RULES & REGULATIONS: 6 vs. 6 Outdoor Soccer

Niagara Peninsula Sports is all about being active, healthy, and full of life. Therefore we rely on dignity and integrity of every individual player. We encourage players to play at a competitive level but to keep mutual respect between teammates and other players. It is in everyone’s best interest to abide by these actions to ensure sportsmanship and the spirit of the game.

Game Time and Duration:

Each game will start at the designated time promptly. It is in the interest of all players to be at the scheduled field 15 minutes before each match to allow proper warm up and start time. Matches will be 2-20 minute halves with a 5 minute half-time. Teams must start their own games and keep track of time. If the teams are late, time must be taken off of the scheduled game to allow proper start time of the next game following. Please be considerate of other teams.

Number of Players:

• A team consists of 5 players and a goalie. The team must have at least 2 women on the field at all times. If the goalie is a woman, she does not count toward 2 female players on the field.
• DEFAULTS – If a team cannot field a proper team after 10 minutes of game time the match will be forfeited.
• A team can play with a minimum of 4 players, as long as 2 men and women are on the field, not including the goalie. HOWEVER: If the team only has 3 players it is up to the discretion of both team captains to decide whether to play or forfeit. THIS MUST BE DECIDED BEFORE THE START OF THE MATCH, AND WILL COUNT IN STANDINGS!
• If both teams forfeit the match it will be recorded as a 0-0 tie.
• Captains are allowed to bring sub(s) for their team during the season, but a waiver must be signed by the individual(s) before stepping onto the field.
• Teams are not allowed to stack their roster during playoffs to allow fair play and competition.
• Players must be 18 or older to participate in this activity.

Equipment/Game Sheets:

• Please bring one black and one white coloured shirt to games to differ between teams. If a team wishes to have a uniform, they may do so at their own cost.
• Shin guards must be worn during the match.
• Cleats may be worn on the field. Metal cleats will not be allowed.
• Braces worn must be covered and padded properly as not to inflict any injury to other players on the field.
• Each individual must sign a waiver before stepping on the field, even if it is only for one game.
• It is up to the responsibility of both coaches to submit their game score to NP Sports before 5:00pm the following day. Scores should be submitted online through the online score report. Results will be updated weekly.
• If teams have the same amount of points at the end of the season, the tiebreaker will be awarded to a) the team with the highest FUN FACTOR average. If teams have the same fun factor average than it will be decided by b) head to head. If teams have tied playing one another, tiebreaker will be decided by c) goals for against common team d) goals against common team e) goals for against the league and f) goals against, counting games in the league.
• Playoffs – scores must be submitted through online score submission during the day of play.
• Games will be played rain or shine (unless city closes field or due to lightning). If lightning cancels any games, all games will be cancelled for the night.
• LIGHTNING POLICY – if thunder and lightning are less than 30 seconds apart the game must be stopped. Any match can resume after 15 minutes if the lightning and thunder have moved away. If weather still persists after 15 minutes the games will be cancelled. The match will count towards standing as long as one half was played. In event of cancellation before hand, a win or loss will not be rewarded, therefore not counting towards the standings.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation can be due to weather or field closures by the city.
• First cancellation – Games will not be rescheduled or refunded.
• Second cancellation – NP Sports will attempt to reschedule cancelled games on the day of play. No credit will be given for scheduled games.
• Third cancellation or more – NP Sports will attempt to reschedule cancelled games on the day of play. No credit will be given for scheduled games.

Start of Play:

• Kickoff will start the game at the beginning of the match, the beginning of second half, and after a goal is scored.
• Teams will decide who will start with the ball by the team captains in a match of rock paper scissors. The winner will decide either to start with the ball or choose side. Teams will than switch sides after half.
• Kickoff will start when teams are on their respected half with the ball stationary at the centre of the field. Players on the opposing team must be 10 paces from the ball. The ball must move forward over the centre line by the advancing team and another teammate must touch the ball before the individual kicking it or a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
• A goal cannot be scored off of a kick off.

Scoring:

• A ball must fully pass over the goal line into the net in order for it to count as a goal.
• The ball cannot be thrown or carried into the net. As well the ball cannot be directed into the net by a hand or arm by the attacking team.
• If the ball happens to touch a defensive player within the six yard box and go over the goal line into the net, the goal will count.
• The team winning the match will receive two points, the team that lost will receive 0 points, and the teams that draw during the match will receive a point. These standings will all be updated weekly on the website.
• Playoffs – In case of a draw at the end of the 2-20 minutes halves, teams will go directly to “Shootouts” with all 5 players shooting from each team that were on the field at the end of the game. The shot will be taken 12 paces from the goal line from the centre point of the net. If the match is still undecided after all 5 players from each team, rotation must continue in order unless there is a victor. The goalkeeper in net at the end of the match must stay in for shootouts. The goalie must remain on the goal line and must not move forward until the ball has been kicked. The goalie is allowed to move from side to side as long as they remain on the goal line.
• Championship Game – If there is a draw at the end of the 2-20 minutes halves, the match must continue right away with 2-5 minutes halves, alternating sides after each half, until there is a victor. If there is still no winning team after the allotted time then “Shootouts” will commence until there is a victor.

Substitutions:

• Substitutions of any player may happen during game time as long as it does not disrupt game flow.
• A substitution may be a male for male, female for female, female for male, or vice versa, as long as 2 females remain on the field.
• A player cannot enter the field of play until the teammate has crossed over the sideline within 10 feet of teammate entering.
• A goalie substitution can only occur on stoppage of play. Stoppage of play includes a goal or goal kick by either team.
• Off-Sides: There are no off-sides for 6 on 6 Soccer.

Misconducts/Fouls:

All players are expected to call their own fouls. If there is any unsportsmanlike behaviour it is up to the team captains to deal with the problem at that time. If a disagreement cannot be solved, please don’t waste time, and allow a throw-in from point of play. If there are any unresolved issues please email NP Sports after the game and further action can be taken if needed. (Please see Abuse and Alcohol)

If a player breaks a rule or fouls, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the location of the foul. All free kicks are indirect. The player taking the free kick must not touch the ball again until another teammate has touched the ball. As for the opposing team, they must be 10 paces back from where the free kick is being given. If the free kick is given less than 10 paces away from the goal line, the defensive team is allowed to stand on the goal line and cannot move until the ball has been touched by the attacking team. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick.

An INDIRECT FREE KICK is awarded when the opposing team causes any of the following offenses:

• Plays in a dangerous manner (i.e. charging, checking or pushing an opponent).
• Impedes the progress of an opponent (i.e. tripping, kicking or holding an opponent).
• Slide tackling.
• High kicking (dangerous kick).
• Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball
• Handball: A handball occurs when the ball hits a player's arm from the ELBOW DOWN. A handball does not need to be called if the ball goes to an opponent or an opponent is the next player to touch the ball, but does need to be called if it goes off to yourself or a teammate.

Exceptions: Players may use their arms to block the ball from hitting their groin area and women can also use their arms to block the ball from hitting their chest.

• Or if the goalkeeper (inside his or her own goal box): An indirect free kick will be awarded 10 paces from the position of the goalie if he or she takes more than 5 seconds while holding the ball before releasing it. Also, an indirect free kick will be given if the goalie picks up the ball after it has been passed back by a teammate or picked up outside of the goal box.

Slide Tackles:

Slide tackling is NOT ALLOWED by any player under any circumstances even if the ball was touched first. The only exception is for a goalie to slide to block a shot or pass.

Throw-Ins:

A throw-in is awarded when the whole ball passes over the sideline either on the ground or in the air to the opposing player who last touched the ball. The player taking the throw-in must fully face the direction they are throwing with both feet on the ground and the ball fully reaching behind their head. They must also throw the ball with both feet behind the sideline without going over. The player is not allowed to touch the ball until is has been touched by another player. A goal cannot be scored by throwing the ball into the net. The ball may be thrown back to the goalie but the keeper is not allowed to pick up the ball or an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kicks:

A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team if the ball is kicked out pass the goal line either in the air or on the ground without going into the net by the attacking team. The goal kick must be placed on the top line of the goal box and can be taken by either the goalie or a defender. No other players can stand within the goal box except the goalie. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can touch for a second time.

Corner Kicks:

A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team if the ball is kicked out pass the goal line either in the air or on the ground without going into the net by the defending team. The ball must be placed inside the arc line in the corners of the field. The ball is in play as soon as the ball is kicked. If the player touches the ball a second time before another player touches it an indirect free kick is awarded for the opposing team. If the ball is directly kicked out of bounds the defending team is awarded a throw-in or goal kick pending on where the ball goes out of play. A goal can be directly scored off a corner kick.

Goalkeeper:

Goalkeepers can only handle the ball within the goal box. If the goalkeeper handles the ball while a teammate intentionally passes the ball back an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the top of the box or 10 paces from the goal line. Also, they only have 5 seconds to handle the ball or an indirect free kick will be given the opposing team.

Playoff Eligibility:

Each player must have played at least half of the season games in order to play in the playoffs. This prevents teams from adding “ringers” in the playoffs. If an extra individual is needed for playoffs they must talk to the convener and get approval.

Abuse and Alcohol:

Any abuse, either verbal or physical, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED by the league. First offence will be a verbal warning to the team or individual followed by immediate ejection of the league the second time. There will be no refund or reimbursement. Teams are responsible for each other’s teammates to encourage sportsmanship around the league. Niagara Peninsula Sports reserves the right to eject any player or team without a warning or refund after any initial incident. Alcohol is not permitted at any game, offenders will be asked to leave the league without refund. Playing while intoxicated is prohibited. Please keep Niagara Peninsula Sports a safe and enjoyable night out.

Recent News

06.17.2020-- Strong possibiliy summer coed soccer                          will be run for the months of July and August.                          Emails have been sent out to previously                          registered teams with more information.                          Email admin@npsports if you would like                          more information regarding the summer                          season. Stay safe!

04.15.2020-- Spring Season for Coed Soccer has been                          cancelled. Registration for the summer                          season will remain open as we plan to                          return in July. Stay safe everyone!

03.07.2020--Registration for Coed Soccer is now open!                          Register as an individual, small group or                          team. Excited to see everyone!

03.01.2020-- Registration for Coed Soccer to open soon!                          Any questions? Send us an email at                          admin@npsports.ca

08.18.2019-- Not all teams will have playoff matches week                          playoffs will be staggered. good luck!

08.14.2019-- Stats and Standing updated. Pleayoffs begin                          next week. Schedule to be posted shortyl.                          Have a great week everyone!

08.06.2019-- Due to high thunderstorm risk unfortunately                          games for tonight (August 6th) have                          been cancelled. Sorry everybody.

08.06.2019-- Decision about play today will be decided                          by 3:30pm. Please check back by then.

07.16.2019-- Games will go on as scheduled. See everyone                          tonight!

07.04.2019-- All individual players planning to return                          for the summer season must register by                          Friday July 5th at 10pm.

07.02.2019-- Games will go on as scheduled tonight! See                          you all there! Refreshments to be provided                          at heximer after games.

07.01.2019-- Congratulations to The Eagles and Game                          of Throw Ins for the highest fun factor this                          season! Our first tie too! Head over to Heximer                          to take a picture with the Fun Factor Trophy!

07.01.2019-- Be sure to head over to Heximer Public                          School after your games to enjoy our spring                          league party. Refreshments will be provided!!!

06.30.2019-- Registration for the summer season is open.                          Returning please confirm summer registration                          by emailing admin@npsports.ca. See you all on                          Tuesday!

06.23.2019-- If you are eliminated from playoffs you                          will still be scheduled for the following                          weeks until July 2nd.

06.23.2019-- Fields at James Morden have been shifted!                          Field 1 will remain as the southern most                          field (Closest to McLeod Rd)

05.28.2019-- Games will go on as scheduled today! For                          James Morden teams be sure to bring an                          extra pair of shoes and socks as the field is wet.                          Field one teams especially. Good luck                          everyone!! See you all tonight!!

05.21.2019-- Let the Season begin! See everyone tonight!                          Please be sure to bring your waivers signed.

05.14.2019-- Week 2 matches have been cancelled due to                          field flooding. Sorry everyone, we were hoping                          the fields could dry up for today. This season                          has been extended an additional week to get                          back a match-day.

05.07.2019-- Due to poor field conditions, week 1 matches                          will be post-poned to next week. All games                         today are cancelled. Sorry everyone, looks like                          we'll have to wait one week longer.

04.28.2019-- Registration packages sent out to Team                          registrants. Please check your junk folder just                          in case. Individual registration packages will                          be sent out May 2nd.

04.19.2019--Limited spots remain for Tuesdays! Don't                          miss out!

03.03.2019-- Registration for Coed Soccer is now open!                          Register as an individual, small group or team.                          Tuesday and Sunday's leagues available

09.09.2018-- Don't forget to head over to Heximer field                          after your games for a free drink to celebrate                          another great year!!

09.01.2018-- Drinks to be provided on Tuesday September                          11th for all members! Team captains please                          email admin@npsports.ca if you plan on not                          being there week 8. Thanks!

09.01.2018-- Due to limited daylight, games will be                          forced to start at 6:15pm. Have a great                          long weekend everyone!

08.28.2018-- Games will go on as scheduled today.                          Good luck everyone!

08.21.2018--Due to severe thunderstorm risk, games                          for tonight have been cancelled.

08.19.2018-- Playoffs to start week 6!

08.19.2018-- Due to decreased sunlight, start times at                          6:15pm will be enforced. Please keep in mind                          your fellow members who play the 3rd set of                         games. Thanks everyone!

07.30.2018-- Soccer will go on as scheduled tonight!                          See everyone tonight!

07.30.2018-- For teams at Princess Margaret School,                          due to construction, parking is available                          on Ash St.

07.24.2018-- Due to high thunderstorm risk, games for       &sp;                  tonight have been cancelled. An extra week                          has been added to the schedule

07.08.2018-- Summer season starts up this Tuesday!!                          See everyone then!!

07.03.2018-- Congratulations to Playoff Champions                          Ballers!

07.03.2018-- Congratulations to Fun Factor Champions                          Peak Realty Panthers

06.24.2018-- Be sure to head over to Heximer Public                          School after your games to enjoy our spring                          league party. Refreshments will be provided!!!

06.19.2018-- Team captains please check email regarding                          start times. See everyone tonight!!

06.02.2018-- Registration for the summer season now                          open. Returning teams/players please confirm                          by emailing admin@npsports.ca. Limited                          spots remain.

05.22.2018-- Games will go as scheduled today. See                          you all tonight!!

05.15.2018-- Games will go as scheduled today. See                          you all tonight!!

05.15.2018-- Due to forecast, decision about games                          will be made by 4pm today

05.06.2018-- Any teams that would like extra players                          send an email to admin@npsports.ca

05.04.2018-- Additional field added to the NP Sports                          roster. Princess Margaret will be our third                          location. Looks like its gonna be another                          great season!!

05.04.2018-- Schedule to be posted on Saturday May 5th

05.03.2018-- Site back up and running, apologize for                          any inconvenience. Deadline for registration                          tonight at 11pm.

04.29.2018-- The fun is almost here! Only 1 team spot                          and 5 individual spots remain.

04.11.2018-- 3 team spots and 11 individual spots remain                          for coed soccer.

04.03.2018-- About 1 month left for registration. Spots                          are filling fast. Only 4 team spots available                          and 14 individual spots remain for Coed.                          Soccer. Don't miss out! Spring is almost here!

03.04.2018-- Registration for Coed Soccer is now open!                          Questions? Email admin@npsports.ca

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