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Welcome to OC 7RISING LEAGUE - CUP C7 SEASON 5, where teams compete in a structured, exciting, and fair competition to claim the championship. Below are the league format, rules, and policies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players.

OC 7RISING LEAGUE OFFICIAL RULES

(Effective Date: December 7, 2025
Applies to: OC 7Rising League – Season 5
Organizer Committee Decisions Are Final)

Overview:

Location: Huntington Beach Sports Complex (Tuft Field E)

Schedule: Every Tuesday (5:30 PM – 8:05 PM)

Game 1: 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM (Kickoff at 5:30 PM)
Game 2: 6:20 PM – 7:10 PM (Kickoff at 6:20 PM)
Game 3: 7:15 PM – 8:05 PM (Kickoff at 7:15 PM)

Kickoff times are strictly enforced.

Schedule Policy:

The league schedule is fixed and cannot be changed.
If a match or match week is canceled due to weather, field closures, or emergencies, it will be:
- Rescheduled to the end of the season, or
- Moved to the following week, at the discretion of the Organizer Committee.

League Format:

Matches are played 7v7, including goalkeepers. (6 players + 1 goalkeeper)
Each match is 50 minutes, with a short break (1–5 minutes) between matches, no extra time.
All games are officiated, and the referee starts matches on schedule.

Team & Equipment Requirements:

Each team must bring one size 5 ball to the game and give it to the referee (or borrow from the host and return it after the game).
Teams in Game 1 must bring goals onto the field at least 5 minutes before kickoff.
Teams in Game 3 must return the goals to the fence (facing the lock) after the game.

Minimum Players & Eligibility:

Team managers must submit the official roster (after the game) with the correct jersey numbers worn during the match and accurately report all goal scorers with the correct player numbers.
The referee will start the game on schedule. Each team must have at least five (5) players on the field to play.
If a team fails to meet this requirement, the game is forfeited and recorded as a loss (1-0).
The Manager/Captain must inform the organizer and submit payment whenever a new player is added to the roster.
Only registered players are allowed to play.
A player must play at least 4 games in the league to qualify for the playoff and final.

1. Standard Dead Ball Rules & Distances for 7v7

Kick-offs must wait for the referee's whistle.
Opponents must be outside the center circle (usually 8 yards radius) during kick-off.
Sideline kicks are indirect. (updated since semifinal season 4th)
Free kicks: Opponents must stand 6-8 yards from the ball.
Penalty kicks and corner kicks are direct. (updated since semifinal season 4th)
Corner kicks: Opponents must stand 6 yards from the arc.
Penalty kicks:
- From the marker inside the goalie box (8-10 yards from goal line).
- Only goalkeeper and kicker allowed inside the box; other defenders must be 6-8 yards behind the spot.
Sideline restarts: Indirect kick from where the ball went out; ball must be still.
End line restarts: Either a corner kick or goalie kick.
Deliberate pass from a teammate: Indirect - If the goalkeeper handles a deliberate pass from a teammate, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the location of the pass.
Opponents must give 6 yards from all dead balls.
Kicking team has 6 seconds to restart.

2. DIRECT FREE KICK – OFFICIAL RULES

1. What is a Direct Free Kick?

A direct free kick (DFK) allows the attacking team to score a goal directly from the kick without the ball touching another player.

👉 If the ball goes straight into the goal, the goal counts.

2. When Is a Direct Free Kick Awarded?

A direct free kick is awarded when a player commits a careless, reckless, or excessive force foul, including:

Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
Tripping or attempting to trip
Pushing
Charging violently
Holding (shirt pulling, grabbing)
Striking or attempting to strike
Handball (deliberate)

📍 Location of the kick:

Taken from the spot of the foul
If inside the penalty area → becomes a penalty kick

3. Player Positioning

Opponents must be at least 6 yards away in 7v7
The ball must be completely still
The kicker cannot touch the ball twice in a row

📣 HOW THE REFEREE WHISTLE WORKS (VERY IMPORTANT)

Does the referee always whistle?

No. Not always.
There are two situations:

Situation 1: “Quick” Direct Free Kick (NO WHISTLE)

The referee does NOT whistle if:

The attacking team wants to restart quickly
The referee is not controlling the wall
There is no card being issued
The referee clearly signals play on

👉 The attacking team may kick immediately
👉 If they shoot and score → goal counts

⚠️ If defenders are too close and block the kick:

That’s the attacking team’s risk for taking it quickly

Situation 2: “Ceremonial” Direct Free Kick (WHISTLE REQUIRED)

The referee MUST whistle if:

The referee is setting the wall
A yellow or red card is being given
The referee tells players to wait
The referee clearly says or signals “on my whistle”

👉 The kicker must wait
👉 Kicking before the whistle → kick retaken or card

4. Scoring From a Direct Free Kick

Ball goes directly into opponent’s goal → ✅ GOAL
Ball goes directly into own goal → ❌ NO GOAL
→ Restart with a corner kick for opponents

5. Common Referee Signals

Arm straight up ❌ = Indirect free kick
Arm down / normal stance ✅ = Direct free kick
Whistle + wall setup = Must wait for whistle

3. Goalkeeper Rules

The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to slide in order to clear the ball or gain possession. (dangerous sliding = foul)
The goalkeeper may receive the ball outside the penalty area, move into the box, and then pick it up.
If the goalkeeper handles a deliberate pass from a teammate, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the location of the pass.
The goalkeeper may punt, drop-kick, or sidewinder the ball.
The goalkeeper may not throw the ball directly into the opposing goal.
Any goal scored in this manner will not count.

4. When Does a Goal Count?

Kick-Off: Indirect - Must touch another player or at least two touch before going in.
Free Kick outside penalty box: Direct - Goal counts if scored directly from a direct free kick.
Penalty Kick: Direct - Goal counts if scored directly. from a penalty kick
Corner Kick: Direct - A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

(Old Rules) Corner kick: Indirect — must touch another player. (Not valid anymore)

5. Sideline Kick: Indirect - Ball must be still and touched by another player.

6. Goalie Kick: Indirect - Must be touched by another player.

5. Invalid Goals (No goal)

An indirect kick goes directly into the goal without any contact.
Ball is rolling on sideline restart.
Restart exceeds the 6-second limit.
Goalie cannot throw the ball directly into the opposing goal. Goal will not be counted.

6. Handball Rules

Handball if:
- A player intentionally uses their hand/arm to control the ball.
- The hand/arm is in an unnatural position and blocks or redirects the ball.
- It creates an advantage (goal, pass, shot block, etc.).
Not a handball if:
- Ball hits the hand/arm accidentally when it’s in a natural position.
- Ball is kicked onto the arm from close range (referee discretion).
Result:
- Outside the box → Indirect free kick from the spot.
- Inside the box → Penalty kick to the opposing team.

Final judgment on handball decisions rests with the referee.

7. Fouls & Physical Contact

Fouls include:
- Sliding, slide tackles, kicking, tripping, pushing, shirt-pulling.
- Charging or playing too aggressively (especially from behind).
- Dangerous play (high foot, slide tackles if disallowed).
Foul Results:
- Outside the box → Indirect free kick.
- Inside the box → Penalty kick.

8. Fouls & Misconduct

No sliding or slide tackling; cannot play the ball from the ground (No Exception)
No shoulder checking: all players must make contact with the ball first, before any body contact is made.
If it is a goal scoring opportunity and you get fouled in the box, it is a PK on the dot inside in the box (Direct Kick).
Unsportsmanlike behavior = yellow card (Warning or Ref decision)
Unsportsmanlike behavior is considered a yellow card depend on ref decision: yelling at opponents before shots/tackles, disrespectful to the ref and opponents, kicking the ball away on fouls, etc.

9.Yellow & Red Card Rules – Official

Yellow card:
- Yellow cards do not require a player to leave the field unless specified by the referee for repeated or unsportsmanlike behavior. And can be sub by another player.
- Upon receiving two (2) yellow cards in a match, the opponent is awarded one penalty from midfield.
- Yellow Card Accumulation Rule:
- Yellow cards are counted per match and will reset immediately after a midfield penalty has been taken.
- Any yellow card that directly leads to a goal being scored from a direct free kick or penalty kick is excluded from midfield-penalty accumulation.

Red card:
- Player is removed for the rest of the match.
- The substitute may only enter after the midfield penalty kick is completed and play has restarted.
- Each direct red card results in one midfield penalty awarded to the opponent.
- A player who receives a violent red card (e.g. fighting, punching, kicking, spitting, or serious violent conduct)
- • Player removed for the rest of the match.
  • Suspension may range from one match up to a full-season ban.
  • Final decision is at the discretion of the organizer committee.
- If a player get red card from two yellow card, the red card still count as one or two yellow depend on the first yellow card

10. Midfield Penalty Rules:

1. Participants

Attacking team: 1 player takes the midfield penalty.
Defending team: 1 goalkeeper defends the goal.
All other players (both teams):
- Must stay in the opposite half,
- Outside the center circle,
- May not enter the penalty half until the play is fully completed.

2. Execution of the Midfield Penalty

The penalty may be taken in either of the following ways:

Shoot directly from the center spot, or
Dribble from midfield and shoot at any time.

Goal Decision

If the ball enters the goal with or without touching the goalkeeper, the goal counts.
If the ball touches the goalkeeper and rebounds → PLAY ENDS (no rebound allowed).

Play restarts with:

A kickoff at midfield if a goal is scored, or
A goal kick / goalkeeper distribution if no goal is scored.

3. Illegal Situations

Goalkeeper touching the ball outside the penalty area:

The midfield penalty must be retaken.
The goalkeeper may receive a yellow card at the referee’s discretion.

4. Ball Inside the Penalty Area

Once the ball enters the penalty area, the goalkeeper may:

Touch, catch, slide, block, or clear the ball.

If the ball rebounds after touching the goalkeeper:

The play ends immediately.
No rebound shot is allowed.
Any rebound goal does not count.
Restart with a goal kick for the defending team.

5. Card Situations Related to Midfield Penalty

A player or goalkeeper who receives a second yellow card is sent off (red card).
In this case:
- No additional midfield penalty is awarded.
- The second yellow card still counts toward the team’s total.

6. When Is the Midfield Penalty Applied?

A midfield penalty is applied only in the following cases:

A team receives two (2) yellow cards in the same match, or
A direct red card is issued.

➡️ Yellow card count resets after each midfield penalty.
➡️ Every two yellow cards = one midfield penalty.

7. The total time allowed for a midfield penalty is 15 seconds.
The time starts when the attacking player first touches the ball and ends when one of the following occurs:

A goal is scored
The goalkeeper touches the ball
The 15-second time limit expires

11. Substitution Rules:

Free Subbing:
- Must notify ref. (Coach/manager must call: "Next sub ref")
- Incoming player must wait until exiting player is off field.
- Illegal sub = yellow card.
- Goalkeeper subs must report to ref.
- Too many players = indirect kick at spot of entry.

12. Roster Rules

Team managers must submit the official roster with correct jersey numbers worn during the match and accurately report the goal scorers with the correct player numbers.
Less than 5 players = automatic forfeit (can still scrimmage with borrowed players).
Ref can wait 10 minutes total (start clock after 5 minutes); late = forfeit.
Teams play 7v7 including goalkeeper.
Max 12 players per match includes sub.
Unlimited registrations, but registration fee must be paid before a player’s first match.
Players must play at least 4 games in the league to qualify for the playoff and final.
Violating this rule will result in:
Forfeit of the match
–1 point deduction
Game result voided

13. Scoring Rules

Standings determined by:
1. Total points
2. Goal difference (total)
3. Goals scored (total)
4. Points in direct matches
5. Goal difference in direct matches
6. Goals scored in direct matches

14. Point System

Win: +3 points
Draw: +2 points
Loss: +1 point
Forfeit: 0 points (opponent awarded 1-0 win)

(This league uses a participation-based point system.)

15. GENERAL RULE (-1 Point for violation)

Minus One Point (-1) if any of the following rules are violated:

Goal Set-up Rules

First game teams (5:30 PM – 6:20 PM) must bring goals onto the field at least 5 minutes before kickoff.
Third game teams (7:10 PM – 8:05 PM) must return goals to the fence (facing the lock) after the game.
Failure -1 point or $20 fine

Field Rules

Do NOT jump the fence (Yellow Card).
No gum, no spitting inside, no food/drinks on field. ($20 fine)
No trash left behind in the team sideline area. ($20 fine)
No hanging on goals/nets ($100–$300 fine).
No spectators on the field during games or halftime.
Failure -1 point or

Ball Rules

Each team must bring one size 5 ball to the game (or borrow from host and return after).
If a ball goes into the parking lot or outside the field, the team that kick out must retrieve it. And put it back behind the goal.
Unreturned balls = $100–$150 fine, must be paid before next match.

Jersey Color Rules

Each team must report jersey color in the manager chat one day before game day.
Goalkeepers must wear different color jerseys and gloves.
Players not in the match must sit down or wear a different color shirt.

Schedule Policy

League schedule is fixed and cannot be changed.
If a game is canceled due to weather/field issues/emergencies, it will be rescheduled to the end of the season.

16. Updated Match Schedule & Forfeit Policy

A. Forfeit Match (Advance Notice Required)

Teams must notify the Organizer Committee at least 24 hours in advance if they are unable to play.

The team forfeiting the match:

Recorded as a 0–1 loss
Receives 0 points
Assessed an $80 penalty

The opposing team:

Receives +3 points
The match may be converted into a friendly game for any team without a scheduled match that week.
Any team that volunteers to participate in the friendly match will receive +1 point.

B. Insufficient Players (Fewer Than 5 Players)

If a team has fewer than 5 eligible players, the match will be ruled as:
- 0–1 loss
- $60 penalty (must be paid before the next match)
The game will be considered a friendly match, where:
- Teams may borrow guest players, or
- Play a friendly match against another available team.

C. Match Schedule Arrangement

Match schedules are randomly generated by the system/app to ensure fairness.
The Organizer Committee will make reasonable efforts to accommodate team requests, but cannot guarantee all requests.
Schedule changes are only permitted when:
- The involved team managers mutually agree, and
- The change is approved by the Organizer Committee.

17. Payment & Refund Policy

Payment Policy:

League Dues: $20 per player (includes registration fee and first game fee).
After First Game: fixed fee per player per game.

Refund Policy:

All payments are final.
No refunds for injuries, red cards, or season dropouts.

18. Liability Release Consent and Waiver Policy

Liability Release Consent for Soccer Sport Participation at the Huntington Beach Sport Complex and Bolsa Soccer Group must be signed in order to play.

19. Prizes

Champion Team

🏆 Cup C7 Champion Prestigious Trophy
🥇 Gold Medals
💵 Cash Prize: $500

2nd Place

🏆 Super Crystal Trophy
🥈 Silver Medals
💵 Cash Prize: $200

3rd Place

🏆 Big Crystal Trophy
🥉 Bronze Medals
💵 Cash Prize: $150

Fair Play Team

🏆 Fair Play Crystal Trophy
💵 Cash Prize: $100

Golden Glove (Goalkeeper)

Eligibility requirements:
Awarded to the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded
Must have played at least 7 matches
Team must finish in the Top 4
🧤 Golden Glove Trophy
💵 Prize: $100

Golden Boot (Top Scorer)

Eligibility requirements:
Awarded to the player with the most goals scored.
Must have played at least 7 matches
Team must finish in the Top 4
🍅Golden Boot Trophy
💵 Prize: $100

Best Young Player (Under 21)

✨ Awarded to an outstanding player under the age of 21 who demonstrates exceptional skill, attitude, and sportsmanship throughout the season.
🍅 Golden Young Trophy
💵 Prize: $100

The Organizer Committee reserves the right to update or clarify any rule during the season to ensure fairness, safety, and smooth league operation. Any updates will be announced to team managers in advance whenever possible.

Good luck to all teams and player, Enjoy the league and have fun!!!

📩 Need help? Contact the organizer for questions.

OC7SOCCER

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