Rules of Play and Conduct

The Over-70 Division

 

Rules will conform to the current edition of The FIFA Laws of the Game unless otherwise stated below.

The ultimate intent of the O-70 division is not to win games for the sake of winning or rank, but to exhibit fair and safe play and to celebrate those who love the game for the game’s sake and are still able to participate in the beautiful game.

 

The Over-70 Division shall adhere to:

 

1. In keeping with the ultimate intent of the O-70 division noted above, game points will be given as follows:
   1. Three points for a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a loss.  Goal differentials, goals scored, and goals allowed will not be documented.
   2. If two teams tie for first place, the winning and final ranking will be awarded based on fair and safe play and by an official of the MOJOS organization, with consideration of input from all of the Division team managers.  A coin toss can be used if there is no agreement on first place.
2. A player may participate in a Match, regardless of age, if that player turns 69 before December 31, 2025.  Beginning in 2026 all players must be at least 70 on or by December 31 2026.
3. Teams may consist of players of any gender.
4. Each team will consist of not more than Nine (9) players and not less than Six (6) players on   the field.  Before the Game starts, the team managers or captains may agree to adjust player size per team depending on circumstances. 
5. A team captain is identified before each game.  This person has the responsibility to maintain acceptable team conduct before, during, and after the game.  This includes substitutions and positions played during the game.  The team captains for both teams will work together, if necessary, to determine outcomes of disputes including the immediate substitution of players exhibiting hostile or aggressive play.
6. The field of play may vary but will try to adhere to a length of between 50-70 yards and a width of 50 yards.
7. Size five (5) balls in good condition and properly inflated shall be used.
8. Shin guards are encouraged, players opting not to use them acknowledge an increased inherent risk for shin/leg injuries in the absence of wearing them.
9. Shoes are required to be regular soccer type footwear for use on artificial turf fields…no   blade or metal cleats, boots, dress shoes, high heels, etc.
10. Team color pinnies will be worn by all players.
11. The Goals will normally be 6 ft wide and 4 ft high.  With a no-entry goal area comprising a semi circle, as follows:

 

12. No player, either attacking or defending, is allowed in the goal area.  If a defender touches the ball in the goal area, a goal is awarded.  If an attacker touches the ball in the goal area, an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.
13. Each team may make unlimited substitutions without requiring a stoppage of play. All substitutions occur at the half line nearest the team area.  The incoming player must wait for the outgoing player to exit the field at the half line before entering the field of play.  Both players must meet at the half line.
14. Games will be played without referees. Fair and safe play takes precedent, and players are expected to manage their play and conduct within this principle. If an infringement in the rules of play and conduct occurs, any player may call for stoppage of play. If there is a dispute over the call, the managers or captains of the respective sides will resolve the call. Players calling for a stoppage of play must be treated with respect.
15. Each game will consist of 40-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime break.  Prior to the start of the game, the game duration may be adjusted by mutual agreement from both team managers.
16. The Offside Rule does not apply.
17. “Throw-ins” will be by indirect kick-in (using feet), one-handed roll, or two-handed throw from a planted standing position only.  Kick-ins or roll-ins cannot rise above waist level.
18. Goal Kicks will be taken from anywhere on the goal line ellipse.  Opposing players must be a minimum of 10 yards from the ball at the taking of the goal kick.
19. A dead ball in the goal area results in an indirect Goal Kick taken by the defending team.
20. Corner kicks will be taken from anywhere along the touch line between the goal line and 10-yard line.  Corner kicks are taken in the same manner  as the “throw-in” in Rule 17.
21. All free kicks and kick-ins are indirect.
22. All opponents must be a minimum of 6 yards from the ball at the taking of an indirect free kick with the exception of goal kicks as in Rule 18.
23. No sliding is allowed whether it be a slide tackle or otherwise for the safety of all players.
24. No tackles from behind.  An unlawful tackle is considered to be any play at the ball when the tackler is not positioned with both feet in front of the opponent’s forward-facing plane as shown in the following illustration: