Competition handbook

Rules of play

Official rules, match procedures and competition standards for every Himigo Leagues sport and format.

Soccer · 5v5

Official competition rules

HIMIGO 5V5 SOCCER

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RULES

Men’s 18+ · Indoor Soccer

These are the official rules for Himigo 5v5 men’s soccer tournaments.

By registering and participating in a Himigo tournament, players and teams agree to follow these rules, the applicable tournament details, and the rules of the venue.

Our goal is to provide a competitive, fair, safe, and enjoyable tournament for the entire community.

Tournament-specific information—including dates, venue, number of teams, schedule, registration fees, prizes, and any special competition format—will be published separately on the applicable tournament page.

Any situation not specifically covered by these rules will be decided by Himigo. Decisions regarding tournament administration and discipline are final.

1. General Format

  • Games are played 5v5, with five players per team on the field, including the goalkeeper.

  • The category is Men’s 18+.

  • Each team plays with 4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper.

  • Regular-season tournaments generally use a round-robin format.

  • Unless otherwise stated for a specific tournament, teams receive:

    • 3 points for a win;
    • 1 point for a draw;
    • 0 points for a loss.

  • Regular-season matches may end in a draw.

  • Tournament-specific playoff formats are published on the applicable tournament page.

Where the tournament is played at a covered indoor facility, matches proceed regardless of rain, snow, or normal weather conditions unless Himigo or the venue determines that conditions are unsafe.

2. Match Duration

Unless otherwise stated for a tournament:

  • Each match consists of two 25-minute halves.
  • Halftime is approximately 5 minutes.
  • Matches operate within a fixed scheduled field time.
  • Matches must finish on time so the following game can begin as scheduled.
  • If a game starts late because one or both teams are not ready, additional time will not normally be added.
  • Himigo or the referee may shorten a halftime or adjust timing when necessary to maintain the tournament schedule.

Players should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled kickoff.

The referee or tournament coordinator is responsible for determining the official start and end of the match.

3. Players and Rosters

Each team must have:

  • a minimum roster of 7 registered players; and
  • a maximum roster of 10 registered players.

Five players may be on the field at one time:

4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper.

All players must:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • be officially registered;
  • appear on their team's roster;
  • complete the required liability waiver before participating; and
  • meet any additional eligibility requirements published for the tournament.

Himigo may request government-issued identification to verify a player's identity or age.

A player may only be registered with one team within the same tournament.

A player who is not registered or has not completed the required waiver may not participate.

Using an ineligible or unregistered player may result in:

  • a 3–0 forfeit;
  • suspension of the player;
  • disciplinary action against the team; or
  • removal of the team from the tournament.

Roster deadlines and any roster-freeze dates will be communicated for each tournament.

4. Team Captains

Each team must designate a captain.

The captain is responsible for:

  • ensuring that players are properly registered;
  • ensuring that all players have completed the required waiver;
  • communicating schedules and tournament information to the team;
  • ensuring that the team is ready to play on time;
  • helping maintain appropriate conduct from players and spectators; and
  • communicating administrative concerns to Himigo.

During matches, captains should be the primary players communicating significant concerns to the referee.

Being captain does not provide the right to challenge or overrule a referee's judgment.

5. Minimum Players and Forfeits

A team must have at least 3 eligible players present to start or continue a match.

There is a maximum 5-minute grace period after the scheduled kickoff.

If a team cannot field at least 3 eligible players after the grace period, the match is declared a forfeit.

The standard recorded result for a forfeit is:

3–0.

If both teams fail to meet the minimum number of players, Himigo determines the administrative result.

A team may also forfeit a match for:

  • using an ineligible player;
  • refusing to continue playing;
  • serious misconduct;
  • causing a match to be abandoned; or
  • another serious violation of tournament rules.

A team that repeatedly forfeits matches or abandons a tournament may be removed from the competition without refund.

6. Uniforms and Equipment

When official tournament jerseys are provided by Himigo, players must wear their team's official jersey during matches.

The goalkeeper must wear a colour that clearly distinguishes them from:

  • teammates;
  • opponents; and
  • the referee.

If there is a colour conflict, Himigo or the referee may require a team to use pinnies or an alternate colour.

Required equipment

Players must use:

  • appropriate indoor or turf footwear;
  • shin guards; and
  • appropriate athletic clothing.

Prohibited equipment

Players may not wear:

  • metal cleats;
  • exposed hard casts;
  • jewellery or accessories considered dangerous;
  • unsafe eyewear; or
  • any equipment that could reasonably injure another participant.

Eyewear should be appropriate sports eyewear or otherwise made safe and secured.

Braces and splints must be appropriately covered and padded.

The referee has final authority regarding whether a player's footwear, clothing, brace, eyewear, jewellery, or other equipment is safe.

Venue-specific footwear requirements always apply.

7. Match Ball

The official match ball will be provided or designated by Himigo, the referee, or the venue.

Only the designated match ball should be used unless the referee approves a replacement.

8. Kickoff

The match starts with a kickoff from the centre of the field.

The ball may be played forward or backward.

Opposing players must remain on their own side until the ball is put into play.

After a goal, the team that conceded restarts play from the centre.

Teams switch ends at halftime unless field conditions or tournament operations make this unnecessary.

9. Substitutions

Substitutions are unlimited.

Substitutions may occur:

  • during a stoppage; or
  • on the fly while play continues.

For an on-the-fly substitution:

  • the outgoing player must leave the field before the replacement fully enters;
  • substitutions should occur through the designated substitution area;
  • the substitution may not interfere with play; and
  • a team may not intentionally have more than five players on the field.

Improper substitutions may result in an indirect free kick, yellow card, or other disciplinary action.

Goalkeeper changes must:

  • occur while play is stopped; and
  • be communicated to the referee.

10. Ball Out of Play

There are no throw-ins.

If the ball completely crosses the sideline, play restarts with a kick-in for the opposing team.

The ball must be stationary before the kick-in is taken.

Opposing players must remain at least 3 yards / approximately 3 metres from the ball.

A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-in.

If the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line, the defending team receives a goal kick.

If the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line, the attacking team receives a corner kick.

Corner kicks and goal kicks are direct restarts.

If the ball touches the ceiling or another overhead structure, the opposing team receives an indirect free kick from an appropriate location determined by the referee.

11. Offside

There is no offside rule in Himigo 5v5 soccer.

However, repeatedly positioning a player permanently beside the opposing goal solely to avoid participating in normal play may be considered unsportsmanlike conduct at the referee's discretion.

12. Free Kicks

Unless specifically stated otherwise, all free kicks are indirect.

This includes free kicks awarded for:

  • fouls;
  • handballs;
  • dangerous play;
  • illegal goalkeeper handling;
  • improper substitutions; and
  • other technical violations.

For an indirect free kick to result in a goal, the ball must touch another player before entering the goal.

Opposing players must remain at least 3 yards / approximately 3 metres from the ball.

If a free kick occurs close to the goal and the required distance cannot be provided, defenders may stand on the goal line as directed by the referee.

The referee may require players to wait for a whistle before restarting play.

13. Penalty Kicks

The referee may award a penalty kick for an applicable foul committed by a defending player inside their own penalty area.

The referee determines the appropriate penalty location based on the markings and dimensions of the field.

Only the goalkeeper and the player taking the penalty may participate directly in the kick.

All other players must remain outside the applicable area and behind the ball as instructed by the referee.

The goalkeeper must remain on or immediately above the goal line until the ball is kicked, subject to the referee's instructions.

14. Goalkeeper Rules

The goalkeeper may use their hands only inside the designated goalkeeper or penalty area.

A goalkeeper may not intentionally handle a ball that has been deliberately passed back with the foot by a teammate.

This includes deliberate passes originating from normal play or a kick-in.

A teammate may legally return the ball to the goalkeeper using their head or another legal part of the body, provided the action is not an attempt to deliberately circumvent the rule.

An illegal goalkeeper handball results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

The goalkeeper may leave the penalty area and participate as an outfield player but may not use their hands outside the area.

After catching the ball, the goalkeeper may restart play by:

  • throwing it;
  • kicking it; or
  • placing it on the ground and playing with their feet.

Once the goalkeeper deliberately places the ball on the ground and releases possession, they may not immediately pick it up again unless another player legally touches it.

15. Handball

A handball may be called when a player deliberately handles the ball or when the position or movement of the player's arm unfairly interferes with play.

The referee determines whether an action constitutes handball.

Players may instinctively protect sensitive areas of the body where the referee determines that there was no deliberate attempt to control or redirect the ball.

The referee's judgment is final.

16. Slide Tackles and Sliding

Sliding is prohibited.

Players may not:

  • slide tackle an opponent;
  • slide toward an opponent to challenge for the ball;
  • slide to block an opponent's path; or
  • deliberately play the ball from the ground in a way that creates danger.

It does not matter whether the player contacts the ball before contacting an opponent.

Depending on severity, a prohibited slide may result in:

  • an indirect free kick;
  • a yellow card; or
  • a red card.

Goalkeeper exception

A goalkeeper may slide within their own goalkeeper area to make a legitimate save or challenge for a loose ball.

The goalkeeper must remain under control and prioritize the safety of opponents.

A dangerous goalkeeper slide may still result in a foul or disciplinary action.

17. Contact and Dangerous Play

Soccer naturally involves incidental physical contact.

Players are expected to make reasonable efforts to avoid creating unsafe situations.

The following may result in a foul or disciplinary action:

  • kicking or attempting to kick another player;
  • tripping;
  • pushing;
  • holding;
  • striking or attempting to strike;
  • elbowing;
  • reckless charging;
  • dangerous tackles;
  • deliberate handball;
  • spitting;
  • intentionally endangering another person; or
  • any other unsafe conduct determined by the referee.

Playing the ball first does not automatically make a dangerous challenge legal.

Player safety takes priority over possession, competitive advantage, or the result of a match.

18. Referee Authority

Himigo matches are officiated by a referee.

The referee has authority to:

  • start and stop play;
  • enforce these rules;
  • determine fouls and violations;
  • apply advantage;
  • issue yellow and red cards;
  • manage substitutions;
  • stop play for injuries;
  • remove players or spectators;
  • suspend or abandon a match; and
  • take reasonable actions necessary for safety and fair play.

The referee's judgment decisions during a match are final.

Players may respectfully ask for clarification, but persistent arguing, intimidation, abuse, or aggressive confrontation with a referee is prohibited.

19. Yellow Cards

A yellow card is an official caution.

A yellow card may be issued for:

  • hard or reckless fouls;
  • repeated fouls;
  • unsportsmanlike conduct;
  • dissent;
  • delaying a restart;
  • improper substitutions;
  • failure to respect the required distance;
  • aggressive confrontation; or
  • other misconduct.

A player receiving a yellow card may continue playing unless instructed otherwise by the referee.

Two yellow cards in the same match equal one red card.

20. Red Cards

A red card results in immediate ejection from the match.

The player must leave the playing area and may not return.

The ejected player cannot be replaced.

The team therefore plays with one fewer player for the remainder of the match.

If red cards or other circumstances reduce a team below the minimum of 3 players, the referee must stop the match.

Himigo will determine the official result.

A player receiving a red card is automatically suspended for at least their team's next match.

Himigo may extend the suspension depending on:

  • severity;
  • intent;
  • previous disciplinary history; and
  • the referee or tournament coordinator's report.

Examples of conduct that may result in a direct red card include:

  • serious foul play;
  • violent conduct;
  • fighting;
  • striking or attempting to strike another person;
  • spitting at another person;
  • deliberately endangering an opponent;
  • threatening behaviour;
  • serious abuse of an official; or
  • discriminatory or hateful conduct.

21. Violence and Zero-Tolerance Conduct

Himigo has zero tolerance for serious violence, threats, harassment, or abuse.

Players, substitutes, captains, and spectators may not:

  • initiate or participate in a fight;
  • physically assault another person;
  • threaten another person with violence;
  • physically confront a referee or venue employee;
  • use discriminatory or hateful language;
  • sexually harass another person; or
  • intentionally create a serious safety risk.

Physical assault, serious violence, or credible threats toward another player, referee, Himigo representative, or venue employee may result in immediate removal from the tournament without refund.

Himigo may also:

  • suspend the participant from future tournaments;
  • remove spectators;
  • notify venue management; or
  • contact appropriate authorities when warranted.

Himigo has final authority over tournament disciplinary decisions.

22. Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment

Players may not participate while impaired by:

  • alcohol;
  • cannabis;
  • recreational drugs; or
  • any substance that makes participation unsafe.

Alcohol and recreational drug consumption is prohibited on the playing field, benches, and any other areas where the venue prohibits it.

A player who attempts to participate while impaired may be removed from the match or tournament without refund.

All participants must comply with the applicable venue's alcohol, cannabis, smoking, and substance policies.

23. Injuries and Concussions

Players are responsible for determining whether they are physically capable of participating.

Any serious injury should be reported immediately to:

  • the referee;
  • Himigo's tournament coordinator; or
  • venue staff.

The referee may immediately stop play because of a serious injury.

A player who is bleeding must leave the field until the bleeding has stopped and it is safe to return.

If a concussion or serious head injury is suspected, the player must stop participating.

Himigo, the referee, venue personnel, or an appropriate medical professional may prevent a player from returning when there is a reasonable safety concern.

Player safety takes priority over completing a match.

24. Standings and Tiebreakers

Regular-season standings are determined by points:

  • Win: 3 points
  • Draw: 1 point
  • Loss: 0 points
  • Forfeit: 0 points

If two or more teams finish with the same number of points, the following tiebreakers apply in order:

  1. Best goal difference;
  2. Most goals scored;
  3. Head-to-head result, when applicable;
  4. Best disciplinary / fair-play record;
  5. Random draw conducted by Himigo.

Himigo may investigate and disregard results that it reasonably determines were manipulated to influence standings.

Standings displayed on leagues.himigo.io may be updated after each matchday.

25. Playoffs

Unless a tournament publishes a different format, the top 4 teams at the end of the regular season qualify for the playoffs.

Semifinals

  • 1st place vs. 4th place
  • 2nd place vs. 3rd place

The semifinal winners advance to the Championship Final.

The semifinal losers play the Third-Place Match when the applicable tournament includes one.

There must be a winner in a playoff match.

If the match is tied after regulation, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout

  • Each team takes 5 penalty kicks.
  • The teams alternate kicks.
  • Five eligible players are selected by each team.
  • If the score remains tied after five kicks per team, the shootout proceeds to sudden death.
  • In sudden death, each team takes one kick per round until one team scores and the other does not.
  • Only players eligible and present at the end of the match may participate in the shootout.
  • A player may not take a second penalty until all eligible players required by the referee have had an opportunity to take one.

The referee manages the shootout procedure.

26. Abandoned Matches

The referee may suspend or abandon a match because of:

  • fighting;
  • serious threats;
  • repeated dangerous conduct;
  • abuse of officials;
  • unsafe playing conditions;
  • spectator interference;
  • a team falling below the minimum number of players; or
  • another circumstance that prevents the match from safely continuing.

An abandoned match does not automatically retain the score that existed when play stopped.

After reviewing the circumstances, Himigo may:

  • maintain the existing score;
  • award a 3–0 forfeit;
  • assign another administrative result;
  • order a replay; or
  • take additional disciplinary action.

Himigo's decision is final.

27. Protests and Disputes

Only a team captain may submit a formal protest.

A protest must normally be submitted to Himigo within 24 hours of the match.

A protest may concern:

  • player eligibility;
  • incorrect application of these rules;
  • an administrative error; or
  • another tournament-management issue.

A referee's judgment call cannot be formally protested.

Examples include:

  • whether contact constituted a foul;
  • whether a handball occurred;
  • whether a challenge was dangerous;
  • whether a yellow or red card was warranted; or
  • whether the ball crossed a boundary.

Himigo's decision regarding a protest is final for purposes of the tournament.

28. Prizes

Prizes, awards, credits, medals, and other benefits are determined separately for each tournament and published on the applicable tournament page.

Individual awards may include categories such as:

  • Top Scorer;
  • Best Goalkeeper;
  • Most Valuable Player; or
  • other tournament-specific awards.

Any conditions or expiration dates associated with prizes or credits will be stated in the applicable tournament details.

29. Venue Rules

Players, teams, and spectators must follow all rules imposed by the facility hosting the tournament.

Venue rules may include requirements concerning:

  • footwear;
  • food and beverages;
  • alcohol;
  • smoking and vaping;
  • field access;
  • spectators;
  • parking;
  • changing areas;
  • equipment; and
  • facility safety.

If a venue safety requirement conflicts with this rulebook, the venue requirement takes precedence.

Himigo may remove a participant who refuses to comply with venue requirements.

30. Sportsmanship and Community Standards

Himigo tournaments are competitive community events.

All participants are expected to:

  • compete seriously and fairly;
  • respect teammates and opponents;
  • respect referees;
  • respect Himigo and venue personnel;
  • protect the safety of other participants;
  • accept wins and losses appropriately; and
  • contribute to an environment where people can enjoy playing soccer.

Competitive intensity does not excuse dangerous, threatening, discriminatory, or abusive behaviour.

31. Liability Waiver

Every player must complete the applicable Himigo Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Risk before participating.

Soccer involves inherent risks of injury.

A player who has not completed the required waiver may not enter the field.

Signing the waiver is a mandatory condition of participation.

32. Tournament-Specific Rules

Each Himigo tournament may publish additional information or rules concerning:

  • location;
  • dates;
  • number of teams;
  • competition schedule;
  • playoff structure;
  • roster deadlines;
  • jerseys;
  • prizes;
  • venue requirements; or
  • other operational matters.

Tournament-specific rules supplement this rulebook.

If a tournament-specific rule expressly differs from this rulebook, the tournament-specific rule applies for that tournament.

33. Rule Changes and Final Authority

Himigo may reasonably modify these rules when necessary for:

  • player safety;
  • venue requirements;
  • tournament operations;
  • competition integrity;
  • scheduling; or
  • unforeseen circumstances.

Material changes will be communicated to teams.

Where these rules do not address a situation, Himigo will make a reasonable decision based on:

  1. safety;
  2. fairness;
  3. sportsmanship; and
  4. the integrity of the competition.

Himigo has final authority regarding tournament administration, eligibility, discipline, and interpretation of these rules.

Organized by Himigo / Ulian Inc. leagues.himigo.io

Rules version: 1.0 Effective date: September 2, 2026