Game Rules

All teams and players must adhere to the Game Rules outlined below. Failure to comply with these rules may result in consequences up to and including expulsion from the game. 

Note: All Lavender League policies are subject to change. We’re committed to continuous improvement. Last updated: October 2024.

Accountability Agreement

All players must comply with the Lavender League Accountability Agreement. While Game Rules specify which behaviors and actions are allowed on the field, the Accountability Agreement asserts shared commitments to league values and mission. Sections from the Accountability Agreement that are particularly relevant for game play include: 

  • Safety: While competitive play is allowed, we prioritize safety over everything else. Avoid reckless actions or tackles that could potentially cause harm to yourself or others. Respect the physical boundaries of fellow players and remember that accidents can happen, so be attentive and cautious during gameplay. 

  • Awareness: Be aware of your body and how you occupy space on and off the field. Be mindful of how your style of play, strength, and expertise compare to other players. 

  • Respect: Treat all players, officials, and spectators with respect and dignity. Refer to people only by the name/s and pronoun/s they provide; Limit usage of gendered statements (e.g., “Man on!”). Address conflicts or disagreements directly in a respectful manner, without verbal abuse, physical harm or intimidation, insults, or offensive language.

  • Fairness: Play fair and uphold the principles of good sportspersonship during every match.

General Info 

Fields will be approximately 35 x 55 yards (105 x 165 ft) with goal boxes that are approximately 7 X 14 yards (21 x 42 ft). Each half of the game will run 25 minutes with a 5 minute halftime break. Games will start at their scheduled time. 

Game/League Structure

  • 7 v. 7: Teams will play 7 v. 7 (6 players and 1 goalkeeper). If a team does not have at least 7 players, they will be forced to forfeit the game.

  • Roster: Teams will have a minimum of 13 registered players on their roster. 

    • Any changes to the roster need to be approved by the player/s in question, the team captain/s, and the Lavender League board.

  • Subs: If registered players are unable to attend a game, team captains may recruit temporary substitute players to fill in. A team can have no more than 16 players on game day. 

    • Teams can invite anyone to be a substitute player, however, we encourage teams to recruit from the abundance of subs who have registered on the website and are eager to play. Team captains have access to a chat with registered substitutes. 

    • Substitute players must abide by all League policies and must sign a waiver prior to playing in a game. Subs are asked to provide their own uniform (t-shirt).

    • In last minute scenarios, and only when truly needed, teams may ask registered players from other teams in the league to temporarily substitute for them. We ask that teams refrain from this option unless all other efforts to recruit subs have been executed to no avail.

  • Schedule: Each team is scheduled to play at least 8 games, with the possibility of more if the team advances in the finals. Check the Schedule to see if/when your team is scheduled to play. 

Gear/Uniform

  • Players must wear a t-shirt or jersey that matches their team’s color.

  • Soccer cleats are required. Cleats with metal spikes are not allowed. 

  • Shin-guards are strongly recommended.

  • Goalkeeper gloves are strongly recommended.

  • Players may be asked to remove any jewelry, accessories, or clothing that could cause harm to themselves or another player.

Making Substitutions

  • During game play, players do not need to notify the referee before making a substitution. The referee will periodically check the number of players on the field. 

  • When making a substitution, the substitute player coming on must wait until the current player fully exits the field (on any sideline) before entering the field. If a sub is replacing the keeper, the referee may pause the game to allow players to exchange gloves/jerseys.

  • Players can use an unlimited amount of subs in a game. A player can sub in and out multiple times during the game. 

Referees/Officials

  • Each game will have up to two referees.

  • The referee is the ultimate decision-making authority during the game.

  • The referee will wear a shirt or pinny that distinguishes them from players.

  • Players must respect all calls and decisions made by the referee without confrontation. Any disrespect directed toward the referee may result in removal from the field.

Kick-Off

  • Before the game, captains will toss a coin or play one round of rock/paper/scissors. The winner can choose to start with the ball or may select which side of the field their team will start on. The other team gets the option not chosen by the winner of the “coin toss”.

  • The team that did not kick-off in the first half takes the kick-off to start the second half

  • In the second half, the teams change sides and attack the opposite goals

  • After a team scores a goal, a kick-off is taken by their opponents

  • For every kick-off:

    • All players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half of the field of play

    • The opposing team must be at least 5 yards from the ball until it is in play

    • The ball must be stationary on the center mark until the referee gives the signal. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

Offside

There is no offside rule due to the smaller size of our fields.

Level of Allowed Contact

  • Penalties (fouls) are up to the referee’s discretion and can be given for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is when a player commits a reckless or overly-aggressive act against another player. 

  • The following actions will result in a foul and a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team: 

    • Tripping, pushing, slide-tackling, tackling from behind, holding, hitting, charging, or kicking the opponent. Players may not use their body to force another player off-balance.

    • Touching the ball with your hands (unless you are the goalkeeper). 

    • Players may not guard the goalkeeper, and must give a few feet of space to the goalkeeper at all times. Once the keeper has collected the ball, all players must give the keeper space to resume play.

Yellow and Red Cards

  • A player may be issued a yellow card for the following offenses: 

    • Excessive fouling

    • Demonstrating un-sportsperson-like behavior

    • Delaying the game

    • Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by challenging the ball and committing a foul

    • Interfering with a keeper once they are in possession of the ball

  • If a player receives two yellow cards in a game, a red card is issued.

  • If a player receives a red card, they are removed from the game. The player’s team may replace the player with a substitute.

  • A red card may be issued, regardless of issuing a prior yellow card, for the following offenses:

    • Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a handball offense or by fouling a player with no possibility to play the ball

    • Committing a serious foul that endangers the safety of an opponent

    • Biting or spitting at someone

    • Violent conduct 

    • Using offense, insulting or abusive language

Injuries

  • If anyone is injured and/or bleeding, the Referee will stop the play. The injured player will be attended to off the field. Please review the Safety Protocol for more information on handling injuries.

  • Note: If a player receives a season-ending injury during a league game or practice, they will be reimbursed a prorated amount for the remaining season.

Handball

  • Other than the goalkeeper, no player is allowed to touch the ball with their hands unless completing a throw-in. Players must use their feet, legs, head, or chest to control the ball. If the ball touches a player's hand or arm below the shoulder (intentionally or not) it will be a free kick for the other team.

  • Goalkeepers can only touch the ball inside the goal box. If the keeper’s own team passes the ball to them, the keeper must use their feet, head, or chest to touch the ball. 

Free Kicks (Indirect)

  • All free kicks are indirect, meaning the kicker cannot directly shoot the ball into the goal.

    • When setting up the indirect kick, all players on both teams must be at least 5 yards away from the kicker and the ball.

    • Once the kicker touches the ball, players on both teams may move freely.

    • If the kicker touches the ball again before it touches another player, the kick is retaken.

    • If the kicker scores a goal from an indirect kick without passing first, the goal is not counted, and the opposing team takes possession with a goal kick.

  • There will be no penalty kicks. If a foul or offense occurs inside the penalty box, the indirect kick must be set up 5 yards outside the penalty box.

Drop Ball

  • A Referee may call for a drop ball in scenarios where there is interference with game play (e.g., a dog runs onto the field, the Referee gets in the way, a player is injured). 

  • Two players will stand face to face and the Referee will drop the ball between them. The ball must touch the ground before it touches a player. Players must be cautious as to not kick or otherwise foul the opposing player. In some cases, the Referee may elect to drop the ball to one player. 

  • All other players (on both teams) must be 5 yards away. 

Play On/Advantage

  • If a player is fouled but immediately after their team has the “advantage” (i.e. has possession of the ball with opportunity to advance down the field), the Referee may not call the foul but instead allow the game to play on. 

  • If the advantage doesn’t play out quickly, the Referee may stop play and allow a free kick back at the location of the foul. 

Ball Out-of-Play

Players will be honest about whether they were the last person to touch the ball before it went out-of-bounds. In situations where there is uncertainty or disagreement, the referee will make the call.

  • Sidelines: When the ball goes out-of-bounds over the sideline, the team who did not touch the ball last is awarded a throw-in. 

    • Throw-ins: The player completing the throw-in must keep both feet on the ground and raise the ball, with both hands, completely over their head. A goal cannot be scored from a throw-in. The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. 

  • Goal Lines: When the ball goes out-of-bounds over the goal line and was last touched by the offensive team, the defensive team is awarded a goal kick. When the ball goes out-of-bounds over the goal line and was last touched by the defensive team, the offensive team is awarded a corner kick. 

    • Goal Kicks: The keeper or another teammate may take the goal kick from within the goal box. The opposing team must be outside the goal box when the kick is taken. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can touch it again. You can score a goal from a goal kick. 

    • Corner Kicks: Opponents must be at least 5 yards away from the ball. The kicker cannot touch the ball again directly after kicking it. You can score a goal from a corner kick.  

Scores and Standings

  • Referees will keep track of goals scored by each team.

  • All regular season games will end when scheduled, regardless of score.

  • In the standings, teams will be ranked by total points. Goals for and goals against will also be recorded. 

  • At the end of the season, if two or more teams have the same number of points in the standings, goal differential will determine rank.