Chicago Fire Rec Soccer referees follow the ISAB Laws of the Game and US Soccer Federation guidelines with respect to the Rules of Competition. Given the variety and the structure of our leagues, we have the following modified or additional rules…

OUTDOOR SEASONS

All leagues classed as OPEN will play two 22-minute halves. All leagues classed as SELECT will play two 28-minute halves. Referees will delay the start of a match no more than five minutes. After five minutes, the clock will start and after ten minutes the match will be forfeited. All games are on a running clock, meaning the time will not stop and no stoppage time will be added.

Outdoor 8v8 and 5v5

• No offsides
• Rolling substitutes that must enter/exit the side of the field where their team is located
• Kick-ins to return ball from out of play
• All free kicks are direct
• You can score from a kick-in, goal kick, corner, etc.
• Five (5) yards must be given on all free kicks and kick ins
• If an indirect foul occurs in the box, a direct free kick will be given at top of the box
• Slide tackling is not permitted (Coed and Men’s)
• Sliding when an opponent is not around is permitted
• Penalties taken from the penalty spot (run-ups are permitted)
• Goal kicks given when the ball is put out of play by the opponent across the goal line
• Goalkeepers are permitted to volley and half volley
• Goalkeepers can slide in the box leading with their feet or hands, permitted they are attempting to play the ball – this is at the discretion of the referee
• Teams must have at least 5 players on the field for 8v8 game to start
• If, after 5 minutes, the team does not have the minimum number of players on the field the game is considered a forfeit
• All forfeits are scored at 3-0

Outdoor COED 8v8

• Maximum of 6 male players on field
• Minimum of 2 female players on field
• If a male player receives a red card the team must play down a male for the remainder of the match – maximum of 5 males on the field thereafter

Outdoor COED 5v5

• Maximum of 3 male players on field
• Minimum of 2 female players on field
• If a male player receives a red card the team must play down a male for the remainder of the match – maximum of 2 males on the field thereafter

Outdoor 9v9

• Offside is enforced
• Substitutes on any stoppage
• Throw-ins to return ball from out of play
• (8) eight yards must be given on all free kicks
• Slide tackling is permitted in Men's 9v9
• Goalkeepers are permitted to volley and half volley
• Minimum of 5 players needed to start a game

Outdoor 11v11

• Offside is enforced
• Throw-ins are used to restart play from the touchlines
• (10) ten yards must be given on all free kicks
• Minimum number of players needed to start a game is 7 players
• Slide tackling is permitted in Men’s 11v11
• Substitutions are permitted at stoppages in play except for throw-in’s. Teams may only substitute during their own team’s throw-in or if the opposing team is subbing on their own throw-in.
• Normal 11v11 rules otherwise apply consistent with the Laws of the Game*

INDOOR SEASONS

Winter 7v7 and 5v5

• No offsides
• Rolling substitutes that must enter/exit the side of the field where their team is located
• Kick ins (not throw ins)
• All free kicks are direct
• Five (5) yards must be given on all free kicks and kick ins
• If an indirect foul occurs in the box, a direct free kick will be given at top of the box
• Slide tackling is not permitted (Coed and Men’s)
• Sliding when an opponent is not around is permitted
• Penalties taken from the penalty spot (run-ups are permitted)
• Goalkeepers are permitted to volley and half volley
• Goalkeepers are not permitted to slide tackle feet-first inside or outside the box when challenging for the ball
• Goalkeepers are permitted to slide hands-first in the box to block a shot
• Team must have at least 4 players on the field for 7v7 game to start
• If, after 5 minutes, the team does not have the minimum number of players on the field the game is considered a forfeit
• All forfeits are scored at 3-0

Winter COED: 7v7

• Maximum of 5 male players on the field
• Minimum of 2 female players on the field
• Must have both male and female players on the field to start a Coed game
• If a male player receives a red card the team must play down a male for the remainder of the match – maximum of 4 males on the field thereafter

Winter COED: 5v5

• Maximum of 3 male players on the field
• Minimum of 2 female players on the field
• Must have both male and female player on the field to start a Coed game
• If a male player receives a red card the team must play down a male for the remainder of the match – maximum of 2 males on the field thereafter

Winter 9v9:

• No offsides
• Substitutes on any stoppage
• Kick ins (not throw ins)
• All free kicks are direct
• Eight (8) yards must be given on all free kicks and kick ins
• If an indirect foul occurs in the box, a direct free kick will be given at top of the box
• Slide tackling is not permitted (Coed and Men’s)
• Sliding when an opponent is not around is permitted
• Penalties taken from the penalty spot (run-ups are permitted)
• Goalkeepers are permitted to volley and half volley
• Goalkeepers are not permitted to slide tackle feet-first inside or outside the box when challenging for the ball
• Goalkeepers are permitted to slide hands-first in the box to block a shot

EQUIPMENT

• Shin guards are mandatory in all CFRS leagues – players who do not have them will not be permitted to play
• Primary team jersey/colors
• Alternate team jersey/colors (in case of a kit clash) optional
• Pinnies will be provided upon request from CFRS staff
• Goalkeepers must wear a different color from outfield players and referee
• Appropriate soccer attire and footwear are required, no metal cleats are permitted
• Players are not permitted to play with:

• Glasses (sports goggles are permitted), Watches and Smart Watches, Jewelry, Cleats with metal studs, Hard Casts, Ballcaps, Any other equipment or item(s) deemed dangerous by the referee