TOURNAMENT RULES
*FIFA rules apply if not modified within. The following rules have been designed to ensure fair play for all participants.
Each player is expected to understand these rules prior to their participation in a Grassroot Soccer tournament.
GAME REGULATIONS
Players: Only three (3) may play on the field at once. after the first round of penalty kicks. If the score
remains tied after the first round of penalty kicks, the
Game Duration: Games should be 10-15 minutes each same three (3) players will alternate in the same order
with no halftime. A coin toss will determine direction in a sudden death penalty kick format until one team
and possession before the start of the game. Games scores unanswered. Only players on the field are eligible
tied after regulation play shall end in a tie, except in the to participate in the shootout.
playoffs. The game clock does not stop for injuries.
Fields: Fields should be approximately 20-30 yards wide
Forfeit: A minimum of two (2) players must be present by 30-40 yards long. Using these dimensions, four (4)
to start the game to avoid a forfeit. The game will be 3v3 fields should fit on one regulation size soccer field.
recorded as a 3-0 win for the winning team. Each field needs a pair of pop-up or PUGG goals (cones
spaced 3-4 feet apart can substitute as goals), and at
Points System: Teams receive three (3) points for a win, least four cones to mark off the touchlines and corners.
one (1) point for a tie, and zero (0) points for a loss. If
teams within a group are tied, follow these tie-breakers
(in order):
Head-to-head competition
Goal differential (goals scored minus goals
allowed)
Goals allowed
Goals scored
Penalty kicks
Playoffs: During the playoffs, overtime shall consist of a
five-minute “golden goal” overtime period. The first
team to score in overtime is the winner. If no team has
scored in the five-minute overtime, the winner shall be
decided by a shootout. The three (3) players from each
team remaining on the field at the end of the overtime
period will enter a rotation of penalty kicks, alternating
teams with each kick. The higher scoring team wins
COED MODIFICATIONS
Players: The number of players will be three (3) (two (2) Overtime Penalty Kick Procedures: Shooters must
males and one (1) female or vice versa). If a team has alternate male/female (female/male). No player may
two (2) players they must play one (1) male and one (1) shoot twice until all other eligible players for their
female. gender have attempted a shot.
P.O. Box 712, Norwich, VT 05055 • phone: 802.649.2900 • fax: 802.649.2910
soccer@grassrootsoccer.org • www.grassrootsoccer.org/soccer-tournaments
TOURNAMENT RULES
SOCCER RULES
Kick Off: The kick off may be taken in any direction; it is Slide Tackling: Playing the ball while on the ground is
an indirect kick. not permitted with other players within striking
distance. This is considered “dangerous play” and will
Kick-Ins: The ball shall be kicked into play from the be called at the discretion of the referee. Slide tackling
sidelines, instead of thrown in. There are no throw-ins. infractions will result in an automatic yellow card.
Direct & Indirect Kicks: All dead-ball kicks (kick-ins, free Hand Ball Clarification: Deliberate handling of the ball
kicks, kick offs) are indirect with the exception of that denies a team of an obvious goal-scoring
corner/penalty kicks which are direct kicks. opportunity may result in the following: (1) a penalty
kick (at the discretion of the referee) (2) a yellow or red
Goal Kicks: Goal kicks may be taken from any point of card given to the player committing the hand ball (at
the end line; they are indirect kicks. the discretion of the referee).
Corner Kicks: A corner kick is a direct free kick. A goal Conduct: A yellow/red card system will be used to
can be scored directly from a corner kick. control unsportsmanlike conduct and improper
behavior (persistent infringement of any rules of the
Penalty Kicks: Shall be awarded if, in the referee’s game). Any player receiving two yellow cards during
opinion, a scoring opportunity was nullified by an one game or a red card will be ejected and must sit out
infraction (the infraction does not automatically result their team’s next game. Yellow/Red cards may be issued
in a red card). Penalty kicks are DIRECT kicks taken from for the following:
the center of the mid-line with all players (on both
teams) behind the mid-line. Penalty kicks are dead ball Yellow Card
infractions. If a goal is not scored, the defense obtains Persistently infringes upon any of the rules
possession with a goal kick. of the game
Shows dissent by word of mouth or action
Goal Scoring: A goal cannot be scored from an indirect to decisions given by the referee
kick, such as a kick-in from out-of-bounds. Is guilty of any incidental vulgar or profane
language
Five Yard Rule: In all dead-ball situations, defending Is guilty of unsporting conduct
players must stand at least five (5) yards away from the Slide tackling
ball. If the defensive player’s goal is closer than five (5)
yards, the ball shall be played five (5) yards from the Red Card
goal, in line with the place of the penalty. Is guilty of violent conduct or serious foul
play
Substitution: Substitution is on the fly (at any time). Is abusive in language or gesture toward a
player or official
Goal Keepers: There are no goalkeepers. Persists in misconduct after receiving a
caution
Offside: The offside rule is not in effect.
Protests of Rules: Referee calls are final. Referee
judgment calls are NOT grounds for a protest. Play
protests may result in a yellow or red card.
P.O. Box 712, Norwich, VT 05055 • phone: 802.649.2900 • fax: 802.649.2910
soccer@grassrootsoccer.org • www.grassrootsoccer.org/soccer-tournaments
