Let’s Play Sports Official Rulebook

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LET’S PLAY SPORTS, INC.

8300 South County Line Rd

Oklahoma City, OK. 73169

www.letsplaysoccer.com

122

INDOOR SOCCER RULEBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

PART A ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND

PROCEDURES

A1. PLAYER REGISTRATION

A1-1 Waivers and ID Cards

A1-2 Identification

A1-3 Player Eligibility

A2. TEAM REGISTRATION

A2-1 Roster Restrictions

A2-2 Next Season Registration

A3. PAYMENTS

A3-1 Team Deposits/Payment Schedule

A3-2 Official’s Fees

A3-3 Refunds

A3-4 Returned Checks

A4. LEAGUES

A4-1 Schedules and League Formats

A4-2 Standings and Tiebreakers

A4-3 Forfeits

A4-4 Suspended Games

A4-5 Reschedules

A4-6 Rulebooks

A4-7 Awards

A5. DISCIPLINE

A5-1 Red Card Suspensions

A5-2 Multiple Red Cards

A5-3 Terminated or Abandoned Games

A6. ALCOHOL POLICY

PART B PLAYING RULES

B1. BALLS

B2. PLAYERS

B2-1 Number of Players - Non Coed Leagues

B2-2 Goalkeeper

B2-3 Substitutions

B2-3a Substitutions During Play

B2-3b Guaranteed Substitutions

B2-3c Shootout Substitutions

B2-3d Goalkeeper Substitutions

B2-3e Illegal Methods of Entering the Field

B2-3f Substitution Violations

B2-4 Injuries

B3. PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

B3-1 Uniforms and Equipment

B3-2 Jewelry, Footwear, Headwear

B3-3 Braces and Casts

B3-4 Equipment Violations

B4. THE REFEREE

B4-1 Referee’s Powers

B4-2 Referee’s Report

B4-3 Referee’s Decisions

B5. THE ASSISTANT REFEREE

B6. COED LEAGUES

B7. YOUTH LEAGUES

B8. DURATION OF GAME

B8-1 Game Length, Extension of Regulation Time

B8-2 Suspended Games

B8-3 Terminated or Abandoned Games

B9. START OF GAME

B9-1 Starting the Clock

B9-2 The Kickoff

B10. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

B10-1 Ball In Play

B10-2 Ball Out of Play

B10-2a Ball Out of Bounds

B10-2b Ball Out of Play

B11. SCORING

B11-1 Scoring Goals

B11-2 Interference

B12. RESTARTS

B12-1 Definitions and Procedures

B12-2 Free Kick Restarts

B12-3 Goalkeeper Restarts

B12-3a Goalkeeper Throws

B12-3b Goalkeeper Free Kicks

B13. PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS

B13-1 Three Line Pass

B13-2 Illegal Pass Back to Goalkeeper

B13-3 Others

B14. FOULS AND PENALTIES

B14-1 Fouls

B14-1a Offenses and Restarts

B14-1b Six Foul Accumulations

B14-2 Violations Involving the Goalkeeper

B14-2a By the Goalkeeper

B14-2b Against the Goalkeeper

B14-3 Time Penalties (Cards)

B14-3a Definitions and Restarts

B14-3b Short Handed Play

B14-3c Accumulation of Blue, Yellow and Red Cards

B14-3d Bench Penalties

B14-4 Blue Card Penalties

B14-4a Blue Cards

B14-4b Delayed Blue Card

B14-4c Encroachment

B14-4d Dissent/Entering the Referee’s Crease

B14-5 Extreme Misconduct

B14-5a Yellow Card Offenses (Cautions)

B14-5b Red Card Offenses (Ejections)

B15. SHOOTOUTS AND OVERTIME SHOOTOUTS

B15-1 Shootout Fouls

B15-2 Conduct of a Shootout

B15-3 Sixth Foul Shootouts

B15-4 Playoff Shootouts

B16.

5 Aside Rules

B16-1 5v5 Rules

B16-2 5v5 Kickoff

B16-3 5v5 Corner Kicks

B16-4 5v5 Substitutions

INTRODUCTION and DEFINITIONS

Welcome to your Let’s Play indoor soccer facility. We have written this

rulebook to provide a basis for good competition and a safe, enjoyable

experience for all players. Each facility may have rules specific to your

location so please check with facility management. We appreciate your

input; if you have comments, additions or corrections, please tell or e-mail

your facility manager. Please feel free to also look us up on the World

Wide Web at www.letsplaysoccer.com for more information. The

following explanations of some common terms are general, not technical;

they are intended to be helpful to players and coaches. After you finish

reading, have a great game!

A Bench Penalty is a time penalty given to a team where no specific

player is recorded as serving the penalty. A team member, coach, or

spectator may cause a bench penalty and the team must play short.

Boarding is pushing, charging, or crowding an opponent into the perimeter

wall. What might be a legal play in the middle of the field may be boarding

if it runs an opponent into the wall

“Careless” means that the player has shown a lack of attention or

consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution.

Charging is a challenge for space using physical contact within playing

distance of the ball without using arms or elbows. It is an offense to charge

an opponent in a “careless” or “reckless” manner or using “excessive force”.

Dangerous Play is any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens

injury to someone (including the player himself).

Dead Ball refers to the situation when the ball is out of bounds or out of

play due to a stoppage of any kind.

Delay of Game is called when any player, coach, or spectator is deliberately

trying to slow down the progress of the game including, but not limited to,

the following:

1) A player, coach or spectator holding onto the ball, or keeping the ball

away from the opposing team or referee, so as to delay a restart.

2) A player or coach causing the ball to be moved farther from the place

of the restart after the whistle has blown for said restart.

3) A player, coach or spectator distracting the referee and/or assistant

referee verbally or non-verbally from restarting the game.

4) Any player not giving the required distance as signaled by the referee.

5) Any player, coach or spectator that does not leave the field of play,

and/or facility, in a timely fashion may be subject to an additional

time penalty.

6) If a player deliberately takes his/her time to get back on their side of

mid field after a goal is scored. Play can begin as long as the slow player

doesn’t interfere with the restart.

Double Touch is the violation that occurs when a player taking a kickoff or

restart plays the ball a second time before it is touched by another player,

(teammate or opponent). You cannot double touch the ball on a kickoff or

restart (including goalkeeper throw in) even if it hits the wall or referee

before it comes back to you.

“Excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use

of force and is in danger of injuring himself or his opponent.

Goalkeeper on the Ground: the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to

play the ball while on the ground as long as, in doing so, he is not creating a

dangerous play and remains within the arc.

Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact with

the ball with his hand or arm (except for the goalkeeper within his own arc).

The referee must take the following into consideration:

1) The movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards

the hand), (hands or arms in natural playing position).

2) The distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected ball)

3) The position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is

an infringement.

4) Touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing, shin

guard etc.) counts as an infringement

5) Hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shin guard etc.) counts

as an infringement.

Holding an opponent includes the act of preventing him from moving past

or around using the hand, the arms or the body.

Impeding the progress of an opponent, commonly called Obstruction,

means moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or

force a change of direction by an opponent when the ball is not within

playing distance of either player. All players have the right to their position

on the field of play, being in the way of an opponent is not the same as

moving into the way of an opponent. Shielding the ball is permitted. A

player who places himself between an opponent and the ball for tactical

reasons has not committed an offence as long as the ball is kept within

playing distance and the player does not hold off the opponent with his arms

or body. If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly

charged by an opponent. It is important to remember to play the ball and

not the opponent.

Off sides is crossing the mid line early after whistle is blown and before ball

is played on a kickoff or shootout. Players may not cross the line on a

kickoff until the ball has been played, or on a shootout, until the referee’s

whistle.

“Penalty area” at Let’s Play facilities may be a penalty box or penalty arc.

“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard to the

danger to, or the consequences for, his opponent.

A Slide is any deliberate movement of leaving one or both feet while going

down to the carpet in an attempt to play the ball.

Unsporting behavior - There are different circumstances when a player

must receive at least a blue card for unsporting behavior, these include but

are not limited to, e.g. if a player:

1) Commits a foul in a “careless” manner

2) Commits a foul for the tactical purpose of interfering with or

breaking up a promising attack

3) Holds an opponent for the tactical purpose of pulling the

opponent away from the ball or preventing the opponent from

getting the ball

4) Handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession or

developing an attack (other than the goalkeeper within his own

arc)

5) Handles the ball in an attempt to score a goal (irrespective of

whether or not the attempt is successful)

6) Attempts to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending

to have been fouled (simulation)

7) Fails to respect the encroachment rule

8) Acts in a manner which shows a lack of respect for the game

9) Verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart

10) Illegal entry or re-entry of a player onto the field

11) Audible obscene language

12) On restart, deliberately kicking the ball into a defender to draw

an encroachment penalty on the defender

13) Inappropriate celebration after a goal is scored

14) Spitting anywhere in the facility other than in a trash can

15) Chewing gum while playing, on the field, or in the bench area

Violent Conduct is physical force that injures, attempts to injure, or abuses

any individual or arena property. Violent Conduct is also any verbally or

physically threatening demeanor towards any individual.

PART A ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A1. PLAYER REGISTRATION

A1-1 Waivers and Id Cards

All participants must sign a waiver of liability form. If a participant is under the age of

eighteen, a parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver. Anyone entering the player bench or

the field must present a Let’s Play ID card. NO WAIVER = NO CARD, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Players, coaches, assistants, and all others must personally pick up and present their Let’s Play

ID card to the assistant referee before entering the bench or field.

A team using a player who did not complete a waiver prior to playing will forfeit that

game. If a player puts inaccurate information on his waiver or uses another player’s card to

play, his team may forfeit that game, and the player may be suspended for one year. All fees

paid by a suspended player are non-refundable.

A1-2 Identification

Acceptable documents for verification of age or identification are one or more of the

following: driver’s license, DMV ID, passport, an original birth certificate with a raised seal,

green card, high school ID with birth date, or any government issued ID with his/her birth date

listed thereon. For youth players a stamped outdoor roster or card from a recognized

organization may be accepted.

If a formal protest is made, it is the team’s responsibility to re-verify the age and/or

identity of the player. Also, management may request identification from a player at any time

to verify age and/or identity. The only forms of identification acceptable in these cases will be

one of the items listed above.

If the player can no longer provide proof, or if the player lied about his age, his team may

forfeit every game in which the offending player participated.

Any participant who is discovered to have lied about his age or identity to play in any

league will be suspended for a minimum of one year. All fees paid by a suspended player are

non-refundable.

A1-3 Player Eligibility

a) A player must be at least eighteen years old to play or enter the bench area in any adult

league.

b) A youth player may play in a youth age group older than he is eligible for, but

never in a younger age group.

c) If a player has been paid to play professional (indoor or outdoor) soccer within

the last six months, or is currently playing professionally, he is only eligible to

play at the highest level in each league available in that facility.

d) A facility may restrict advanced players from playing in leagues more than two

levels down. Ask for your facility’s policy.

e) Persons with physical or mental impairments of a serious nature that may put

them or others at risk will be restricted from play and bench area. Pregnancy and heart

problems are conditions that put persons at risk.

A2. TEAM REGISTRATION

A2-1 Roster Restrictions

The maximum number of players per roster is unlimited except that, but not limited to,

some facilities may have some leagues with special roster requirements and/or limitations.

Please check with your facility management to be sure of the roster requirements and/or

limitations on your specific league. Players may be added to the roster throughout the season,

with the exception of playoff or Championship games. Everyone playing in a playoff or a

Championship game must have participated in at least two prior games for that team in that

season.

No one may play on two teams in the same Division except in those instances and

circumstances where the facility management, in their sole and complete discretion, requires a

team or player to change divisions. Then, and in such an event, a player may play on two teams

with authorization of management for that one season. No one may switch teams after having

played for one team in the same season except where management, in their sole and complete

discretion, determines that said switch is in the best interest of the player, the teams, and the

game.

A2-2 Next Season Registration

Teams currently playing in any league will have the first priority to re-register by placing

a deposit before a deadline set by the facility.

(Usually after the third week of the current

season; check with your facility.) The deposit is non-refundable.

A3. PAYMENTS

A3-1 Team Deposits/Payment Schedule

Every team must pay a non-refundable deposit before the deadline established by the

facility in order to be registered and put on the game schedule. If a team’s registration fees are

not paid before the first game of the season the team may be prohibited from playing or dropped

from the league, without a refund. A team may pay registration fees, in whole, or in part by

various players, at the sole discretion of the Contact Person and players whose fees are not paid

according to said Contact Person may be prohibited from playing.

A3-2 Official’s Fees

Officials’ fees are payable in cash before the start of the game and must be paid by the

team directly to said officials. If a team’s officials’ fees are not paid before the start of the

game, the team may be prohibited from playing. When there is a forfeit, by one or both teams

(or parts of teams with some fill-in players), and if they decide to scrimmage, they must pay the

officials.

A3-3 Refunds

No refunds are given to suspended players. If a player who joined a team which

registered as a “regular team” wants a refund, he must arrange to get the payment from the

team’s authorized Contact Person. If a team deliberately forfeits two games in a season or

decides to drop out of a league, they may be replaced and no refund given. In addition, they

may not be allowed to register a team again.

A3-4 Returned Checks

If any player’s or team’s check is returned, that player or team will be suspended from

playing until payment is made. A $25 returned check charge is assessed in addition to the

amount of the original check.

A4. LEAGUES

A4-1 Schedules and League Formats

Facilities usually run eight or ten game seasons. If there are enough teams, a league may

be broken into two or more divisions. Formats for a league may change from season to season,

depending on the number of teams in a league. Please check with your facility for the format of

your league. Schedules are available for each player on a team. The home team is the first

team listed on the league schedule or is designated H on the team schedule.

A4-2 Standings and Tiebreakers

Usually, leagues are set up on a Best Record system. A team’s record is the total number

of points earned per game:

10 points for a win, 5 points for a tie, plus 1 point for each goal

scored (up to 5 maximum) - win, lose or tie. Occasionally, the winner of a league is the winner

of a playoff Championship game. Please check your league’s format.

Tiebreakers proceed in this order:

1) If two or more teams are tied, the head to head results (win/loss record of

the game(s) between the tied teams) determines the winner.

2) If two or more teams are still tied, the head to head goal differential

between the tied teams determines the winner.

3) If two or more teams are still tied, the winner is the team with the fewest

goals scored against them in all league games.

A4-3 Forfeits

A team will forfeit if there are not at least four players ready to play within 5 minutes of a

game’s scheduled start time. A team will forfeit if they lose enough players in the course of a

game that they are unable to field four eligible players. A team will forfeit if they are not paid

up to the amount due by that game.

Forfeits are recorded in the standings as a loss for the forfeiting team and maximum

points for the winning team.

A forfeit is given to a team if a player on the team has deliberately broken any rules

regarding registration or eligibility, or a team causes a game to be terminated. If a team

deliberately forfeits two games in a season or decides to drop out of a league, they may be

replaced and no refund given.

If your team is in danger of forfeiting due to a lack of players, please tell the facility

manager and he will attempt to find more players.

A4-4 Suspended Games

Any game which is suspended at or after half time is final. A game which is suspended

before the end of the first half because of a rainout or blackout or injury will be rescheduled.

A4-5 Reschedules

If your team has a scheduling request and you make sure it is on your Team Registration

Form before the league schedule is made, we will try hard to accommodate said request but said

requests cannot be guaranteed. After the schedule is made, a reschedule is only possible if there

is an available time slot, and if the team complies with facility policies. Please check with your

facility to find out their policy on reschedules.

A4-6 Rulebooks

Rulebooks are available online at our website www.letsplaysoccer.com.

A4-7 Awards

Each player on the team which wins a league will receive a T-shirt or trophy. A player

must play in at least “half” of their team’s scheduled games to get a T-shirt or trophy, special

circumstances may be handled by the facility manager.

A5. DISCIPLINE

A5-1 Red Card Suspension

If a player, coach, or spectator is issued a red card, he is ejected for the remainder of that

game and the length of the suspension will be determined by the facility manager.

Any player, coach, or spectator who touches, bumps, physically contacts or verbally

abuses a game official or facility staff shall be guilty of violent conduct and ejected from all

Let’s Play facilities for not less than one year and up to permanently.

Any player, coach, or spectator who receives a red card suspension cannot return to any

Let’s Play facility for any reason until the full time of the suspension is served.

A player or coach who receives a 1 game red card suspension (remainder of game when

card is given and next game) and is only suspended from playing for that team, may stay in the

building and play for a different team, at the sole discretion of management.

A5-2 Multiple Red Cards

Any action after you receive a red card and your prior history will affect the length of

your suspension,

A5-3 Terminated or Abandoned Games

If the referee terminates a game, the outcome of the game and any disciplinary action will

be decided by the facility manager. See Referee Powers, section B4-1. If any player, coach, or

spectator involved with a particular team gives the referee cause to terminate a game, the

victory will be awarded to the opposing team.

A6. ALCOHOL POLICY

No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises. Anyone suspected of

consuming alcohol or illegal substance before, during, or after the game will be removed from

the playing field and/or bench area and, depending on conduct, the premises. They will be

given a red card and a suspension dictated by the facility manager.

The only exceptions to this rule are the facilities where beer is sold in the snack bar. In

those facilities, players and others must abide by the rules governing drinking on the premises.

PART B PLAYING RULES

B1. BALLS

The facility will furnish balls for league games and warm ups. No other balls are

allowed in the facility.

B2. PLAYERS

B2-1 Number of Players

Each team plays with a maximum number of field players (based on your facility’s

league rules) and a designated goalkeeper on the field. A team can play with a minimum of

three players and a goalkeeper but will forfeit if it then loses a player; for example, to a penalty

or an injury. See Roster Restrictions, section A2-1.

A facility may run a tournament or a special league with a variation of the number of

players and may, or may not, have a designated goal keeper.

B2-2 Goalkeeper

A team must have a designated goalkeeper on the field at all times. The goalkeeper must

wear a jersey color that distinguishes him from all other field players and from the referee. A

team may NEVER have more than one goalkeeper on the field at one time. See Goalkeeper

Substitutions, section B2-3d.

The goalkeeper may play the ball with his hands within his own penalty area, if the ball is

not deliberately passed to him by a teammate’s foot pass. The goalkeeper may distribute the

ball by rolling, throwing, punting, or drop kicking except for a goal throw or free kick restart.

The goalkeeper may drop the ball to his own feet and kick or dribble the ball. See Goalkeeper

Restarts, section B12-3 and Goalkeeper Violations, section B14-2.

B2-3 Substitutions

B2-3a Substitutions During Play

During the game unlimited substitutions of players may be made, provided that the

player substituted for is within the touch line in front of his team’s bench or off the field

before the replacement steps onto the field.

Neither the substitute entering the field nor the player leaving may play the ball

while the other is on the field. If either substituting player plays the ball, a timed penalty

is given to the player that plays the ball.

B2-3b Guaranteed Substitutions

A team is guaranteed to substitute eligible players in a timely manner at the

following times:

1) after a goal is scored,

2) on an injury, official’s time-out.

3) when any time penalty is given.

Guaranteed substitutions can take place anywhere on the field. If play is

inadvertently started with too many players on the field after any guaranteed substitution

occasion, no penalty shall be assessed. Play will restart with a referee’s whistle.

B2-3c Shootout Substitutions

No substitutions are allowed on a shootout until the referee’s whistle starts the

shootout except for goalkeeper injury or time penalty. Player replacing the goalkeeper

must be on the field of play at the time of the injury or penalty.

B2-3d Goalkeeper Substitutions

1) On a guaranteed substitution, a goalkeeper can substitute for any player on his

team, including players on the field. The departing goalkeeper must receive

acknowledgment from the referee when a goalkeeper change is made during a

guaranteed substitution.

2) On any other substitution, the goalkeeper must be replaced by a player from his

team’s bench, who cannot leave the bench until the goalkeeper is within the

touchline in front of his bench or off the field. The goalkeeper must enter the

bench to remove his goalkeeper jersey.

3) When a goalkeeper receives a time penalty, the offending team must get another

designated goalkeeper onto the field and ready to play in a timely manner. A

violation results in a Blue card bench penalty to the offending team, and the

team will play an additional player short.

B2-3e Illegal Methods of Entering or Exiting the Field

Players may only enter or exit the field through their own bench door. Any other

entry or exit may result in a Blue card penalty.

B2-3f Substitution Violations

Violations of the above substitution rules will result in a Blue card penalty.

Play is restarted with a free kick where the ball was when the whistle

(or horn)

sounded.

B2-4 Injuries

The referee shall send any player off the field that requires treatment for injury or

blood (regardless of whether the blood is his own or another’s or is on his body or uniform).

For treatments involving blood, the player must obtain the referee’s approval before he may re-

enter the field.

Play shall stop when the referee decides

1) an injury is critical (safety of the player comes first),

2) the injured player’s location is likely to interfere with play, or

3) the injured player’s team has control of the ball.

When play is stopped for an injury, the injured player must leave the field, except the

goalkeeper. The second time play is stopped because of an injury to the same goalkeeper, he

must leave the field. An injured player may re-enter the field after play is restarted. If play is

stopped for an injury, anyone entering the field to assist the injured player must wait for the

referee’s signal. If no clear possession is determined the ball is given to the defensive team.

B3. PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

B3-1 Uniforms and Equipment

All the field players of a team must wear the same color jersey, or everyone must wear a

bib. The goalkeeper will wear a jersey color that distinguishes him from all other field players

and from the referee. The home team changes in case of a color conflict.

Shin guards are mandatory. Shin guards must be an appropriate size for the player.

B3-2 Jewelry, Footwear, and Headwear

No jewelry or watches are allowed.

Players must wear shoes designed for the playing surface. Please check with your facility

for what is allowed.

No hats are allowed except for goalkeepers or referees at outdoor facilities. Other, non

dangerous headwear must be approved by the facility’s management.

A player who loses a shoe or headwear during the normal course of play will receive a

warning from the referee for the first offense and a Blue card penalty for the second offense.

B3-3 Braces and Casts

Knee braces must be inspected and approved by the referee prior to the start of the game.

Only hand or arm casts are allowed. Casts must be padded and must be inspected and approved

by the referee prior to the start of the game. Please check with your facility for approval.

B3-4 Equipment Violations

The referee or assistant referee can order a player to remove any unauthorized or

dangerous equipment. A Blue card penalty shall be issued to the player who fails to comply

with the adjustment ordered. The player is prohibited from play so long as he is not in

compliance with the order.

B4. THE REFEREE

B4-1 Referee’s Powers

The referee’s power to assess penalties and maintain control of the game includes

violations committed during play, during stoppages, and as the players and others proceed to

and from the field. The referee has the power to:

a) Warn/Penalize/Caution/Eject - From the time the referee enters the building he has the

power to penalize any player, coach, or spectator for fouls or misconduct as stated in

these Rules and to give warnings or time penalties, including blue, yellow, or red

cards, regardless of whether the ball is in play.

b) Declare an Advantage - The referee allows play to continue when the team against

which an offense has been committed could benefit from such an advantage.

c) Stop, Suspend, or Terminate the Game - The referee has the discretionary power to

stop the game for any violation and to suspend or terminate the game because of the

elements, interference by spectators, extreme misconduct, or other situation which he

deems unsafe or unacceptable. In the case of a terminated game, the outcome of the

game and any necessary disciplinary action will be determined by the facility

manager.

d) Prohibit Entry onto the Field - The referee ensures that no unauthorized persons enter

the field.

e) Halt Play Due to Injury - The referee may stop the game if a player has been injured

and have the player removed from the field.

f) Signal Restarts - The referee signals the restart of the game.

B4-2 Referee’s Report

The referee will file a report with the facility manager, giving all pertinent information

about any red card incident.

B4-3 Referee’s Decisions

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play and interpretation of the

rules are final.

The referee may change a decision prior to restart, upon his own

reconsideration.

B5. THE ASSISTANT REFEREE

The assistant referee shall be positioned at the halfway line, outside the field, adjacent to

the referee’s crease. His responsibilities include:

1) ensure that every person entering the bench or the field - for whatever

reason - presents his own ID card,

2) ensures that no unauthorized persons enter the field,

3) collect officials’ fees before the game can start,

4) start the clock at the scheduled start time and keep the time for the duration of

the game,

4) record fouls and time penalties, goals scored and player statistics,

5) sound the horn to indicate illegal substitutions,

6) inform a player when his time penalty will expire,

7) sound the horn or otherwise inform the referee about any fouls or misconduct

on the bench, in the stands, or on the field behind the referee’s back,

8) assist the referee by watching for and indicating

a) 3 line violations,

b) ball out of bounds, and/or

c) anything else requested by the referee,

9) in case of an altercation on the field, make every attempt to prevent players

from leaving the bench to join in; observe and record violations which

happen during the altercation,

10) in case of an injury, fill out an incident report,

11) in case of a red card, fill out a red card report.

B6. COED LEAGUES

Coed Leagues have unique rules: Please check with your facility for these unique rules.

B7. YOUTH LEAGUES

Two unique rules are in effect for Youth Leagues:

1) In Youth Leagues, there may be a goal differential rule in effect. Please check

with your facility. A team which is behind by five goals is allowed to add a

player. The team may add another player at two more goals, with a maximum

of two player additions. Players must be subtracted by the trailing team as the

goal differential returns to six or four goals.

2) Youth teams may have a maximum of two coaches or non-players that must be

at least 18 years of age, on the team bench during a game.

B8. DURATION OF THE GAME

B8-1 Game Length, Extension of Regulation Time

Games usually consist of two equal halves ranging from 20 to 25 minutes. Please check

your facility’s rules.

The referee may call an official’s time out for an injury or any unusual circumstance.

The only instance when regulation time will be extended is insufficient time on the clock

to conduct a shootout. In that case, 5 seconds is set on the clock, and the clock is started at the

referee’s whistle and all other players are removed from the field.

B8-2 Suspended Games

Any game which is suspended at or after half time is final. A game which is suspended

before the end of the first half because of a rainout or a blackout will be rescheduled.

B8-3 Terminated or Abandoned Games

If the referee terminates the game, the outcome of the game and any disciplinary action

will be decided by the facility manager. See Referee Powers, section B4-1. If any player,

coach, or spectator involved with a particular team gives the referee cause to terminate the

game, the victory will be awarded to the opposing team.

If a team abandons a game, the outcome of the game and any disciplinary action will be

decided by the facility manager.

B9. START OF THE GAME

B9-1 Starting the Clock

Balls must be off the field immediately after the referee or the assistant referee calls for

them. Offending team will receive a Blue card penalty. If both teams are involved, the clock

will start and ball removal done under a running clock.

The clock will begin running at game time. A team must have at least four players ready

to play for the game to begin. If a team is unable to start the game after two minutes have

elapsed, their opponent will be awarded one goal. If a team is four minutes late, their opponent

will be awarded a second goal. If a team is not prepared to play after five minutes have elapsed,

the game is forfeited and the opponent is credited with maximum points

(for standings

purposes).

B9-2 The Kickoff

The guest team kicks off the first half on the referee’s whistle. The player kicking the

ball may not touch the ball a second time until it is touched by another player (a “double

touch”). Players may not cross the mid line until the ball is kicked (“offside”). The kickoff

does not have to go forward. A goal may be scored directly from a kickoff. If offside is called

or the kicker takes longer than 5 seconds to play the ball, the opposing team is awarded a free

kick at the mid line center spot. (Because this restart is a free kick, the players can be anywhere

on the field, if they do not encroach.) If a double touch is called, the opposing team will be

awarded a free kick at the point of the infraction.

After each goal, the game is restarted with a kickoff by the team just scored upon, except

when a goal is scored at the end of the half.

Prior to the second half, the teams change defensive ends. The home team kicks off the

second half.

B10. THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

B10-1 Ball in Play

The ball is still in play

1) when it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or wall and remains in the

field,

2) when it rebounds off a referee on the field, or

3) in the event of a supposed violation, until stoppage is ordered by the

referee.

B10-2 Ball Out of Play

B10-2a Ball Out of Bounds

The ball is out of bounds when it goes over the perimeter wall or touches the

netting above the wall or the ceiling netting.

If the referee judges that a ball was deliberately kicked out of bounds, the restart

will be taken at the point where it crossed the perimeter wall or hit the netting, and the

offending player may be subject to a Blue card penalty.

Any ball kicked out of the field will be replaced with another; players should

not leave the field to retrieve the ball.

B10-2b Ball Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it crosses the goal line or when the game is stopped by

the referee’s whistle. A ball out of play is restarted with a kick off, free kick, or a

goalkeeper throw. See Restarts, section B12.

B11. SCORING

B11-1 Scoring Goals

A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the whole of the goal line, between the

goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no violation of the rules has been committed by

the team scoring the goal. A goal cannot be scored once the horn has begun to sound; the whole

ball must cross the whole line before the start of the horn. The team scoring the greater number

of goals is the winner.

A goal may be scored directly from a kickoff or any restart, including but not limited to:

goalkeeper throws, corner kicks, kick in’s and other free kicks, except in the case of a violation

of the rules recognized by the referee. Please check with your facility as some leagues may have

exceptions to this rule.

B11-2 Interference

No goal is allowed if an outside agent alters the path of the ball on its way over the goal

line. The restart is a free kick to the defending team.

B12. RESTARTS

B12-1 Definitions and Procedures

A restart is the procedure for resuming play after a stoppage. Restarts consist of kickoffs,

free kicks (including Kick-Ins) and goalkeeper throws. Once the referee signals a restart, a

player has 5 seconds to play the ball and may not touch the ball again until it has been touched

by another player. For a 5 second violation, the opposing team is given a free kick at the same

spot unless the violation occurs in the team’s own penalty area then the ball must be placed at

the top of the penalty area. In the case of a double touch, the opposing team is given a free kick

at the point of infraction. The ball must be stationary; if it is not, the kick is retaken. Opposing

players may not encroach. See Encroachment, section B14-4c.

A whistle is not required for a restart after a foul, unless it is taken at the top of the

penalty area. A whistle is not required for a kick-in, ceiling out of bounds, or a goalkeeper

throw.

The following restarts require the referee to signal the restart with a whistle:

a) a kickoff,

b) a free kick taken at the top of the opponent’s penalty area,

c) a shoot out,

d) when a player requests that opponents are 15 feet from the ball,

e) after a time penalty is given, or

f) after a referee’s stoppage.

If the player taking the kick does not wait for the whistle, the kick may be retaken.

After each goal, the game is restarted with a kickoff by the team just scored upon, except

when a goal is scored at the end of the half.

Prior to the second half, the teams change defensive ends. The home team kicks off the

second half.

B12-2 Free Kick Restarts

Specific free kick restarts include:

Free Kick in Own Penalty area - When a player takes a free kick in his defensive

penalty area, all opposing players must be a minimum of 5 feet from the ball until the

ball is in play.

Free Kick in Opponent’s Penalty area - When a team is awarded a free kick in their

opponent’s penalty area, the kick takes place at the top of the penalty area. Defensive

players must be 15 feet away from the ball, and the kicker must wait for the referee’s

whistle.

Delayed Blue Card - The location of the restart after a delayed blue card is

1) at the center spot of the mid-line if a goal is scored,

2) at the point of the original foul if a defensive player touches the ball,

3) at the point of the infraction if another foul occurs before the defensive team

touches the ball. See Delayed Blue Card, section B14-4b.

Shootouts - The restart for a shootout is taken in accordance with section B15-2.

Three Line Pass Violation - The restart after a three line pass shall be taken at the

offending team’s defensive red line center spot.

Pass Back to Goalkeeper Violation - The free kick awarded after an illegal pass back

to the Goalkeeper. The kick is taken at the top of the offending team’s penalty area.

The defending team must provide a minimum distance of 15 feet and the play is

restarted with the referee’s whistle.

Ceiling Out of Bounds - A ball which hits the top netting shall be restarted directly

beneath the spot it struck the netting, unless it is kicked into the netting above either

penalty area by a defending player, in which case it shall be restarted at the top of the

penalty area.

Kick Ins - When the ball goes over the wall or touches the netting above the wall, a

kick in is awarded to the opposing team, and play is restarted on the touch line or

between the line and the wall, even with the point where the ball went out. If the ball

touches a player or other person on the bench who is inadvertently extending into the

field, or if the ball exits through an open bench door, a kick in shall be awarded to the

opposing team.

i) Corner Kicks - A corner kick is a kick in when the ball is last played by a defending

player and crosses over the wall or hits the netting between the corner marks, the

opposing team takes a free kick from the corner mark nearest to where the ball went

out.

j) Referee Stoppage - When the play is stopped by the referee’s whistle for any unusual

circumstance, play is restarted at the place it was stopped with a free kick by the team

that was in possession when the whistle was blown. If possession was not clear, the

ball is given to the defensive team.

B12-3 Goalkeeper Restarts

If a player from the opposing team impedes the progress of the goalkeeper or

prevents or hinders him from releasing the ball into play, the offending player receives a time

penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior.

B12-3a Goalkeeper Throws

When the ball is last played by an attacking player and crosses over the wall or hits

the netting between the corner marks, the opposing goalkeeper restarts play with a throw.

The throws shall be taken by the goalkeeper from any point within the penalty area.

The goalkeeper has 5 seconds to throw the ball, and he may not play the ball again

until it is touched by another player.

A violation shall result in a free kick awarded to the opposing team at the point of

the infraction if it occurred outside the penalty area, or at the top of the penalty area, if it

occurred within the penalty area.

B12-3b Goalkeeper Free Kicks

The goalkeeper may also restart play with a free kick; for example, after an out of

bounds or an injury time out.

B13. PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS

Procedural violations do not result in Blue card penalties, are not recorded as fouls and

are not added to a team’s foul count. A free kick is awarded to the opposing team.

B13-1 Three Line Pass

A ball kicked or thrown over all three lines in the air towards the opponent’s goal

without touching another player, the perimeter wall, or the referee is an illegal three line

pass. The ball will be brought back to the center spot of the first red line it crossed, and a

free kick awarded to the other team.

B13-2 Illegal Pass Back to Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper may not play the ball with his hands if the ball is deliberately

kicked to him by a teammate’s foot either directly or off the wall. The goalkeeper may

use his hands to play the ball if it is deflected off a teammate, or if the teammate plays the

ball with another part of the body, e.g.; his head, chest, or knee. A violation results in a

free kick to the opponent at the top of the penalty area.

A player may not circumvent this rule by playing the ball from his foot to his head

and then passing it back to the goalkeeper. A violation results in a Blue card penalty to

the offending player.

B13-3 Others

Other procedural violations include:

a) goalkeeper brings the ball in the penalty area and picks it up,

b) player takes longer than 5 seconds to put the ball into play,

c) player double touches ball on a restart,

d) offsides on a kickoff,

e) goalkeeper possession.

B14. FOULS AND PENALTIES

B14-1 Fouls

B14-1a Offenses and Restarts

The restart after a foul is called will be a free kick within 3 feet of the point of the

infraction, or a free kick at the top of the penalty area, if it is a defensive foul in the

penalty area. A whistle is not required for a restart after a foul, unless it is at the top of

the penalty area, or the kicker asks for 15 feet.

B14-1b Six Foul Accumulation

Every accumulation of six fouls by one team results in a penalty shootout awarded

to the opponent.

(Procedural violations and time penalties do not count toward the total

of six fouls). The foul count carries over from the first half to the second half. For a six

foul accumulation no Blue card penalty is given, and the team is not short handed. No

substitutions are allowed until the referee’s whistle starts the shootout. See Conduct of a

Shootout, section B15-2.

B14-2 Violations Involving the Goalkeeper

B14-2a By the Goalkeeper

1) The goalkeeper may only possess the ball within the penalty area for a maximum

of 5 seconds (hands or feet). He can move anywhere in the penalty area in that 5

seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds that time, the opposing team is given a free

kick at the top of the penalty area. The defending team must provide 15 feet

minimum distance for the kick. The kicker must wait for the referee’s whistle.

2) The goalkeeper may not play the ball with his hands if the ball is deliberately

kicked to him by a teammate’s foot either directly or off the wall. The goalkeeper

may use his hands to play the ball if it is deflected off a teammate or if the

teammate plays the ball with another part of the body; e.g.: his head, chest, or

knee. A teammate of the goalkeeper may not circumvent this rule by playing the

ball from his foot to his head and then passing it back to the goalkeeper. A

violation results in a Blue card penalty to the offending player.

3) The goalkeeper has only one possession with his hands per team possession. The

goalkeeper cannot bounce the ball or throw it in the air and catch it again.

4) The goalkeeper cannot bring the ball into the box and then pick it up.

Violations of rules 1-4 above are procedural infractions and are not added to the six foul

counts. For any goalkeeper violations in the penalty area, the opposing team is awarded a

free kick at the top of the penalty area. The defending team must provide 15 feet minimum

distance for the kick. The kicker must wait for the referee’s whistle.

5) A goalkeeper may slide within the penalty area, but may not play the ball outside

the penalty area while on the ground (dangerous play). A violation is a free kick at

the point of infraction.

6) If the goalkeeper either deliberately strikes an opponent by throwing the ball

violently at him, or pushes him with the ball while holding it, he shall be cautioned

or ejected, as deemed appropriate by the referee, and the opposing team awarded a

shootout if the offense is initiated within the penalty area.

7) If a ball is handled by the goalkeeper outside the penalty area it may result in a

Blue card penalty.

To clear up any confusion about the goalkeeper handling the ball around the

penalty area we offer the following explanation. The key point is the location of the ball.

If the ball is inside the penalty area (lines are inside) at the moment of contact, it is not a

handball, even if any other part of the goalkeeper’s body is outside the penalty area.

When a goalkeeper receives a time penalty, the offending team must get another

designated goalkeeper onto the field and ready to play in a timely manner. A violation

results in a Blue card bench penalty to the offending team, and the team will play an

additional player short.

B14-2b Against the Goalkeeper

If a player from the opposing team deliberately impedes the progress of the

goalkeeper or prevents or hinders him from releasing the ball into play, the offending

player receives a time penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior.

2) During play or on a restart, if a player follows a goalkeeper around inside the

penalty area, impeding him from the play a foul will be called and the ball awarded to the

goalkeeper’s team at the point of infraction.

3) Charging the goalkeeper or attempting to play the ball when he has possession

of the ball is a foul. The goalkeeper is said to have possession of the ball when either the

goalkeeper has at least one hand on the ball, or the goalkeeper is covering up the ball and

no play can be made on the ball without striking the goalkeeper.

B14-3 Time Penalties (Cards)

B14-3a Definitions and Restarts

Referees may issue blue, yellow or red cards for various infractions.

A player can be given a yellow or a red card without first receiving a blue card or

warning.

(Blue, yellow, and red card offenses are described in B14-4a, B14-5a and B14-5b.)

After a time penalty for a hard foul is given, play is restarted at the point of the infraction

with a free kick by the opposing team.

B14-3b Short-Handed Play

When a player receives a time penalty….

1. The player cannot return to the game until their full time is served, even if a

goal is scored against his/her team. So a blue card means that player cannot

return to play for a full two minutes. A yellow card means that player must sit

for the full three minutes.

2. The time penalty begins on the referee’s whistle to restart play,

When a player receives a time penalty his/her team’s shorthanded plays ends when…

1. the time expires

2. or the opposing team scores having a man advantage (more players on the field)

then the team may add an eligible player (not the player who received the time

penalty) so they are no longer playing shorthanded.

3. If both teams are at even strength a team may only add a player when their

penalty time expires no matter the number of goals scored.

Regardless of the number of players from one team serving time penalties, a team may not have

fewer than four players on the field. Only two time penalties per team may be served at one

time. Any penalties after that cannot start until the shortest time penalty ends. Because an

offending player cannot return to play until his penalty is served, a team that does not have

enough substitutes to field at least four eligible players must forfeit the game.

B14-3c Accumulation of Blue, Yellow and Red Cards - Personal Penalties

Multiple blue cards:

1) 1st blue card = player is penalized two minutes.

2) 2nd blue card after serving 1st blue = player is penalized

three minutes, and is recorded as being at yellow card status.

3) 2nd blue card concurrent with the 1st = player is penalized

two minutes for the first blue card and three minutes for the second

blue and is recorded as being at yellow card status. (If

his team is short handed and the opposing team scores, his first

penalty ends and the second one begins.)

4) 3rd blue card (consecutive or concurrent) = player is recorded at red card

status. His team is penalized five minutes.

Multiple yellow cards:

1) 1st yellow card = player is penalized three minutes, and is recorded at

yellow card status.

2) 2nd yellow card after serving 1st yellow = player is recorded at red

card status. His team is penalized five minutes.

Accumulating a blue and yellow card:

A player who receives a blue or yellow card, consecutively or concurrently,

= red card status. His team is penalized five minutes.

Red card:

If a player, coach, or spectator receives a red card, that person is ejected

from the premises for at least the remainder of the game. His team is penalized for

five minutes.

B14-3d Bench Penalties

The following violations can result in a bench penalty, which is a time penalty

during which the team plays short but no player is recorded as serving the penalty.

1) Illegal substitutions.

2) Abusive language or persistent misconduct from the bench area.

3) Abusive language or persistent misconduct by spectators in the

stands.

A team can receive an unlimited number of bench penalties with or without an

initial warning.

Play restarts with a free kick by the opposing team where the ball was when the

whistle (or horn) sounded.

B14-4 Blue Card Penalties

B14-4a Behavior which warrants a minimum of a blue card includes, but is not limited

to:

Boarding (See Definitions)

Sliding (See Definitions)

Delay of Game (See Definitions)

Dissent (See B14-4c)

Second off-sides on a shoot-out (See B15-2h)

Bench Misconduct (See Definitions)

Charging (See Definitions)

Unsporting Behavior (See Definitions)

Equipment Malfunction (See B3-2)

Too many players / no goalkeeper (See B2-3d)

Persistent misconduct

B14-4b Delayed Blue Card

In instances where the referee would issue a blue card, but chooses to apply the

advantage rule, he shall acknowledge the offense by holding the blue card above his head

until either:

1) the team of the offending player gains control of the ball (possesses the ball for

more than one second, deflects the ball into open space, or directs the ball toward a

teammate or the goal), or

2) the referee stops play for any reason.

If the offending player leaves the field of play before the Blue card is issued he/she

will be issued a second blue card for unsporting behavior.

Once play is stopped, the offense is recorded and the penalty is served by the

player. If a goal is scored against the offending team the penalty is still recorded and served by

the player; however, the team may not play short if they have an eligible substitution. The

location of the restart after a delayed blue card is:

1) at the center spot of the mid line if a goal is scored, or

2) at the point of the original foul if a defensive player touches the ball,

3) at the point of the infraction if another foul occurs before the

defensive team touches the ball.

B14-4c Encroachment

For all free kick restarts:

The defender must provide a minimum of 5 feet for the taking of a free kick. If

a defensive player makes any movement toward the ball to block the free kick

and crosses into the 5 feet minimum space, he is guilty of encroachment and

will be assessed a Blue card penalty. The defender may move from side to side

to play the ball but not forward.

If the player taking the free kick asks the referee to enforce the 15 feet distance,

he must wait for a whistle restart. If a defensive player makes any movement

toward the ball to block the free kick and crosses into the 15 feet space, he is

guilty of encroachment and will be assessed a Blue card penalty. The defender

may move from side to side to play the ball but not forward.

If the referee asks a defensive player to move 15 feet from the ball, and the

player does not immediately comply, a Blue card delay of game penalty shall be

assessed.

If the player taking the free kick chooses to ‘quick kick’ the ball and it strikes

the defender attempting to provide the minimum space, then there is no

encroachment.

When a team is awarded a free kick in its opponent’s penalty area, the kick will

take place at the top of the penalty area. Defensive players must be 15 feet

away from the ball, and the kicker must wait for the referee’s whistle.

On a kickoff, the defending team must be on their side of the mid line and

outside of the center circle. A player stepping into the center circle before the ball

is kicked is encroachment. The kickoff is retaken.

B14-4d Dissent/Entering the Referee’s Crease

Any words or actions directed by a player, coach, or spectator at a referee in

question or shows a difference of sentiment or opinion of a call. Dissent may result in at

least a Blue card penalty. If the penalty is given to the coach or the bench, the team must

play short, but no player is recorded as receiving the penalty.

Only the authorized team captain or coach may discuss a call with the referee, at a

stoppage of play, with the agreement of the referee.

Players may not approach the referee or assistant referee during discussion.

Players who approach may be given a Blue card penalty.

B14-5 Extreme Misconduct

B14-5a Yellow Card Offenses (Cautions)

Behavior which warrants a minimum of a yellow card includes, but is not limited

to:

1) fouls which the referee considers “reckless”,

2) initiating physical contact short of fighting,

3) a tackle from behind,

4) persistent infringement of the rules.

B14-5b Red Card Offenses (Ejections)

Behavior which warrants a mandatory red card includes, but is not limited to:

1) fouls which the referee considers to involve “excessive force”

2) a tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent,

3) striking or attempting to strike an opponent,

4) any form of fighting or violent conduct,

5) spitting on or at another person,

6) leaving the bench to join an altercation on the field,

7) abusive language or behavior toward a referee, assistant referee or

facility staff,

8) Touching, bumping or any physical contact with a referee,

assistant referee, or facility staff.

The referee or assistant referee while in uniform; any management; or staff on duty have

the right to eject a player, coach or spectator before, during or after a game. That person must

leave the property immediately (possible tournament or two leagues exception). If an ejected

player(s) fails to leave the premises, the game will be terminated and the victory awarded to the

opposing team. If, after receiving a red card misconduct continues, additional red cards may be

issued.

B15. SHOOTOUTS AND OVERTIME SHOOTOUTS

B15-1 Shootout Fouls

A shootout shall be awarded for any of the following fouls committed by a defending

player in his defensive half of the field:

a) a foul within his defensive penalty area or inside the goal for which a time

penalty is issued,

b) a foul from behind against an attacking player who has control of the ball

and has one or no defensive players between himself and the goal, or

c) any foul where he is the last player on his team between an attacking

player with the ball and the goal.

A shootout is awarded when one team has accumulated six fouls.

B15-2 Conduct of a Shootout

a) The designated shooter must set the ball on the center spot of the opponent’s red

line. The goalkeeper has at least one foot on his goal line and may not move off

it until the referee whistles the start of the shootout.

b) The defensive team must be behind the mid line inside the midfield circle, and

the offensive team behind the mid line outside the circle. When the referee blows the

whistle, play is restarted. The player taking the shootout can play the ball forward

using any legal manner to score, including direct shot, dribble and shoot, playing the

ball off the boards, passing to a teammate, etc.

c) For a shootout other than a six foul penalty, the penalized player must be off the

field.

d) Coed leagues have unique rules which would still apply during a shootout, please

check with your facility’s management for those unique rules”.

e) A player cannot circumvent the rules to gain an advantage. A violation is unsporting

behavior; a warning will be issued, and a Blue card penalty may be given.

(An

example is entering one door and your player exiting the other door during a

shootout). Play is stopped for the warning and/or card, and the shootout is retaken.

f) Should game time expire before the taking of the shootout, the clock shall be

reset at 5 seconds and the shootout retaken.

g) During a shootout if a goalkeeper commits a dangerous foul, a Blue card

penalty will be issued, and a shootout will be awarded.

h) Offsides on a shootout: If any player crosses the mid line before the whistle, the horn

will sound and play will be stopped. The referee will give a verbal warning to all the

players. If one or more players is offsides again, his team receives a bench penalty

and will be one player short. (If both teams are offsides, both are one player short.) If

one or more players is offsides again, another bench penalty is given and the team is

short one more player

B15-3 Sixth Foul Shootout

For a six foul accumulation, no Blue card penalty is given. No substitutions are allowed

until the referee’s whistle starts the shootout. Only the players on the field when the horn is

sounded to indicate the sixth foul are allowed to line up for the shootout.

B15-4 Playoff Shootout

For league or tournament formats in which some playoff games cannot end in a tie and

must have a winner, the game will be decided with a playoff shootout. (E.g., the winner

advances, or winner takes all.)

Conduct of a playoff shootout is as follows:

a) Each team chooses five players to take the first five shootouts, and states the

order in which they will shoot. The five shooters can be anyone on the team

including the goalkeeper. Players can participate in the playoff shootout even if

they were on the bench at the end of the game.

b) The chosen five players for each team remain in the circle at midfield.

The remaining players of the teams return to their designated players’ boxes.

c) Playoff shootouts are one on one between the shooter and the goalkeeper.

No one else from either team is lined up at midfield or involved in the

shootout. Opposing goalkeepers take turns defending one goal.

d) Five seconds are put on the clock, and at the whistle the clock is started.

The shooter must score within the five seconds for the goal to count. The

whole of the ball must cross the whole of the line before the horn starts to

sound.

e) The designated shooter must set the ball on the center spot of the

opponent’s red line. The goalkeeper has at least one foot on his goal line

and may not move off it until the referee whistles the start of the shootout.

f) Coed leagues have unique rules which would still apply during a shootout,

please check with your facility’s management for those unique rules.

g) If at the end of the five shooters the score is still tied, each team chooses

one more shooter, they each take a shootout, and this continues until one

team scores and the other misses. No shooter may shoot twice until all players

for their team have taken a shootout or until the other team repeats a shooter.

h) During a shootout if a goalkeeper commits a foul, a verbal warning

will be given, the shootout will be replayed, and the goalkeeper must be

replaced during that particular shootout.

i) During a shootout if a goalkeeper commits a second foul, a new goalkeeper

must be chosen for the remainder of the playoff shootouts.

j) If a goalkeeper commits an offense for which a card is given, then a new

goalkeeper must be chosen for the remainder of the playoff shootouts.

B16-1

5v5 Rules

All Rules listed above remain in full force and effect and apply to these

modifications.

Coed Leagues have unique rules: Please check with your facility for these

unique rules. In most facilities 2 girls are required on the field.

A total of 5 players are required - 1 goalie and 4 field players.

The game can start with only 3 players present. Coed Leagues have unique

rules and in most facilities 1 girl is required to start the game.

There is no Three Line Rule (B13-1) when playing 5v5.

No player can score from their own goalie box.

Goalie cannot punt the ball.

All restarts are indirect.

All players must be at least 5 feet away from the goal box when kicks are taken

from inside the goal box due to fouls being called.

Players cannot deliberately pin/hold the ball in the corner for longer than 3

seconds.

For a six foul accumulation, a penalty kick is given in the following manner:

a. The ball is et on the half-field line

b. The Goalie must have their heels on the goal line until the whistle is

blown.

c. All other players have to be in contact with the opposite GOAL wall.

d. The ball is “live” on the whistle and unlimited touches are allowed by

any one player.

B16-2

5v5 Kickoff

a) The “Guest” Team takes the kickoff at the beginning of the game.

b) The ball is placed on the half line and a dash

c) A player may not score from a kickoff.

B16-3

5v5 Corner Kicks

a) The ball must be placed within 3 feet of the corner when a corner kick is taken.

B16-4

5v5 Substitutions

a) Players coming off the field must be within arms-length of the door before the

player from the bench can enter the field.

The facility manager is responsible for the enforcement of these rules.

If you have any questions, please ask your facility’s manager.

Now, ladies and gentlemen

LET’S PLAY!