ECNL Game Day - Quick Reference
Here's a fast version of the official Referee Procedures for Regular Season Competition, everything you need at a glance before you step on the field.
Remember: every ECNL game affects standings and postseason qualification. There's no such thing as a "friendly" in this league.
Before Kickoff
Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Game ball: Size 5 for U13 and up, Size 4 for U11-U12. Home team provides it, and it should be Nike for ECNL Club competitions. If the right ball isn't available, play on anyway.
Check-in is digital only. Every player, coach, and bench staffer needs a verified passcard in the ECNL App. No physical passcards or match reports are accepted. If a club can't check someone in through the app, contact the league right away.
Game Length
Age Group | Half Length | Halftime |
U11, U12 | 30 min | 10 min |
U13 | 35 min | 10 min |
U14, U15, U16 | 40 min | 10 min |
U17, U18/U19 | 45 min | 15 min |
Always add appropriate stoppage time.
Substitutions
U11-U12: unlimited
U13-U14: unlimited subs, but limited to 3 "Substitution Moments" per half plus halftime
U15-U19 (boys and girls): 7 max per half, no re-entry once subbed out (unlimited at ECNL National Events)
A player being evaluated for a possible head injury can be temporarily subbed without it counting against the team's total
Wrapping Up the Game
Only 18 players per team are eligible, confirm names and numbers through the app
The center referee finalizes the score, cards, and a brief description of any red cards in the ECNL App, then signs off
Game fees are paid by the home team immediately after the final whistle
Uniforms
One-game weekend: Home wears light, away wears dark
Two-game weekend: colors flip between games, teams will confirm with each other beforehand
A Few Other Things
Bring your own equipment (flags, uniform) and your own water, sideline coolers aren't guaranteed
If you're running a fever, feeling sick, or have tested positive for COVID-19, don't work the match
Have an urgent game-day question? Contact Jackson Proffitt at jackson@theecnl.com or 804-910-2076
For the full procedures document, see the Rules/Expectations page.
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