These rules ensure a safe, fun, and competitive environment for all members. Play so that everyone is having fun - not just you. Violations may result in removal from the group.
Safety First
Turf Shoes: By group agreement you are required to wear turf shoes (no studs) to play. You may be asked to leave if you do not have the proper footwear to avoid injuring others.
No Slide Tackling: This is pickup. Safety is paramount. Any slide tackling will result in an immediate stoppage and a warning.
Aggression: No hard fouls. If you cannot get to a ball without hurting someone, then don't try to get it.
Field Setup
Goals: It is desireable to play with the same goal size setup on both sides.
When this is not possible or practical, we will usually play with one full size goal and 2 mid-size goals (uneven goal setup).
We will play with cones positioned 3.5 ft away from each outside post which designate the scoring areas of the goals.
Pickup Offside Rule
Offside rules are generally not applied in our pickup games.
The eception is in a small-sided game with 5 or fewer players per team, where the numbers are uneven (e.g. 5v4, 4v3. etc), the offside rule will apply to the team with the extra player.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between an outside post and the cone (the ball may not touch or go over the cone as it goes in).
If the ball hits the post first, then hits the back of the cone on the way in, this will count as a goal.
If the ball hits the post first and then hits the side of the cone or bounces out and around the cone and then into the goal, this will NOT count as a goal.
If playing with plungers or corner flags instead of regular cones, the ball is allowed to touch the plunger/flag and go in as long as the plunger/flag stays up - even if it is pushed into the goal by the hit.
On an offensive header, if the ball crosses the goal line anywhere, this will count as a goal.
Defensive headers will only count as a goal if they go in between the outside post and a cone, unless the defensive header is an attempt to clear the ball from an offensive header and is unsuccessful.
In the case of a larger and smaller goal, a header that hits the crossbar of the smaller goal will count as a goal according to the rules above.
Hitting the post of the smaller goal does NOT count as a goal.
In the event of a dispute over a goal, the player who took the shot gets to decide if it was a goal or not.
Respect & Group Etiquette
Equipment: Wear turf shoes and bring a white and a dark shirt / jersey.
Before the game begins try to balance the two teams as much as possible in terms of age, skill and ability to ensure a fun game for everyone.
Attendance: Do your best to show up on time - we play rain or shine.
Arriving Late: Count the number of players on each team and join the team with fewer players.
If you kick the ball out of play, it is your responsibility to chase after it and retreive it unless someone else offers to get it for you.
Respect the Field: We are guests. Pick up your trash and any lost objects.
Be Welcoming: Remember this is a closed group, but treat all members with respect, regardless of skill level. Good sportsmanship is non-negotiable.
Pay attention to group emails as this is the first place any changes will be announced in case of inclement weather, or other need to move the game time or location.