Rules & regulations

Your source for rules and guidelines for the all-gender soccer league for athletes with intellectual impairment. Discover everything you need to support our players and ensure fair play. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, stay engaged with our excitement and togetherness. Join us in celebrating inclusion and keep the love for soccer alive!

Rule Book

Participate in
The Inspire League

aTHLETES

  • Inspire Soccer League will be conducted under a single mixed-gender category with the following conditions for players:

    1) Players must provide proof of ONE of the following:

    • Significant impairment of intellectual function and limitations in adaptive behavior, defined as:

      1. Full-scale IQ score of 75 or lower, AND

      2. Performance score at least two standard deviations below the mean on a standardized assessment of one or more of the following: conceptual, social, or practical skills, AND

      3. Intellectual disability must be evident between conception and 22 years of age.

    OR

    • A formal diagnosis of autism (ASD) carried out by a qualified practitioner and/or multidisciplinary team using accepted diagnostic techniques.

    2) Players must have turned sixteen (16) years old on or before the date the call is issued for the phase in which they are to participate.

    3) Players must demonstrate a basic level of soccer ability to participate in competitive matches, as determined through a standardized player evaluation or coach assessment. Players of all levels are encouraged to attend tryouts.

  • Physical Health: Enhances fitness, coordination, and overall well-being.

    • Social Skills and Confidence: Builds teamwork, communication, and self-esteem.

    • Sense of Belonging and Enjoyment: Fosters community, belonging, and provides a fun, positive experience

Apply

Coaches

  • Head coaches of the INSPIRE teams must demonstrate possession of at least one of the following qualifications:

    1) License

    • USSF C License or higher

    • Any international coaching license equivalent to USSF C License or higher

    2) Relevant Degree

    • Degrees in physical activity, sports sciences, psychology, or psychopedagogy

    • Degrees in teaching, specializing in physical education or secondary education

    3) Professional Experience

    • Official qualifications of higher or intermediate sports technician in football.

    • Other degrees or professional experience will be evaluated by Project Inspire as suitable for serving as a coach of an INSPIRE team.

Apply

officials

    • Certification and Knowledge: Must hold a valid refereeing certification and understand soccer rules.

    • Preferred Experience: Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities is preferred.

    • Essential Skills: Strong communication, patience, and ability to create a positive environment; training provided for fairness and safety standards.

Apply

Inspire Soccer League Competition System

  • 8v8 matches / 7v7 field dimensions

  • 4 x 10-minute periods

  • Points awarded per period

    a) Winning a period earns 3 points. 
    b) Tying a period awards both teams 2 points.
    c) Losing a period earns 1 point.

  • Each period is relevant and will count towards the league standings.

  • Score will reset to 0-0 at the beginning of every period.

  • Regular Season, Championship and All-Star Game

  • Fair-Play competition