League Rules

1. Match Format

  • 7 vs 7 (1 Goalkeeper + 6 Outfield Players)
  • Minimum players to start: 5 players
  • A team with fewer than 5 players cannot start
  • Match duration:Two halves of 25 minutes

       Games must:

  • Start on time
  • Cannot begin more than 15 minutes after scheduled kickoff
  • End at scheduled time (no extensions)

2. Field & Ball Rules

  • Matches are played on a half-field format
  • Each team must bring ONE match ball
  • Referee must be presented with 2 match balls before kickoff
    No Ball Policy:
    • If a team does not bring a ball:
      • A $100 deposit is required
      • League will provide a ball
      • Deposit is refunded when ball is returned at season end

3. Gameplay Rules

  • No offside rule
  • Throw-ins (no kick-ins)

      Goal kicks:

  • Must be taken within the penalty area
    Goalkeepers:
    • No punting or drop-kicking
    • Must:
      • Roll the ball, OR
      • Play from the ground

4. Substitutions

  • Unlimited substitutions
    Substitutions must:
    • Occur at stoppages or appropriate moments
    • Be clearly communicated to the referee

5. Fouls & Free Kicks

  • Standard foul recognition (referee discretion)
  • Defensive wall must be 7 yards from the ball
  • No slide tackles permitted

6. Discipline & Fines

       Yellow Cards

  • $10 fine per yellow card
  • 2 yellow cards in one match = Red Card + 1 game suspension. $50 fine

       Red Cards

  • $50 fine per red card
  • Automatic 3-game suspension for straight red

Please note: all fines must be paid before the following game or a team is not eligible to play. The manager and the team are responsible to keep their players accountable for all fines.

       Team Discipline Escalation

  • A team receiving 3 red cards:
  • Additional $100 team fine (on top of individual fines)

7. Referee Respect & Conduct

  • Zero tolerance for abuse toward referees
    The following may result in a red card:
    • Insulting language
    • Aggressive behavior
    • Dissent beyond reasonable communication
      If a team fails to control player behavior:
      • Referee may suspend the match
      • Result recorded as 3–0 win for opposing team

8. Roster Rules

  • Maximum 16 players per roster
  • Only registered players are eligible to play
    Playoff Eligibility Rule:
    • Players must have participated in the regular season
    • No new/unregistered players allowed in playoffs

9. League Authority

  • All decisions made by referees and league officials are final
    The league reserves the right to enforce discipline to maintain:
    • Safety
    • Fair play
    • Respect for all participants

10. League Philosophy

    Nexus Soccer League is created to:

  • Raise funds for children from low-income families and new immigrants
  • Unite the community in supporting children from underprivileged families
  • Raise awareness of the financial barriers keeping kids from playing soccer
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