WWSA Game Rules

Free Kicks

All free kicks within the field of play — including those typically considered indirect (e.g., non-contact dangerous play, dissent, etc.) — will be taken as direct kicks. The kick will be taken from the location of the infraction.

  • Exceptions:

    • Infractions occurring inside the penalty area will result in a penalty kick.

    • Indirect infractions inside the penalty area (e.g., a goalkeeper handling a deliberate back-pass, non-contact dangerous play, going to ground, etc.) will result in an indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction.

Goalkeeper Rules

Any goal kick, punt, or throw by the goalkeeper (or another player) that crosses the midfield line in the air — without touching the ground or another player of either team — will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. The kick will be taken from the spot where the ball crossed the midfield line.

  • Exceptions:

    • If the goalkeeper places the ball on the ground before kicking it, the ball may cross midfield in the air without penalty. Drop punts do not qualify for this exception.

Slide Tackles / Going to Ground

Slide tackles are not allowed. Going to ground in the vicinity of other players — when deemed dangerous play by the referee — is also prohibited. Any violation will result in a free kick for the opposing team.

Game Play

  • There are no offsides.

  • Each half will be 30 minutes, unless shortened by the referee, a WWSA board member, and/or team captains due to weather, injury, lighting issues, etc.

  • Substitutions are on the fly and do not require game stoppage or referee approval.

Equipment Requirements

  • All players must wear adult shin guards at all times while on the field.

  • Fitness watches (e.g., Apple Watch, Samsung, Fitbit) must be covered by a soft material such as a sweatband or pre-wrap.

  • Cleats or turf shoes are recommended, though not required.

Minimum Player Requirements

  • A team must have at least five (5) of their own rostered players to start or continue a game.

  • If a team has fewer than five rostered players at any point, the game is a forfeit, regardless of the score.

    Borrowing Players

  • Teams may borrow players only from within the league.

    • The guest player must play in the first half to be eligible for the second half; no guest player may enter the game after halftime if they did not play in the first half.

    • Borrowing limits based on rostered players available:

      • 7 rostered players = may borrow 2 players

      • 6 rostered players = may borrow 3 players

      • 5 rostered players = may borrow 3 players

      • A team borrowing players may have only one of its rostered players on the bench. (E.g., if two rostered players are on the bench while two borrowed players are on the field, this is not allowed.)

      • No borrowed players are allowed during tournament play.

    Borrowing Goalkeepers

  • A team may borrow a goalkeeper regardless of the number of rostered players.

  • This is allowed only if:

    • Both the captain and co-captain of the opposing team give permission.

    • The borrowed goalkeeper is announced before the game.

  • The borrowed goalkeeper does not count toward the minimum player requirement or substitution/bench rules.

  • Game clocks start promptly! A team with less than five (5) rostered players will have ten (10) minutes from the scheduled game start to produce enough rostered players before they will be charged a forfeit. Lost time due to late game starts will not be made up.