All Welland Soccer Club House League games are governed by the current FIFA Laws of the Game unless otherwise specified below.

The following rules apply to all House League divisions and are intended to promote player development, safety, sportsmanship, and fair play.

General House League Rules

Equal Playing Time

The Welland Soccer Club enforces a strict Equal Playing Time Policy.

• All players must receive approximately equal playing time during each game.
• Coaches are expected to actively rotate players.
• No player may remain on the field for extended periods at the expense of others.
• This policy applies regardless of player ability, game score, or standings.

Hat Trick Rule (U8 and Older)

To encourage balanced player development:

• A player may score a maximum of three (3) goals in a game.
• Once a player scores three goals, they are credited with a hat trick.
• Additional goals scored by that player during the game will not be counted.
• Hat tricks may be recorded for division leaderboards and statistics.

Playoff Tiebreakers (U10 and Older)

If a playoff game remains tied at the end of regulation time:

1. A three-player penalty shootout will take place.
2. If still tied, sudden-death penalty kicks will continue until a winner is determined.

Regular season games may end in a tie unless otherwise specified.

Player Equipment Requirements

All players must wear:

• Team jersey
• Shin guards (mandatory)
• Soccer socks
• Appropriate soccer footwear

Players may not participate without proper equipment.

Prohibited Equipment

For player safety, the following are not permitted:

• Jewelry of any kind
• Watches
• Necklaces
• Earrings
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Loose hats or toques
• Hard casts
• Soft casts
• Metal braces
• Any item deemed unsafe by the referee

The referee has final authority regarding player equipment and safety.

Discipline

Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect at all times.

Abuse of referees, opponents, coaches, volunteers, or spectators will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

Outdoor House League Rules

Under 6

Under 8

Under 10

Under 12

Outdoor Rule Notes

• No slide tackling in any division.
• Goalkeepers may slide within their own penalty area.
• Dangerous play results in an indirect free kick unless contact occurs.
• FIFA Laws apply unless otherwise specified.

Indoor House League Rules

Under 8/9

Under 10

Under 11/12

Under 13–19

Indoor Rule Notes

• No slide tackling in any division.
• Goalkeepers may slide within their own penalty area.
• All kicks are indirect except penalty kicks.
• FIFA Laws apply unless otherwise specified.
• Indoor playoff games follow the same penalty shootout procedures as outdoor playoffs.