2025 Soccerthon Rules

  • 5 a-side (5 v 5)
  • No goalie, any player can protect the goal but cannot use their hands.
  • 3-touch Rule – a player can only touch the ball 3 times (including in the air if the ball hits any part of the body) before having to pass or kick the ball, otherwise it will be considered a turnover/free kick for the opposing team
  • 3 corners = penalty to an empty net from three quarters (3/4) of the field away.
  • A regular size outdoor soccer field will be divided into smaller fields.
  • Small goals (approx. hockey net) or similar size.
  • Round Robin Format. Teams play everyone in their division. No Playoffs.

 

Soccer Game Rules

  • The HONOUR rule applies. When in doubt give the call to your opponents
  • Respect the game, the opposing team and the referee! Sportsmanship at all times.
  • The boundaries of the field are in effect. Make an honest and fair self call.
  • Kick in will be used instead of “Throw-ins.”
  • There are no off-sides.
  • All “free kicks” are indirect (2 touches) – with the exception of a penalty kick – direct.
  • A foul or handball results in an indirect free kick
  • There is no designated goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper cannot use their hands.
  • A goal can be scored directly from the goalkeeper
  • Changes are allowed “on the fly”.
  • No slide tackle, no playing on the ground unless there’s no opponent around you (e.g., to save the ball from entering the goal or going outside the boundaries)
  • No aggressive tackling or aggressive play/contact will be tolerated.
  • To minimize injuries, we encourage all players to limit physical contact and to respect a more standoff approach to playing.
  • The referee may send player/s for two minutes to cool down without a yellow card (e.g. start pushing – almost fight that never escalated – 2 minutes cool down – no card needed) – referee’s discretion.
  • Yellow card – 2 minutes cool down outside – the team plays with 1 man short (if more than 2 players are out– game is forfeited and the opposite team wins)
  • Red card – 5 min out (if it is a serious foul play, excessive force, spitting at the referee or other player, fighting – the player will not be allowed to continue playing in the tournament. If the player receives 2 yellow cards in the same game which results in a red card, but the offences are minor – the player will sit out for 2 games before being allowed to play again)
  • Yellow or red card can be given before, during and after the match as long as it’s in the vicinity of the referee’s field.
  • All red cards are to be discussed with the head referee and the tournament director.
  • Any foul language will result in a yellow card
  • No money back if the player receives a red card and is sent home.
  • Referees will wear a different shirt than the other two teams.
  • Referee’s decisions are Final and cannot be challenged after the game.

Venue Rules

  • No spitting
  • No chewing gum
  • No slide tackles
  • No foul language
  • Remove jewellery.
  • Players with hard cast cannot participate in the tournament (even if the cast is wrapped/padded)
  • Soccer boots/cleats are recommended (sneakers are permitted).
  • Shin pads are highly recommended – shin pads must be covered.
  • Only active registered players are allowed on the field.
  • Only the “waiting team” and volunteers are allowed on the side lines.
  • Family and fans are welcome to watch in the designated areas.
  • Please do not leave empty bottles on the side lines, throw them in the recycling bins.
  • We have a doctor + ice + first aid kit should there be an injury. Please alert a Volunteer or Registration table if needed.

Adult Tournament Logistics:

  • Outdoor soccer fields, side by side, for 3 hours
  • Round Robin Format ,teams per division depends on number of team entered.. No Play Off
  • Each round is approximately 25 minutes = 20-minute game time + 5-minute transition
  • Total playing time: 120 minutes
  • Teams are responsible for checking their game schedule and field number according to the tournament schedule (you will receive your game schedule when registering)
  • Points will be taken by an assigned volunteer convener/ score keeper at each field as follows:

Win 3 points, Tie 1 point per team, Loss no points.

  • Substitutes are allowed at any given time. Players must come off the field before their sub comes on. At any given time only the permitted number of active players are allowed per team.
  • A referee will be assigned to each game.
  • The tournament director will be in charge of the central time/score keepers on each field.
  • One long siren to start matches and three short sirens to end matches. Referees will end the game when 3 short sirens are heard.

 

Most importantly: we are here to have fun, play fair and contribute to a good cause! 

Thank you for participating!