be registered in the soccer6 system and have completed waivers/releases.

Substitutions

  • Free substitutions are allowed, provided they do not give an unfair advantage (e.g., subbing during a breakaway). Referees have discretion.

  • Players may switch with the goalkeeper during a stoppage, with referee notification.

  • Substitutes must remain in the designated player area.

LAW IV: Player Equipment

  • Players must wear the official numbered soccer6 jersey.

    • Penalty: One (1) goal is awarded to the opponent for any player who takes the field without their assigned jersey.

  • Shin guards are mandatory and must be covered by socks.

  • Turf or flat soccer shoes only — no studs or screw-ins.

  • Smartwatches may be worn only if covered with a wristband.

  • Goalkeepers must wear colors that distinguish them from all other players and referees.

LAW V: Referees

  • At least one referee will officiate each game.

  • Referees keep the official game record.

LAW VI: Duration of the Game

  • Two halves of 25 minutes, running clock.

  • Halftime: 2 minutes.

  • Clock stops only for serious injuries.

  • Playoffs: 5-minute golden goal overtime. If still tied → Breakaway Shootout (see LAW XV).

LAW VII: Start of Play

  • Kick-off awarded to the home team; visitors receive second-half kick-off.

  • Kick-off may be taken in any direction and is a direct kick.

  • Goals may be scored directly from kick-off.

  • Teams switch sides at halftime.

LAW VIII: Fouls & Misconduct

Major Offenses → Free kick + card

(Kicking, tripping, striking, spitting, holding, pushing, violent charging, intentional handball outside GK area, etc.)

Minor Offenses → Free kick

  • No sliding or slide tackling (including accidental slides).

  • Obstruction.

  • Illegal substitution.

  • GK delay of play.

Misconduct → Time penalties

  • Blue card (2 minutes) → Team plays short; may return to full strength if scored against.

  • Yellow card (5 minutes) → Full time served, regardless of goals.

  • Red card → Player ejected; team plays short for remainder of game. Player must meet with Director before reinstatement.  A minimum 1 game suspension must be served.

Cumulative Misconduct:

  • Any player receiving 3+ cards in a season (blue/yellow/red) must sit out one game and meet with the Director before rejoining.

LAW IX: The 6 Foul Rule

  • If a team commits 6 fouls in one half, that team must designate a player to serve a blue card (2 minutes).

  • For the 7th, 8th, etc. foul in the same half, additional blue cards are issued, each with its own 2-minute penalty.

  • Team foul count resets at halftime.

  • In overtime, the foul limit is 3 (4th foul = blue card).

LAW X: Goalkeeper Restrictions

  • Keeper has 5 seconds to release the ball once in control.

  • May not touch the ball with hands on a deliberate teammate pass (foot).

  • Cannot slide outside the penalty area.

  • Distribution cannot cross midfield in the air without touching the ground or another player first.

  • Penalty for violations: Free kick at top of penalty area (no time penalty unless misconduct).

LAW XI: Delay of Game

  • Referee may issue time penalties for intentional delay, including feigned injuries.

LAW XII: Free Kicks

  • Opponents must stand 5 yards away.

  • Ball in play once touched.

  • Delay over 5 seconds = turnover.

  • Encroachment may result in time penalty.

LAW XIII: Penalty Kicks

  • Taken from the 10-yard spot.

  • All players outside penalty area and behind kicker until ball is struck.

LAW XIV: Kick-ins (instead of throw-ins)

  • All sideline restarts are kick-ins, indirect.

LAW XV: Goal Kicks

  • Taken from anywhere inside goalkeeper area.

  • Ball must be stopped before being kicked.

  • Goal kicks are direct.

LAW XVI: Corner Kicks

  • Direct kick from the corner mark.

LAW XVII: Uniforms

  • Players must wear official soccer6 jerseys.

  • Different shorts/socks permitted.

  • Reminder: Failure to wear jersey = 1 goal awarded to opponent.

LAW XVIII: Playoffs & Tie-Breakers

  • Overtime = 5-minute golden goal → If still tied, Breakaway Shootout.

Breakaway Shootout Rules:

  • Best of 3, then sudden death.

  • Attacker starts at midfield, has 6 seconds to dribble & shoot.

  • GK must start with at least one foot on line; can charge once attacker moves.

  • GK fouls judged with cards (blue/yellow/red).

  • GK red card = replacement keeper.

  • Cards in shootout do not carry over to next game.

Standings Tie-Breaker:

  1. Goal Differential

  2. Goals For

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