CRESCENT FUTBOL LEAGUE RULES
Crescent Futbol League – Indoor 7v7 Soccer Rules
1. Game Format
• Each match is played between two teams of seven (7) players, including one designated goalkeeper.
• A minimum of four (4) players is required to start a game.
• Matches consist of two 25-minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime break.
• Running clock throughout each half – no timeouts.
2. Game Start & Restarts
• The game begins with a coin toss (odd/even) between captains. The winner chooses either possession or which goal to defend. The opposing captain selects the remaining option.
• The ball is in play once it completes a full rotation to a teammate on kick-off.
• Defenders must stand at least 3 yards away from the ball during a kick-off.
• Goals cannot be scored directly from the opening kick-off—another player must first touch the ball.
3. Ball Out of Play
• The ball is out of play when:
o It leaves the field.
o It touches the net above the white boards.
o The referee stops play for any reason.
4. Game Management
• Officials, scorekeepers, or supervisors may stop or forfeit a match for reasons including participant safety or gross misconduct by players or spectators.
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5. Goalkeeper Rules
• Goalkeeper substitutions can only occur during a dead ball, and the referee must be notified.
• The goalkeeper must wear a jersey of a distinct color, different from both their team and the opponents (subject to referee approval).
• A goalkeeper must remain in goal to defend a penalty kick if the infraction occurred while they were in goal.
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6. Scoring Rules
• The ball must fully cross the goal line to be counted as a goal.
• Goals may be scored directly from:
o Direct free kicks
o Goal kicks
o Penalty kicks
o Corner kicks
o Drop balls
o Goalkeeper throws/kicks
• No goals may be scored directly from indirect free kicks.
• No punting and no throw-ins.
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7. Mercy Rule
• If a team leads by 10 or more goals with 5 minutes remaining, the game will be called.
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8. Substitutions
• On-the-fly substitutions are allowed for field players.
• Goalkeepers may not be substituted on the fly.
• Do not jump over the walls when subbing.
• Improper substitutions may result in a yellow card and a 2-minute power play for the opposing team.
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9. Slide Tackling
• All slide tackles are prohibited.
o Any slide tackle results in an indirect free kick and automatic yellow card.
o Sliding from behind = automatic red card.
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10. Board Play Rules
• Players may not use two hands to box out or push an opponent against the boards.
• Defending one offensive player with two defenders against the boards is not allowed unless two offensive players are involved.
• No body checking or shoving players into the boards.
• Referees will call:
o “Space” – for disadvantageous contact or shoving.
o “Illegal use of the board” – for using hands to gain an advantage.
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11. Free Kicks
• Direct Free Kicks (can result in a goal):
o Fouls like tripping, pushing, handballs, or illegal contact.
o Slide tackles (even from goalkeepers) without clear intent to go hands-first.
• Indirect Free Kicks (must touch another player before scoring):
o Ceiling contact
o Hands on the wall for advantage
o Obstruction or goalkeeper violations (e.g., holding ball too long)
• Defenders must give 5 yards of space.
• Direct fouls in the penalty area = penalty kick.
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12. Goal Kicks
• Awarded when attacking team plays the ball out over the end line netting.
• Must be taken from within the goal area.
• Ball must leave the penalty area before another player may touch it.
• Goalkeeper cannot handle the ball directly after a goal kick.
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13. Corner Kicks
• Awarded when the defending team last touches the ball out over the end line netting.
• Kicked from the nearest corner, with a 3-foot buffer from the wall.
• Defenders must be 5 feet away until the ball is played.
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14. Ceiling Violations
• Ball hits ceiling or curtain = indirect kick from:
o Center circle if mid-gym.
o Gold plate on the respective half if closer to goal.
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15. Penalty Kicks
• Awarded for fouls in the penalty area.
• Kicked from the penalty spot, must move forward.
• All other players must be 5 yards behind the spot, outside the penalty area.
• If defending team encroaches and the shot scores, it stands. If missed, retaken.
• Attacking team violations:
o If goal is scored: no goal + goal kick.
o If missed: indirect kick for defense.
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16. Offside Rule
• Offsides are not enforced in 7v7.
• Players may receive the ball anywhere on the field.
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17. Overtime & Shootout
• One 5-minute overtime period (no golden goal).
• If tied, proceed to penalty kicks:
o 5 players per team, including the goalkeeper, may take initial kicks.
o If tied after 5, proceed to sudden death with next players in order.
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18. Penalties & Cards
• 2 Yellow Cards = Red Card
• 3 Red Cards by a team = Forfeit
• Yellow Card: 2-minute penalty (player may return if opponent scores).
• Red Card: Immediate ejection. Team plays down for 5 minutes, regardless of goals scored.
• 5+ Red Cards in the season = player banned for the rest of the season and playoffs.
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19. League Governance
• League administrators may revise rules during the season and will notify teams of changes.
• Teams may be reassigned to different divisions to maintain balanced competition.
