Southeast Regional Recreational Center

Indoor Soccer Rules 2014

 

CHANGES MADE FOR 2014 ARE HIGHLIGHTED

 

Age Determination Date: July 31, 2013 you play the age you are on that date.

The Playing Field

-Markings: The field is enclosed in dasher boards except for the goals, which are inset.  There is a halfway line intersected by a center circle mark.  There is a red line on each side of the field parallel to the centerline.

-Penalty Area: As marked.

-Shootout Mark: Shall be placed in the center of each red line.

-Second Penalty Mark:  Shall be placed at the top of each penalty Area.

TheBall

-Size: #4 for age U8 thru U12, #5 for age U14 to adult.  No Personal balls in facility, only team!

NumberofPlayers

-Number of Players: Teams in U10-U14 may have six field players and a goalkeeper (seven total).  Teams U16-Adult may have five field players and a goalkeeper (six total).  Minimum number of players to start a game is five for any age group, minimum number of players to finish a game is four. 

-Adult COED, must have at least two female players on the field at all times, a female in the penalty box is considered on the field as of the two females.

-Maximum Roster Size: 18 for all age groups

-Men’s Over 30 players must be 30 years of age the day they sign roster, Men’s Unlimited and Adult COED players must be 18 years of age the day they sign roster.

-No Substitution limit

-Substitution Method: “on the fly” except at guaranteed substitution situations, which occur on either teams possession on kick-ins, super structure violation, corner kicks, and goal kicks.

 

PLAYERS MAY ONLY PLAY FOR ONE TEAM IN AN AGE GROUP, PLAYER CAN NOT MOVE TO ANOTHER TEAM UNLESS Chairperson (Winter Session) or Coach (Youth leagues besides winter rec) or Captains (Adult teams) drop the player then they can be picked up by another team aslong as its before the fourth game.

 

No Guaranteed Substitutions in the last two minutes of the game, only time there is a guaranteed substitution is when a goal is scored or when the clock has to be stopped for a 2-minute penalty, an injury, or a time out.

-If an illegal sub occurs during the last two minutes, stop the clock to issue the 2-minute penalty

-Subs must be done on the fly unless… only time there is a guaranteed substitution is when a goal is scored or when the clock has to be stopped for a 2minute penalty, an injury, or a time out.

 

Player’s Equipment

-Usual Equipment:  Numbered shirts, socks, protective shin guards and athletic footwear with rubber soles.  No players may wear spikes - TURF SHOES ARE ALLOWED, but highly recommended to wear indoor shoes/flat sole shoes , referees will have the final judgment in deciding if the shoe is allowed. NO OUTDOOR CLEATS!!!

 

Referee

-Duties: Enforce the laws, apply the advantage rule, and keep a record of all incidents before, during, and after the game, stop game when deemed necessary, caution or expel players, coaches or spectators guilty of misconduct, violent conduct of other ungentlemanly behavior, allow no others to enter the pitch, stop game to have injured player removed, signal for game to be restarted after stoppage, decide that the ball meets with the stipulated requirements.

-Position: The field of play, referee shall be considered “live”.

Duration of the Game

-Duration: Youth leagues: Under 8 plays 2 – 20 minute halves (Don’t switch sides), U10 thru U18/HS will play 2 – 24 minute halves (switch sides at halftime); Adult leagues play 4 -12 minute halves (between quarters 1 and 2, 3 and 4 teams switch side only); clock stopped only on time-outs, serious injury, and other necessary times deemed by the referee, or to issue a illegal substitution penalty in the final two minutes of the game.

-In a match where there is an assistant referee or a SERRC staff member running the clock the clock will stop by the sound of every whistle in the last two minutes of the game if the score is within one goal.

-Time outs: one-60 second time-out per team per half

-Halftime: 90 seconds max for U14 and younger.  One minute for U15 and above.

-In the event a league game is tied after regulation time there is no overtime. 

-Post-season game rules will be posted before tournaments. All game penalties, etc. will carry over into any playoff overtime periods..

 

-CLOCK WILL START AT GAME TIME if teams are ready or not.  Referees or scorekeeper will blow whistle or sound horn to give two minute warning, once its game time clock will start.
If games are behind schedule teams will still be given two minute warning and then clock will start
REMEMBER WARM UP TIME IS NOT GUARANTEED!!!

 

Standings

-Win = 3 points

-Tie  = 1 point

-Tie breaker sequence- (1) Most Wins  (2) Head-to-Head  (3) Fewer Goals allowed  (4) Goal Differential –maximum of three per game   (5) Tie-Breaker Game

Standings are based on game score sheets and will be posted for all leagues when possible.

 

The Start of Play

-Procedure: Visiting team shall kickoff; home team waits outside center circle; ball deemed in play once it has been touched; kicker may not touch the ball again until someone else touches it; ensuing the kick-offs taken after goals scored and at start of periods. Game time is forfeit time. Teams may start with five players but must finish with a minimum of four. Game time is forfeit time, however SERRC staff has authority on when to declare a game a forfeit or give the forfeiting extra time but this is up to the SERRC staff and depends on circumstances.

 

Method of Scoring

-All goals shall be counted as one point; a goal is scored when the whole ball crosses over the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar (except by illegal means).

Three-Line Violation

-If a ball is kicked or thrown over three lines by any player  (the two red lines and the center line) without hitting the playing surface, dasher boards, or any players, it shall result in a free kick for the opposing team at the center of the red line of the offending team.

 

Fouls and Misconduct

Direct Free kick awarded when a player commits any of the following offenses:

-Kicking or attempting to kick an opposing player

-Tripping, jumping at an opponent

-Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner

-Charging an opponent from behind

-Striking, attempting to strike, or spitting at an opponent (EJECTION)

-Holding or pushing an opponent

-Charging an opponent with shoulder

-Sliding when an opponent is within playing distance (like a dangerous play situation)

-Handling the ball (except goalkeeper in penalty area)

-Dangerous play

-Obstruction

-Charging the goalkeeper in the penalty area (i.e., goalkeeper charge)

-Goalkeeper picks up or touches with his hands a back pass which originated beyond the red line

- Goalkeeper picks up or touches with his hands a kick-in from a teammate

-Goalkeeper controls the ball with his hands for more than 5 seconds

-Goalkeeper controls the ball with his hands, releases the ball to the floor and then picks it up or touches it with his hands again, before touching a player from the opposing team

 

Any foul that occurs inside the penalty area, the ball must brought to the top of the penalty area circle for the re-start.

 

Players shall be penalized when (Blue Card 2 minute penalty)

-When in the referees’ discretion, the player commits one of the above offenses in an intentional or malevolent way

-A substituting player enters the pitch before the player he is substituting has entirely left the pitch

-A player presently infringes the Laws of the Game

-Player or bench personnel shows dissent with any decision of the referee

-A player is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct

- U16 and above: 4 fouls in a half by a player will result in a two-minute penalty for that player – 6 fouls by a team in a quarter will result in 2-minute team penalty (any player on the floor at the time may serve)

These penal offenses are punishable by a direct free kick and a 2-minute minor penalty in which the penalized player must sit in the penalty box until the 2-minutes has expired or the team with the man-advantage (or Power-Play) scores.  If no power-play goal is scored, the player may reenter play on the fly immediately after the 2 minutes.

-If a timed penalty is issued to a player from a foul occurring inside the penalty area, the play results in a shootout.

Rules for Expulsion

Players shall be sent off (i.e., shown the red card) for:

a.       Serious foul play

b.      Violent conduct

c.       Foul or abusive language

d.      Third instance of blue card offense (player already has been shown two blue cards and this offense is now a third card

-A player shown a red card may receive a 5-minute penalty.  The penalty shall end only when the 5-minutes has expired, regardless of how many power-play goals the team with the man advantage scores.

-The player sent off is out for the rest of the game. Player may sit in the spectator bleachers, but if players conduct is deemed inappropriate player will be asked to leave the facility immediately.

-The player receiving a red card or ejection will have a minimum two game suspension or more depending on how severe the conduct is deemed. 

-ANY ejection of a player or a coach, a player from the offending team must have a player serve a 5-minute non-releasable penalty.  This rule is for ANY EJECTION no matter the reason.  Exception to rule is when one player from each team is ejected at the same time then either team serves no penalties.  

-Coaches or spectators ejected will serve a minimum two game suspension and the possibility of an additional suspension, depending on how severe the conduct is deemed.

 

The SERRC facility rule for a player that is shown a red card then he or she is ejected from that game. Player may sit in the spectator bleachers, but if players conduct is deemed inappropriate player will be asked to leave the facility immediately. Player’s refusal to do so will be noted on the ejection write up form, which is written up by the referees on any player shown a red card.  Ejection from the facility is held to the referees and SERRC employee’s discretion.

Suspensions

1.      All suspensions will be through the end of league play after the team’s next scheduled game. (Example – if team has a bye, player will be suspended until second week when team is scheduled to play) Suspensions will carry over into future league sessions or post season games.

2.      Players who play in more than one league (example U12 & U14 in-house or U12 in-house and U12 travel are suspended from all games in the center during scheduled suspension).

3.      Players and coaches who are suspended may attend games as spectators (may not be on bench side of facility during games) during the suspension, as long as appropriate behavior is displayed, except as noted in #4.

4.      Players, coaches and spectators who are ejected from the facility and suspended will not be permitted to re-enter facility until suspension ends.

5.      All red cards require at least a two game suspension and may be longer depending on circumstances. All red cards accompanied by violent conduct, etc. will receive a minimum four game suspension and perhaps more depending on severity.

6.      The only way a red card will be rescinded is by the Charm City Soccer Referees Executive Board. The SERRC facility will not overrule an ejection.

Free Kick

ALL FREE KICKS ARE DIRECT

-Defensive Wall: At least 10’ away until the ball is in play

-Ball in Play: After it has been touched.

-Time Limit: Kick must be taken within 5 seconds

-Restriction: Kicker cannot touch the ball until another player has touched it.

Kick-In

KICK IN IS A DIRECT KICK

-To be taken in place of the throw-in

-Will be placed 2 feet from wall at the approximate place the ball left the playing area.

-The kick-in must be taken within 5 seconds; if is not, the kick-in is given to the opposing team.

-The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until another player has played it; infringement of this rule entails a free kick to the opposing team from the point of infringement.

Players on opposing team must be at least 10’ away from point of kick-in.

Other Kick-Ins

-Net-violation: If a player hits a ceiling net a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team at the MIDFIELD KICKOFF SPOT

            Adults – restart is from the closest red line

-Drop Balls: If the referee stops play and no clear advantage can be awarded a drop ball will commence.  One player from each team shall face off as the referee drops the ball between them.  The ball must hit the playing surface before either player touches it and then normal play resumes.

Goal Clearance (goal kick)

A goal may be scored directly from a goal clearance!

-To be taken in place of goal kick.

-The ball is placed on a line 2’ in front of the goal line.  The ball may be kicked in or picked up and played by the keeper.

-The kick-in must be taken within 5 seconds; if it is not, the kick-in is given to the opposing team.

-Players on opposing teams must be outside the penalty area.  The ball is not in play until it has passed outside of the penalty area.  If the goal clearance is received inside of the penalty area, the goal clearance shall be taken over.

Pass Back: Goalie may only use hands on pass back made from inside his red line. Penalty – Free kick top penalty circle.

 

Corner Kick

-Ball placed on the corner kick spot (no corner-kick arc)

-Must be taken within 5 seconds; failure to do so entails free kick to the opposing team from the corner mark.

-The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until another player has played it; infringement of this rule entails a free kick to the opposing team from the point of infringement.

-Players on opposing team must be at least 10’ away from point of the corner kick.

-Can score goal directly from a corner kick.

Penalty Kick (shoot-out)

-Start at the red line circle.  All players except shooter and goalkeeper will be removed from the playing surface.  Player has five seconds to shoot and score once whistle has sounded and may take multiple shoots if time allows.  Both the goalie and shooter may move once whistle has sounded.  If no goal is scored, team who has taken shootout will regain possession at red line for normal play; restart will be with a whistle.

General Rules

 

-Individuals utilizing the facility shall do so at their own risk.  The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, league administrators and the staff, coaches and volunteers, assume no liability for any injuries or accidents.

-ONLY team with possession may call a time out by either by goalkeeper with possession or on a dead ball.

-Warm-up time before your match is not guaranteed.  It is the staff referees’ job to maintain the game schedule.

-Goalkeepers may punt the ball.

-The clock does not stop on injury unless injury is deemed serious enough to do so!!!  It is at the referee’s discretion.

- For inclement weather information, refer to the Recreation & Parks policy guidelines or facility rules.

- Only three adult coaches in bench area during game. No one else not on roster!

- At least 50% of league fees are due when registering team for adult or youth league.  The remaining balance is due prior to first game is played; if you do not have it by first game then the game will be a forfeit.  Within 24 hours after the forfeit or your next game whichever is sooner, you must have the balance in or you will be removed from the league. And will not receive a refund for amount that has been paid.

 

Referee Fees:

U14 and younger                                2 referees                     $22 per team

U16 and older                                     3 referees                     $30 per team

 

Forfeits

-Forfeiting team is responsible for both referees’ fees and should be paid at the field.  If not paid then a check for that amount must be paid prior to team’s next game.  Check should be made payable to Charm City Soccer Referees.

            U14 and younger                    2 referees                     $44 owed

U16 and older                         3 referees                     $60 owed

For Adult COED, Men’s Over 30, Men’s Unlimited:

Any team that has a forfeit and does not notify the SERRC office 24 hours in advance will be fined $30.

Protests

Initial protest must be made to the official during the game; once the game is concluded a protest may not be filed.  If an illegal player is involved, player is to sign score sheet, including DOB, address, phone # and school attending.  Written protest must be submitted to SERRC office within 48 hours.  Burden of proof regarding over age player is on the protesting team.  Must include $50 protest bond check written out to SERRC – which is refunded if protest is upheld. REMINDER: Referee’s judgment calls cannot be protested!

 

Under 8 Rule Differences

2 – 20 minute halves with each team getting one timeout per half

No Coaches on the field

7 field players and a goalie on the field for each team

-TEAMS NO LONGER SWITCH SIDES AT HALFTIME. Visiting team will start game with ball, home team will start second half with ball.

Youth League ONLY

-When a team is losing by at least five goals they may stick a extra FIELD player on the field, player must come off field once score difference goes back to four. Losing team can chose not to add the additional player.
If the team losing by 5 or more does not have a sub then the winning team MUST remove a FIELD player, player may return to field once score difference goes back to four.  

 

New Rules for 2014 for Winter Rec Youth Only!!!

-ALL Kickoffs are Indirect

 

-Slaughter Rule

            If a team wins by 10 or more goals the following consequences will occur:

                        1^st offense:        Warning to the coach

                        2^nd offense:        Coach is suspended one game and fined $50

                        3^rd offense:        Coach is suspended for the remainder of the season including tournament.