LOVELAND ELEVATION SOCCER LEAGUE

Outdoor 7v7 Rules

These rules apply to all players and teams participating in the league. Team captains are responsible for making sure their players have reviewed the rules before playing.

Not knowing the rules is not an excuse.

1. Game Format

Games are 7v7, including the goalkeeper.

A minimum of 5 players is required to play.

Games consist of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.

The game clock begins at the scheduled start time. Teams should be ready to play immediately.

Halftime and game times will be kept strictly to stay on schedule.

The referee may end the game on schedule if a late start would affect the following games.

Regular-season games may end in a tie.

2. Late Teams & Forfeits

The clock will still run if a team is late.

If a team does not have at least 5 players within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game may be recorded as a 5-0 forfeit.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled game.

3. Substitutions

Substitutions are unlimited.

Subs may be made throughout the game as long as the player leaving the field exits before the replacement enters.

Substitutions cannot be used to intentionally delay the game.

The referee has final authority over substitutions.

4. Offside

There is no offside rule.

5. Out of Bounds & Restarts

Standard throw-ins will be used when the ball crosses the sideline.

Corner kicks and goal kicks will follow normal outdoor soccer rules.

Standard direct and indirect free-kick rules apply.

Defenders must give the required distance on free kicks as directed by the referee.

6. Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers may use their hands inside their penalty area.

Standard back-pass rules apply.

Goalkeepers may distribute the ball by throwing, rolling, kicking, or punting it.

7. Slide Tackling

No slide tackling an opposing player.

Sliding to keep a ball in play when no opponent is nearby may be allowed at the referee's discretion.

Dangerous or reckless challenges may result in a yellow or red card.

8. Physical Play

Normal shoulder-to-shoulder contact is allowed.

Reckless, excessive, or dangerous contact is not allowed.

Players are expected to remain under control at all times.

The referee has final judgment on fouls and dangerous play.

9. Yellow & Red Cards

Yellow cards are issued for misconduct, reckless challenges, dissent, repeated fouls, delaying the game, or other unsporting behavior.

Two yellow cards in the same game result in a red card.

A player receiving a red card must leave the playing area and cannot return.

The team will play short for the remainder of the match.

Red cards may result in additional league suspension depending on the incident.

10. Fighting & Referee Abuse

Zero tolerance for fighting.

Punching, kicking, headbutting, threatening another player, or intentionally escalating a confrontation can result in immediate ejection and additional suspension or removal from the league.

Abuse or threats toward referees will also not be tolerated.

Players may respectfully ask for clarification, but continued arguing, yelling, or insulting officials may result in a card.

Referee decisions are final.

11. Rosters & Player Eligibility

Players must participate during the regular season to be eligible for the playoffs.

Teams may not bring in new "ringer" players specifically for playoff games.

12. Equipment

Shin guards are required.

No metal cleats.

Jewelry or other equipment considered dangerous may need to be removed at the referee's discretion.

Teams should wear matching or similar-colored shirts whenever possible.

If two teams have similar colors, one team may be required to wear pinnies or change colors.

13. Standings

Regular-season points:

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

If teams finish tied in the standings, league tiebreakers may include:

1. Head-to-head result
2. Goal differential
3. Goals scored
4. Goals allowed
5. Disciplinary record or league-determined tiebreaker if still tied

14. Playoffs

Regular-season games may finish tied.

For playoff games, if the score is tied at the end of regulation:

• Each team will take 3 penalty kicks.
• If still tied, penalties continue in sudden death.

Players must be playoff eligible under the league roster rules.

15. Sportsmanship

This is a competitive adult league, but everyone still has to go to work the next day.

Play hard, compete, and have fun, but respect your opponents, teammates, referees, facilities, and league staff.

Repeated misconduct may result in suspension or removal from the league.

16. League & Facility Rules

Clean up all trash before leaving.

Respect the school, fields, parking areas, and surrounding property.

No alcohol, smoking, or drugs on school property.

Do not enter restricted school areas.

League management may make reasonable rulings on situations not specifically covered by these rules.

By participating in the league, players agree to follow these rules and the decisions of league officials and referees.