Women’s Open Soccer Rules

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.