Indoor Soccer Rules & Regulations Length of Game: All games will be two (20) minute halves (Exception: When it gets too hot we play four 9 minute quarters to give the kids 3 water breaks). Clock does not stop, except in the case of serious injury or referee discretion, games will be on “running clock.” There are no TIME OUTS. Substitution: Can take place at any time during a game, but the player leaving the playing area must touch hands with the entering player near the bench area before the substitute can enter play. Violation for entering to early: Yellow Card – Two (2) minute penalty to entering player. Players: Only 15 players may dress and play at any given game. Each team will field five field players plus one goalkeeper. A team must field at least four players to start a game. The 5 & 6 year old division will field four players plus one goalkeeper. In the 5 & 6 year old division, there must be at least three players to start the game. Equipment: Soccer cleats or sneakers must be worn by all players. No metal studded cleats will be allowed. Shin guards must be worn by all players or they will not play. The 5/6 division will use a size 3 ball, the 7/8 and 9/10 divisions will use a size 4 ball, and the 11/14 division will use a size 5 ball. Restarts: ALL restarts are DIRECT KICKS. The opposition must stand at least five (5) yards from the ball. You have 6 seconds to put the ball in play. Penalty kicks: All players except the kicker and defending goalkeeper will stay behind the half-court line until the kick is taken. Once the executing player kicks the ball, the ball is in live play. NO OFFSIDES! Penalties, Fouls & Rule Violations: I. Two (2) minute penalties Kicking or attempting to kick a player Tripping or attempting to trip a player Pushing Holding or attempting to hold a player Any other dangerous play Use of abusive and profane language (bench included, parents and/or coaches) In case that bench is given 2 minute penalty, one of the field players must come off field and serve penalty. Slide tackling, from any direction by any player II. Five (5) minute Penalties (Yellow Cards) 1. 2nd violation for 2 minute fouls (same player committing offense). III. Ejections (Red Cards) Fighting, violent play, and use of abusive or profane language will result in league suspension.
Goalkeeper Rules: All goal kicks are thrown in. The “6-second rule” for goalkeepers to throw in the ball will be enforced. Goalkeepers may not dribble a ball into their area and then pick up the ball. Goalkeepers can save a ball with their hands inside their area and put ball down and become another field player and dribble out of his area (6th attacker). Referee: The referee is part of the playing field. Coaches: Only two (2) coaches allowed in bench area per team. Non Player/ Coaches are not permitted. Game Time: All games will start on time. There is NO GRACE PERIOD! All teams should arrive at least one half hour prior to scheduled game time. Coaches/Managers: Are responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, team parents and other team supporters at all times. Persistent unsportsmanlike conduct by any team or its supporters will subject the coach/manager to disciplinary action by the leagues Sports Coordinator. Any player, coach or team supporter ejected due to fighting or threats or violence will be barred from further participation in any Boys and Girls Club leagues and activities. Rule: Officials 1. Officials have the right to eject a player or players from a game. If a player has been ejected they must see the Sports Coordinator before being eligible to play in any other Boys and Girls Club activity for the rest of the school year. 2. Officials have the authority to end a game at any point if contestants cannot control their teams and/or spectators. 3. Officials have the final say. Any rule interpretation or dispute must take place between the teams coach and the official. Rule: Practice/Warm Up Time Coach requests for days/times of practice will be considered but not guaranteed. Two teams practice per hour on ½ field. Practice schedules will be based on field availability. Teams may have a 5-10 minute warm up time, depending on the prior game. The official has the final say. Rule: Team Benches Teams must occupy designated team benches. At the end of your game, please have your team clean their trash out of their bench area. Parents should not be in the bench area. The bench area is for the Coach, Assistant Coach, and players only. Rule: Kick-off Referee shall designate a team for the kick off. Revised: Sept 19, 2015