League Rules | Crescent Football League

League Conduct & Discipline

Unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting, mocking, intentional humiliation, or behavior that disrupts the spirit of the league, may result in suspension or removal
Verbal abuse, profanity, vulgar language, inappropriate gestures, or disrespect toward referees, opponents, teammates, or spectators is strictly prohibited
Any form of physical altercation, aggressive confrontation, or intentional attempt to injure another player will result in disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion
Discriminatory remarks or conduct based on race, ethnicity, or background will not be tolerated and will be subject to immediate disciplinary review
Players are expected to display good akhlaaq (character), comply with league officials’ instructions, respect facility property, and represent the Muslim community with integrity and honor at all times
The league reserves the right to suspend or remove any player whose behavior negatively impacts the safety, reputation, or environment of the league
Players who have paid the initial $75 installment must complete the remaining $75 balance before participating in Week 3 games. Any player who has not completed the full $150 payment prior to their Week 3 game will be ineligible to participate in further games until payment is made

Each match is played between two teams of seven 7 players, including one designated goalkeeper
A minimum of four 4 players is required to start a game
Matches consist of two 25-minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime break
Running clock throughout each half – no timeouts
Officials, scorekeepers, or supervisors may stop or forfeit a match for reasons including participant safety or gross misconduct
League Points System: Standings are determined by total points earned. A win awards 3 points, a draw awards 1 point, and a loss awards 0 points.

The game begins with a coin toss odd/even between captains. The winner chooses either possession or which goal to defend
The ball is in play once it completes a full rotation to a teammate on kick-off
Defenders must stand at least 3 yards away from the ball during a kick-off
Goals cannot be scored directly from the opening kick-off—another player must first touch the ball
Ball Out of Play: When it leaves the field, touches the net above the white boards, or the referee stops play

The ball must fully cross the goal line to be counted as a goal
Goals may be scored directly from: Direct free kicks, Goal kicks, Penalty kicks, Corner kicks, Drop balls, Goalkeeper throws/kicks
No goals may be scored directly from indirect free kicks
No punting and no throw-ins
Mercy Rule: If a team leads by 10 or more goals with 5 minutes remaining, the game will be called

Goalkeeper substitutions can only occur during a dead ball, and the referee must be notified
The goalkeeper must wear a jersey of a distinct color, different from both their team and the opponents subject to referee approval
A goalkeeper must remain in goal to defend a penalty kick if the infraction occurred while they were in goal
Goalkeeper cannot handle the ball directly after a goal kick

On-the-fly substitutions are allowed for field players
Goalkeepers may not be substituted on the fly
Do not jump over the walls when subbing
Improper substitutions may result in a yellow card and a 2-minute power play for the opposing team

Direct Free Kicks: Awarded for fouls like tripping, pushing, handballs, illegal contact, and slide tackles except GK hands-first save
Indirect Free Kicks: Awarded for ceiling contact, hands on wall, obstruction, or GK holding ball too long
Defenders must give 5 yards of space on all free kicks
Direct fouls in the penalty area result in a penalty kick
Goal Kicks: Awarded when attacking team plays the ball out over the end line netting. Must be taken from within the goal area
Corner Kicks: Awarded when the defending team last touches the ball out over the end line netting
Ceiling Violations: Ball hits ceiling or curtain = indirect kick

Awarded for fouls in the penalty area
Kicked from the penalty spot, must move forward
All other players must be 5 yards behind the spot, outside the penalty area
If defending team encroaches and the shot scores, it stands. If missed, retaken
If attacking team violates and scores: no goal + goal kick. If missed: indirect kick for defense

Slide Tackling: All slide tackles are prohibited.
Board Play: Players may not use two hands to push an opponent against the boards.
Referees will call "Space" for disadvantageous contact.
Offside: Offsides are not enforced in 7v7.
Players are prohibited from wearing cleats in all games.
Players found wearing cleats prior to the start of the game will receive a formal warning. Any player found wearing cleats after the game has begun will be issued a yellow card

League administrators may revise rules during the season and will notify teams of changes
Free Agents will not be allowed join a team in the current season after Week 4 games of the current season have been played
Trades for the current season will not be allowed after Week 4 games of the current season have been played

Download the complete rulebook for detailed regulations and guidelines.