A few format and rules adjustments are a big part of what makes Shamrock Soccer a fun alternative to traditional soccer leagues. Tired of having to put up with long punts, rough play, and a lack of touches to get your soccer fix? Read on.

Short-Sided Soccer?
Popular in Europe for both youth and adult leagues, short-sided soccer is 'short' in a couple ways. Teams are limited 6 players on the field at once, and the game is played on a smaller field that is as long as a traditonal field is wide. The smaller teams and playing area make for a fast paced, exciting game that emphasizes the soccer part of soccer - passing and playmaking - and minimizes the boots, full field goalie clears, and long touchless runs that are a big part of the standard game. Don't get us wrong, the game of soccer is perfect the way it is and these aspects aren't negatives. They just don't always make for the best recreational soccer experience. The short-sided format gives players more touches, more plays, more scoring... more soccer in an hour long game - and allows for more games and players on available field space.

Coed Format

Shamrock Soccer Leagues are all coed, with 3 women/3 men on a side. Teams are also permitted to play 4 women/2 men.

Rules
In order to make the most of the compact game, Shamrock Soccer has its own rulebook. Here are a few of the rules unique to Shamrock Soccer (a full rulebook is provided to captain's upon sign-up):

- There is no slide tackling. And while a certain amount of contact is part of soccer - rough or unsportsmanlike play is not tolerated in Shamrock Soccer.

- Goals are smaller, 4' x 6' short-sided goals

- There are no goalies in Shamrock Soccer. Instead, there is a 'goal crease' - a marked space immediately in front of the goal that no offensive player or defender can occupy when a shot is attempted on the goal.

 

- Several rules keep the ball on the ground, and reward possession, passing, and playmaking. There is also a cone system that limits the max distance of shots and passes in the air (discouraging long down field kicks by defenders, much like icing in hockey).