Key Ontario Soccer Rules – U14/U15 House League Soccer
Game Format and Structure
Format: 11V11 (including a goalkeeper).
Scores/Standings: Scores are recorded, and league standings are maintained.
Duration: Maximum game duration is 80 minutes, played as two 40-minute halves.
Ball Size: Size 5
Rules of Play
Retreat Line: There is no retreat line for this age group.
Offsides: Offside rules are applied at the U14 level.
Restart (Sidelines): Players use throw-in only.
Fouls and Misconduct: Indirect or direct fee kicks as per Fifa laws.
Substitutions: are allowed on goals, goal kicks, and own throw-ins. Teams may piggyback on substitutions, this means the team doing the throw-in must start the substitution then the other team may also sub.
8 Second Rule for Goalkeepers: the other team is awarded a corner kick.
Yellow and red cards can be handed out to players and coaches
Home team changes colour when there is a conflict
NEW 5 Up Rule: If a team is up by 5 goals the losing team may add another player to the field. If the losing team scores they remove the extra player. If the winning team scores again while the losing team is up a player, then the losing team can add a second extra player. Again once the losing team scores, one extra player goes off.
Player Requirements
Playing Time: Each player must receive equal playing time, and no player should sit out the entire game.
Positions: Players should rotate through all positions, including goalkeeper.
Safety: The use of shin guards is mandatory. Jewelry is NOT allowed.
Key Ontario Soccer Rules - U12/U13 House League Soccer
Game Format and Structure
Format: 9V9 (including a goalkeeper).
No Scores/Standings: Scores are not recorded, and league standings are not maintained.
Duration: Maximum game duration is 70 minutes, played as two 35-minute halves.
TRAVEL games are U12 2x35 and U13 2X40
Ball Size: Size 5
Rules of Play
Retreat Line: There is no retreat line for this age group.
Offsides: Offside rules are applied at the U12/13 level.
Restart (Sidelines): Players use throw-in only.
Fouls and Misconduct: Indirect or direct fee kicks as per Fifa laws.
Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play.
8 Second Rule for Goalkeepers: the other team is awarded a corner kick.
Yellow and red cards can be handed out to players and coaches
Home team changes colour when there is a conflict
No slide tackles
NEW 5 up rule: If a team is up by 5 goals the losing team may add another player to the field. If the losing team scores they remove the extra player. If the winning team scores again while the losing team is up a player, then the losing team can add a second extra player. Again once the losing team scores, one extra player goes off.
Player Requirements
Playing Time: Each player must receive equal playing time, and no player should sit out of the entire game.
Positions: Players should rotate through all positions, including goalkeeper.
Safety: The use of shin guards is mandatory. Jewelry is NOT allowed.
Key Ontario Soccer Rules - U10/U11 House League Soccer
Game Format and Structure
Format: 7V7 (including a goalkeeper).
No Scores/Standings: Scores are not recorded, and league standings are not maintained.
Duration: Maximum game duration is 50 minutes, played as two 25-minute halves.
Ball Size: Size 4
Rules of Play
Retreat Line: Mandatory. When the goalkeeper has the ball, or on a goal kick, the opposing team must move back to behind the retreat line which is 1/3 of the field, to allow the team to play the ball out from the back. Players must remain behind the retreat line until the second touch.
If the keeper chooses not to wait for the opposition to retreat and releases the ball early, the ball is in play, and the opposition may pressure immediately, and a teammate does not need to touch the ball first.
The goalkeeper should not use a drop kick, rather place the ball on the ground and kick the ball to a teammate or throw the ball to their teammate.
No Offsides: Offside rules are not applied at the U10/11 level.
Restart (Sidelines): Players use a pass-in or dribble-in to restart play. No throw-ins
Fouls and Misconduct: All free kicks are indirect except penalty kicks.
Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play.
8 second rule: corner kick to opposing team
Home team changes colour if there is a conflict
Yellow and red cards can be handed out to coaches.
No slide tackles
Take 5 (unacceptable spectator Behaviour) First = warning, second = 5 minute timeout, Third = abandon game
NEW 5 up rule: If a team is up by 5 goals the losing team may add another player to the field. If the losing team scores they remove the extra player. If the winning team scores again while the losing team is up a player, then the losing team can add a second extra player. Again once the losing team scores, one extra player goes off.
Player Requirements
Playing Time: Each player must receive equal playing time, and no player should sit out the entire game.
Positions: Players should rotate through all positions, including goalkeeper.
Safety: The use of shin guards is mandatory. Jewelry is NOT allowed.
Game Format and Structure
Format: 5v5 (including a goalkeeper).
No Scores/Standings: Scores are not recorded, and league standings are not maintained.
Duration: Maximum game duration is 40 minutes, played as two 20-minute halves.
Ball Size: Size 3
Rules of Play
Retreat Line: Mandatory. When the goalkeeper has the ball, or on a goal kick, the opposing team must move back to half to allow the team to play the ball out from the back. Players must remain behind the retreat line until the second touch.
If the keeper chooses not to wait for the opposition to retreat and releases the ball early, the ball is in play, and the opposition may pressure immediately. A teammate does not need to touch the ball first.
The goalkeeper should not use a drop kick, rather place the ball on the ground and kick the ball to a teammate or throw the ball to their teammate.
No Offsides: Offside rules are not applied at the U8/9 level.
Restart (Sidelines): Players use a pass-in or dribble-in to restart play. No throw-ins
Fouls and Misconduct: All free kicks are indirect, and there are no penalty kicks.
Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play.
8 Second Rule: corner kick to opposing team
Home team changes colour if there is a conflict
Yellow and red cards can be handed out to coaches.
No slide tackles
Take 5 (unacceptable spectator Behaviour) First = warning, second = 5 minute timeout, Third = abandon game
NEW 5 Up Rule: If a team is up by 5 goals the losing team may add another player to the field. If the losing team scores they remove the extra player. If the winning team scores again while the losing team is up a player, then the losing team can add a second extra player. Again once the losing team scores, one extra player goes off.
Corner Kicks: The ball must be placed at the 5 yard mark and they can dribble in and score on the dribble in without a 2nd touch
Player Requirements
Playing Time: Each player must receive equal playing time, and no player should sit out the entire game.
Positions: Players should rotate through all positions, including goalkeeper.
Safety: The use of shin guards is mandatory. Jewelry is NOT allowed.
The purpose of this rule is to promote an competitive balance and ensure a positive playing environment in matches where a significant goal differential develops.
When a team falls behind by five (5) or more goals, that team may add one additional field player to the match. This adjustment remains in effect only while the goal differential is five or greater, and the leading team may not add players under this rule.
If the trailing team reduces the deficit to four (4) goals, the extra player must be removed at the next natural stoppage of play. Should the differential increase again to five or more, the trailing team may reintroduce the extra player.
Coaches are responsible for ensuring compliance with this rule.
Referees shall enforce the rule and may delay restart if the number of players is not correct.
Players at U11 and under are not allowed to intentionally head the ball.
Parents and coaches, please remind your kids/players
Slide tackles are not permitted at any age in the WNISL
Two signed game sheets must be submitted to the referee prior to the startof the game. Game sheets can be printed from the WNISL.com website. Two team captains are selected by the coach for each game. Captains will be called over by the referee prior to the start of the game to participate in the coin toss.
Division
U9
U11
U13
U15
U19
U23
Playing Strength
5 v. 5
7 v. 7
9 v. 9
11 v. 11
11 v. 11
11 v. 11
Minimum Players7
5
5
6
7
7
7
Game Length
2 x 25 minute halves
2 x 30 minute halves
2 x 35 minute halves
2 x 40 minute halves
2 x 45 minute halves
2 x 45 minute halves
Ball Size
4 or 5 light
4 or 5 light
4 or 5 light
5
5
5
Match Officials
Referee (Lincoln & West Lincoln) Game Leader (Grimsby)
Referee
Referee, 2 Assistant Referees
Referee, 2 Assistant Referees
Referee, 2 Assistant Referees
Referee, 2 Assistant Referees
Call Ups
Call ups must be registered U9 interlock players. Call ups may be used up to build the team up to 10 players for a game
Call ups must be registered U11 interlock players. Call ups may be used to build the team up to 12 players for a game
Call ups must be registered U13 interlock players. Call ups may be used to build the team up to 14 players for a game
Call ups must be registered U15 interlock players. Call ups may be used to build the team up to 14 players for a game
Call ups must be registered U19 interlock players. There is no maximum number of call ups in this division.
Retreat line3
Yes3
Yes3
Yes3
No
No
No
Offside called3
No
No
Yes3
Yes3
Yes3
Yes3
Free Kicks9, 10
Indirect (except on penalty kick)
Indirect (except on penalty kick)
Indirect or Direct
Indirect or Direct
Indirect or Direct
Indirect or Direct
Throw in or pass in when the ball leaves the field
Pass in
Pass in
Throw in
Throw in
Throw in
Throw in
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions at any game stoppage
Unlimited substitutions at any game stoppage
Unlimited substitutions after a goal, on a goal kick or on a teams own throw in6
Unlimited substitutions after a goal, on a goal kick or on a teams own throw in6
Unlimited substitutions after a goal, on a goal kick or on a teams own throw in6
Unlimited substitutions after a goal, on a goal kick or on a teams own throw in6
WNISL Rules Matrix
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WNISL Rules Matrix
All players must wear shin guards, full uniform and athletic footwear, soccer cleats are recommended for all ages. No jewelry or piercings are permitted to be worn on the field by any player.
Unregistered players are not permitted to participate in a game under any circumstance. Registered travel players are not permitted to participate in Interlock games regardless of their age and division.
For a complete description of the retreat line and offside rules, please refer to “Laws of the Game” or “Small Sided Laws of the Game”. Consult your referee for clarification if necessary.
Corner Kicks are applicable for all interlock divisions, for a complete description of corner kicks please refer to “Laws of the Game” or “Small Sided Laws of the Game”. Consult your referee for clarification if necessary.
Slide tackles are not permitted in any WNISL interlock division. A clean slide tackle is still considered a foul under WNISL rules. For an explanation of other fouls please refer to “Laws of the Game” or “Small Sided Laws of the Game”. Consult your referee for clarification if necessary.
“Piggy-back” substitutions will be allowed at the discretion of the referee, and must be agreed upon by both teams prior to the start of the game. The Referee must be notified prior to ALL substitutions.
If a team must play a game at less than full strength due to player absence, their opponent is NOT required to match their number and may choose to play at full strength. It is the responsibility of all coaches to use call ups so that they are able to field a full team. Coaches are reminded to NOT run up the score on any opponent that has to play at less than full strength. Note: call ups are not allowed in tournament or final day games.
Games can be canceled at the field (due to weather) by the referee only.
In small sided soccer a foul in the penalty area will still result in a (direct) penalty kick, all other free kicks are indirect.
Please refer to “Laws of the Game” for a complete description of the circumstances under which an indirect or direct free kick may be awarded in 11 v.11 soccer.
Regarding the “no slide tackle rule”
The purpose of this Rule change is to reduce the chance of injury and promote safe and fair play.
The League defines a 'Slide Tackle' as:
Leaving your feet to CHALLENGE an opponent, contact with the opponent is not required
Every Slide Tackle awards a Direct Free Kick or Penalty Kick
Careless, Reckless or Excessive force standards apply, Cautions or Dismissal offences do not change
Denying Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) considerations still apply - no changes.
Exceptions to the Rule are:
Goal Keeper challenging an Opponent to make a save in his own Penalty Area
Player sliding to keep ball in play – no opponent nearby
Player sliding to stop pass or shot – no opponent nearby
The below information was sent out via Ontario Soccer Bulletin on May 6th & 8th respectively:
Please be advised that Take 5 is effective province-wide for all 5v5 & 7v7 matches. Take 5 is a tool Small Sided officials can use to manage poor spectator behaviour. More information on Take 5 can be found by clicking here. As a reminder, Take 5 is restricted to 5v5 & 7v7 matches ONLY. It cannot be implemented in 9v9 or 11v11 games.
Additionally, all U9 matches (5v5) will be using a modified corner kick for the 2026 season. More information on the modified corner kick and its implementation can be found by clicking here. An explainer video for match officials is available by clicking here. An explainer video for parents is available by clicking here.
Please ensure all affected coaches are made aware of these changes, and please reamplify this information to your Small Sided officials.
