Mayor Ralph A. Infante Wellness CenterReferee Rule Sheet – Indoor SoccerEffective March 4, 2010 NOTE: The US Soccer /FIFA Laws of the Game will govern on any rules or procedures not covered in these rules. These rules govern the playing of the game. Additional facility rules may be found at http://www.thecityofniles.com/wellnesscenter.htm
Rule 1 – The Field A. The field will be used for U-11 and above. U-8 and U-10 will use one half of the field with the red markings.
B. Players from the next game are not allowed in the bench area until completion of the previous game. Players preparing to enter the field for the next game shall do so through net on the opposite side of the field from the bench area.
C. SPECTATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BENCH AREA: Only participating players and coaches are allowed on the field or in the bench areas during warm-up or held time (this includes adult games).
D. ONLY PARTICIPATING PLAYERS & TWO ADULT COACHES ARE ALLOWED IN THE BENCH AREAS DURING GAME.
E. Designated HOME TEAM shall occupy the home bench and occupy the field end farthest from the basketball court for the first half. Home team is the first team listed in the game schedule.
F. An adult coach/manager MUST be present at ALL youth games.
G. Coaches and substitutes must remain a minimum of 3 feet away from the side line and in their bench area. The bench area for full field play shall be considered as being between the red lines that designate the penalty area on a half field.
Rule 2 – The Ball A. The home team will supply the ball. The ball must be inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications listed on the ball. U-12 and below will use a size 4 ball. U-13 and above will use a size 5 ball.
Rule 3 – The Number of Players A. The number of players on a field will be as follows:
1. U-8 – 6 with no goal keeper
2. U-9/U-10 – 5 plus a goal keeper
3. U-11 and above – 7 plus a goal keeper
4. Adult Co-ed – 7 plus a goal keeper (A team may not have more then 6 males on the field)
5. Men’s open/Men’s over 35 – 7 plus a goal keeper
B. The roster size shall be limited to 15.
C. Guest players
1. A team will be allowed to have up to 3 substitute guest players on the bench from other teams within the league before the game commences provided it does not exceed the number of bench substitutes of their opponent.
2. Facility staff has the right to adjust the participation of specific or the amount of guest players during the progress of the game, in consideration with the spirit of the competition (e.g. guest player tips the balance of play, overloads one team with more subs than the opponents, regular teams players come late causing subs on sideline to be more than opponent).
3. Adding additional players from other teams after the game has started is at the discretion of the referee.
D. Substitution Procedure
1. Substitutions may occur on an unlimited basis and “on the fly” while the ball is in play if:
a. Substitution occurs at their own bench. On games utilizing the full field, “on the fly” substitutions must take place between the red lines in front of the bench that normally indicate the goal area on half field games.
b. Participation in the game while they are simultaneously on the surface of play is prohibited. A yellow can be assessed to violating team’s nearest player.
2. Guaranteed Substitution – The referee will wait for substitution after a goal has been scored by either team or on a goal kick by either team. There will be no guaranteed substitutions in the last two minutes of either half.
3. The players leaving the field are obliged to do so as quickly as possible and between the red lines at their assigned benches.
4. Goalkeepers may change “on the fly” during the game providing the new goalkeeper abides by the substitution laws and are properly attired. Infringement; same as illegal substitution. EXCHANGING WITH A FIELD PLAYER IS NOT LEGAL UNLESS DURING STOPPAGE OF PLAY WITH REFEREE’S APPROVAL (interpreted as illegal substitution).
5. Any infringement shall be an indirect free-kick for the opposing team 6 feet from the bench.
6. Teams that violate the substitution procedure may be assessed a yellow card.
E. The minimum number of players allowed to start the game shall be two less than the proper number of players listed above. A team may not fall below the minimum number of players during the game or it shall be determined a forfeit. If a team has only the minimum amount of players any rest or penalty to a player will result in a game forfeit.
F. The Mayor Ralph A. Infante Wellness Center has a “5-8” rule for all ages (tournament rules may not include this). If a team is behind by 5 or more goals they may add an additional player onto the surface. An additional player can remain on the surface until the goal differential has been reduced to less than 5. This occurs again at an 8 goal deficit.
Rule 4 – The Player’s Equipment A. All players MUST have the proper color jersey/shirt to participate. Teams must bring an alternate jersey color to every game in case of conflicting colors. Goalkeepers must be in a distinguishing color shirt from either team. If all players, except goalkeeper, do not have the same color then the entire team will be required to wear pinneys or cover ups of the same color. Pinnies can be provided at the front desk.
B. Due to the close proximity of play, a player shall not participate with the following items: rings with exposed edges, earrings, necklaces that are not secured inside the shirt, metal/dangerous knee braces, non-padded or inadequately padded casts, or other equipment that may be dangerous to another player.
C. NEW FOOTWEAR REQUIREMENTS: Customer feedback has indicated a strong preference to play with regular indoor shoes. Due to maintaining the turf surface and player safety, indoor footwear will be restricted to indoor soccer shoes or gym shoes, as well as traditional turf shoes, with the following restrictions:
a. FLAT BOTTOM SHOES: includes most athletic, court, cross training shoes.
b. TURF SHOES: must be a minimum of 20 studs with a maximum depth of 5/16” (8mm). Any questions must be directed to the facility management for approval.
D. All players are required to wear covered shin guards. Shin guards must be age appropriate. Use information provided by NFHS or US Soccer to determine age appropriateness.
Rule 5 – Referee A. All referees will be currently licensed US Soccer, FIFA, Futsal or NFHS referees.
B. U-10 and below will use one referee.
C. U-11 and up will use two referees. With the exception of Coed leagues which may use only one referee.
D. Referees will wear shoes consistent with the shoes described for players. Black shorts will be worn. Socks will be black with either the three stripe or emblems permitted in US Soccer. Shirts currently permitted in US Soccer are the only shirts permitted. Both referees will be dressed in the same color but may wear different sleeve lengths. Referees must wear shirts that contrast with the players on both teams, but not necessarily with the goalkeepers.
E. The referee’s decisions regarding play are final.
F. The referee will get the game card from the office prior to the start of the game. Game cards will be filled out with the score and any ejections will be reported using an ejection report form and returned to the office immediately after the game.
G. The referee will collect the referee fees from each coach prior to the start of the game. Games will not be started without the fee being paid.
Rule 6 – Duration of the Match A. U-10 and above will have two halves of twenty-five minutes with a two minute half time.
U-8 will have four quarters of 12 minutes each with one minute between quarters and two minutes for half time,
B. Time clock will start at designated game time. THERE WILL BE NO GRACE PERIOD! After such time the game will be considered a forfeit. A friendly game may be played. Warm up time may be limited or eliminated if games are running behind schedule. Teams/players are not permitted on the field or in bench area before designated warm-up time.
C. All games are played with running time. U-10 and above; 2 x 25 min. U-8 and below; 4 x 12 min.
D. Games may be shortened or ended due to injury, unfair play, or other circumstances beyond our control.
E. If a game is ended as a result of unfair play, it will not be rescheduled. Non-offending team shall get the field for the remainder of the game.
F. ONLY REFEREES, TIMEKEEPERS OR FACILITY EMPLOYEES are permitted to operate time clock. ONLY THE REFEREE can request another party to start or stop the time clock. UNAUTHORIZED STOPPAGE of the time clock by coaches or players will result in a two minute bench penalty assessed to the team or a forfeiture of the game at the discretion of the official(s) of the game.
G. At the referee’s discretion, the clock may be stopped for severe injury, lost ball or in the last TWO (2) minutes of a game if he/she feels a team is purposely wasting time. Referees are asked to keep any clock stoppages to a minimum and only if absolutely necessary.
Rule 7 – The Start and Restart of Play A. The ball starts at the center spot to start the game, half or after a goal has been scored. The ball may be put into play in any direction. A player may not touch the ball a second time before another player touches it.
B. The home team will kick off at the start of the first half and the visitors to start the second half.
C. A dropped ball will be used for restarting the match after a temporary stoppage which becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in these rules.
Rule 8 – The Ball In and Out of Play A. The ball is out of play when:
1. It hits the ceiling or any structure attached to the ceiling.
2. It has wholly crossed the goal line or side line, whether on the ground or in the air.
3. Play has been stopped by the referee
B. On U-10 and below playing on a half field, the ball is considered to have completely crossed the touch line any time that it hits the net between the fields
Rule 9 – The Method of Scoring Will Be the same as in US Soccer’s Laws of the Game A. The maximum goal differential on the scoreboard shall be eight (8) goals if the team playing behind chooses to add one player in accordance with rule 3-F when they are losing by five or more goals. If the team chooses not to add a player when they are behind be five goals then the maximum goal differential on the scoreboard shall be five goals.
Rule 10 – Fouls and Misconduct Direct Free Kicks – The opposing team is awarded a indirect Free Kick (IFK) if a player commits any of the ten offenses outlined in the Laws of the Game. A penalty shoot out shall be awarded for any foul committed within the player’s penalty area that would result in a DFK (Except for U-8).
*Contact from behind, hand checking, sliding and checking someone into net (even if it is the result of a legal shoulder charge) will be called very closely and result in an indirect free kick depending on the nature of the foul.
Indirect Free Kicks – The opposing team is awarded an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) for the following offenses:
A. Restrictions on Goalkeeper
1. A goalkeeper had possession any time he/she has a part of his/her body covering the ball unless he/she is using his/her feet as a field player. Once in possession of the ball, the goalie has 6 seconds to release the ball into play. Failure to release the ball within the six seconds results in an IFK to the opponent.
2. A goalie that intentionally parries the ball has 6 seconds to release the ball from when the ball was parried.
3. A goalkeeper shall not slide tackle or slide into an opponent from outside their penalty box.
4. A goalkeeper may not punt the ball. NOTE: Goalkeepers are permitted to drop kick the ball. A drop kick is defined as dropped down and kicked within one stride on the first bounce. Opponents must allow the goalie to distribute the ball without interfering with their motion.
5. A goalkeeper cannot handle a ball in his/her penalty area that was intentionally played toward the goalie unless it was played from a teammate’s nonfoot or when the ball was last touched by an opposing player.
6. Goalie may only be substituted for in accordance with substitution rules (see “Substitions”).
B. Slides to play the ball, slides tackles or slides at an opponent. Goalkeepers are permitted to slide tackle the ball within their own penalty area but must do so in a manner that does not endanger the opponent. Any player that makes contact with an opponent when slide tackling should be assessed, at the minimum, a DFK. Referees are reminded to consider making contact with an opponent as Unsporting Behavior or Serious Foul Play if the slide tackle is reckless or endangers the safety of the opponent.
C. Playing in a dangerous manner.
D. Impedes the progress of an opponent.
E. Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball with his hands or from a drop kick.
F. BOX TO BOX VIOLATION. The goalkeeper shall not drop kick the ball forward from penalty area to penalty area unless it has touched a player or the ground between the boxes. Any infringement shall be an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the center spot of the center line.
G. Illegal Substitution. If a substitute enters the field before the player leaves, it is considered an illegal substitution and the referee may award an IFK to the opponent. Any infringement shall be an indirect free kick for the opposing team 6 feet from the bench between the red lines.
H. A player “posts up” or sets a screen so tight to the opposing goalie that it obstructs, impedes or infringes on the goalie from positioning him/herself for a play for the ball especially in the goal box.
I. Failure to restart within six seconds of being awarded the free kick (See rules 16 & 17).
J. Touching the ball a second time after a restart before it is touched by another player.
**Any flagrant or continual infringements of the above laws by players or team may result in a 2 MINUTE rest, penalty and/or ejection against the offending player/team.
MISCONDUCT A. Minor Penalty (Yellow Card). A player or coach will be shown the yellow card for any of the seven reasons outlined in the Laws of the Game.
1. DISSENT Verbal or Action: Any player or team participating in dissent, verbal or nonverbal (i.e. through gestures) to an official, opponents or staff (such as, but not limited to: questioning calls and/or objection to calls) most likely will lead to Penalty and/or ejection.
2. A goalkeeper intentionally handling the ball outside their penalty box.
B. Ejection (Red Card) A player or coach can be shown a red card
1. ABSOLUTELY NO SPITTING IN THE FACILITY, VIOLATERS WILL BE EJECTED FROM THE GAME AND WILL BE PERNAMENTLY REMOVED FROM THE FACILITY. FIGHTING, INSTIGATING, ATTEMPTING TO INSTIGATE A FIGHT AND/OR TRASH TALKING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Players or teams participating in such violence, WHETHER STARTING THE ALTERCATION OR NOT, WILL BE EJECTED FROM THE GAME AND MAY BE REMOVED FROM ANY FURTHER PARTICIPATION. Failure to move immediately away from an opponent, after a play or stoppage of play in a hostile manner, may be construed as attempting to instigate a fight. Trash talking shall include, but not be limited to intimidating, unwanted and/or aggressive speech, action or gestures toward an opponent, coach, spectator, official or staff member. 3. Coach/Player(s) ejected from the game must leave the bench area immediately before the game will restart. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit of the game! Ejected players or coaches must report to the office and remain outside the screened area of the spectators’ side for the remainder of the game. A player on the field must be designated to serve the penalty and the team play short if a coach is ejected.
4. A coach and/or player may be ejected before, during, or after a game for behavior inconsistent with our philosophy of sportsmanship and fair play.
C. Progression of Punishment and Penalties The following progression is a guideline for an official to use. IT IS NOT A REQUIRED ORDER! The official can at time decide, due to the nature of the foul or conduct of player/team, to bypass a lesser punishment for one that is more severe. 1. Minor Penalty (Yellow Card): . Follow US Soccer Guidelines.2. Ejection (Red Card): If issued, shall result in TWO GAME SUSPENSION for the offending player(s). A team shall remain short handed during the remainder of the game. The offending player must immediately leave the bench area and the game will not start until the referee resumes play. The suspended player or coach must have checkrd back with the on duty staff before returning from suspension. Rule 13 – Free Kicks A. Indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.
B. The opposing team must IMMEDIATELY and automatically be 12 feet (4 yards) from any restart. Any delays or infringements from the defensive team may result in a yellow card. The game official may award a re-kick when the opposing team encroaches on the free – kick if he/she feels that the encroachment was either deliberate OR reduces the kicking teams’ opportunity to put the ball back into play, REGARDLESS of whether the kicking team chose to play the ball quickly into play.
C. Free kicks must be put back into play within 6 seconds. The official shall have the discretion to start such a count when he/she feels a team has had adequate time to put the ball back into play. Violation-Indirect free kick for opposing team.
Rule –14 Penalty Kicks will follow requirements for a PK shootout(indoor PK)10 sec to shoot, if not shot in required ball is turned over and is a IDK out. All players must be on mid line at start.
Rule 15 Throw- In
A. Awarded whenever a ball goes over the side line, hits the side nets or the ceiling.
B. Will be taken within six feet from the ball went out of play or the point on the nearest sideline if it hits the ceiling.
C. Provisions for a legal throw-in will be the same as outlined in the Laws of the Game. Opponents must be a minimum of two yards from the thrower.
D. Throw- in will be taken within 6-seconds of when the referee deems the team should be ready to take the throw-in. A throw-in will be awarded to the opposing teams for any violations.
E. The team will retake the throw-in if a throw does not enter the field and all other conditions of a legal throw-in have been met. The throw-in will be awarded to the opposing teams for any violations.
F. The thrower may stand up to 3 ft into the field of play on throw-ins taken on the net side of a half field.
Rule 16 – Goal Kick A. Follows requirements in Law of Game.
B. Must be taken within 6 seconds of when the ref deems the team should be ready to take the goal kick. A corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team for any violations.
Rule 17 – Corner Kick A. Follows requirements in Law of Game.
B. Must be taken within 6 seconds of when the ref deems the team should be ready to take the corner kick. A goal kick will be awarded to the opposing team for any violations.
C. On corner kicks taken on the scoreboard side of a full field or the net side of a half field, the ball may be placed up to 2 ft outside the corner arc to provide enough space for the player to properly take the corner kick.
LEAGUE MODIFICATIONSU8/under Rules: For greater ball contact and scoring opportunity, the U-8 league will be played on a smaller field size. No penalty kicks, all free kicks are indirect. No 2 minute penalties. The time and score is kept by referee but not displayed. Four 12 minute quarters switching sides at ½ time (6v6 no keepers). U10 Rules: Will play on half a field 5v5 plus goalies. All older age group rules apply.
