League Rules

Player Waiver, Release of Liability, & Indemnification Agreement: All players in the league must agree to the terms of our player waiver.

(Looking for Frequently Asked Questions?  They can be found here.)

All Current IFAB/FIFA rules apply apart from the following exceptions:

Suspensions

For small-sided divisions, ejected players shall face a minimum of an 8-day suspension starting with the date of the dismissal. For 11v11 divisions, the ejected player shall be suspended for a minimum of 1 game. The suspension is applied to the individual player and includes all teams they play for within the Gotham League.

Weather Policy

We play rain or shine. In the event of known weather issues, league administrators will notify team captains of game cancellations by two hours before game time. If word has not been received by that time, the decision is left in the hands of the referee and field staff on the field upon arrival or thereafter. Non-attendance without word of cancellation is a forfeit. All games should be considered on unless a league official says otherwise.

In the event a game unexpectedly ends early (weather, problems with the field, problem with the lights, etc), the result will be official if at least the first half has been completed. If not, the league will schedule a time to finish the remaining minutes of the game. It is up to the league to decide when a game is or is not official; only dangerous or unreasonable conditions prevent a game from going forward as scheduled.

Game length may be adjusted to maintain the schedule or to compensate for bad weather. Games may be played earlier or later to accommodate needed schedule changes.

Forfeits

If a team can't / doesn't show up for a game or shows up with at least the minimum number of players required for their division, the game will be ruled a forfeit (result varies by division).

Determining the winner

For group stage play, the standings will be determined by the following criteria:

1. Points
2. Goal differential
3. Goals scored
4. Head-to-head

During the playoffs, if the game is still tied after regulation, we will have an overtime period. This period will be 5 minutes long, and will be golden goal. Meaning, first team to score, wins. If no goal is scored by either team and the game is still tied after extra time the game will be decided by a penalty shootout. Follow standard best of 5 procedure. If tied after 5 penalty takers, will go round by round until one team has completed more. Penalty spot will vary by division format (ie. 7v7, 11v11, etc.)

T-Shirts

In our small-sided divisions teams are provided with a set of Gotham t-shirts to wear for the season. All field players must wear the same color shirt. If two teams have similar colored shirts as indicated on the website, both teams are expected to bring a backup color. Goalkeepers must wear a shirt of a different color from both teams.

Ground challenges

Sliding tackles are not permitted in certain divisions. When applied, outfield players are permitted to slide to save a ball from going out of bounds or to block or save a shot provided there is no opponent within playing distance of the ball. A slide tackle infraction results in a Direct Free Kick (or penalty kick if committed inside the penalty area).

Full Match Rules and Guidelines

FAQ page