Rules

League Rules

Men’s Open Men Over 30 Coed Over 30
Coed Open 11v11 Coed  Youth Leagues

The Cowtown Soccer League follows all FIFA and/or IFAB Laws of the game except for the following listed:
ALL players must have a wristband upon receipt of payment.

COWTOWN SOCCER  –  MENS OPEN

League Rules

  • Teams consist of 7 players, 1 of which is the goalkeeper.
  • Teams may start with a minimum of 4 players, 1 of which is the goalkeeper.
  • Teams must wear the same shade of color.
  • Teams must provide their own ball. (Each team must provide a game ball).
  • Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt than either team.
  • Two 25-minute halves. Half time is 5 minutes.  Added/Stoppage at time Officials discretion.
  • Regular season games that end in a tie will remain a tie.
  • Playoff/Championship games that end in a tie will lead into a best of 5 shootout.
  • Officials’ game fee, $15 per team.
  • Dual officials’ fees during playoffs/championship games $30 per team.
  • All registration fees are final. No refunds, no transfer of fees (including injuries) to other players.
  • Cancellation of games with 24 hours notice, ref fees are not required. Cancellation less than 24 hours notice a “cancellation fee” will be implemented.

Game Rules

  • All dead balls/restarts are direct kicks. (Kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick)
  • All opposition players must be at least 5 yards from a dead ball/restart before it is kicked.
  • A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in unless the ball is touched a second time by either team. (A throw-in is not a kick therefore is an indirect restart).
  • To score a goal, the entire ball must completely cross the goal line.
  • A goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than five seconds after taking possession/control in their hands. (Referee discretion)
  • If a goalkeeper commits a foul by back pass the ball will be placed at the top of the box (outside) allowing for a direct free kick.
  • The distance of a penalty kick is 9 yards from the goal line and the kicker is allowed 2 steps behind the ball prior to the kick.
  • A penalty kick must be taken by a player on the field at the time of the foul.
  • ZERO TOLERANCE – Slide tackles are illegal for all players including goalkeepers.
    The goalkeeper can make a “foot save” while falling to the ground in natural motion and can play the ball from the ground in his/her box after making a save but cannot lunge or slide feet first.
    Any player sliding in the box (contact or not) with no fair scoring advantage to the play is a penalty kick.

 

COWTOWN SOCCER  –  MEN OVER 30

League Rules

  • Teams consist of 7 players, 1 of which is the goalkeeper.
  • Teams may start with a minimum of 4 players, 1 of which is the goalkeeper.
  • Teams must wear the same shade of color.
  • Teams must provide their own ball. (Each team must provide a game ball).
  • Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt than either team.
  • Teams may have two 27-year-old players, but only one can be on the field at a time. (Must be identified)
  • The goalkeeper’s age is 18+, but a goalkeeper under the age of 30 can NOT play beyond half field.
  • Games are two 25-minute halves. Half time is 5 minutes. Added/Stoppage time at Officials discretion.
  • Regular season games that end in a tie will remain a tie.
  • Playoff/Championship games that end in a tie will lead into a best of 5 shootout.
  • Officials’ game fee $15 per team.
  • Dual officials’ fees during playoffs/championship games $30 per team.
  • All registration fees are final. No refunds, no transfer of fees (including injuries) to other players.
  • Cancellation of games with 24 hours notice ref fees are not required. Cancellation less than 24 hours notice “cancellation fee” will be implemented.

Game Rules

  • All dead balls/restarts are direct kicks. (Kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick)
  • All opposition players must be at least 5 yards from a dead ball/restart before it is kicked.
  • A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in unless the ball is touched a second time by either team. (A throw-in is not a kick therefore is an indirect restart).
  • To score a goal, the entire ball must completely cross the goal line.
  • A goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than five seconds after taking possession/control in their hands. (Referee discretion)
  • If a goalkeeper commits a foul by back pass the ball will be placed at the top of the box (outside) allowing for a direct free kick.
  • The distance of a penalty kick is 9 yards from the goal line and the kicker is allowed 2 steps behind the ball prior to the kick.
  • A penalty kick must be taken by a player on the field at the time of the foul.
  • ZERO TOLERANCE – Slide tackles are illegal for all players including goalkeepers.
    The goalkeeper can make a “foot save” while falling to the ground in natural motion and can play the ball from the ground in his/her box after making a save but cannot lunge or slide feet first.
    Any player sliding in the box (contact or not) with no fair scoring advantage to the play is a penalty kick.

 

COWTOWN SOCCER  –  COED OPEN

League Rules

  • Teams consist of 7 players made up of 3 females, 3 males plus a goalkeeper.
  • Teams may start with a minimum 4 players, 1 being the goalkeeper and at least 1 female field player.
    (A female goalkeeper does not count towards the female required player).
  • Coed MUST always have a minimum of 1 female field player. Coed teams can exceed 3 female field players but can NOT exceed 3 male field players.
  • Teams must wear the same shade of color shirts.
  • Teams must provide their own ball. (Each team must provide a game ball).
  • Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt than either team.
  • Two 25-minute halves. Half time is 5 minutes. Added/stoppage time at Officials discretion.
  • Regular season games that end in a tie will remain a tie.
  • Playoff/Championship games that end in a tie will go into a best of 5 shootout (alternating male and female).
  • Officials’ game fee, $15 per team.
  • Dual officials’ fees during playoffs/championship games $30 per team.
  • All registration fees are final. No refunds, no transfer of fees (including injuries) to other players.
  • Cancellation of games with 24 hours notice ref fees are not required. Cancellation less than 24 hours notice “cancellation fee” will be implemented.

Game Rules

  • To start a game the ball must go backwards (first pass to be played in their own half).
  • ALL dead ball/restarts are indirect kicks (commonly known as “Two Touch”) except for penalty kicks. For an indirect kick to contribute towards a goal the ball must be touched a second time by ANY other player on the field before crossing the goal line.  (Kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick)
  • For ALL dead ball/restarts all opposition players must be 5 yards from the ball until it is legally kicked.
  • An indirect free kick awarded inside the penalty box will be placed at the top of the box. Example – Back pass to a goalkeeper.
  • The distance of a penalty kick is 9 yards from the goal line and the penalty taker is allowed 2 steps back from the ball prior to the kick.
  • A penalty kick must be taken by a player on the field at the time of the foul.
  • To score a goal, the entire ball must completely cross the goal line.
  • Female goals count as 2 goals unlimited. Male goals count as 1 goal.  Male players can score a team/combined cap of 7 (no individual player limits).  Female penalty kick counts as 2 goals.
  • A goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than five seconds after taking possession/control with their hands. (Referee discretion)
  • ZERO TOLERANCE – Slide tackles are illegal for all players including goalkeepers.
    The goalkeeper can make a “foot save” while falling to the ground in natural motion and can play the ball from the ground in his/her box after making a save but cannot lunge or slide feet first.
    Any player sliding in the box (contact or not) with no fair scoring advantage to the play is a penalty kick.

 

COWTOWN SOCCER  –  COED OVER 30

League Rules

  • Teams consist of 7 players made up of 3 females, 3 males plus a goalkeeper.
  • Teams may start with a minimum 4 players, 1 being the goalkeeper and at least 1 female field player. (A female goalkeeper does not count towards the female required player)
  • Coed MUST always have a minimum of 1 female field player. Coed teams can exceed 3 female field players but can NOT exceed 3 male field players.
  • Teams may have 2x 27-year-old male players but only 1 can be on the field at a time. (Must be identified).
  • The goalkeeper’s age is 18+, but a goalkeeper under the age of 30 may not play past half field.
  • Teams must wear the same shade of color shirts.
  • Teams must provide their own ball (Each team must pride a game ball).
  • Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt than either team.
  • Two 25-minute halves. Half time is 5 minutes.  Added/stoppage time at Officials discretion.
  • Regular season games that end in a tie will remain a tie.
  • Playoff/Championship games that end in a tie will go into a best of 5 shootout (alternating male and female).
  • Officials’ game fee, $15 per team.
  • Dual officials’ fees during playoffs/championship games $30 per team.
  • All registration fees are final. No refunds, no transfer of fees (including injuries) to other players.
  • Cancellation of games with 24 hours notice ref fees are not required. Cancellation less than 24 hours notice “cancellation fee” will be implemented

Game Rules

  • To start a game the ball must go backwards (first pass to be played in their own half).
  • ALL dead ball/restarts are indirect kicks (commonly known as “Two Touch”) except for penalty kicks. For an indirect kick to contribute towards a goal the ball must be touched a second time by ANY other player on the field before crossing the goal line.  (Kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick)
  • For ALL dead ball/restarts all opposition players must be 5 yards from the ball until it is legally kicked.
  • An indirect free kick awarded inside the penalty box will be placed at the top of the box. Example – Back pass to a goalkeeper.
  • The distance of a penalty kick is 9 yards from the goal line and the penalty taker is allowed 2 steps back from the ball prior to the kick.
  • A penalty kick must be taken by a player on the field at the time of the foul.
  • To score a goal, the entire ball must completely cross the goal line.
  • Female goals count as 2 goals unlimited. Male goals count as 1 goal.  Male players can score a team/combined cap of 7 (no individual player limits).  Female penalty kick counts as 2 goals.
  • A goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than five seconds after taking possession/control with their hands. (Referee discretion)
  • ZERO TOLERANCE – Slide tackles are illegal for all players including goalkeepers.
    The goalkeeper can make a “foot save” while falling to the ground in natural motion and can play the ball from the ground in his/her box after making a save but cannot lunge or slide feet first.
    Any player sliding in the box (contact or not) with no fair scoring advantage to the play is a penalty kick

 

COWTOWN SOCCER  –  YOUTH LEAGUES

League Rules

  • ALL players must be paid in full before the 1st game.
  • ALL players must have a wristband for each game.
  • Teams consist of 7 players = 6 field players plus 1 goalkeeper.
  • Teams may start with a minimum of 5 players. In COED at least 1 must be female, and 1 of the 5 starting players is the goalkeeper. 
  • In COED teams can exceed more than 2 female field players, however male players can NOT exceed 4 field players. Thus giving a 4 male – 2 female – plus GK lineup.
  • Teams must wear the same shade of color shirts with numbers.
  • Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt than either team.
  • Teams must provide their own ball. (Each team must provide one game ball).
  • Games are either two 24-minute halves or four 12-minute quarters.
  • Half time not to exceed 5 minutes. Added/Stoppage time at Officials discretion.
  • All games ending in a tie will remain in a tie.
  • Officials’ game fee, $15 per team.
  • Cancellation of games with 24 hours notice, ref fees are not required. Cancellation less than 24 hours notice a “cancellation fee” will be implemented

Game Rules

  • To start a game the ball must go backwards (first pass to be played in their own half).
  • ALL dead ball/restarts are indirect kicks (commonly known as “Two Touch”) except for penalty kicks. For an indirect kick to contribute towards a goal the ball must be touched a second time by ANY other player on the field before crossing the goal line.  (Kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick)
  • For ALL dead ball/restarts all opposition players must be 5 yards from the ball until it is legally kicked.
  • An indirect free kick awarded inside the penalty box will be placed at the top of the box. Example – Back pass to a goalkeeper.
  • The distance of a penalty kick is 9 yards from the goal line and the penalty taker is allowed 2 steps back from the ball prior to the kick.
  • A penalty kick must be taken by a player on the field at the time of the foul.
  • To score a goal, the entire ball must completely cross the goal line.
  • A goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than 5 seconds after taking possession/control in their hands. (Referee discretion)
  • ZERO TOLERANCE – Slide tackles are illegal for all players including goalkeepers.
    The goalkeeper can make a “foot save” while falling to the ground in natural motion and can play the ball from the ground in his/her box after making a save but cannot lunge or slide feet first.
    Any player sliding in the box (contact or not) with no fair scoring advantage to the play is a penalty kick

 

COWTOWN SOCCER  –  11v11 COED OPEN

League Rules

  • Teams consist of 11 players, 1 of which is the goalkeeper. (Typically made up of 7 male and 4 female).
  • Teams may start and finish a game with a minimum of 8 players, 1 of which is the goalkeeper.
  • Teams can field no more than 7 male players at any time and no less than 2 female.
  • Teams must have no less than 2 female players to start. (Female goalkeeper counts as 1 of the 4 players).
  • Teams must wear the same shade of color jersey with number on the back.
  • Teams must provide their own ball. (Each team must provide a game ball).
  • Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt than either team.
  • Two 25-minute halves. Half time is 5 minutes.  Added/Stoppage time at Officials’ discretion.
  • Regular season games that end in a tie will remain a tie.
  • Playoff/Championship games that end in a tie will lead into a best of 3 shootout.
  • Officials’ game fee, $40 per team. (Dual)
  • Dual officials’ fees during playoffs/championship games $40 per team.
  • All registration fees are final. No refunds, no transfer of fees (including injuries) to other players.
  • Cancellation of games with 24 hours notice, ref fees are not required. Cancellation less than 24 hours notice a “cancellation fee” will be implemented.

Game Rules

  • All dead balls/restarts are direct kicks except for back pass. (Kick off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick)
  • All opposition players must be at least 10 yards from a dead ball/restart before it is kicked.
  • A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in unless the ball is touched a second time by either team. (A throw-in is not a kick therefore is an indirect restart).
  • To score a goal, the entire ball must completely cross the goal line.
  • Female goals count as 2 (including a penalty kick) with no cap. Male players can score combined 7 team goals.
  • A goalkeeper may not hold the ball for more than 8 (eight) seconds after taking possession/control in their hands. (Referee discretion).  Corner kick will be awarded if held for longer than 8 seconds.
  • If a goalkeeper commits a foul by back pass the ball will be placed at the spot of the foul resulting with an indirect free kick because it is inside the box.
  • A penalty kick is 12 yards and must be taken by a player on the field at the time of the foul.
  • No offsides!
  • Yellow cards equal a 2 minute power play (or first goal). Ref may make player sit out for 5 minutes
  • Red cards are an automatic 5-minute power play. This player is ejected from the game. After 5 minutes another player may take their place.
  • ZERO TOLERANCE – Sliding, especially slide tackles are illegal for all players including goalkeepers. The goalkeeper can make a “foot save” while falling to the ground in natural motion and can play the ball from the ground in his/her box after making a save but cannot lunge or slide feet first.  
    Any player sliding in the box (contact or not) with no fair scoring advantage to the play is a penalty kick