COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Laidback Soccer is about good runs, good vibes, and games where everyone can play, improve, and come back week after week.
We have clear guidelines not to over-police the game, but to protect the people in it. Please read and respect the following so we can keep the community safe, welcoming, and fun.
Our games are:
Friendly, not aggressive
Competitive, but not physical
Inclusive, respectful, and community-driven
If you’re looking for highly physical or ultra-competitive pickup, there are many great options in the city (Footy NYC, Outerboro Soccer, and others).
If you choose to play with us, we ask that you read and play by our rules and values.
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This is non-negotiable. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
No slide or floor tackles
No excessive shoulder or body contact
No pushing an opponent with hands or arms
No toe-kicking when defending
No shooting toward the goal from before the halfway line
(Long passes are fine; shots are not)
Defend and regain the ball with control. If it feels risky or dangerous, don’t do it.
Admins will give in-game reminders and reserve the right to remove players who repeatedly ignore these rules.
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Soccer is a physical sport, and while we work hard to create a safe, low-contact environment, participation is always at your own risk.
Players are responsible for:
Knowing their own physical limits
Deciding whether they’re fit to play
Signing any required waivers requested by the venue
Laidback Soccer does not provide medical coverage or insurance.
We reduce risk by capping games, enforcing no-contact play, and prioritizing safety over competition. Still, we encourage everyone, especially players returning from injury to listen to their body and sit out if something doesn’t feel right.
Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of the community!
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Footwear
Indoor shoes, turf shoes, or sneakers only
No cleats of any kind
This keeps everyone safer on shared surfaces.
Shinguards (Optional, Encouraged)
Shinguards are not required, but strongly recommended if they help you feel safer or more confident.
We trust players to make informed decisions about their own comfort and risk tolerance.
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If someone goes down (or needs to tie their shoes):
Stop play immediately
Resume only when they’re up and ready
No advantage, no pressure. Avoid injuries.
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Everyone must play goalie at least once during the game.
This keeps games balanced and reminds us all to defend responsibly.
If a shot feels too risky for you to stop it, don’t put yourself in danger, and don’t engage!
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Do not challenge a goalkeeper using their hands
Give them space to release the ball safely
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When near or inside the small goal area:
Do not blast the ball
Control your shot
Think placement over power
Be like Messi or Marta — finesse your last touch 🤌
Caress the ball. We’re here to score goals, not injuries.
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These aren’t technical rules — they’re how we keep the vibe right.
Be kind to your teammates
Pass the ball — pickup is better when everyone touches it
Call your own fouls honestly
No arguing calls — reset and play on
Encourage newer or less confident players
Competitive energy is welcome; aggressive behavior is not
We look out for each other.
Expectations
We don’t want to remove anyone — and we rarely do.
But we will step in if someone consistently:
Plays aggressively
Disrespects others
Ignores safety guidelines
This is about all about protecting the group.
GOOD SOCCER 🤙 GOOD VIBES
GOOD SOCCER 🤙 GOOD VIBES
PLAY WITH US
We welcome adults at all levels and identities; however, do note that we have people who play at very beginner and intermediate levels.
If you are looking for a college-level or more competitive level, we recommend looking into local leagues such as our friends at Outerboro Sports.
