Germania Summer League Rules | House Rules, Restarts & Playoffs

League Style

Social amateur soccer

Match Length

2 x 25 minute halves

Roster

12 players included

Postgame

Clubhouse pizza and beverages

House Rule

Throw-Ins and Restarts

Throw-ins restart play when the ball goes out, and all free kicks in this league are direct.

Safety Focus

Sliding is only allowed to save a ball or block a shot, never into the vicinity of an opponent to win possession.

League Culture

Germania is meant to feel social as well as competitive, with teams often gathering for pizza and beverages after games.

League Spirit

This league is meant to build a strong local soccer community at Germania.
Play competitively, but keep the tone respectful toward opponents, teammates, and the referee.
Many teams head to the clubhouse after games for pizza and beverages, and that social side of the league matters.
Captains should help set the tone by keeping communication clear and making sure their teams represent the club well.

Game Structure

Games are played on Wednesday nights at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM at Germania.
Matches are two 25-minute halves.
The league will trial 8 v 8 during the first two weeks.
After that trial period, the format may move to 7 v 7 if needed for game flow, field fit, or league balance.
There is one referee per match, so players are expected to use common sense and good sportsmanship.

Safety

No slide tackling toward an opposing player to try to win the ball.
A player may slide only to keep a ball in bounds or to block a shot, and only when not sliding into the vicinity of another player.
If a challenge is dangerous, reckless, or creates avoidable contact, expect the referee to treat it as a foul.
Players should stay in control and avoid arguments over close calls.

Refereeing

There is no offside rule in this league.
With one referee on the game, offside decisions would be difficult to call consistently, so play continues without it.
There will be throw-ins when the ball goes out of bounds.
All free kicks are direct.
Penalty kicks are taken from the indicated penalty spot.
Goalkeepers are allowed to punt the ball over half field.
Teams should be ready to play on time so the league stays on schedule for both game slots.

Discipline

Standard yellow cards are in play.
Two yellow cards in the same match result in a red card.
A team receiving a red card must play down for the remainder of the match.
Abusive language, persistent dissent, or dangerous play can lead to discipline beyond regular fouls.

Scheduling

If a team does not show for its scheduled game, the match is a forfeit by default.
The league will accommodate makeup games when both team captains agree.
Makeups will be scheduled on Wednesday nights when possible, usually at 6:30 PM or 9:30 PM around the regular slate.
The league will always check with the teams before locking in a makeup time.
Captains should communicate availability early so rescheduling stays manageable.

Season Awards

Playoffs

Common playoff tiebreakers, in order, are overall goal difference, total goals scored, then head-to-head record.
If a playoff match is tied at the end of regulation, the winner will be decided by penalty kicks.
Only players who are on the field at the end of the match may take kicks or serve as goalkeeper in the shootout.
Penalty kicks are best of 5.