Summer Soccer Rules - Seniors | Sutherland Sharks FC Help Center

(PSS) PULSE SUMMER SOCCER RULES

Effective: September 2025

PART 1: COMPETITION FORMAT AND OPERATION

1.1 Competition Overview

The PSS Pulse Summer Soccer Competition is a senior 6-a-side format with unlimited interchange. A maximum of 12 players per team is permitted (6 on field and up to 6 interchange).

1.2 Grading and Re-Grading

Teams will be graded into divisions based on:

Team nomination
Player average standard
Historical performance (if applicable)

Grading will be reviewed over the first few rounds. Re-grading decisions will be made based on performance in these rounds and other relevant factors. All re-grading decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Points will carry over after re-grading.
Goals scored and conceded will be halved and rounded up if odd.

1.3 Venue & Field Specifications

Venue: Seymour Shaw 1 Stadium
Field Dimensions: Approx. 45m x 34m (¼ regulation field)
Goals: Approx. 5m x 1.8m
Goal Area: Marked by domes or turf colour change

1.4 Ball

Ball Type: Size 5 or 4.5 mid-bounce summer football

1.5 Player Attire

Teams must wear uniform shirts.
Players must wear shin pads, long socks, and boots in accordance with FIFA standards.
Bibs will be provided in the event of a colour clash.

PART 2: MATCH RULES

2.1 Match Duration

Halves: 2 x 20 minutes
Half-Time: 2 minutes
Pre-Match Access: Entry to field permitted 5 minutes before kick-off. Penalties may apply for early entry.

2.2 Borrowed Players

Borrowing players is prohibited without prior consent from the opposition and PSS Pulse Summer Soccer management. Unapproved borrowing will result in a forfeit. Recruitment of new players is allowed up to the 12-player limit, subject to eligibility.

2.3 Pre- and Post-Match Procedures

Teams must verify fixture details and field allocation.
Shirt colour clashes must be resolved 10 minutes before kick-off via bib allocation.
Post-match, a team representative must confirm the final score on the referee’s match card.

2.4 Inclement Weather

Matches proceed in nearly all weather. Seymour Shaw 1 is not subject to council closures. Cancellations will only occur if directed by the committee or in compliance with FIFA regulations on lightning.

2.5 Point Allocation

Match Outcome	Points
Win	3
Draw	1
Loss	0
Bye	3
Forfeit	3–0 awarded to non-forfeiting team

Ladder Rankings (in order of precedence):

Points
Goal Difference
Goals Scored
Result in Head-to-Head Match

Competition Premiers: The team topping the table after the final round will be declared premiers.

2.6 Injuries

All injuries must be reported via an Incident Form available from the canteen.

PART 3: MODIFIED PLAYING RULES

3.1 General

All matches follow FIFA rules, subject to the modifications detailed herein. Where a conflict exists, PSS Pulse Summer Soccer rules take precedence.

3.2 Match Commencement

Maximum players: 6 (including 1 goalkeeper)
Minimum to start: 4
Mixed teams: Minimum of 2 female players on the field at all times
5-minute grace period allowed before a match is deemed forfeited due to insufficient players

3.3 Interchanges

Unlimited interchanges permitted, but only when the ball is out of play
Must occur at halfway line with referee’s approval
Excessive/time-wasting substitutions may be penalised

3.4 Restarts

Kick-ins replace throw-ins; no direct goals allowed
Goal kicks must land before the halfway line or result in an opposition free kick
Corners may be taken quickly; defenders must retreat 5 metres unless waived
Free kicks: Indirect unless denying a goal-scoring opportunity (then a penalty from 8m)
All defensive walls must be at least 5 metres away

3.5 Goalkeeper Rules

May handle the ball only inside the goal area
May not clear the ball past halfway on the full from a restart / goal kick.
May not leave the area to act as a field player.
3.6 Offside Rule

No offside rule applies. However, blatant exploitation is deemed unsportsmanlike conduct and may be penalised

3.7 Misconduct and Sanctions

Sliding and Playing the Ball from the Ground

· Strictly no sliding is permitted at any time.

Any player who is off their feet, whether on the ground, slide tackling or attempting a bicycle kick, performing a diving header—will be penalised.
This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all players and maintain the spirit of the game.

Yellow Card: 2-minute suspension, no substitution allowed
Red Card: Off for the match, no substitution allowed
Slide tackles are banned: Penalty is yellow card + free kick
Tackles from behind endangering safety: Serious foul play
Accumulation of 3 yellow cards = automatic 1-match suspension
Red card offences referred to Judiciary Panel