SportsTowne Indoor Soccer Guidelines & Policies (Revised 12-1-07)
LIABILITY / INJURY WAIVER & RELEASE FORM: No individual will be allowed to participate in any league games, practice session, tournament, clinic, open pick-up game, or other activities until a release form has been properly completed and signed.
LEAGUE REGISTRATION & FEES: Teams are registered on a first-come, first served basis; with existing registered teams getting priority. A team fee will be refunded only if a team is not offered a position in the league/division selected or an acceptable alternative. Registration must be paid in full by the deadline specified for any given season/session. Teams dropping out of a league will forfeit their registration fees. Discounts for team registration may be available from time to time in certain leagues; any team incurring forfeiture during a previous session shall not be eligible for discounts. Players signing up individually cannot be guaranteed a spot on a team since SportsTowne cannot force teams to take on new players.
EQUIPMENT:
Teams may wear SportsTowne uniforms
or their own uniforms.
SHINGUARDS ARE REQUIRED!!! NO SHINGUARDS….NO PLAY!!!
SPORTSMANSHIP: Individuals are expected to play under control and within the rules of the game, and to the best of their ability will avoid causing injury to themselves and other persons using the facility.
REFEREE STAFF: SportsTowne management would like to reaffirm that referees appointed to officiate each game have complete authority, and that his/her decisions on points of fact connected with the game are final. Officiating will be monitored and assessed periodically and in-house training classes will provide for quality officiating. Constructive comments regarding officiating are welcomed and encouraged. Please submit any such comments in writing. Complaints regarding officials should be submitted in writing and contain points of fact. Submit to Iain Jones, Director of Indoor Soccer. Do not discuss officiating or the officials with the facility staff during or immediately after your game.
PLAYER
ROSTERS: Player rosters must be
turned in prior to the FIRST LEAGUE GAME. Rosters must
be finalized after their 3rd game. They are limited to 12 players
(spots can be added by paying the individual fee). Failure to comply will
result in forfeiture of all games played with illegal player(s). Players
may only be added later if a player is injured and removed from the roster for
the remainder of the session. Proof of injury must be provided. Acceptable
proof shall be a doctor's note. At the discretion of management, a team may
claim hardship and add one player after the third game.
GUEST PLAYERS: Guest players are only eligible if they have been added to the roster. The players can play in the game as long as they have signed a waiver. The game will result in a forfeit.
LEVELS OF COMPETITION:
SportsTowne reserves the right to make the necessary changes within league divisions to ensure an equal level of ability and competition.
PLAYER BOXES: Only players and (2) coaches are allowed in the player boxes during league games. Family, friends, and guest are required to remain in designated viewing areas.
WARM-UPS: Balls are not to be used outside of the playing area. All balls should remain in ball bags before and after teams’ allotted game time. Teams may stretch in designated areas prior to coming on the field.
LEAGUE STANDINGS POINT SYSTEM
Win = 3 points
Tie = 1 point
Loss = 0 points
League games that are tied after regulation will play two 3 minute OT periods. If the score remains tied the game will result in a tie.
Playoffs OT regulations
Two 3 minute overtime periods. If still tied game goes to a shootout. Three designated kickers shoot from the top of the box. If game is still tied three new kickers go. This continues until all team players have shot or game is decided, whichever comes first.
LEAGUE DIVISIONS TIES:
Any
league divisions ending in a tie at the end of the league season shall be
governed by the following tie breaking system order:
1st – Head to head record
2nd – Goals against
3rd – Goals for
4th – Coin toss
INDIVIDUAL PLAYER DIVISIONAL PARTICIPATION: Players may only be on one roster in a given division and league. A lower division team may not field more than four (4) players from an upper division(s). Players must be able to provide proof of identification on request. Failure to provide this identification will exclude the player from participation. SportsTowne reserves the right to determine if a player is considered too advanced for a given division and remove the individual from the team roster. This is done in the spirit of maintaining parity in a given division.
RED
CARD POLICY: A player or coach sent
off in (or after) a game by a referee (red carded) will automatically be
suspended from the next game. If a player is ejected in the last game of a
session (he/she) will be prohibited from playing in the first game after he/she
registers for another session. A player or coach red carded for the offense of
"foul and abusive language" will be suspended as outlined above.
‡ A player or coach red carded for the offense of "violent conduct"
(including, but not limited to: spitting, threatening, continued rough play,
etc.) can be suspended for more than one game. This will be decided by
SportsTowne personnel.
Law I The Field of Play
1. Dimensions
Field
#l- length of the field is 200 feet width of the field is 85 feet
Law II The Ball
1. Size 4 soccer balls will be used for all adult games as well as U-19 through U-13 boys and girls games.
2. Size 4 soccer balls will be used for U10 & U-12.
Law III Number of Players
1.
Six players, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper.*
2. Any player may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that the referee
is informed before the change is made, and provide also that the change is made
during a stoppage of the game.
3. Unlimited Substitutions allowed as listed under substitutions below.
4. Substitute players are to remain in the player boxes. Only players and two
coaches are permitted in the box.
1. Coed: 3 men, 2 women, plus a goalkeeper.
2. U-10 & U12: 7 v 7 (6 field players, 1 goalkeeper).
Substitutions:
During play: Player must be within 3 yards of team wall at his team box door on or off the field before a substitute player can come on.
Play has ceased:
After a goal is scored
After a penalty is awarded
On an injury time out
When the ball leaves the field of play
Law IV Players Equipment
1.
Goalkeepers must wear colors which distinguish them from other players and
referees.
2. All team members must wear the same colored jerseys. If colors conflict,
home teams must provide alternate jersey's or penny's.
3. SHIN GUARDS AND SOCKS COVERING SHIN GUARDS ARE
REQUIRED!!!
4. A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another
player. Earings, studs,
other piercings, necklaces
or chains must be removed or sufficiently taped. Any brace or cast must be
padded to the satisfaction of the referee. If a player fails to carry out a
referees’ instruction, the player shall not participate until he/she has
complied with the referees instructions.
Law V Referees
REFEREES AUTHORITY: The authority of the referee and their exercise of the powers granted to them by the SportsTowne shall commence when they enter the complex. The referees are responsible for the record of the game and the control of the timekeeper (when used).
POWERS: The referees power of penalizing extends to offenses committed when play has been temporarily suspended or when the ball is out of play. Referees' decisions on point of fact and interpretation of these rules connected with play shall be final so far as the result of the game is concerned. Referees shall have the power to:
1.
Enforce the rules: Should a player commit two or more infringements of a
different nature the referee shall penalize the more serious offense.
2. Advantage: Refrain from penalizing in cases where they are satisfied that by
so doing, they would give an advantage to the offending team.
3. Discretionary Power: The referees have discretionary power to stop the game
for any infringement of the rules, interference of the spectators or other
cause that they deem such a stoppage necessary. In such case a detailed report
shall be submitted to management of SportsTowne.
4. Penalize/Caution: from the time they enter the field of play, they may
penalize any playing or non-playing team personnel guilty of misconduct
-caution any player for unsportsmanlike behavior and, if he/she persists, eject
the offending person from further participation in the game.
5. Illegal Entry: The referee shall not allow any person other than the players
to enter the field of play without permission.
6. Injury Stoppage: The referee shall stop the game if in their opinion a
player has been injured; have the player(s) removed, as soon as possible, from
the field of play and immediately resume the game.
7. Ejection: The referee shall send off the field of play or out to the bench
or out of the building area any player or non-playing personnel who, in their
opinion, is guilty of: Violent conduct or serious foul play, foul or abusive
language/behavior, persistent misconduct.
8.
Recommencement: The referee shall signal the recommencement of the game after
all stoppages.
9. Ball and Equipment Approval: The referee shall decide that the ball and
other equipment provided for a match meet the requirements of these rules.
10. Non-Player Discipline: The referee shall caution or eject as set forth in
these rules, any coach or non-playing team personnel, or spectator who enters
the field of play without the referees’ permission.
11. General:
-There will be at least one official on the field of play.
-When there are two referees on the field they will have equal authority and
responsibility.
-They shall keep a record of the game and act as timekeeper/scorekeeper.
-If a player leaves the bench to engage in misconduct, that player may receive
an automatic RED CARD and immediate two game suspension (this is to the discretion of Iain Jones,
the Indoor Director).
Law VI Other Game Officials
1. There may be occasions when a timekeeper/scoreboard operator is present. The timekeeper shall assist the referee by operating the official clock and scoreboard. Referees may add or subtract time as deemed appropriate.
Law VII Duration of the Game
1. There will be an equipment check and a presentation of player cards before each match.
2. A
game shall be played in two halves of 22 minutes each. (U-10 games &
U-12 games are 20 minutes halves).
3. The half time interval shall be 3 minutes.
4. The clock shall only be stopped for serious injuries.
5. Once the game is over the following game will start after 3 minutes. The game clock will start whether teams are ready or not.
Law VIII Start of Play
1.
All games are to be started when a minimum of 4 or more players plus a goalie
are present.
2. Home Team will kick-off (Home team is the team listed first on the
schedule.)
3. Teams will change direction at half time and alternate kickoffs.
4. No one except coaches and players are allowed in the team boxes. (max. 2
coaches)
5. Ball must travel its circumference, in any direction on the kickoff or
kickoff will be retaken.
Law IX Ball In and Out Of Play
1. The ball is out of play when it wholly crosses the perimeter wall (this includes any ball that strikes the protective netting surrounding the field of play).
2.
The ball is out of play when it makes contact with the building super
structure. ALL NETTING IS OUT OF BOUNDS. If the ball hits the ceiling structure
a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the nearest point on the
field.
Law X Method of Scoring
1. A
goal is scored when the whole of the ball has passed over the goal line,
between the goal posts and under the crossbar. Provided it has not been thrown,
carried, or intentionally propelled by hands or arm by a player of the
attacking side, except in the case of a goalkeeper who is within his own
penalty area.
2. The team scoring the greater number of goals during the game shall be the
winner.
Law XI 3 line & Mid-Line Violation
A goalkeeper can not distribute the ball over the midfield line in the air. (IE, 2-line rule)
Ball can not be played in the air from defensive 3rd of field to attacking 3rd of field (IE, 3-line rule).
Law XII Fouls, Misconduct, Penalty minutes
Major
offenses (Free Kick Awarded)
-Kicks or attempts to kick an
opponent
-Trips an opponent
-Jumps at an opponent
-Charges an opponent from behind
-Charges in a violent or dangerous manner
-Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent or spits at him/her
-Holds an opponent
-Pushes an opponent
-Handles the ball (except goalkeepers)
-Charges an opponent into the perimeter wall
-Slide tackles an opponent (knee touching floor)
-Playing in a dangerous manner
-Fair charges when the ball is not in playing distance
-Obstruction
-Charging the goalkeeper except when: he/she is holding the ball is obstructed
by an opponent has passed outside his/her goal area
-Indulges in time wasting tactics such the as failure to distribute or play the
ball within 5 seconds once ball has been set in place. Possession change occurs
if there is failure to play ball within 5 seconds. (Note: no time penalty awarded
for this)
Time
Penalties
-TEAMS PLAY SHORT A PLAYER DURING THE
DURATION OF ANY TIME PENALTY.
-Teams may go to full strength if a goal is scored against them but the
individual must complete the time penalty.
-Time penalties fall into two categories
· 5 minute penalties---Red card.
· 2 minute penalties---Blue/Yellow cards.
-A
time penalty of 5 minutes is awarded only at the time a player is ejected.
Another team member serves the entire time penalty, regardless of any goals
scored.
-A 2 minute penalty can be awarded for:
*lllegal substitution
*Player re-entering the game without making equipment adjustments
*Any of the 11 major offenses
outlined
*Whenever a player is cautioned
*Whenever a penalty kick is awarded
*Delay of game
*Unsportsmanlike conduct
*Encroachment
Goalkeeper Restrictions:
The
following infractions shall cause the referee to stop play and award a free
kick to the opponents at the free kick mark (top of the penalty box)
-Once a goalkeeper has gained control of the ball with his/her hands he/she
must release the ball into play within 5 seconds---BALLS MUST BE THROWN (NOT
KICKED or DROP KICKED)---after he/she has released the ball, he/she
cannot play the ball again with his/her hands until it has been touched by an
opponent, or goes out of play
-At no time may a goalkeeper use his/her hands to pick up a ball that is played
back to him/her from a teammate unless it is headed back (same as outdoor). A
deflection with the foot or feet is permitted in circumstances where it is not
intentional (involuntary deflection or miskick
from a teammate). However, if in the opinion of the referee, a player uses any
side or end wall glass or foot to flick the ball to his/her head, chest or
knee, he/she will receive a two minute time penalty for Unsportsmanlike
Conduct.
-Illegal handball: when a goalkeeper dribbles the ball back into his/her
penalty box and handles it.
-There will be no time penalty awarded for any of the Goalkeeper Restrictions.
-Goalkeepers may go to the ground, to stop ball, as long as they are within the
goal box. If a keeper leaves the box he/she MAY NOT go to the ground (slide
tackle et.al.). They are
subject to the same rules as any field player.
Delay
of Game
-If a player intentionally plays the
ball over the perimeter wall, the referee may award a 2 minute penalty for
delay of game.
-Goalkeepers shall not be considered in violation of this rule when they
deflect the ball over the perimeter wall for a corner kick.
-Kicking the ball away from the referee or opponent in an attempt to slow the
game or gain an advantage.
Release
of player from the penalty box:
-All 2 minute penalties will be
served by the player(s) who committed the infraction. If a goal is scored,
against penalized team, a player from the team box can take the field to put
the team back to full strength. After the two minute time penalty is completed
the penalized player may return to the team box. Players may be released from
the penalty box under the following conditions.
-AT THE EXPIRATION OF THEIR FULL PENALTY TIME
-After a goal is scored against their team, and they are shorthanded
-Only one player can come out per goal
-Substitutes for ejected players must serve the full 5 minutes
Law XIII Free Kicks
1. All Kicks are Direct Free Kicks
2.
The following apply to all restarts:
*Ball is in play when it travels its full circumference
*Opposing players shall be five (5) yards from the ball
*Player taking kick cannot play again until someone else touches the ball
*If an opponent refuses to move back 3 yards on referees request, he/she shall
be given a 2 min. time penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Defensive players
in the ‘wall’ cannot use their legs to stop playing of ball. Violations on this
rule will result in a 2 minute penalty.
4. The following apply to free kicks:
*Once ball is set the player has 5 seconds to distribute the ball
Law XIV Penalty Kicks
1.
Time shall be extended at the end of each half to allow the taking of a penalty
kick.
2. Ball is placed at the top of the box. Goalkeeper is only allowed side to
side movement on penalty kicks.
Law IV Kick Ins
When the whole of the ball passes over the perimeter wall along the touchline, it shall be kicked in by an opponent from the point of the touchline where it crossed the perimeter wall. A goal may be scored from a kick-in.
Law XVI Goal Kicks
When the whole of the ball passes over the end of a perimeter wall (hits protective netting) between the corner flag posts, having last been played by one of the attacking team, play shall be restarted by a goal kick. A kick can be taken by the goalkeeper from any point in the penalty area. The ball is not in play until it has left the penalty area. A goal may be scored from such a kick. Goal Keepers may dribble the ball once the ball is cleared the goal box, however they may not pick up the ball again unless the other team has touched the ball. Keeper may pick up the ball if they have not left the box.
Law XVII Corner Kick
1.
When the whole of the ball passes over the end perimeter wall (hits protective
netting) between the corner flag posts, having been played by one of the
defending team, a corner kick shall be awarded to the attacking team. The whole
of the ball must be placed in the corner within three feet of the corner board.
2. A goal may be scored from such a kick.