Bylaws

Game Length:

• 7v7: Two (2) 25-minute halves, 5-minute halftime
• 9v9: Two (2) 30-minute halves, 5-minute halftime
• 11v11 (U11–U14): Two (2) 35-minute halves, 5-minute halftime
• 11v11 (U15–U18): Two (2) 40-minute halves, 5-minute halftime

Other Game Rules:

• Start Time: Teams must be ready within five (5) minutes of scheduled start. Delays may result in forfeit.
• Ball Size: Size 4 (U8–U12), Size 5 (U13 and up)
• Timeouts: None allowed, except in extreme heat or medical emergency, per referee discretion
• Overtime: Only for championship/trophy matches
• Punting: Allowed in all age groups

Minimum Players to Start:

• 7v7: 6 players (incl. goalkeeper)
• 9v9: 7 players (incl. goalkeeper)
• 11v11: 8 players (incl. goalkeeper)

Maximum Roster Size:

• 7v7: 13 players
• 9v9: 16 players
• 11v11: 18 players

Roster size may be adjusted at the discretion of the HCSL Director.

Player Eligibility & Registration:

• Players may not be registered on multiple teams within the same division
• Players may play up in divisions if birth year qualifies, but not down
• Teams may use up to three (3) guest players per match under these conditions:
  • Must be registered with HCSL
  • Must wear their original team jersey
  • Must be from the same or younger age group
  • Must be announced to the referee before kickoff
  • Cannot join once the match has started
  • Must not replace available rostered players

• Offside: Enforced in all divisions
• Heading: Prohibited U12 and below; allowed U13 and up
• Slide Tackling: Prohibited U12 and below; allowed U13 and up
• Build-Out Line: Enforced U10 and younger
• Ball in Play: Restart required within five (5) seconds
• Fouls Include (not limited to):
  • Holding
  • Handling (except by goalkeeper in box)
  • Dangerous play
  • Slide tackling (where not allowed)

Substitutions:
Unlimited, with referee approval:

• On throw-in (team in possession)
• On goal kick (either team)
• After a goal (either team)
• For injuries (either team)

Free & Penalty Kicks:

• All opponents must be 8 yards from the ball

• Uniforms: All players must wear matching uniforms. Home team must change if color conflict arises (white pinnies acceptable).
• Shin Guards: Mandatory, worn under socks
• Goalkeeper Jerseys: Must be distinguishable from all other players

• Sideline Policy:
  • Home and Away teams may be on the same side unless directed otherwise by the referee
  • Coaches, substitutes, parents must remain on their designated side
• Spectator Restrictions: No spectators allowed behind goals
• Clean-Up: Teams are responsible for removing trash from their sideline area

• Points System:
  • Win = 3 points
  • Draw = 1 point
  • Loss = 0 points
  • Forfeit = 1-0 result awarded to opponent
• Postponements & Weather:
  • If suspended before second half, match will be replayed
  • If second half has begun, score stands
  • Rescheduling is subject to City Parks availability

• Zero Tolerance Policy:
  • No alcohol, sunflower seeds, or littering
  • No abuse toward referees, players, staff
  • Misconduct may lead to ejection and/or ban
• Ejection Policy:
  • Must leave premises immediately
  • Law enforcement may be involved if necessary
• Incident Reporting:
  • All red cards or ejections must be reported to: Ivan Navarro, Founder – 806-893-5479

• Card System:
  • HCSL uses a cumulative card tracking system
  • All red cards will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Appeals:
  • May be submitted in writing for formal review

• Referee Discretion: Referees determine if a player may return after injury
• Concussion Protocol:
  • No same-day return for suspected concussions
  • Must receive written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider
  • All concussion cases must be reported to HCSL Founder

• Cleanliness & Respect:
  • Keep sideline areas clean
  • Treat all facilities with care and respect

YELLOW CARDS

• 2 Yellow Cards in a single game: Immediate ejection from the game and suspension for the next match. These do not count toward the cumulative yellow card total but are recorded as one red card.
• 3 Yellow Cards in separate games: 1-game suspension
• 5 Yellow Cards: 2-game suspension
• 6 Yellow Cards: 1-game suspension
• 7 Total Cards (combined yellow and red): Immediate suspension pending review and hearing

RED CARDS

• 1 Red Card (straight or double yellow): 1-game suspension
• 2 Red Cards (in separate matches): Automatic suspension pending review
• A yellow card followed by a straight red card in a single match will count as both a yellow and a red toward the individual’s total.

YELLOW CARDS

• 3 Yellow Cards: 1-game suspension
• 5 Yellow Cards: 2-game suspension
• 6 Yellow Cards: 1-game suspension

Note: A second yellow in one game (leading to a red) does not count toward the tournament’s cumulative yellow total.

RED CARDS

• 1 Red Card: 1-game suspension
• 2 Red Cards: Immediate suspension pending review
• A yellow followed by a straight red in the same game counts toward both tallies.

7 Total Cards (combined yellow and red) in a tournament: Immediate suspension pending formal review.