Southern Oldtimers Football Association (S.O.F.A.)
ADULT RECREATIONAL OUTDOOR SOCCER RULES – 2015
(updated – April 2, 2015)
ELIGIBILITY
1.
Each participant must be listed on a current team roster.
2.
Generally, a player may not play for more than one (1) team within their respective League. Exceptions are as follows:
a. A player may play for a team in a separate, distinct League (i.e. a player may play in the Over 30 League and in the
‘Cup’ Tuesday or ‘Friendly’ Thursday League).
b. As per the AGM (Mar 30, 2015), a provision has been made to allow for a MAXIMUM of 3 players registered on
a ‘Cup’ Tuesday team to register/play on a ‘Friendly’ Thursday team. The Team Captain MUST declare (in
writing) the appropriate player(s) names PRIOR to the start of the Outdoor 2015 season.
3.
League Stipulations:
MIXED Leagues – minimum of 3 females/males on the field at all times; 18 years as of April 14, 2015
OVER 30 League – 30 years as of April 13, 2015
4.
MIXED Leagues – 11 players (including goaltender) per team are permitted on the field at the same time.
OVER 30 League – 11 players (including goaltender) per team are permitted on the field at the same time.
5.
Team Roster must be kept up-to-date using the on-line method.
6.
FINAL team roster must be submitted on-line not later than Tuesday, June 30, 2015 (11:59 pm).
TIME
1.
Each game will consist of a maximum two-35 minute halves (non-stop time) with a maximum five minute intermission
between halves. (Exception – games at University of Lethbridge Stadium (Apr 13 to May 14), shall be two-30 minute
halves, with NO intermission.)
2.
A ten minute default rule will be enforced. Therefore, each game must start within 10 minutes of the scheduled game
start time (each half will be adjusted accordingly to fit into the 1.25 hour time allotted for each game).
3.
Forfeit Rule: Any team that does not have a minimum of 7 players, as listed on the team’s roster, by the end of the
official default time, will automatically lose the game (2 – 0). However, the game will still be played by supplementing the
forfeiting team with enough players to continue. The referees shall NOT officiate the game.
4.
All regular season games may end in a tie.
GAME RULES – Standings
a.
b.
c.
A win will be allotted 3 points.
A tie will be allotted 1 point.
A loss will be allotted 0 points.
GAME RULES – Substitutions/Uniforms
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Only players and team managers/coaches may be on the Player’s Bench.
Teams may dress as many players as they deem necessary; however, all players must be listed on the team roster.
Player substitution:

Will occur at referee’s discretion;

Will occur at centre line.
Goaltenders may substitute only during stoppages of play, at the discretion of the referee (i.e. after a goal, or if the
team requesting the substitution has possession of the ball for a free kick).
Each goaltender must wear a colored jersey that is distinctive from teammates and opposing players.
Each team must wear jerseys that are distinctly different from their opponent & have #’s on the back corresponding to
name on team roster. In case of a jersey conflict, the Away team must change their jerseys.
The Home Team is responsible to provide a proper game ball.
ALL players MUST wear shinguards – players not wearing shinguards WILL NOT be permitted to play.
Hats, caps and jewelry may not be worn while on the playing surface. (EXCEPTION: goaltender permitted to wear
a cap, with brim facing forward.)
GAME RULES – General and Fouls/Misconducts
Generally, Alberta Soccer Association and FIFA Rules of Outdoor Soccer (2015) will be followed; exceptions, if
applicable, will be noted below.
EXCEPTIONS:

SLIDE TACKLING IS NOT PERMITTED – Safety consideration for all players (remember that many players in
the Mixed & Over 30 Leagues are beginners and may not know how to slide tackle properly, resulting in an
increased potential for injury).

SLIDE TACKLE vs SLIDE
o A SLIDE TACKLE is an attempt by an opponent to take the ball away from a ball carrier by sliding on
the ground feet-first into/toward the ball. If not done properly, a SLIDE TACKLE can result in injury to
you or your opponent.
o A SLIDE is an attempt by a player to control or kick the ball by sliding on the ground feet-first. The
difference here is that no other player is in the immediate vicinity (ie. control) of the ball, thus, no danger
of injury to the opponent.
GAME CANCELLATION/RESCHEDULING
a.
b.
c.
All regular season games cancelled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled in as timely a manner as
possible, or, end of the season schedule.
SOFA will contact team representatives regarding cancellation and rescheduling of game(s) and post on the SOFA
website. In the event of inclement weather, the decision to cancel a game will be made after 3:30 pm on game day.
Call the City of Lethbridge Rain-Out Line at 320-4974 for more information, OR, visit the SOFA website
(www.sofasoccer.net) for up-to-date details.
Games cancelled due to forfeit or default will not be replayed.
SOCCER FIELD GUIDELINES – City of Lethbridge & University of Lethbridge Community
Stadium
a.
b.
c.
ABSOLUTELY NO Alcohol permitted on/near City of Lethbridge or University of Lethbridge soccer fields/property.
ABSOLUTELY NO Smoking permitted on/near City of Lethbridge or University of Lethbridge soccer fields/property
(note: includes parking lot).
The User Group (i.e. SOFA) assumes full responsibility for its participant’s safety and conduct.
SOCCER FIELD LOCATIONS
University of Lethbridge Community Stadium: University Drive, south end of campus
th
th
Lethbridge Sports Park: 28 Street & 30 Avenue North