Important Information
Maximum of four players per team
two younger players and two older players on each team
3v3 Indoor Turf Soccer Tournament Rules
1. Overview
This is a fast-paced 3v3 indoor soccer format played on turf, with no goalies and restrictions around the goals to encourage skill, movement, and competitive play. The tournament is divided into age brackets based on birth years. Each team plays 3 games, and the winner in each bracket is determined by the highest goals scored minus the lowest goals conceded across all games.
2. Field and Equipment
- Field Dimensions: 60 feet long by 20 feet wide, with turf surface and clearly marked boundaries (walls, boards, or lines).
- Goals: Two goals, each 3 feet high by 4 feet wide, centered on each end line.
- Goal Circle (Crease): A semi-circle with a 6-foot radius extends from the goal line around each goal. No player (offense or defense) may enter this circle at any time during live play.
- Violation by offense: Ball awarded to defense via indirect free kick from the edge of the crease.
- Violation by defense: Indirect free kick awarded to offense from the edge of the crease.
- Purpose: Prevents camping in front of the goal and forces players to shoot or pass from outside the area.
- Ball: Size 4 futsal or low-bounce indoor ball (recommended for better control on small field).
- Equipment: Non-marking indoor/turf shoes required, shin guards mandatory, team uniforms or bibs. No cleats, jewelry, or hard casts.
3. Age Brackets
Teams are grouped by player birth year. All players on a team must fall within the same bracket:
- 2020–2019 (Ages ~5–6)
- 2018–2017 (Ages ~7–8)
- 2016–2015(Ages ~9–10)
- 2014–2013 (Ages ~11–12)
- 2012–2011(Ages ~13–14)
Co-ed play is allowed unless separate boys/girls divisions are requested and have sufficient teams.
4. Teams and Players
- Team Composition: 4 players per team (3 on the field + 1 substitute).
- Minimum to Play: A team may start/play with 2 players if necessary (due to no-shows or injury), but forfeits if fewer than 2.
5. Duration of Games
- Game Length: Two 10-minute halves with a running clock.
- Halftime: 2 minutes.
- Between Games: Minimum 5-minute rest for teams.
6. Substitutions
- Mandatory Substitutions: Every 2.5 minutes, the referee will stop play briefly for mandatory substitution. Each team must substitute at least one player (the substitute rotates onto the field).
- Other Substitutions: Unlimited on-the-fly substitutions allowed at any time (player off before new player on, from sideline).
7. Start and Restart of Play
- Kick-Off: From center mark; opponents at least 5 feet away.
- After Goal: Kick-off by the team that conceded.
- Out of Bounds:
- Side walls/boards (if present): Play continues (ball rebounds).
- End walls (behind goal): Corner kick if last touched by defense; goal clearance (kick from ground) if by offense.
- Sidelines (if no walls): Kick-in (indirect).
- Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Opponents must be 5 feet away.
-No Offsides.
8. Gameplay Rules
- No Goalkeepers: No player may use hands at any time.
- Slide Tackling: Strictly prohibited (automatic indirect free kick; repeated offenses may result in yellow card).
- Heading: Prohibited in brackets 2020–2019 through 2016–2015 (indirect free kick awarded). Allowed in older brackets (2014–2013 and 2012–2011).
- Physical Contact: Shoulder-to-shoulder charging allowed if fair; no pushing, holding, or dangerous play.
9. Scoring and Tournament Winner
- Goals: Scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line (valid even if it rebounds off walls).
- Tournament Scoring: After all 3 games:
- Calculate Goals For (GF)and Goals Against (GA) for each team.
- Winner = Highest (GF − GA) in the bracket.
- Tiebreakers:
1. Most goals scored (GF)
2. Fewest goals conceded (GA)
3. Head-to-head result
4. Fewest cards received
5. Coin flip or playoff game (organizer decision)
10. Fouls, Misconduct, and Discipline
- Common Fouls: Tripping, pushing, holding, dangerous play → indirect free kick.
- Cards:
- Yellow: 2-minute penalty (team plays 3v2 or 2v1); player may return after penalty time or when opponent scores.
- Red: Player ejected for remainder of game; no replacement (team finishes short-handed).
- Referee: One referee per game; decisions are final.
11. Safety and Conduct
- Play stops immediately for injuries.
- Coaches and spectators must remain positive; no coaching from sidelines during play (except brief instructions during stoppages).
- Zero tolerance for unsportsmanlike behavior; teams may be disqualified.
These draft rules are tailored to the 60 ft × 20 ft field and specified age brackets. The small field size combined with no-goalie and crease rules will create high-scoring, exciting games. Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments, a schedule template, or score sheets!