Welcome to Salient Summer League! We're excited to see your teams compete and showcase your skills on the field. Wishing you all the best as you lead your squads and give it your all out there. Play hard, have fun, and may the best team take home the trophy!
League Rules
Team Composition:
- Each team will consist of 6 players on the field (including the goalkeeper).
Substitutions can be made on the fly without stopping play, as long as the player being substituted is off the field before the new player enters.
- Each team must have at least one adult (21 years or older) present on the field during every game. This person will ensure players follow league rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Match Duration:
- Games will last 50 minutes (two 25-minute halves with a 3-minute halftime).
- In case of a tie during the knockout stages, there will be a penalty shootout (3 penalties per team)
Point System
- The point system for the tournament is as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. In the event that two or more teams are tied on points, the team with the best goal difference will be ranked higher. If the goal difference is the same, the team with more goals scored will be ranked higher. If they have the same number of goals, the team that won the match between them will be ranked higher. If they tied in their match, a coin flip will determine the ranking.
Ball:
- The games will be played with a standard size 4 or 5 ball, depending on the age group.
- Futsal balls are not permitted.
Ball In and Out of Play:
- When the ball goes out of bounds on the sidelines, it must be placed on the ground and kicked back into play.
- No throw-ins are allowed.
- The ball must be played within 5 seconds after being placed on the ground.
- For goal kicks, the ball must also be played from the ground and cannot be punted.
Offside Rule:
- There is no offside. Players can position themselves freely on the field.
Fouls and Free Kicks:
- All free kicks are indirect, except for penalty kicks. A goal cannot be scored directly from a free kick unless it touches another player.
- Penalty kicks will be taken from a designated spot 8 yards from the goal.
Goalkeeper Rules:
- The goalkeeper cannot punt or drop-kick the ball. They must distribute it by rolling it out or passing it from the ground.
- Goalkeepers must stay within their goal area when handling the ball.
Forfeits:
- If a team cannot field at least 4 players within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time, the match will be forfeited with a 3-0 score awarded to the opposing team.
Discipline:
- Red cards result in an automatic ejection from the game. The team will continue with one less player for the remainder of the match.
Referee Decisions:
- The referee’s decisions are final and must be respected by all players, coaches, and spectators.
- Any misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in further disciplinary action.
Fair Play:
- All players are expected to show good sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Any actions deemed unsportsmanlike will be penalized accordingly.
Playoffs:
- The top four teams will advance to the playoffs. The first-place team will face the fourth-place team, while the second-place team will compete against the third-place team
