IN HOUSE RECREATION RULES

Florida Coast Futbol Club Youth Recreational Soccer: 7v7, 5v5 League Rules

  1. No Heading the Ball: For player safety, heading the ball is not permitted.

  2. No Offside: There will be no offside rule in this league.

  3. No Slide Tackling: Slide tackling is not allowed to prevent injury.

  4. Game Structure: Each game consists of four 12-minute quarters. Younger ages four 10 minute quarters. Coaches ref Younger age brackets and older ages are assigned 1 ref. 

  5. General Soccer Rules Apply: All other standard soccer rules will apply, including but not limited to:

    • Goal kicks (Goalkeeper is not allowed to punt the ball)

    • Corner kicks

    • Free kicks

    • Throw-ins

We ask that all parents and players respect these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Sportsmanship and Score Management

1. Purpose

Our in-house league is designed for player development, teamwork, and enjoyment. Scores and standings are secondary to growth and fair play. The following rules ensure balanced competition and discourage “running up the score.”

2. Score Differential Policy

  • A maximum goal differential of 5 will be recorded in official standings or results.
    (Example: If the actual score is 9–1, the recorded score will be 6–1.)

  • Coaches should manage the game responsibly once the differential reaches 4 goals.

  • Limit players to only scoring 3 goals per game. If they score any more they will not count and will start as a goalkick.

3. Coaching Adjustments When Leading by 4+ Goals

When a team leads by 4 or more goals, the coach must implement developmental adjustments, such as:

  • Players must complete three passes before scoring.

  • Require goals to come from defenders or midfielders only.

  • Switch stronger players into defensive or goalkeeping roles.

  • Encourage weaker-foot usage or minimum-touch passing rules.

  • Allow the opposing team to add an extra player on the field (if agreed by both coaches).

4. Even Play Time Policy

  • All players must receive equal playing time, regardless of skill level or experience.

  • Coaches will use water breaks as rotation checkpoints. Players must sit the entire time if pulled off to ensure their teammates also get game time.

  • Substitutions should ensure that no player sits out consecutive rotations, unless for injury or personal request.

  • Players should have the opportunity to play multiple positions throughout the season, including defensive and attacking roles.

  • Any consistent imbalance in play time will be reviewed by the league director.

5. Sportsmanship Expectations

  • Coaches and players must celebrate respectfully—no taunting, cheering at opponents, or excessive celebrations. No cursing.

  • Teams should show humility in victory and grace in defeat.

  • Coaches are encouraged to praise sportsmanship during and after the match.

  • Players who intentionally attempt to score excessively after instructions need to be rotated or substituted.

6. Coach Responsibility

  • Coaches are accountable for managing the tone of the match.

  • A sportsmanship reminder will be issued for repeated score-management concerns.

  • A review by the league director may occur if a team consistently wins by large margins. Coach could be suspended or removed for the season and future seasons. 

7. Parent and Spectator Conduct

  • Parents should focus on effort and teamwork, not the scoreboard.

  • Negative comments toward referees, coaches, or opposing teams will not be tolerated. Game will be stopped and violating person or people will be asked to leave or the game will be forfeited.

  • Applaud good plays from both sides.