1. Player Eligibility

• All players must be 18 years of age or older prior to the first match.

• Players must be registered and rostered with their team before participating in any match.

• Players may only be registered with one team during a season.

• Transfers between teams are permitted only during open registration windows and must be approved by league officials.

• Teams must have a minimum of 12 players and a maximum of 15 players.

• Every player must check in with a government-issued ID before each match to verify eligibility with the League Manager.

• All players must wear their teams jersey (with their assigned number) and matching shorts. You will not be allowed to play without your jersey or with someone elses.

2. Match Format

• Matches are played in 8v8 format, including one goalkeeper.

• Match duration: Two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.

• Ball size: Size 5.

• Substitutions: Unlimited, with referee permission at any stoppage.

• Teams must have at least 6 players to start a match (otherwise a 3–0 forfeit).

• There is no offsides rule in this league.

• Slide tackling is prohibited. Sliding with no players nearby (approx. 10 feet) is allowed.

• Captains must wear a captain’s armband. An acting captain must be designated if the captain is absent.

3. Equipment

• All players must wear matching kits with visible numbers.

• Shin guards are mandatory.

• Proper footwear required; no metal studs allowed.

• No jewelry or dangerous accessories permitted.

4. Points System & Standings

• Win: 3 points

• Draw: 1 point

• Loss: 0 points

• Standings are determined by: Total Points > Goal Difference > Goals Scored > Head-to-Head > Disciplinary Record > Coin Toss

5. Match Rules & Restarts

5.1 Direct Free Kick Offenses

• Kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, charging an opponent.

• Deliberate handball.

• Dangerous slide tackling or any tackle from behind.

• Jumping into an opponent with knees or elbows raised.

• Charging an opponent without playing the ball.

• Direct free kick fouls inside the penalty area result in a penalty kick.

5.2 Indirect Free Kick Offenses

• Dangerous play without contact (high foot, playing on the ground).

• Obstruction without contact.

• Goalkeeper handling a back-pass or throw-in.

• Goalkeeper holding the ball longer than 6 seconds.

• Improper substitutions.

• Verbal distractions or unsporting behavior without contact.

• Indirect fouls inside the penalty area restart on the nearest penalty-area line.

5.3 Free Kick Procedures

• Opponents must be 5 yards from the ball.

• The ball must be stationary.

• Indirect free kicks may be taken quickly.

• Quick restarts may continue if opponents are not interfering.

• Blocking a quick restart results in a yellow card.

• Requesting 5 yards makes the restart ceremonial (referee whistle required).

• All direct free kicks require the referee’s whistle.

5.4 Penalty Kick Rules

• Ball is placed on the penalty mark.

• Goalkeeper must keep one foot on/above the goal line.

• All other players must be outside the box, beyond the arch.

• Kick begins on referee’s whistle.

• Ball must be kicked forward.

• Kicker may not touch the ball again until another player touches it.

• Once the run-up begins, the kicker must use continuous forward motion.

• Encroachment may result in a retake depending on attacker/defender involvement.

• Keeper leaving the line early may result in a retake if the kick is missed.

5.5 Throw-Ins

• Ball fully crosses sideline → throw-in.

• Two-handed throw from behind the head.

• Both feet on/behind line.

• Improper throw results in turnover.

5.6 Corner Kicks

• Awarded when defending team last touches ball before it crosses goal line.

• Ball placed in or touching corner arc.

• Opponents must be 5 yards away.

• A goal may be scored directly.

5.7 Goal Kicks

• Awarded when attacking team last touches ball before it crosses goal line.

• Ball placed anywhere inside the penalty area.

• Opponents must remain outside the penalty area.

• Ball is in play once it leaves the penalty area.

5.8 Advantage Rule

• Referee may allow play to continue if the fouled team benefits.

• If advantage does not develop within 2–3 seconds, play returns to foul.

• Advantage is not applied for violent conduct, serious foul play, or red-card offenses.

6. Discipline & Conduct

• Yellow Card: Unsporting behavior, dissent, time-wasting, repeated fouls, or cussing. Player is not required to sub out.

• Red Card: Violent conduct, serious foul play, abusive language, two yellows.

• Red card = minimum 1-match suspension.

• 3 yellow cards in a season = 1-match suspension. This count resets after the suspension is served.

• Red-carded players must leave field area immediately; team plays down a man.

6.1 Violent or Abusive Conduct

• Physical aggression toward referees, players, or staff results in immediate expulsion.

• Verbal threats or harassment may result in multi-match suspension or permanent ban.

• League may impose further bans for actions harming league integrity.

7. Forfeits & Cancellations

• Teams must have at least 6 players to start.

• A forfeit results in a 3–0 loss.

• Five forfeits in a season may result in team removal.

• Weather cancellations will be rescheduled when possible.

8. Code of Conduct

Players Shall:

• Respect referees, teammates, opponents.

• Accept referee decisions without dissent.

• Refrain from abusive language.

• Promote fairness and sportsmanship.

• Only captains may approach the referee.

Players Shall Not:

• Consume alcohol or illegal substances before/during matches.

• Engage in discrimination or harassment.

• Damage fields or property (financial liability applies).

9. Protests & Disputes

• Must be submitted via email within 24 hours.

• League Committee decisions are final.

• Committee may interpret rules as needed for fairness.

10. League Authority

• The UPL Board may modify any rule.

• The league retains full authority to enforce rules for safety, fairness, and integrity.

11. prize money / award winnings

• The UPL Division is awarded as follows:
          - Champion: $2000 + Championship/League Apparel
          - Second Place: $400
          - Third Place: $200

• The UFL Division is awarded as follows:
          - Champion: $1000 + Championship/League Apparel
          - Second Place: $250
          - Third Place: $150

• The Upstate Cup Champion is awarded $1000 + Championship/League Apparel