SportsTowne Indoor Soccer Guidelines &
Policies
(Revised 12-5-23)
Players, coaches, or parents using abusive language or threatening actions towards referees, players, spectators, etc. in ANY WAY will be asked to leave the arena.
Suspensions and/or expulsion could result for such behavior.
All concerns should be addressed to League Director.
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.
*If games are postponed
due to inclement weather, we cannot guarantee games will be rescheduled.
EQUIPMENT: Teams
may wear SportsTowne uniforms or their own uniforms. Jersey’s
must be tucked in at all times and socks must be pulled up.
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 and 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 to the League Director only. 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 15 players. Teams cannot dress more than 15 players per game; there will be no
exceptions to this rule. 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. All
games involving guest players will result in a forfeit, NO EXCEPTIONS!
LEVELS OF COMPETITION:
SportsTowne reserves the right to make the necessary changes
within league divisions to ensure an equal level of ability and competition. College
players/college aged players are not allowed to participate in the league (in
the 18 and under division). Games will automatically be forfeited if teams are
found to be using college/college age players.
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.
Over Time Regulations
Two 3 minute overtime periods will be played. In regular season games if still tied, game ends
in a tie. During playoffs 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 – Total Goals against
3rd – Total Goals for
4th – Coin toss
INDIVIDUAL PLAYER DIVISIONAL PARTICIPATION: Players may only be on one roster in a given
division. Players are allowed to play in more than one age bracket as long as
they meet the age criteria. 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 divisions.
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.
*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 as a goalkeeper. Once he leaves the box he becomes a field player
then the three line rule applies. (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 under the
following conditions: Players who receive a blue card may return to play.
Players receiving a yellow card must complete the time penalty, with another
player replacing him.
-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:
*illegal 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 when passed back to by their own team
-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 with exception of goal punt
infractions, which are indirect kicks from the 10 yard line.
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 not 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.
