Gulch Cup
GULCH CUP 2026

The Rules

Standard futsal rules apply with the differences listed below. Each game will have a referee to keep things fair and moving.

THE BASICS

  • ▸3v3 format, played with small goals and no goalkeepers.
  • ▸Maximum of 6 players per team, players who register late or as free agents may be added to existing teams or put on their own team.
  • ▸Register by gender (Boys / Girls) and age group (U8 through U18).

KING OF THE COURT

  • ▸Each age and gender group gets a dedicated time block. All games within that block are played on the single court.
  • ▸Winner stays on the court. Losing team rotates off and waits for their next turn.
  • ▸If the game ends in a tie, the team that has been on the court the longest rotates off.
  • ▸There are no playoffs or bracket advancement. The format is pure King of the Court throughout.

GAME DURATION

  • ▸Games are 6 minutes long. Continuous clock, no halftime, no stoppage time.
  • ▸The clock does not stop for any reason during the 6 minutes.

PITCH & BALL

  • ▸All games played in Performance Square, downtown Helena, MT, between the Placer and Atlas buildings.
  • ▸Games played with a futsal ball.

RESTARTS & SET PIECES

  • ▸Kick-ins replace throw-ins (ball kicked in from sideline).
  • ▸Play off the wall is fair game. If the ball leaves the playing area, a volunteer will restart with a kick-in for the team that did not touch it last.
  • ▸All dead ball kicks (kick-ins, free kicks, kickoffs) are indirect except corner kicks.
  • ▸Kickoff may go in any direction.
  • ▸Defending players must be 5 yards from the ball on all dead balls.

SUBSTITUTIONS

  • ▸Subs happen on the fly, it is up to the players to manage. The clock does not stop for substitutions.
  • ▸Players must exit quickly without interfering with play.

CARDS & DISCIPLINE

  • ▸Yellow Card: Player is removed for the remainder of that game. A sub may replace them.
  • ▸Two Yellow Cards (same player): Out for that game and the next game. Sub may replace.
  • ▸Red Card: Out for the rest of the event. Tournament director may adjust at their discretion.
  • ▸Teams must always maintain 3 players on the court regardless of cards.
  • ▸Zero tolerance for fighting, abusive language, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Immediate ejection from the event.

SPORTSMANSHIP

  • ▸Players and spectators are expected to maintain good sportsmanship at all times.
  • ▸Referee and volunteer abuse will not be tolerated. Any instance may result in player or team removal.
  • ▸The Gulch Cup is a free, community event. Respect the game, the refs, and each other.