1. Team Composition

• Teams must have a minimum of 7 players and a maximum of 11 players on the field at one time.

• One player must be designated as the goalkeeper.

• A minimum of 7 players is required to begin the match to avoid a forfeit.

2. Substitutions

• Substitutions are unlimited and can be made at any stoppage with the referee’s permission.

• Substitutions must take place at the halfway line and be approved by the referee.

3. Game Duration

• Halves: The game consists of two halves, each lasting 40 minutes.

• Halftime: There is a 10-minute halftime break.

• Overtime: If a playoff game ends in a tie, it will proceed to two 5-minute overtime periods. If still tied, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.

4. Fouls and Misconduct

• Slide Tackling: Slide tackling is not permitted in Women’s Open play. Any attempt to slide tackle will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team and may lead to a yellow or red card depending on the severity.

• Yellow and Red Cards:

  • Yellow Card: Standard FIFA rules apply for yellow cards. A player receiving a yellow card may continue playing but risks a second yellow leading to a red card.

  • Red Card: A red card results in immediate ejection from the game, and the player will be suspended for the next match.

5. Offside Rule

• The offside rule is enforced according to standard FIFA guidelines.

6. Scoring

• Each goal counts as 1 point, regardless of the player scoring.

• A goal is awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

7. Free Kicks, Penalties, and Throw-ins

• All free kicks are either direct or indirect, based on the nature of the foul. The referee will indicate which type of kick is awarded.

• Penalty kicks follow standard FIFA rules and are taken from 12 yards.

• Throw-ins must be taken with both feet on the ground and both hands on the ball, as per standard FIFA guidelines.

8. Equipment

• Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

• Teams must wear matching jerseys with numbers.

• The goalkeeper must wear a jersey that distinguishes her from other players and referees.

9. Game Conduct

• Sportsmanship: All players are expected to maintain high standards of sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct will be penalized and may result in disciplinary actions.

• Unsportsmanlike behavior, including aggressive fouls or disrespect towards referees, will result in yellow or red cards, with possible suspensions or expulsion from the league.

10. Playoff Qualification

• Teams qualify for the playoffs based on their regular-season standings. Tiebreakers may include head-to-head results, goal difference, and total goals scored.

11. Forfeits

• A team that cannot field at least 7 players by the scheduled start time will forfeit the match, with the final score recorded as a 3-0 loss.

12. Referee Decisions

• The referee’s decision is final. Any post-match disputes should be addressed to the league’s arbitration board, which will resolve the matter within 24 hours.